BC SPCA halves fees to adopt animals displaced by wildfire

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – With animal shelters nearing capacity in B.C., and the need for emergency spaces due to wildfires, the SPCA is offering half-priced adoption fees to encourage people to take in a new pet.

The promotion runs July 20 to July 30 and the 50 per cent discount applies to adoption fees for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals.

“Our goal is to create capacity for as many animals needing free temporary shelter as possible, while at the same time finding wonderful homes for the animals currently in our care,” Lorie Chortyk with the BC SPCA said.

Chortyk hopes this will encourage people who have been on the fence about taking in a rescue animal to adopt.

“You will not only be providing a loving home for a deserving animal in our care, but it will also help the BC SPCA’s emergency response for animals in crisis,” Chortyk said.

(Courtesy: BC SPCA)

The BC SPCA says it has provided free emergency shelter for more than 80 animals since the wildfire season began. An dedicated animal evacuation centre was set up in Kamloops on July 7.

On July 8, 41 animals were rescued from Lytton after the BC SPCA was granted access to the evacuated, fire-ravaged community. Officers were allowed in for four hours, in which time they went to 27 properties and found 12 cats, five kittens, four dogs, and 20 farm animals.

Related articles:

• BC SPCA in need of foster volunteers in the Lower Mainland

• Determined Lytton wildfire survivor rescues pets from remains of burned down home

• Lytton evacuees to be reunited with animals after BC SPCA search community

Over the weekend, the organization also put out a call for new foster volunteers in the Lower Mainland, due to a shortage of helpers over the summer months.

If you are interested in adopting an animal, you can visit the BC SPCA website and view animals that are currently in need of a home.

With files from Robyn Crawford and Lisa Steacy