Forest fire crisis leaves more animals needing rescue as emergency fundraising appeal grows

Northern Reach Network says donations and shares are urgently needed to help animals displaced by ongoing wildfires, with support from the Kingston Humane Society.

As devastating forest fires continue to affect communities across Canada, Northern Reach Network is asking for public support to help rescue and care for displaced animals. Board member and volunteer Paul Bishop explains more. 

The non-profit organization says the growing emergency has increased the need for animal rescues, transportation, veterinary care, food and temporary shelter. It says every donation and fundraiser share helps provide lifesaving support for animals forced from their homes by the fires. Bishop says many pet owners are forced to leave their animals behind because evacuation flights and emergency transportation often have limited capacity.

Founded in 2014, Northern Reach Network works with remote and First Nations communities across northwestern Ontario. What began with a single injured dog has grown into a volunteer network that has helped more than 8,000 dogs and cats find permanent homes. Bishop says volunteers are on the front lines of the rescue effort.

The organization partners with rescue groups across Ontario, including the Kingston Humane Society, which helps foster and rehome animals brought south from northern communities. Bishop says there are several ways people can help.

Northern Reach is encouraging anyone who can to donate to its emergency GoFundMe campaign or share the fundraiser online. The organization says public support is critical as crews continue working around the clock to give vulnerable animals safety, medical care and a second chance during the ongoing wildfire crisis.

Story by Alyssa Brush