More animals have arrived at the Saskatoon SPCA in the past month with serious, contagious diseases than in the past two years combined, with an increase of 800 per cent in the past month alone. That from Interim Executive Director Trina Mortson, who says it’s an enormous task for staff to manage the care of these sick animals while keeping the rest of the pets at the shelter safe.  Space is also an issue, because animals with contagious diseases have to be quarantined. The majority of the sick dogs have parvo and for cats, it’s feline distemper.

Mortson doesn’t know why this has happened but wonders if part of it might be that people can’t afford to have their animals vaccinated. Her advice to owners is to keep up-to-date on vaccinations, and if that isn’t possible, keep your pets inside or in a fenced yard. Her advice for those considering adoption is to do their research and understand what the cost of vet care, food and supplies will be, and the time and attention an animal needs through its life.