Businesses Shelter Displaced Pets for Free as N.S. Wildfires Rage
HALIFAX–Wildfires continue to burn in the Halifax area, with at least 14,000 people and counting displaced in their wake. And it’s not only people who are looking for places to stay. Beloved pets, even horses, have needed aide since Sunday-with some still missing amidst the chaos.
Luckily, businesses and non-profits have been quick to offer free services during this time of need. Ace It Canine Academy usually isn’t boarding pets overnight this time of year. But now they are taking care of eight dogs overnight for as long as needed, with no charge to the distressed owners.
“At the end of the day, if it was one of our dogs, we would hope that someone would step up to the plate and help bring these dogs somewhere safe for them,” said Brooke Clarke, the academy’s general manager. “They’re losing absolutely everything. Some people have lost their homes. We have a dog that doesn’t have a home to go back to because it was lost in the fire. So, they’re losing enough. Why do we need to charge them? We’re not in it for the money, we’re here for the dog.”
“Everyone else has been evacuated but they don’t know the status on their homes. One person did know for sure that they lost their homes and the rest of them are just waiting to hear. They have no idea if their houses standing or not.”
None of the dogs were physically harmed by the fire but some were, understandably, under a lot of stress.
“They’re unsure [of what’s happening], but they’re actually doing way better than we expected,” said Clarke. “They weren’t affected by the fire or anything. They’re all doing pretty good. They’re kind of stressed and displaced from their home. With dogs coming into any new environment, no matter the circumstances, they’re typically going to be stressed.”
“But we give them lots of time to decompress. They can play with the other dogs that we have here at daycare if they want. Other ones are just hanging out with staff members and up in the rooms just decompressing and getting some cuddles and love.”
Ace It has a vet on standby if needed. They have also received help from fellow pet businesses in the Halifax area. Given the chaos created by the wildfires, not every pet owner could grab supplies before fleeing. Ren’s Pets has donated some dog food to help.
“Some owners were able to grab medications as they were leaving. Ren’s Pets has donated dog food for the dogs that eat raw dog food, which we don’t have that here. Some of the dogs have come in with food, others have come in with absolutely nothing because they didn’t have time to grab anything.”
Ace It still has space for dogs in need of emergency shelter. Clarke stresses that they will look after the poor animals as long as it’s needed.
“We’re still accepting more, if anybody needs a place for the dogs to go. We’re going to be here, and we’ll be staying the night for however long we need to be here. We’ll be here with them.
“It’s absolutely free of charge. We’re happy to do it. They are more than welcome to give us a call and bring us their dogs.”
It’s not just pets who need emergency care during these trying times in Nova Scotia. Those who have been displaced by the wildfires and first responders battling the blaze may need daycare, especially where many schools are closed.
SuperNOVA is a branch of Dalhousie University that focuses on STEM education, through workshop[s and camps, for children. But today they are acting as an emergency daycare for children five and older. They are operating on Tuesday 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Dalhousie Sexton campus. They have space for up to 40 children.
“We are not a childcare service, but in the summer we are through our summer camps,” said Caitlin MacPhail. “So we have the capacity, we have the summer camp staff who have started their training, so we just have capacity to do this.”
Speaking on Monday, MacPhail said she has received about a dozen phone inquiries and more through social media. She expects demand to pick up throughout the day on Tuesday.
Derek Montague is a Huddle reporter in Halifax. Send him your feedback and story ideas: [email protected].