Volunteers are a dog’s best friend at SPCA

Volunteers are the lifeblood of so many non-profit organizations across Medicine Hat and beyond, but at the Medicine Hat SPCA, they’re also a dog’s best friend.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a challenge for the SPCA and its volunteer force, as shelter director

Tom Carney says they’ve suspended their volunteer program for health and safety reasons, but they still have a few helping hands chipping in to ensure the pooches are panting with joy.

“We wanted everybody to stay home and stay safe, however we’ve had two volunteers who have stuck with us through thick and thin,” said Carney. “They come every day, one in the morning and one comes in the evening, and they do some dog walking for us ... It’s really nice that the volunteers are able to come walk the dogs and give them the care and the attention they need to thrive. I think it’s really important what they do.”

On an average year, Carney says additional volunteers would also assist with arranging events and fundraisers, organizing the kennels and doing inventory, among other tasks. But Carney hasn’t seen an average year for himself just yet.

“I started April 1 of last year, right when COVID was getting going,” he said, adding the SPCA is closed to the public, but those looking to adopt can visit the animals by appointment — making volunteer dog walkers all the more important.

“That’s really limited the amount of interaction with the animals. On the positive side we’ve had a really good year as far as animal sickness and disease transition. It’s been quite low.”

Carney added the association’s volunteers have always been the boost needed to ensure animals are properly cared for and find good homes.

“We really count on the volunteers,” said Carney. “They help us out when we need it.”

Anyone interested in volunteering or adopting a new pet, can contact the SPCA at 403-527-7722.