The BC SPCA is seeing an increase in demand for its pet food bank services. Last year, the SPCA helped more than 34,141 animals through pet food banks across B.C.
鈥淪o far this year our pet food banks have provided an additional 1,235 animals with a week鈥檚 supply of food compared to last year,鈥� says Diane Waters, BC SPCA鈥檚 outreach specialist.
The BC SPCA has 34 participating locations and 135 partner organizations, like food banks, across the province that help distribute pet food and pet supplies. 鈥�
The Comox Valley SPCA (1668 Ryan Rd. E, Comox) is one of the 34 participating locations, and the Comox Valley Food Bank, at 1255 McPhee Ave., also accepts donations of pet food.
鈥淢any pet guardians are struggling right now, especially those on a fixed income, and we want to make sure they can provide their pets with everything they need,鈥� said Waters. 鈥淭he increase in demand is definitely having an impact. We are having supply issues across the board and are in desperate need of donations of food and other pet supplies.鈥�
One of those pet guardians is Brent. He brings his golden retriever Sally to Charlie鈥檚 pet food bank in the downtown eastside. Sally, who always has a smile on her face, is a favourite with Charlie鈥檚 clients and volunteers.
鈥淪ally loves to visit with the volunteers,鈥� says Waters. 鈥淭hey have to stop every few feet so that all of Sally鈥檚 admirers get a chance to say 鈥榟ello鈥� and have a visit.鈥�
Waters adds that they have been able to provide Brent with everything from pet food to leashes, jackets and toys for his best friend, Sally.
鈥淥ur goal in all of our outreach services is to help provide guardians the support they need so pets can stay with their loving families,鈥� says Waters.
The BC SPCA has made substantial investments in its outreach services in the last two years.
鈥淚n addition to distributing pet food and supplies through our own locations and at community food banks, we are also supporting several Indigenous communities directly,鈥� says Waters.
The BC SPCA also provides spay/neuter grants to help those who require financial assistance to sterilize their animal. The program is available for cats, dogs, and rabbits and includes a microchip and registration in the BC Pet Registry, a centralized database created by the BC SPCA to ensure lost pets can be returned promptly to their families.
Waters says the BC SPCA welcomes donations of unopened pet food for community food banks.
鈥淥ur biggest need right now is dry and wet cat food and cat litter.鈥�
The BC SPCA is also looking for volunteers to assist with the collection and distribution of pet food and supplies.
Following increased demand on outreach services, two anonymous donors have agreed to triple-match all donations up to $45,000. To make a donation visit
