As wildfire evacuees continue arriving in Portage la Prairie, a local animal rescue is stepping up to help the four-legged members of their families.
Rest Stop Rescue, based in Portage, is providing a range of support to evacuees with pets.
The group is helping with everything from transportation to veterinary clinics, to securing medication and covering other urgent care needs. So far, they’ve assisted three evacuees.
Support for vet visits and meds
Rest Stop Rescue director Sam Pichette says their team is doing what they can to keep animals safe and healthy as families regroup.
“We're offering transportation if they need to go to a vet,” Pichette notes. “If there's just simply no funds to get vaccines or whatever it is that their animals are needing then we are happy to accommodate them that way as well.”
The three evacuees who reached out have asked for help with travel to vet clinics, accessing medication, and basic care needs for their dogs. Pichette explains that one person was unsure where to go, so Rest Stop arranged a visit to Gladstone Vet Clinic, where they have a long-standing relationship.
A hands-on approach to helping
The rescue has also launched a community-supported spay and neuter program funded entirely through $5 Friday donations. While the program isn’t tied specifically to evacuees, Pichette remarks that it reflects the group's broader mission to help both pets and their people.
“We don't just do intake of animals and then work on rehoming them,” she continues. “If someone is needing a procedure done for one of their animals and they can't afford it, we will try and supplement that cost.”
Pichette mentions that some evacuees are staying at the Canad Inns or in the homes of community members. It’s unclear how many animals have been allowed into formal shelter spaces, but Pichette says she knows many pets are in town, whether with their owners or in temporary care.
Anyone needing help can reach Rest Stop Rescue through their Facebook page or by texting 431-778-4878.
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