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Partnering with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, the Ontario SPCA is offering free emergency decals

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Emergency Preparedness Week in Ontario runs May 7 to 13 this year and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs are reminding pet owners to have an emergency preparedness plan in place that includes their furry family members.

We encourage you to compile an emergency survival kit that contains everything you, your family and your pets will need in the first 72 hours of an emergency,” said Heather Jobe, Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre community outreach coordinator, adding that kit should be checked at least twice a year and updated as necessary.

The Ontario SPCA also advises having an evacuation plan in place that includes your animals and checking to be sure that your evacuation destination accepts pets.

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Dogs and cats should be wearing a collar with an identification tag, ideally with the owner’s phone number or the number of a relative outside the area in case the owner can’t be reached by phone.

“It’s also important to have your pet microchipped to help increase the chances of being reunited in an emergency,” the OSPCA recommended in a press release.

The OSPCA also recommends keeping a current photo of your pet with you. It should include the pet’s name, address, and a brief description, including any unique markings, in case you need to claim your pet or share information about your lost pet during an emergency.

“We urge people to take the time to plan for the unexpected. By having a plan in place and the necessary emergency supplies to shelter in place, you will be in a better position to help the ones you love, including your pets,” said Carol Boudreau, interim manager of the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre.

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The Ontario SPCA in partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs also has emergency decals for homeowners and renters.

“The Ontario SPCA is giving away free emergency decals for your front door to let first responders know there are pets inside your home in the event of an emergency, like a fire. It can help the chances of firefighters being able to rescue your pets,” Jobe explained.

By posting an emergency decal on your front door to make first responders aware there are pets inside the home, if an emergency like a fire happens when you’re not home, this helps improve the chances your pets will be rescued or receive the care they need. You can request a free emergency decal from the Ontario SPCA at ontariospca.ca/ep. In the photo from left, Kate Graham (Ontario SPCA animal care co-ordinator), Wynter Bertrand, a co-op education student from Bishop Smith Catholic High School, and April Sereda-Ashcroft (registered veterinary technician) holding Raven. Anthony Dixon
By posting an emergency decal on your front door to make first responders aware there are pets inside the home, if an emergency like a fire happens when you’re not home, this helps improve the chances your pets will be rescued or receive the care they need. You can request a free emergency decal from the Ontario SPCA at ontariospca.ca/ep. In the photo from left, Kate Graham (Ontario SPCA animal care co-ordinator), Wynter Bertrand, a co-op education student from Bishop Smith Catholic High School, and April Sereda-Ashcroft (registered veterinary technician) holding Raven. Anthony Dixon Photo by Anthony Dixon /jpg, PM, apsmc

To request a free emergency decal visit ontariospca.ca/ep  or call your local animal center at 613-635-7508. 

Rob Grimwood, president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, said firefighters are proud to partner with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in observing Emergency Preparedness Week this May.

“As a non-profit organization committed to fire and life safety and the well-being of our community, we recognize the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters, including those that may impact our furry friends,” Grimwood said. “By working together with the Ontario SPCA, we aim to raise awareness and promote preparedness measures that ensure the safety and welfare of both people and animals during times of crisis. This collaboration reflects our shared dedication to safeguarding lives, including those of our beloved pets, and underscores our commitment to being proactive in safeguarding our community’s welfare.”

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Monday morning at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, firefighters from the Pembroke Fire Department dropped by and some good conversations took place with centre staff.

“This morning was definitely an opportunity to chat a little bit more about emergency preparedness and including your furry family members so that in itself helps us recognize the significance of potential partnerships and how it’s important for us to work together on this. It’s going to start some new conversations so that was a good first step,” Jobe said. 

For more emergency planning resources, and to request a free emergency decal to place on your front door to let first responders know there are pets inside, visit ontariospca.ca/ep

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