The Ontario SPCA responds to Northern Ontario wildfires with emergency veterinary care, animal transfers and community support 

As devastating wildfires forced thousands of people from their homes across Northwestern Ontario, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society rapidly mobilized its emergency response to ensure pets and the people who love them had access to veterinary care, shelter, food and essential supplies.  

Close to 1,000 dogs and cats have already been supported through emergency clinics, food distribution, animal transfers, surrenders, emergency boarding, medical care and community partnerships as response continues across Northwestern Ontario. 

By the Numbers 

• 85 families traveling with pets supported through emergency response services  
• 35 dogs transferred from Thunder Bay to Ontario SPCA animal centres across Southern Ontario to create emergency shelter capacity, with 20 additional dogs scheduled for transfer on July 27  
• 138 pets supported through emergency veterinary clinics, wellness services and medical care 
• 3 free emergency community veterinary clinics launched for wildfire evacuees 
• 4 free spay/neuter clinics scheduled 
• Approximately 25,000 pounds of pet food and emergency supplies distributed to communities and evacuees  
• 22 dogs and puppies brought into the care of the Ontario SPCA from wildfire-affected communities 
• Volunteer veterinary response expanded with veterinarians from across Ontario supporting emergency operations 

The Ontario SPCA operates 13 animal centres and five veterinary clinics across Ontario, including an animal centre and veterinary clinic in Thunder Bay. As the wildfire situation escalated, our first priority was creating emergency shelter capacity for animals expected to arrive from affected communities. 

Preparing for animals evacuating from wildfires  

On July 16 and 17, working alongside Provincial Animal Welfare Services and Northern Reach Rescue Network, the Ontario SPCA transferred 24 dogs from Thunder Bay to Ontario SPCA animal centres across Southern Ontario. These proactive transfers immediately created space for animals displaced by wildfires. 

With evacuations continuing the Ontario SPCA sent its Vice President of Operations, Sonya Reichel, to Thunder Bay on July 17 to help coordinate our emergency response. 

Recognizing the urgent need for veterinary care, the Ontario SPCA issued a call for volunteer veterinarians and opened its Thunder Bay veterinary clinic on Sunday, July 19 for a free emergency wellness clinic for wildfire evacuees. 

During the clinic, 21 pets received veterinary care, including vaccinations, parasite prevention, treatment for minor illnesses and injuries, and other medical support. The team also accepted two dogs into the Ontario SPCA’s care after their owners requested surrender assistance due to the challenges created by the evacuation. A special thanks to Vets Around the Corner for sending an extra veterinarian to support the clinic.  

As the needs of evacuees became clearer, our focus shifted from immediate response to proactive community support. 

Supporting pets through community outreach  

Beginning July 20, Ontario SPCA teams visited hotels and evacuation sites housing displaced families, providing food, supplies, medical support and identifying ongoing veterinary needs. Feedback from evacuees consistently highlighted access to veterinary care, particularly spay/neuter services, as one of the community’s highest priorities. 

In response, the Ontario SPCA expanded its emergency support services to include free spay/neuter clinics for wildfire-affected pets. These services not only address an immediate community need but also help prevent unplanned litters during what is already an incredibly stressful time for families and their animals. 

Working together to help more animals  

Throughout the response, Northern Reach Rescue Network has worked alongside the Ontario SPCA, providing foster support, transportation coordination and assistance for animals requiring temporary care. The Ontario SPCA also acknowledges the outstanding work of Northern Critters in Need, Indigenous communities, local veterinarians, municipal partners, Provincial Animal Welfare Services, Emergency Management Ontario and the many organizations working together to support both people and animals. 

On July 22, the Ontario SPCA held its second emergency wellness clinic while continuing to respond to urgent medical cases requiring immediate attention. That same day, following requests from Northern Critters in Need, we welcomed a mother dog and her five puppies from the Kenora area into care at our Northwest Animal Centre. 

On July 23, following a high volume spay/neuter clinic running all day (and receiving two emergency surgical requests from pets in crisis) and into the early hours of July 23, our Northwest Animal Centre in Thunder Bay received 11 additional dogs and puppies from. Many arrived exhausted, hungry and in need of immediate veterinary assessment and care. 

As intake numbers continued to increase at our animal centre, the Ontario SPCA immediately activated additional transfer plans. On July 24, 11 dogs were transported to Ontario SPCA animal centres in Midland, Orillia, Bracebridge and York Region to create further capacity in Thunder Bay. With the generous support of Provincial Animal Welfare Services, another 20 dogs are scheduled to be transferred south on July 27, ensuring the Northwest Animal Centre in Thunder Bay remains ready to respond as additional requests emerge from affected communities. 

Northern Reach Rescue and their dedicated team of fosters have taken in and supported dozens of dogs through respite care for community members – providing immense relief when needed the most. 

Veterinary community steps up to provide care 

The emergency response has also been strengthened through partnerships with Ontario’s veterinary community. Veterinary clinics across Ontario have stepped up, offering supplies and volunteer services. University of Guelph’s Community Healthcare Initiative Program (CHIP) joined on July 21 and will be staying through July 28.  

 We are also incredibly grateful to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) for helping connect us with veterinary partners from across Ontario to support animals when they need our urgent care.  

“Every day brings new requests for help – we are working around the clock,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “What has been most inspiring is seeing communities, Indigenous leaders, rescue organizations, veterinarians, government partners, donors and volunteers working together with one shared goal: ensuring families have what they need to continue caring for their beloved pets.” 

While significant progress has been made, the response remains ongoing as wildfire impacts continue across Northwestern Ontario. 

For those impacted by the wildfires 

We are here to help. Please call our Northwest Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic to book services (grooming, veterinary care, transportation or surgery) or request supplies. Call (807)-475-8803 

Anyone affected by the wildfires who needs support with their pets is encouraged to call 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) and follow the prompts to be connected with available services. 

How you can help 

We are immensely grateful to the Ontario SPCA’s community of generous donors and partners whose compassion and immediate response have made this work possible. 

If you wish to support our wildfire relief efforts, financial donations remain one of the most effective ways to support emergency animal response efforts, allowing critical veterinary supplies and emergency resources to be deployed quickly where they are needed most. 

To donate to the Ontario SPCA’s Emergency Response Fund, visit ontariospca.ca/emergency-response or phone 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 321 

The Ontario SPCA is also seeking support from both the veterinary community and the public to help us acquire some much-needed items 

Priority Equipment 

• Veterinary exam table 
• Vaccine fridge 
• Dog scale 
• Cat scale 
• Wellness Room cabinetry 
• Xray Machine and equipment 
• Dental equipment 
• Anesthetic machine 
• Anesthetic monitoring equipment 
• Syringes, vaccines, deworming treatment and other veterinary supplies 

Animal Care Supplies 

• Martingale collars 
• Slip leads and leashes 
• Dog and cat crates 
• Poop bags 
• Other essential animal handling supplies 

If you have items you would like to donate, please reach out to Kallie Milleman at [email protected] 

Volunteer Opportunities 

The Ontario SPCA is seeking volunteers: 

• Licensed veterinarians 
• Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) 

Volunteers who can commit approximately five consecutive days are encouraged to apply. Travel, accommodations and meals will be provided. 

Interested volunteers can email [email protected]  

Communities needing assistance 

If your First Nation, municipality or community in Northwestern Ontario has been impacted by the wildfires and requires support for pets or animal populations in your community –including emergency pet food, veterinary care, medical supplies, animal relocation or other animal welfare assistance –please contact the Ontario SPCA Emergency Response Line at 1-888-668-7722, extension 991. 

Calling our emergency response line allows our team to assess your community’s needs, coordinate with local leaders and partners, and mobilize the appropriate resources as quickly as possible.