Wildfire response evolves as communities begin returning home 

Update from July 25-31, 2026 

As the wildfire situation in Northern Ontario begins to stabilize, our commitment to supporting pets and the people who love them remains as strong as ever. 

While no major new fire activity or evacuation orders have been reported in recent days, thousands of people have been displaced over the past two weeks. Many communities are now beginning the journey home, and our teams are adapting our response to meet their changing needs. 

Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve been up to over the past week since our last update:  

• 111 animals were supported through our animal centre and clinic 
• 21 spay/neuter procedures were performed  
• 62 vaccinations were administered and and wellness exams performed 
• 7 animals were supported through emergency boarding 
• Approximately 50 animals at host sites in Thunder Bay were supported with basic supplies and care items 
• 31 dogs were transferred to Ontario SPCA animal centres in Southern Ontario to make space for animals impacted by the wildfires  
• Another 2,000 lbs of pet food was distributed  

Ensuring evacuees have essentials for their pets  

This week, our staff continued visiting with evacuees staying in Thunder Bay to check in with families and deliver supplies. While emergency pet food remains available, many of the most urgent needs have shifted to everyday essentials that help make temporary accommodations more comfortable for pets.  

We’ve been providing food and water bowls, secure harnesses and leashes, litter boxes and litter for cats, crates, treats, toys and enrichment items to help keep animals comfortable during what can be a stressful time. It’s the small things, like a bowl instead of a paper plate on a hotel floor, that can bring normalcy to a chaotic situation for a displaced pet. Novelties like toys and treats occupy pets whose routines and lives have been turned upside down. 

A special shout out to the teams at Pet Valu stores in Thunder Bay for their help providing these critical supplies, which allow our teams and partners to respond quickly, support emergency shelter and provide comfort to pets and the families who love them. 

Keeping furry bellies full 

Thanks to generous donations from Mars and Pet Valu, an additional 2,000 lbs of pet food was distributed through our emergency response network this week, helping ensure evacuees and the communities returning home have continued access to food for their animals. 

As families prepare to return home, we’re helping ensure they don’t make the trip empty-handed. Evacuees are being encouraged to stop by our pet food distribution hubs on their way home, where they can stock up on food and supplies to support not only their own pets, but others in their communities as they recover. 

Providing vet care to those who need it 

Our veterinary support continues as well. Over the past week, our team has performed 21 spay/neuter surgeries. Since the evacuations began just over two weeks ago, our team has administered more than 240 vaccines and performed 60 spay/neuter surgeries. During times of crisis, these services help keep pets healthy and reduce on more worry for families already facing so much uncertainty. 

It takes a community to make a difference and we extend a heartfelt thank you to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) for helping connect veterinary partners from across Ontario to support animals impacted by the ongoing wildfires. We continue to receive offers of support from veterinary clinics across Ontario who are generously donating medical supplies, as well as veterinary professionals who are giving their time, allowing us to expand our support for animals who require care. 

Behind the scenes at our animal centres 

Behind the scenes, our animal centres continue to play a critical role in the emergency response. We transferred 31 Northern dogs over the past week to our animal centres across the province, creating much-needed space for animals impacted by the wildfires. This brings the total number transferred since the evacuations began to 53 dogs. 

A huge thank you to our drivers, coordinators and volunteers making these transfers happen – including Provincial Animal Welfare Services, which supported a transfer of 18 dogs earlier this week. 

Ready to jump into action 

Although some communities are beginning to return home, we’re prepared to respond if conditions change. Our team remains on standby in Dryden, where a 100-bed evacuation reception centre has been established should additional residents need to leave their communities. 

None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity of our donors, supporters, corporate partners and volunteers. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to respond to the evolving needs of pets and families impacted by the Northern Ontario wildfires. 

To learn more, access resources, or lend your support, visit ontariospca.ca/emergency-response