The Guelph Community Foundation’s generous grant of $9,220 will support a new collaboration of key community partners in social services and veterinary care.
November 8, 2018 (Guelph, ON) – Guelph Humane Society recently received a $9,220 grant from Guelph Community Foundation in support of the new Pets In Transition program. The Guelph Community Foundation is a charitable public foundation whose purpose is to provide leadership in community philanthropy and enhance the quality of life for the citizens of Guelph and surrounding areas.
Pets in Transition is an important new program in our community. When women and their children are experiencing domestic violence, having a pet can add an extra concern. Domestic violence and animal abuse often co-occur. Yet, very few domestic violence shelters in Canada allow pets, so many women leaving abuse face a difficult choice – stay in a violent home with their pets, or leave them behind.
The Pets In Transition program is a new collaboration between Guelph Humane Society, Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis (WIC), and Community Veterinary Outreach. The innovative program provides confidential foster care for the pets of women fleeing from violent situations for up to 3 months – thereby helping survivors and their companion animals to find a safe haven away from abuse.
The Guelph Humane Society places pets with foster caregivers who have completed specialized training in caring for animals who may have experienced violence. Safety of both the women and their pets is crucial, which is why confidential foster care is an essential component of the program. Thanks to the generosity of Guelph Community Foundation, the program will also provide everyday pet care items and services like high-quality pet food and preventative and emergency veterinary care if required.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Guelph Community Foundation for their generous grant. With their investment in the program, we can help ensure that those in our community leaving domestic violence as well as their pets are kept safe and cared for, including any necessary veterinary care. The collaborative program with Women in Crisis and Community Veterinary Outreach is an important way to support vulnerable families in our community.” said Lisa Veit, Associate Director, Guelph Humane Society.
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About Guelph Humane Society:
The Guelph Humane Society advocates for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives we can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured and abused animals each year. GHS is a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding.
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About The Guelph Community Foundation:
guelphcf.ca
Media Contact:
Jessica Barrie
Operations & Community Engagement Manager
The Guelph Community Foundation
519-821-9216
Melissa Stolz
Volunteer & Animal Program Coordinator
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091
Lisa Veit
Associate Director
Guelph Humane Society
519-824-3091
Community Veterinary Outreach:
Shane Bateman
Regional Veterinary Co-Director
Community Veterinary Outreach
519-400-5928
Guelph Wellington Women in Crisis:
Jacinta Cassidy
Program Manager
Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis
519-836-6831 ext. 229