BC SPCA prepares for more pet surrenders during COVID-19

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — While the BC SPCA hasn’t seen more animals coming in yet because of coronavirus-related challenges, it hasn’t stopped shelters from preparing.

Lorie Chortyk from BC SPCA says shelters are ready to be a safety net for the community during this difficult time, so it’s trying to move as many animals into loving homes as possible.

“We have to assume that there’s going to be more people in need and we want to be there for the community,” she says.

Since there is limited space in shelters, the SPCA already held an adoption promotion last week which led to about 300 pets going to a new home. Now it is moving about 400 animals back from the foster system to be adopted, Chortyk says.

“That will really free up our capacity to try and help as many people who are impacted by COVID. Right now, we’re working on emergency surrenders. We will have to prioritize because we have limited capacity in our shelters,” she tells NEWS 1130.

There are always incoming animals from various situations, but Chortyk says more people have been calling in asking about what happens if the virus impacts their finances and they have to give up their pet.

“It’s a bit more hypothetical at the moment. But we suspect that as the months go by, that need is going to increase,” she explains.

If someone wants to help, Chortyk says to keep looking at the animals up for adoption and donate funds if they can.

“Our shelters now have restricted access to the public and because of all our fundraising events being cancelled, we really are in despite needs for funds so that we can continue these services for the community,” she says.

SPCA shelters have asked people to look at the animals online and fill out an adoption form instead of coming in first as a precaution during the pandemic. Then only one adopter is allowed in the shelters at a time to protect everyone’s health.

With files from Tim James.