‘People evacuating often have nothing more than their pets in their arms’

The 2026 wildfire season in Ontario is now the worst in the province’s history, surpassing the 2021 record with more than 7,250 square kilometres of forest burned. The situation took a dire turn in mid-July when severe thunderstorms, combined with a scorching heat wave and dry conditions fueled the fires to critical capacity. 

Thousands of people have been forced from their homes across Northwestern Ontario, creating an unprecedented need for community support for people and pets in the region. 

“The magnitude of these fires and the number of communities they have impacted is staggering,” says Jennifer Bluhm, vice president of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “The Ontario SPCA rapidly mobilized its emergency response to ensure pets and the people who love them had access to veterinary care, shelter, food and essential supplies.” 

For close to 1,000 Ontario cats and dogs in the last few weeks, this includes emergency clinics, food distribution, animal transfers, surrenders, emergency boarding, medical care and community partnerships to ensure their safety and well-being during the crisis. 

As the situation continues to evolve, the needs of the people and animals in Ontario are in constant flux. 

“Some communities have begun returning home, while others are on evacuation alert,” says Bluhm. “Our teams continue to support evacuees staying with pets in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas, delivering pet food and essential supplies like bowls, leashes, litter, crates, toys and treats to help keep pets comfortable during a stressful time.” 

Veterinary teams have also been hard at work providing vaccinations and spay and neuter surgeries to keep pets healthy during the emergency, while animal centres are coordinating transfers to help create space for animals directly impacted by the fires. The Ontario SPCA is working closely with government agencies, communities, emergency response agencies, local municipalities, housing and social service providers, local Northern rescues and regional animal welfare partners across Ontario to meet the critical needs arising every day. 

To ensure the Ontario SPCA can continue to mobilize quickly and respond to emergency situations with the necessary resources and supplies, the organization is collecting donations for its Emergency Response Fund. 

“People evacuating often have nothing more than their pets in their arms,” says Bluhm. “Your generosity allows us to respond quickly as needs evolve, ensuring pets and their families have access to food, veterinary care and other critical supports throughout the wildfire response. 

“During times of crisis, these services help keep pets healthy and reduce worry for families already facing so much uncertainty.” 

As our neighbours to the east continue to weather the wildfires, evacuation orders and blankets of smoke, Tails Told wants to do our part to support. From August 5 to September 5, 2026, $5 from every Tails Told story purchased will be donated to the Ontario SPCA’s Emergency Response Fund to support the ongoing efforts to provide safety and relief for families and animals in need. 

Visit tailstold.com to get started on your pet’s story and support the ones who need it most in Ontario. 

To donate to the Ontario SPCA Emergency Response Fund, visit ontariospca.ca/emergency-response or phone 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 321. 

Anyone affected by the wildfires in need of support with their pets or anyone who has lost or found an animal in an evacuated community is encouraged to call 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) and follow the prompts to be connected with available services. 

This story was provided by Tails Told for commercial purposes.