In honour of Pet Fire Safety Day (July 15), First Onsite Property Restoration, an emergency response planning, mitigation, and reconstruction service provider, has pledged to match up to $10,000 in donations to Happy Days Sanctuary, an Ontario-based refuge for rescued and displaced animals. The initiative aims to raise both funds and awareness about the risks pets face during emergencies such as wildfires and floods.

Happy Days Sanctuary was born from the chaos of the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires, when tens of thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes with little warning. As many pets were left behind, volunteers worked tirelessly to rescue animals and reunite them with their families. That grassroots response eventually evolved into the full-time sanctuary now located on 14 ha (34 acre) in rural Niagara, Ontario.

Since its founding in 2018, Happy Days has become a safe haven for a wide range of animals, including cats, dogs, and livestock. Some are rehabilitated and rehomed, while others live out their lives on the peaceful rural property. The organization also supports disaster relief efforts across North America by providing supplies and logistical support to other animal welfare organizations.

With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent and severe, Happy Days continues to play a vital role in emergency animal rescue and recovery. First Onsite, which specializes in disaster restoration, has long partnered with the sanctuary through donations, supplies, and outreach campaigns.

Supporters can contribute in multiple ways: by donating funds (which First Onsite will match), volunteering at local shelters, fostering animals, or spreading awareness online. First Onsite is also sharing stories from the sanctuary through a “Meet the Animals” video series on its social media platforms.

“Donations help us provide food, medical care, and shelter to animals that have nowhere else to go,” said Ann Swinson, owner of Happy Days Sanctuary. “First Onsite’s partnership allows us to reach more people, rescue more animals, and share their incredible stories.”