A Medicine Hat-based animal pound and re-homing organization has expanded into Airdrie, providing another way for pet owners to be reunited with their lost animals.
Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre (APARC) was established in 2016 and recently opened its newest location in the industrial park along East Lake Way April 1.
"We're really excited to be in the community, to work with these animals and to get really involved with the community – that's our goal,” said General Manager Scott Maurice. “We're a not-for-profit, so we're just excited to be here for those animals in need, to offer them a safe place to go in order to get them back home or to find them a new home."
Maurice said the opportunity to expand APARC to Airdrie arose after the City put out a bid for an animal pound service.
Since setting up shop in Airdrie eight weeks ago, the facility has already accepted 35 to 40 abandoned, stray or lost animals, Maurice said. While the facility’s focus is primarily domesticated pets like cats and dogs, APARC has seen everything from chickens to potbelly pigs arrive at the Medicine Hat location in the past.
Animal intake is generally done through Municipal Enforcement, he added
“Normally, an animal is called in and found, the peace officers or bylaw services officers are notified, they pick it up and bring it in,” Maurice said. “The animal gets a health check with our veterinary technician, and then it automatically gets sent for veterinary services, and we try to find the owner as well – especially if there is any medical distress or anything like that."
While reuniting lost pets with their owners is APARC’s goal, Maurice said the shelter also facilitates adoptions after the mandated minimum waiting period under the Animal Protection Act has passed. Staff makes sure the animal has received all of its shots and tags before putting it up for adoption.
The centre’s arrival in Airdrie coincided with strict health and safety measures brought on due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though these measures have prevented members of the public from accessing the new facility, Maurice said APARC has still been able to operate, as businesses that provide veterinary services are considered essential by the Alberta government.
“We already operate with very strict sanitary conditions, because we're dealing with animals and potential viruses,” he said. “Our cleaning policy has always been very high in Medicine Hat and now we're adopting it in Airdrie. The only thing that has really restricted us has been being able to open our doors to the public."
Procedures are in place to ensure physical distancing between staff and peace officers when lost or abandoned animals are transported to the centre.
With its soft opening being held behind closed doors, Maurice said APARC intends to have a grand opening ceremony once restrictions on gatherings are lifted.
“I want to have a big, big launch with a barbecue, lots of people touring the facility and seeing the animals," he said.
APARC can be reached by phone at 403-768-0274 or by email at [email protected]. The centre is also active on Facebook, regularly posting pictures of animals that have arrived.
"Our doors are technically closed to the public, but we're more than happy to accommodate and help people with whatever comes forward," Maurice said.
Scott Strasser, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @scottstrasser19
