In the Regional District of North Okanagan, pet licence fees and donations are an important source for funding essential animal services. When you licence your pet, know that you are doing your part to help your local shelter workers care for lost, injured and abused animals.
We are proud to call BC SPCA the current Safe&Happy Partner in the Regional District of Okanagan. Through our Safe&Happy Fund, 20% of every designer tag sale is gifted to BC SPCA to provide additional funding for vulnerable animals and the staff that serve them. Read more about this great organization!
Q&A
Talkin' Shop
Here’s what’s been going on at BC SPCA.
What is something you are really proud of as an organization? We are 1 Branch of the BC SPCA, one of the largest Animal Welfare Organizations in North America. We are constantly striving to improve the quality of life for all animals in BC.
What is something that makes your shelter unique? We are a Province-wide SPCA, the only one in the country.
What is a program that you run that is really important for people to know about? We offer a Community Pet Foodbank program, where people can receive pet food as needed for their cat or dog.
What is the biggest obstacle(s) your organization faces while caring for animals? There is a bigger demand in the community for sheltering services than we are often able to meet.
Can you share a story of a specific pet you helped recently? We had a situation that happened recently where we partnered with RDNO Dog Control to help a group of St. Bernards. Dog Control brought a file to our attention about a large number of dogs on a property, far more than bylaws allow. We then worked with them to bring the dogs into our care, where they are now receiving necessary veterinary care, undergoing testing for infectious disease, and will all be spayed/neutered and placed up for adoption.
In your words, why are pet licences important? Pet licences are important for many reasons. They are another way for an animal to be reunited with their owner should they become lost. They are also a way to help fund necessary services in the community, and the numbers can demonstrate the need for things like additional infrastructure for pets, such as dog parks.
How do monetary donations and licensing fees help out around your organization? Our organization relies solely on donations and fundraising to provide our services. These funds are critical to allowing us to continue to shelter & care for animals in need in our community.
If anyone is interested in volunteering, please check out our website at spca.bc.ca/volunteer. Or for items to donate, we are always in need of things like soft dog treats, dry and canned cat food, leashes, and paper towel!
To what extent do pet licence fees contribute to your overall budget? We do not receive direct proceeds from licence fees. However, since the partnership with DocuPet, we are fortunate to receive a portion of proceeds from designer tags and donations made through their website, for which we are incredibly grateful!
What is your best advice for pet owners? Make sure your pet has a permanent form of ID, such as a tattoo or microchip, that traces back to your current contact information.
What is an easy way for community members to help support your organization? Volunteer, foster, donate, or help spread the word about the BC SPCA and what we do!
For more information about BC SPCA, visit
https://spca.bc.ca/