BC SPCA stepping up but needs support

• Kelowna branch is assisting other shelters
• SPCA operations disrupted province-wide
• Foster care homes and supplies needed

The catastrophic floods and mudslides last week didn’t just displace people but also numerous cats and dogs. The Kelowna branch of the BC SPCA is preparing to house many of these pets, which come from a variety of situations.

“It’s a combination of moving animals from branches so that they have space to accommodate their community needs with boarding, and then boarding overflow,” Sean Hogan, branch manager at the Kelowna BC SPCA explained to Kelowna10.

The overflow in these shelters is often caused by emergency boarding. This is where a family had to evacuate and needed a safe place for their furry companion to be housed so they can focus on their situation.

The Kelowna branch has played a key part in taking in overflow from shelters in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Quesnel, and Kamloops.

Province-wide, the BC SPCA has also experienced challenges because of the devastation caused by the rains. With many parts of the highways having been destroyed, SPCA’s have had difficulty transporting much needed supplies to other shelters and just relocating animals.

And as Hogan explained, this also contributes to the veterinary care problem that already existed.

“Veterinary care is still a major issue across British Columbia. The veterinary shortage is an ongoing thing, so it’s compounded when we have these emergency events. We’re of course trying to mobilize as many hands on as we can get to help as many animals as we can serve,” Hogan said.

Being cut off from the lower mainland has also heavily disrupted their ‘Drive for lives’ program. That program is focused on moving vulnerable dogs or cats out of communities where they aren’t likely to get adopted and would just occupy space at a shelter for a long time.

In response many of those shelters reached out to foster homes to take care of these pets in the meantime.

The BC SPCA is asking for help from the community for pet food and supply donations which can be dropped off outside their front door on Casorso road.

And, as Hogan said, they’re asking for help to expand their foster care network.

“If you’re interested in fostering and have space or time in your life to help an animal like a cat or a dog, or five cats and 10 dogs; this would be a good time to reach out to the BC SPCA and offer up your support.”