NEWS RELEASE
COUNTY OF SIMCOE
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MIDHURST – The County of Simcoe and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society have partnered to protect both unhoused people and their pets from harsh winter conditions. Through a generous donation from the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre, individuals experiencing homelessness can now bring their pets to the Barrie East warming centre. The donation includes essential supplies such as food, crates, dog jackets, and ongoing support throughout the winter season.
"This donation has the potential to save lives this winter for not only unhoused individuals but also the animals they love and care for by allowing people to come inside with their pets," said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke. "We recognize that pets are family members and often provide crucial emotional support and motivation for their owners. Thanks to this donation, we can now make the Barrie East warming centre pet friendly."
“Our pets are part of our families, and no one should have to choose between seeking shelter and staying with their beloved companion,” says Shannon Laflamme, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre. “This partnership ensures that both unhoused individuals and their pets can stay safe and warm during the harsh winter months.”
About the Barrie East Warming Centre
The Barrie East Warming Centre welcomes up to 20 individuals at a time when temperatures dip below -10°C. This temperature-activated warming centre is now pet-friendly, and operates up to seven nights per week, 24 hours per day.
Visitors can access comprehensive support services, including assistance with finding shelter, housing, healthcare, and other essential resources. These services are part of a broader initiative to connect individuals with social and wellness-related assistance and help them access various housing support options.
The warming services, funded by the County of Simcoe, complement regular municipal service contributions as part of its 10-point Homelessness Prevention Strategy. Anyone needing shelter or warmth can call 2-1-1 to connect with a nearby shelter or visit simcoe.ca/WinterWarming for location information. For more information about the homelessness prevention plan and updates, visit simcoe.ca/HomelessnessSystem.
Keeping pets safe during the coldest months of the year
As winter progresses, it's crucial to monitor your pet's well-being during cold weather. Watch for signs that your pet may be too cold, including:
- Shaking or shivering
- Changes in behaviour
- Lifting paws off the ground
- Signs of hypothermia (weakness, lethargy, muscle stiffness)
It’s important to pay attention to these warning signs, but you shouldn’t wait to see the first signs of discomfort to find warm shelter. Remember: if you think it’s too cold for you, then it’s too cold for your dog..
While maintaining a dog’s exercise requirements during the winter is important, when conditions are especially cold, it’s a good idea to keep walks short and supplement your pet’s exercise with some indoor activities. For more tips on keeping your pets safe this winter, visit ontariospca.ca
Additional support and information is just a phone call away:
- Call 211 (24/7) or visit 211ontario.ca for information on other community services and programs for people who are experiencing homelessness, living on a low income, living alone, or coping with life changes. Services are available in over 150 languages.
- Call 911 (24/7) if you’re concerned about someone experiencing homelessness or sleeping outdoors who may be at risk of frostbite or hypothermia.
- Call 988 (24/7) if you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis. People across Canada can call and text 9-8-8, a new three-digit service, for help when they need it most. The service offers trauma-informed and culturally affirming support to anyone who is thinking of suicide, or who is worried about someone they know. While the focus of 9-8-8 is on suicide prevention, no one who reaches out to the service will be turned away. Whoever you are, wherever you are located in Canada, by calling or texting 9-8-8 you can connect with a trained responder who’s ready to listen without judgement.
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