After the rush of Quebec’s Moving Day, the animal shelter Proanima in Montreal is facing an ongoing challenge. Despite the event passing, the shelter continues to receive a high number of pets being surrendered to them, with no sign of slowing down.
Anny Kirouac, the executive director of Proanima, expressed concern as the intake of animals has remained consistently high since May, peaking in June and surging even more after July 1. The shelter nearly reached its capacity, with close to 200 animals housed in their Montreal facility prior to the recent adoption event.
During a monthlong adoption drive from June 19 to July 19, Proanima successfully found homes for 590 animals. Dr. Vincent Paradis, the shelter’s director of shelter medicine, highlighted their open adoption approach, focusing on matching animals with suitable owners through conversations and education rather than strict criteria.
In addition to adoption efforts, Proanima offers programs like a spay and neuter clinic for low-income individuals and temporary housing for those in vulnerable situations, ensuring pets can stay with their families during times of need.
As the influx of surrendered animals is expected to continue with the ongoing moving season, Proanima encourages support from the community through fostering, volunteering, or adopting from their Montreal centers. The shelter operates seven days a week, with adoption hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends.
