Parachutes for Pets in Calgary is a grassroots organization that is working to build community supports to protect the connection between people and their companion animals. Their programs include providing pet hampers that have food and supplies, vaccine and wellness clinics, emergency pet packs and more. Often, their services are called upon when people are leaving abusive situations and need support to keep their pets with them.

I connected with Melissa David, founder of Parachutes for Pets, to discuss the evolution of the organization, the needs they address and how you can support them – or create supports in your own community.

Learn more about Parachutes for Pets at https://www.parachutesforpets.com/

Ending Violence Association of Canada: https://endingviolencecanada.org/

National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/

Domestic Violence Resources (Canadian Association of Social Workers): https://www.casw-acts.ca/en/resources/domestic-violence-resources

Mental Health Services in Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html

Mental Health Services in America: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/

Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca/