The Cornerstone Shelter in downtown Kelowna housed dogs, cats, ferrets and other four-legged friends on Saturday afternoon and looked after the pets of the marginalized and homeless population of the community along with their owners.
About 30 people used the services of the first People Care pet fair, hosted by Community Veterinary Outreach and the John Howard Society.
Services included grooming, nail clipping, flea preventative treatment, and microchips for animals of all shapes and sizes, and free food and toys.
Dental hygienists, a pharmacist, two nurses and social workers were also on site to take care of the owners of the furry friends.
“Some of the people who live on the street care more about their animals than about themselves. So we see this type of event as a relationship building where they stand up for their pet and then access some of the additional services here “Said Andrea Sage, Cornerstone Shelter Manager.
Kelsi Jessamine, regional director of Community Veterinary Outreach, said while pets are important to everyone, marginalized people’s relationship with their pet can be unique.
“This four-legged buddy may be your only buddy in the world, that constant companion that you have,” added Sage. “They don’t judge you, they are there for you.”
The Cornerstone Shelter opened as a temporary winter shelter in November 2017, but the need for shelter in the community forced BC Housing to extend its lease until March 2019.
“We’ve been busy regularly, we very rarely fall below 75 people here, and 75 is what we call capacity,” said Sage.
Cornerstone is a “low-barrier” property, and part of this lowering of barriers includes allowing pets in.
“We don’t just accept men, women, people from the LGBT community, couples and their pets, so your four-legged friends are happy to be with you in your bed,” said Sage.
Saturday’s event was the first of its kind in Kelowna, but organizers hope many will follow.
