SCARS is proud to share that we received a PetSmart Charities of Canada Access to Care Incubator Grant this year—funding that is enabling us to bring much-needed animal care services to the Kikino Métis Settlement. A key requirement of the grant was to expand into a new community not previously served by SCARS. After careful consideration, we selected Kikino—a community where residents had already expressed interest in support for their pets.
This grant allows us to do more than offer veterinary care. It’s helping us build a foundation for long-term partnership with a community that welcomed our involvement. Like many rural or remote areas, Kikino faces barriers such as cost, distance, and access to care. Our goal is to listen, respond with respect, and co-create sustainable solutions for managing healthy pet populations.
We began our work in early 2025 by meeting with Kikino residents to learn about their priorities and challenges. SCARS has worked with Kikino volunteers to coordinate transports for spay-neuter-return (SNR) and surrendered animals, provided food and supplies, and covered veterinary costs for pets.
Each visit is shaped by local input and guided by the principle that lasting change starts with listening. In July, we co-hosted a community BBQ with volunteers from Kikino Animal Assistance to connect with more residents and gather valuable feedback. The event helped deepen our relationship and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to working together for better animal well-being.
Now in the first year of this program, we are focusing on engagement, trust-building, and data collection to support long-term success. With the help of PetSmart Charities, we’re creating lasting change—ensuring that pets in Kikino receive the care they need, and the people who love them are supported every step of the way.
