Last April, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a small team at Humane Society International - Canada partnered with 40 community groups, charities and foundations to provide emergency help for people with pets in Ontario and Quebec.

Over the next three months, with help from a grant awarded by the Canadian Red Cross, the COVID-19 Animal Response program will expand its reach within the province. It currently operates through partner organizations in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Whitby, Waterloo Region, London, Uxbridge-Scugog and Wellington County.

The program originally launched in Ontario with help from the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation. It provides critical assistance to people who need help caring for their animal companions as a result of the pandemic. Recipients are often contending with reduced mobility, quarantine, or the loss of income.