The holidays are about spending time with loved ones, but not everyone is so lucky to have a home to celebrate in this year. Currently, there are more than 300 adoptable animals in the BC SPCA’s care, and many of them have been waiting all year for a forever family.
“We see a lot of animals being passed over if they have specific medical or behavioural needs, but they still deserve to feel the love of a home,” says Tracy Westmoreland, senior director, provincial animal care services. “It’s understandable. There can be a lot of unknown factors when adopting a rescue animal. We don’t always know their past, and some people aren’t comfortable with that. Each of these animals has a special story, and we know there are equally special people out there who would be willing to open their homes up to them.”
While this article highlights five adoptable animals, there are hundreds currently available for adoption, and even more animals waiting to become adoption-ready. At the BC SPCA, the average time an adoptable animal is in care before finding their home is 14 days for cats, 12 days for dogs, nine days for kittens and 10 days for puppies. Some animals, however, have been waiting for months, or in Karen the cat’s case, almost a year.
From December 11 to 13, the BC SPCA will be offering reduced adoption fees thanks to the generosity and support of Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Here are five extra special adoptable animals that have been waiting in the care of the BC SPCA for an exceptionally long time:
Karen
Location: BC SPCA Sunshine Coast, Sechelt
Time in care: 341 days
Karen rang in the new year with the BC SPCA staff last year; can she find a forever home this year?
When Karen arrived on New Year’s Eve 2024, she was shut down and scared, striking out when anyone tried to interact with her. Her feisty and demanding nature earned her the name “Karen.” It didn’t take long for the staff to realize the source of her sass was due to pain. She had significant medical concerns with her ears which resulted in the removal of her left ear canal and part of the inner ear. Karen doesn’t have any hearing in her left ear, but it’s a small price to pay to live a pain-free life. The vet has cleared Karen with a healthy prognosis; she will need daily ear drops, but she accepts them no problem.
After nearly a year of care and treatment, she’s finally ready to find a forever home. Karen is looking for a foster-to-adopt arrangement, where someone can build a relationship with this sassy queen and become familiar with her needs. She can be a bit spicy at times, but she enjoys giving and receiving affection (on her own terms, of course).
Lucy
Location: BC SPCA South Peace, Dawson Creek
Time in care: 191 days
When Lucy arrived at the BC SPCA back in June, she was a young mom with a brand new litter of puppies. Frightened of loud sounds and sudden movements, Lucy shied away from the staff caring for her. They diligently worked to increase her comfort and confidence levels, patiently helping her get used to human touch, wearing a collar or walking on a leash.
Now that her puppies have been adopted, Lucy is looking for a family of her own. This sweet and gentle soul needs a quiet home to help her continue to come out of her shell. In return, she’ll offer a loyal heart, quiet companionship, and the joy of watching a once-nervous dog learn what it means to truly feel safe and loved.
Squash and Pumpkin
Location: BC SPCA Tri-Cities, Coquitlam
Time in care: 167 days
These bonded bunnies were just babies – estimated to be only three weeks old – when they were found in someone’s backyard in June. Currently living in a loving foster home, Squash (the grey rabbit) and Pumpkin (the black rabbit) are ready to find their family. Because they are bonded, their adoption fee has been reduced.
These little sisters are truly best friends, often found snuggled together and grooming each other throughout the day. They love roaming around during floor time, burrowing, and munching on their favourite vegetable, kale! In addition to being adorable, Squash and Pumpkin are also very tidy and litterbox trained.
Griz
Location: BC SPCA South Okanagan/Similkameen, Penticton
Time in care: 96 days
Griz has been waiting to find a new home since September. She’s a gentle giant who is looking for an experienced owner who can give her the guidance she needs to thrive. While Griz has lived with other dogs in the past, she has demonstrated reactivity towards other dogs, so Griz would do best as the only animal in her home.
Griz loves playtime, whether it’s a game of fetch or a romp in the yard. The only thing that rivals playtime is affection; Griz is an absolute sweetheart and lives to give and receive love. She’s the type of dog that will act as a constant companion – always ready to cheer you up with her happy tail wags.
While these animals have been highlighted due to their extensive stays at the BC SPCA, there are also hundreds of others who are also hoping for a home. If you’re looking for a future best friend, please consider adopting an animal who has been waiting.
“Many of these animals find the shelter environments stressful, despite the best efforts of our wonderful animal care attendants. Once they’re in a proper home, they can really thrive,” says Westmoreland. “We’d love to see these sweethearts get out of the animal centres and find a forever family. They’ve put in their time.”
More information on the BC SPCA’s adoption process can be viewed here.