In the News

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Media

 



News Releases




E-Bulletins


PFA distributes a periodic E-Bulletin to members and those who ask to be on our email list. You can join by contacting us at pfasask@gmail.com.

Governance

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Upcoming Events

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March

Bocados Fundraiser

When: Wednesday, March 26, 2014, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: Bocados, 2037 Park St.
Details: Vegetarian options available! Plus many choices: pasta, chicken, beef. 50/50, Silent Auction, and a fabulous meal! Tickets are $20. If you would like to buy tickets or help us sell them, please email pfasask@gmail.com.


April

 

Annual General Meeting

When: Saturday, April 5, 2014, 1 to 3 p.m.
Where: United Way Regina, 1440 Scarth St.
Details: Deadline for purchasing memberships to participate in the AGM is February 20, 2014. Any proposed bylaw amendments or nominations for the board of  directors must be sent to pfasask@gmail.com by February 20, 2014. Please see the PFA bylaws for more information here: http://www.pfasask.com/2012/05/governance.html. We will send more information as it is available, and the meeting materials will be posted in advance on the PFA website at  www.pfasask.com and displayed on a screen at the meeting.

 

Old Fashion Foods Pictures of Health Expo

When: Friday, April 25, 2014, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, April 26, 2014, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Italian Club, 2148 Connaught St.
Details: Old Fashion Foods has generously given PFA a table at their expo where we can collect donations and show off some of our adoptable kittens!

Volunteer Job Descriptions

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People for Animals of Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization entirely run by volunteers. We need your help to help the many homeless cats and kittens on our streets. If you are interested in getting involved, please review the volunteer job descriptions below and fill out a volunteer application form. If you have any questions, please email us at pfasask@gmail.com.

 

 

Committee Members

 

 

Officers

 

 

Board of Directors

 

Veterinary Authorization

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Revised February 2022

A.  The volunteers who may authorize expenditures at vet clinics are the co-chairs of Pet Rescue, the co-chairs of the Community Cat Team and the Neo-Natal Coordinator.

Any estimate of treatment which is above $750 must be presented to the board of directors for a vote and decision before it can go ahead. For estimates in the range of $750 - $1,250, one board member (voting) and the Treasurer may make the determination. For all estimates $1,251 or greater, the full board will vote and make the determination.

The $750 amount does not include exam, vaccination, sterilization and associated costs but does include boarding and all expected ongoing treatments and tests.

B.   No treatment can begin until the guidelines of this policy have been met.

C.  In an emergency where an animal is in distress, basic measures should always be authorized to ensure the animal is comfortable while prognosis/treatment/authorization is determined. In an emergency where an animal is unduly suffering and further treatment would likely increase that suffering, then euthanasia should be considered and acted on without delay or consultation. Please see the Euthanasia Policy for more information.

D.  If agreement cannot be found among the required number of directors, remaining options are: 1) a member or volunteer of the organization, or member of the public takes personal responsibility for the animal’s treatment and associated veterinary expenses, or 2) euthanasia is carried out.

The organizational finances and mandate must also be respected when making any such decision, as is covered in this policy.

Volunteers booking sterilizations or other treatment at veterinary clinics or at the Regina Humane Society must obtain authorization from one of the authorizing volunteers.

E.  It is the responsibility of all volunteers to mitigate veterinary boarding costs. Veterinary boarding is to be considered only in emergency cases, when there is no other available placement option.

Owned Cats

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A. When informed of an ill, injured, or pregnant cat, there are two tracks which can be taken:
  1. For non-emergency cases check capacity with the Foster System head before getting the waiver to relinquish ownership to PFA signed. In emergency cases get the waiver to relinquish ownership signed immediately, and follow the procedure as outlined in the Policy on Veterinary Authorization. If the Foster System head indicates that foster care or boarding is available, PFA will provide vet care, and board members will be consulted about further veterinary treatments and expenses as required.

  2. Take personal responsibility for the cat by securing lodging, making personal arrangements (outside of PFA) to cover veterinary expenses, and making decisions for the cat’s future well-being along with the owner(s).
B. PFA will consider helping terminally ill persons or seniors to re-home their cats, based on available resources¹. Some other extenuating circumstances can also be considered, but direction and approval from the Board of Directors and/or Committee Designates must be obtained.

C. PFA is always willing to provide support and guidance for owned² cats which need to be re-homed.

D. Exceptional cases can be brought to the board for consideration.


¹ Note: “Resources” refers to financial, human and physical (foster or boarding availability) resource considerations.

² Owned: have an identifiable owner

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus Testing

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Veterinary consultation and advice will guide decision-making:

  • When a veterinarian advises or agrees that test(s) for FIV or FeLeuk are indicated, the test(s) must be performed

  • When a veterinarian advises or agrees that test(s) for FIV or FeLeuk are not indicated, the test(s) need not be performed

  • When a veterinarian advises or agrees, in view of tame or feral cat’s condition and the associated circumstances, and in the presence of joint long term planning with the rescue group, that immediate euthanasia is not the only option for tame or feral cat, then euthanasia need not be carried out

  • When a veterinarian recommends, in view of tame or feral cat’s condition and the associated circumstances, that immediate euthanasia for tame or feral cat is strongly indicated, then euthanasia must be carried out

 

Indications that guide decision whether or not to test for FIV and FeLeuk:

"Yes" when:

  • Tame or feral cat has noticeable signs or symptoms of disease that together point to a serious acute or chronic disease condition

  • Tame or feral cat has wounds suspected to be inflicted by another animal

  • Tame cat from neighbourhood at high risk for disease is going into permanent home or foster care

  • Tame or feral cat develops an infection post-sterilization

Note: When tame and going into permanent home or foster care, then must perform 2 tests 6 months apart

"No" when:

  • Feral cat has no signs or symptoms of disease, regardless of risk of disease in neighbourhood where found – the reasoning behind decision is twofold: 1) if cat tests positive yet is still in a healthy state, there is no compelling reason to perform the test unless plan is to euthanize (cat may have a good quality of life, even if brief) and 2) it may not be the best use of rescue group’s limited financial resources

  • Tame cat has no signs or symptoms of disease, regardless of risk of disease in neighbourhood where found – the reasoning behind decision is threefold: 1) new owner can elect to have the test done, 2) many pet owners and Regina Humane Society do not routinely do these tests, and 3) it may not be the best use of rescue group’s limited financial resources

 

 

Indications that guide decision whether or not to euthanize in the presence of a positive test:

Feline Leukemia

  • Feral cat testing positive for FeLeuk with mild or advanced signs or symptoms of disease must be euthanized, regardless of immediate prognosis

  • Feral cat testing positive for FeLeuk without signs or symptoms of disease must be euthanized, regardless of immediate prognosis, unless it can be placed into specialized foster/permanent care situation (i.e. sanctuary for cats with FeLeuk)

  • Tame cat testing positive for FeLeuk with mild or advanced signs or symptoms of disease, and prognosis is dire must be euthanized

  • Tame cat testing positive for FeLeuk without signs or symptoms of disease, where arrangements can be made to secure appropriate long term caregiver commitment to accommodate special needs need not be euthanized

  • Tame cat testing positive for FeLeuk with mild signs or symptoms of disease, where prognosis is favourable for a remission of the acute overlying condition, and arrangements can be made to secure appropriate long term caregiver commitment to accommodate special needs need not be euthanized


Feline Immunodeficiency Disease

  • Feral cat testing positive for FIV with advanced signs or symptoms of feline immunodeficiency disease, must be euthanized regardless of immediate prognosis

  • Feral cat testing positive for FIV with corresponding signs or symptoms of mild feline immunodeficiency disease, where prognosis is favourable for a remission of the acute overlying condition, and there is confidence that the cat can be released to the home colony to be supported and monitored need not be euthanized

  • Feral cat testing positive for FIV without corresponding signs or symptoms of feline immunodeficiency disease, where there is confidence that the cat can be released to the home colony to be supported and monitored need not be euthanized

  • Tame cat testing positive for FIV with advanced signs or symptoms of feline immunodeficiency disease, and prognosis is dire must be euthanized

  • Tame cat testing positive for FIV with no or mild corresponding signs or symptoms of mild feline immunodeficiency disease, where the prognosis is favourable for a remission of an acute overlying condition if it exists, and arrangements can be made to secure appropriate long term caregiver commitment to accommodate special needs need not be euthanized

Note: When tame cat is sero-positive for FIV and going into permanent home or foster care, placement must be as a single cat in the household or in a household with other cat(s) testing sero-positive for FIV; healthy cats must not be introduced to household due to the risk for infection

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why isn't there a central phone number I can call?


People for Animals of Saskatchewan is a volunteer-based non-profit organization. We have no paid staff, so we are unable to have someone available to take calls. Please email us at pfasask@gmail.com and a volunteer will answer your inquiry as soon as possible.

The Regina Humane Society has paid staff on call 24-hours a day, seven days a week to handle emergencies such as animal cruelty or abuse. Please call Animal Protection at (306) 777-7700 in such cases.


What is the adoption process?


Take a look at our Cat-A-Logue and if you are interested in adopting, contact us at pfasask@gmail.com with the name of the cat or kitten you wish to adopt, or a description of the kind of pet you are looking for (disposition, colouring, etc.)

Complete the Adoption Application with one of our Adoption Screeners, either by phone (contact us at pfasask@gmail.com to make arrangements) or online. If approved, you may visit the cat or kitten in the foster home or adoption centre to see if he or she is a good fit for you. If you decide to adopt, complete the Adoption Contract, pay the adoption fee, and participate in follow-up process.

Note: Kittens must be sterilized at six months of age as a condition of kitten adoption.


I found a stray cat. Where can I drop him/her off?


PFA does not operate a shelter facility. We place rescued cats into volunteer foster homes or at satellite adoption centres at PetSmart and Petcetera. Our ability to take in cats depends upon the availability of foster care providers or space in adoption centres.

We have a long wait list for foster care and can't always take on new rescues, especially on short notice. Please contact us at pfasask@gmail.com with information on the stray cat you have found and we will try to help.


I adopted my cat from PFA but I can't keep her. What should I do? 


Please email us at pfasask@gmail.com and we will help you find a new home for your cat, as per the Adoption Contract that you signed when you adopted her from PFA.

Please do not give your cat to someone else without contacting us first, as we must screen and approve any potential adopters of PFA cats. We also need the contact information for the new adoptive home so we may follow up to ensure the cat is doing well. 


Can I surrender my cat to PFA if I didn't adopt him from you?


PFA has a policy against re-homing animals. We deal solely with Regina's stray animal population: sterilizing, finding homes for those that are tame, and neutering/spaying and releasing the feral cats. We want to reduce the overpopulation of unwanted, homeless animals, and thus we must concentrate on those currently living on the street.

Click here for information on how you can find a new home for your cat. These suggestions are what PFA does as an organization to find homes for our foster cats. We have done so for many years, and find excellent homes using these methods.



Spring brings new litters to street cats, rescuers need help

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CBC Saskatchewan
Broadcast: March 25, 2009

Street cats in Regina are producing new litters of kittens, straining the efforts of a group dedicated to saving abandoned and unwanted pets.

The organization People For Animals of Saskatchewan said Wednesday that a long — and cold — winter has taxed their resources to deal with an influx of spring kittens.

"We need to trap and sterilize as many cats as we can, and rescue as many kittens as we can," the group said in a news release. "But we still have a number of winter rescues that are healing, recovering and looking for homes."

The organization said it is looking for foster homes to provide temporary shelter to rescued animals.

"This is a critical time of year for us," the release added, "and we desperately need more homes in which to place rescued cats up for adoption."

The organization said it had a busy winter, with several rescues needing long-term attention.

It said it was helping out one 10-week old kitten that had suffered "horrific injuries that were intentionally inflicted."

Another animal had been rescued after being abandoned on a rural highway. The cat gave birth to a litter two days later.

Other kittens rescued over the winter included two which were discovered tied inside a plastic bag inside a garbage dumpster.

Cats mauled to death by dog: animal rescue group

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CBC Saskatchewan
Broadcast on: January 22, 2010

A Regina animal rescue agency says it has discovered six cats, mauled to death by a dog in the city's Core community.

The dead animals were part of a feral cat colony, according to People for Animals.

The first deaths were noted in November. More dead cats were discovered as recently as last week.

Alanna Whippler, a spokeswoman for the group, said members are concerned that the violence could escalate.

"It's entirely possible that a dog that is regularly attacking and killing cats will move on to attacking other animals, other dogs, and potentially people," Whippler said.

She is advising residents of the neighbourhood to be vigilant and report any sightings of at-large dogs.

People for Animals works to help street cats, in part by providing feral colonies with regular access to food, water and shelter.

The animal deaths have been reported to police and the Regina Humane Society.

PFA seeks help from Regina animal lovers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 4, 2009

For many, summer is a time to relax. For the numerous stray cats on Regina’s streets, however, problems are just beginning. Summer brings with it a large number of kittens born on the streets, leading to suffering and death due to exposure, hunger, disease and abuse.

People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. (PFA), a local volunteer-run animal welfare organization, is doing its part to reduce the cat overpopulation problem in our city, but it needs support from Regina’s animal lovers to help save the lives of hundreds of cats and kittens.

“We have close to 100 cats and kittens in foster care and up for adoption, all rescues from the streets of Regina. We are at maximum capacity and have frozen intake of new animals until a number of our current cats are adopted,” says Pat Vogt, president of PFA. “Unfortunately, this means we are turning away numerous requests to help with stray cats, particularly female cats and their litters sheltering under decks, porch steps and abandoned garages.”

You can help by:
  • Adopting rescued cats or kittens from PFA; profiles available at www.people4animals.ca.
  • Making a tax-deductible financial contribution to PFA. Contributions fund veterinary care for rescued animals, as well as our Trap/Neuter/Release initiative for feral and stray cats.
  • Donating supplies, such as cat food, clumping litter, and other pet supplies to help us care for rescued cats and kittens in foster care.
  • Volunteering to be a foster home to temporarily care for rescued animals until they are adopted into permanent homes.

Please contact PFA at saskpeopleforanimals@gmail.com or at www.people4animals.ca to make a donation, adopt a cat or kitten, or volunteer.

PFA is a registered charity and volunteer-run animal welfare organization that works to assist companion animals in need and to educate people about the humane treatment of animals.

PFA warns public of vicious dogs in Core area

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 21, 2010

People for Animals (PFA), a local non-profit animal rescue organization, warns the public to be on the lookout for vicious dogs in the Core Community Area after finding six cats mauled to death. The maulings occurred over the last eight weeks at a feral cat colony the group maintains in the area, and have increased in frequency, with two cats found dead in the last week.

This situation may become dangerous for people in the area: “Dogs that begin killing cats often escalate and start attacking other dogs and even people,” says Phil Curry, one of the volunteers on PFA’s feral cat team.

PFA has put posters in the area warning residents and businesses; however, the organization wants the general public to be aware and on the look-out to help prevent future attacks.

Dogs at large that are not under the control of their owners should be reported immediately to the Regina Humane Society at 777-7700 (business hours) or 543-6363 (after business hours). Animal control officers will investigate these complaints and the dogs may be impounded and the owners fined.

Local authorities, including the Regina Police Service and the Regina Humane Society’s Animal Control unit have been notified and the Humane Society has increased their night patrols in the area. However, there is little that can be done to stop the attacks unless the dogs are actually witnessed on the loose.

Meanwhile, members of PFA are left to mourn the brutal deaths of six cats who survived the tough life on Regina’s streets for many years, and who finally had access to stable food, water and shelter.

PFA is a registered charity and volunteer-run animal welfare organization that works to assist companion animals in need and to educate people about the humane treatment of animals.

Homeless cats and kittens need help from Reginans

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 8, 2011 

People for Animals of Saskatchewan Inc. (PFA) is calling on Reginans to help find foster and permanent homes for the many stray cats and kittens in the animal rescue organization’s care.

“If there are people in Regina who can adopt a cat or kitten, or serve as a foster home, we really need their help,” says Alanna Whippler, director of pet rescue for PFA. “Our current foster homes are overflowing with cats and kittens waiting to be adopted, and there are many more on the streets that we want to rescue, but we just don’t have the means.”

PFA’s foster program allows pet lovers to provide temporary homes to cats and kittens waiting for adoption. PFA supplies vaccinations, veterinary care, food, litter and other supplies, and foster homes give the animals a place to stay. “It’s very satisfying to know you’re saving a life by getting cats and kittens off the streets, and fostering is also be a great way to help people decide if they want to adopt a pet,” says Whippler.

Adoptions have been slow due, in part, to Regina’s tight rental market. Many landlords refuse to allow animals in their apartment buildings, leaving pet owners with no choice but to surrender their beloved cats. This situation has resulted in a record number of cats previously adopted from PFA being returned to the organization, further overloading PFA’s foster home system.

If unable to adopt an animal or serve as a foster home, Reginans can still help by making tax-deductible donations to PFA to help with veterinary costs, or by donating cat food, clumping litter, and other pet supplies to help care for the rescued cats and kittens currently in foster care.

PFA is a registered charity and volunteer-run animal welfare organization that works to assist companion animals in need and to educate people about the humane treatment of animals.

Please contact PFA at saskpeopleforanimals@gmail.com or visit www.people4animals.ca to donate, adopt a cat or kitten, or volunteer to be a foster home.

Officer, Pet Rescue Team

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The Officer, Pet Rescue Team shall:

  • liaise between the Pet Rescue team and the board.
  • oversee the operation of intake and adoptions.
  • oversee foster home operations.
  • co-ordinate trapping priorities and projects, as well as to delegate these for the pet rescue team.
  • work with the Treasurer to ensure that all Pet Rescue team activities comply with the budget of the Corporation. 
  • set the roles and responsibilities of team members. 
  • field inquiries from the public regarding volunteer opportunities with the pet rescue team. 

Officer, Community Cat Team

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The Officer, Community Cat Team shall:

  • liaise between the board and the Community Cat team.
  • co-ordinate the feeding schedules and locations for the team.
  • co-ordinate trapping priorities and projects, as well as to delegate these for the Community Cat team.
  • authorize veterinary care up to prescribed board limits
  • source styrofoam coolers and supplies required for winter shelter building
  • repair and maintain existing Community Cat feeding stations and, when required, replace worn out or damaged feeding stations
  • organize supplies and volunteers for seasonal maintenance of RCR feeding stations and shelters
  • work with the Treasurer to ensure that all Community Cat team activities comply with the budget of the Corporation.
  • set the roles and responsibilities of team members. 
  • field inquiries from the public regarding volunteer opportunities with the Community Cat team.

Officer, Fundraising and Membership

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The Officer, Fundraising and Membership shall:

  • recruit, supervise, and meet with the Fundraising and Membership committee.
  • plan and execute/delegate activities pertaining to fundraising events
  • maintain an accurate record of the membership, including date individuals became members and date individuals ceased being members, mailing addresses, e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers.
  • oversee the promotion of memberships, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising activities to volunteers and the general public, in collaboration with the Director, Communications and Education. 
  • shall acknowledge new members with a letter or email of welcome.
  • lead membership renewal and sales drives to encourage volunteers and supporters to become members of the Corporation.
  • research potential membership incentives and approach local businesses to provide products and services for the purpose of recruiting and retaining members of the Corporation. 
  • shall oversee the corporate sponsorship program and will work with the Director, Communications and Education, to ensure corporate sponsorships are acknowledged properly.
  • shall work with the Treasurer to ensure that all fundraising activities are conducted in accordance with Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and other applicable regulations, and that fundraising activities contribute positively to the Corporations’ finances.
  • shall field inquiries from the public regarding volunteer opportunities for fundraising and membership activities.

Director, Communications and Education

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The Director, Communications and Education shall:

  • produce materials educating the public about responsible pet ownership and companion animal welfare.

  • administer the Corporation’s website, email, and social media accounts and will ensure all inquiries are answered in a timely manner.

  • contribute and coordinate material to be published on the website and in printed materials.

  • provide assistance with educational displays and promotions.

  • liaise between the board and the media.

  • endeavour to have RCR activities regularly featured in traditional and social media, to further community recognition and support.

  • publicize RCR events and activities.

  • ensure members without email receive all correspondence directed to the membership.

  • submit an annual report to the membership at the Annual General Meeting.

  • also perform such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the Board of Directors.