Vancouver pet food bank helps animals on the streets keep fed

Charlie’s pet food bank — an initiative by the BC SPCA — is helping people in Vancouver who are homeless, low-income, and seniors take care of their pets.

The community-based initiative started over 20 years ago, and was created to “improve the lives of pets living in Vancouver’s downtown eastside,” the BC SPCA said on their website.

Locals can bring their pets for basic grooming, like getting their nails clipped. (Photo courtesy of BC SPCA)

People can visit the groups Powell Street location near Oppenheimer Park on Thursday’s, and pick up free supplies like dog and cat food, cat litter, toys, beds, and treats.

Locals can also bring their furry friends for basic grooming, like having their nails clipped.

The group also has a low-cost spay and neuter program, where people can register to have their pets fixed.

A dog is handed a pet toy at Charlie’s pet food bank, an initiative by the BC SPCA. (Photo courtesy of the BC SPCA)

“Charlie’s is named after a starving dog that came into our animal hospital in critical condition. Sadly, we weren’t able to save Charlie, and he passed away after three weeks of intensive care,” it said.

The group says that this year, they plan to give about 490,000 meals to animals in need.

Cat food, litter, and other items like beds are often available for free at Charlie’s pet food bank. (Photo courtesy of the BC SPCA)

“The human-animal bond is powerful. Studies show that having a pet helps people’s mental and physical health. Pets give us constant, unconditional love. Many people tell us that their pets have saved their lives,” BC SPCA explained.

The supplies and food are provided by donations.