BC SPCA appeals for donations with high demand for pet food banks
The sustained period of above-target inflation has put major pressure on all of us – so it's no wonder pet food donations are down at the BC SPCA.
The non-profit is appealing for people to help fill the gap by donating unopened pet food, money or their time.
“Pet food – our pantries are busier – it’s empty more than it’s full,” the SPCA's Mandy Isaacs told CTV News on Friday.
“So, if anybody can donate anything, that would be great. We’re just not seeing as many donations as we normally do.”
Things are so bad financially for some pet owners that they’re giving up their animals.
“We’re dealing with a lot of challenges as an organization and also pet owners are dealing with a lot of challenges, so we’re seeing an unbelievable amount of dogs in our centres, just because of people losing their housing and struggling,” Isaacs said.
The situation is particularly bad in wildfire-affected areas, but local donations made in the Lower Mainland can help.
Animals from those areas are often sent to Metro Vancouver, with the trucks that brought them then loaded up for the return trip.
“We send supplies back up," Isaacs said. "So, blankets, sheets, towels, food, treats, toys, all of that we can move throughout the province to get to the animals that really need it.”
Beyond donating money or food, there are other ways to help through volunteering.
“I would say, 'Just try, you won’t regret it,'” said BC SPCA volunteer Caitlin Celinski.
“I thought about it for a few years and then finally decided to go for it, and wish I did it years ago.”
Isaacs said the SPCA's Vancouver shelter is opening a call for volunteers on its website this week.
The BC SPCA tries to collect 90,000 kilograms of pet food each year, but it’s currently less than a third of the way to that total as we approach the halfway point of this year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'People get very sick': Manitoba sees rise in rare, potentially fatal bacterial infection
A rise in cases of a rare bacterial infection in Manitoba has prompted health officials to issue a warning.
Feels like 40+: Heat warnings to last into the weekend for some provinces
Residents of some provinces are being warned of extreme heat this week, while elsewhere, some saw record-breaking lows this weekend.
Third teen pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of homeless Toronto man
A third girl accused in the death of a homeless Toronto man has pleaded guilty.
China blames Philippines for ship collision in South China Sea. Manila calls the report deceptive
A Chinese vessel and a Philippine supply ship collided near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea on Monday, China's coast guard said, in the latest flare-up of escalating territorial disputes that have sparked alarm.
Canadians paying significantly more for airfares as summer ticket prices jump
A new report says travellers are paying significantly more to fly within Canada this summer compared with last year.
opinion Symbolic meaning behind Princess of Wales' style choices at first public appearance since diagnosis revealed
The Trooping the Colour marked the first public outing this year for the Princess of Wales, who has not been seen at any official royal engagements since December 2023. We now know that was due to abdominal surgery and preventive chemotherapy, with no return to public life anytime soon. But the Princess of Wales chose this occasion to soft launch her return to royal life, and it was eagerly anticipated.
Canadian-American suspect in plot to kill Sikh separatist extradited to U.S.
An Indian man suspected by the U.S. of involvement in an unsuccessful plot to kill a Sikh separatist on American soil has been extradited to the United States from the Czech Republic, the Czech justice minister said on Monday.
Safety board says unregistered submersibles still operating since Titan
The Transportation Safety Board says other unregistered submersibles have been operating within Canadian waters since the Titan made its doomed descent to view the Titanic wreck one year ago.
Gordon Ramsay says he's 'lucky' to be alive, shows off severe bruising after cycling accident
Gordon Ramsay says he’s grateful to be alive but shaken after a recent cycling accident in Connecticut.