Supporting Vulnerable Animals and the People Who Love Them

Since 1895, the BC SPCA has been here to help animals in need across British Columbia. Although the BC SPCA — the British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — has evolved and changed in many ways over its 130-year history, the care and protection of animals has always remained our core principle. We believe that every animal deserves a safe, fear-free life filled with love, and we strive every day to ensure that all animals that come into our care receive compassion, support, and protection.

Each year, the BC SPCA helps more than 134,000 animals, including many that have experienced abuse or neglect. Some are companion animals from hoarding situations where they didn’t receive proper care, others are farm animals that have endured inadequate food or shelter, and still others are wild animals that have been injured, orphaned, or displaced by such natural disasters as flooding or wildfires.

As more families across BC face homelessness, financial hardship, or traumatic life events, we’re seeing an increasing number of beloved pets being surrendered into our care when their guardians are unable to provide the essentials they need. BC SPCA is always here to help, and thanks to generous support from our partners and donors, we’re able to continue providing protection and care for vulnerable animals
when they need it most.

While many British Columbians are aware of our animal adoption services, did you know that BC SPCA provides emergency boarding for pets from families who are displaced due to natural disasters, fleeing interpersonal violence, or who face challenges securing pet-friendly housing?

Last year, the equivalent of 6,000 nights of emergency animal boarding were provided across BC at our animal centres and in foster homes, sheltering vulnerable animals and giving peace of mind to their loving families during difficult circumstances. We also offer pet food bank support across the province, helping ensure that beloved companion animals continue to receive nutritious meals when their families are facing hardship.

Many of the animals that come to us are suffering from long-time illnesses, injuries, and malnutrition. Skilled veterinarians and staff at BCSPCA’s hospitals in Vancouver and Penticton provide life-saving medical treatment and aftercare for sick and injured animals from across the province, and we operate spay and neutering clinics in Kamloops and Prince George. We also provide care for sick, injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals at our Wild Arc Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Metchosin on Vancouver Island.

Each year, our Animal Helpline receives thousands of calls reporting animal distress, abuse, or neglect. In 2025, BC SPCA’s Animal Protection Officers ensured that 35,592 farm and companion animals in BC were protected and safe following nearly 7,000 investigations. When necessary, animals are brought to our shelters to trusted, vetted foster families, and our Animal Protection Officers provide evidence to Crown counsel to bring animal abusers to justice.

Across the province, BC SPCA’s caring foster families open their homes to animals who need a safe, supportive space, whether they have been displaced by natural disasters, are recovering from illness or surgery, have experienced cruelty, or need extra time and guidance before finding a loving forever home.

Children and youth build empathy and compassion at our in-person and online summer camps as they learn about animals through games, crafts, and presentations from animal experts, inspiring the next generation of animal champions.

BC SPCA relies on the generosity of our donors and volunteers to carry out our work. Thanks to homes through adoption. In 2025, we also reunited 1,390 pets with their loving families through our microchipping and pet registry program, and 722,813 meals were served at our animal centres and veterinary hospitals.

RGF Integrated Wealth Management has generously sponsored the BC SPCA Vancouver Offleashed gala for the last two years as a Ruby-level sponsor. We are grateful for their support, and we greatly value our relationships with community-focused businesses.

Whether supporting BC SPCA through sponsorships, third-party fundraising events, or direct donations, or though group employee volunteering, partnerships with companies like RGF support the work we do.

They also help the BC SPCA further its mission of protecting vulnerable animals and mobilizing communities so animals and people thrive together.

As we look toward the future, the BC SPCA continues to be guided by its core values while thoughtfully and strategically moving forward. We’re addressing the root causes of animal suffering by advocating on behalf of companion, farm, and wild animals to ensure their well-being is enshrined in law, policy, and practice, and we’re providing targeted outreach programs to empower local communities, with the aim of reducing the need for direct animal care.

As ever, we’re committed to being a reliable safety net for the most vulnerable animals, concentrating our direct-care efforts on supporting these animals and continuing to enforce animal protection laws for companion animals.

While we don’t know what the next 130 years will bring, one thing is certain: As long as there are animals in need of care and protection, BC SPCA will be there for them, today, tomorrow, and always.

Learn more about the work we do and how you can support BC’s most vulnerable animals at www.spca.bc.ca. ■