ProAnima, a newly opened animal refuge in Montreal, reports that it is now taking in roughly 25 abandoned animals each day. This daily figure represents about twice the number of pets the shelter recorded during the early months of 2026.

The increase has been traced to the city’s seasonal wave of residents moving homes. As households relocate, a noticeable rise in abandoned pets has accompanied the higher volume of moves, creating a surge in demand for shelter services.

Staff at ProAnima say the current flow of animals is putting the facility under pressure. The shelter, which began operations earlier this year, was designed to handle a modest intake, but the recent doubling of arrivals has required adjustments in daily routines and resource allocation.

Despite the heightened workload, the refuge continues to provide care, food, and medical attention to each animal taken in. The organization has not disclosed additional staffing levels or external assistance, but the consistent intake of 25 animals per day underscores the scale of the challenge.

The pattern aligns with historical trends observed in other urban areas where moving seasons often lead to temporary spikes in pet abandonment. ProAnima’s experience this July reflects that broader phenomenon, highlighting the need for owners to consider alternatives before relinquishing animals during periods of relocation.

Local animal welfare groups are monitoring the situation, noting that the shelter’s capacity to manage the surge will influence outcomes for the abandoned pets. The coming weeks will reveal whether the current intake stabilises as the moving season wanes or if further measures will be needed to address continued high numbers.

ProAnima’s officials have emphasized the importance of community awareness and responsible pet ownership, especially during times of heightened residential turnover, as the shelter works to accommodate the doubled flow of animals.

The refuge remains open to the public and continues its mission to provide a safe haven for Montreal’s abandoned animals amid the seasonal influx.