A new volunteer program is helping HSLM respond to unprecedented community needs

It’s one of the most heartbreaking decisions any pet owner could have to make.

But for people unable to continue caring for their animal amid rising costs or life changes, surrendering their furry friend to a shelter may seem like the only option.

For those who bring their pet to Humane Society of London and Middlesex (HSLM), there is some comfort knowing members of a dedicated team of more than 300 animal-loving volunteers will provide cuddles and love until a new family comes along.

HSLM says its amazing volunteers are the “heart of the organization.” The agency relies on people who donate their time to ensure animals in care have the best experience possible.

“They spend the time with a nervous cat, they take the dogs for walks. They just bring us to the next level of care that we pride ourselves for giving,” said Meghan Cocurullo, director of fund development.

In fact, they do such an incredible job helping wherever needed, that it wasn’t until the pandemic —  when non-employees were sent home and staff scrambled to take care of the 200 animals on site — that it became clear how lost the agency would be without its volunteers. What’s more, staff realized they needed a new structure to fill some big gaps, and to provide better support and training for the hundreds of people willing to donate their time.

Now, with federal pandemic-recovery funding allocated by United Way Elgin Middlesex, the 124-year-old agency has hired Kendra Forrest, its first volunteer program manager, to develop a recruitment, training and support program for the more than 300 volunteers who greatly outnumber the staff of 31.

“The dedication and hard work of its volunteers are awe-inspiring and serve as a reminder of the power of caring for those who cannot speak for themselves,” said Forrest. “This is an organization driven by passionate individuals who are capable of achieving amazing things.”

Funding is an investment in hundreds of people

It is good timing for the funding, as the agency prepares to move into a much larger animal “campus,” with more room for pets as well as a kennel, an education centre and a cafe on site.

The funding to create a new volunteer program is actually an investment in hundreds of people. That’s because through the new program, HSLM will recruit volunteers in a targeted way, inviting people to share specific areas of expertise and fill specific roles based on their interests and skills.

While the shelter and adoption agency will continue to rely on a large pool of people willing to come in to walk dogs or “socialize” (play with) cats, the organization will also bring in people with expertise in certain areas. For example, retired teachers may be interested in helping out at the pet education centre, while people with banking experience may want to offer their skills to help with bookkeeping.

HSLM is one of 26 organizations United Way Elgin Middlesex allocated to receive funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund to address needs that have emerged or increased since the start of COVID-19.

‘Right when we need it most’

Animal adoptions were up during the pandemic when COVID-19 restrictions meant people were home a lot more than usual.

Then, in the months after the pandemic — amid a surge of heartbroken pet owners surrendering furry friends they could no longer care for —  HSLM started its first waitlist ever.

Since then, as rising costs continue to force people to make impossible choices, including whether they can afford to keep feeding their dog or cat, that list has continued to grow, with 127 pets on it last month.

“Poverty creates a tremendous amount of stress on families, and pets do add extra costs for families who are already struggling to pay their essential bills,” said Cocurullo.

“Now more than ever, people are facing such hardships. We’re hearing from people who are saying they can’t afford to feed their kids, let alone their pet.”

In addition to around 200 animals in the shelter, HSLM has 35 pets in volunteer foster homes, and supports more than 400 animals through its volunteer-run pet food bank called No Empty Bowls for families facing short-term financial difficulties.

“The demand on our services has never been higher, and we can’t fund more staff members to be able to fulfill that,” said Cocurullo.

“That’s why this is such a game changer for us.”