Rae’s journey into volunteering with the BC SPCA began during a time of grief. “My 10 and 11-year-old dogs both passed in December 2022, and I wasn’t ready to adopt yet,” she shared. “But I wanted to interact and hang out with other dogs, so I decided to volunteer. Since then, I’ve been hooked!” What started as a role helping animals in her local BC SPCA centre, soon grew into Rae opening her home to those who need a temporary, safe place to land. “I continue to do it in honour of Lily and Leroy.” We’re sure they’d be proud of the lives you’ve transformed, Rae!
Helping the animals who need it most
Many of the animals Rae has cared for are those who need extra time, patience, and understanding. Dogs who are struggling with anxiety, or with limited socialization. Those who need to learn how to trust people, how to navigate life, and how to be a dog again! “I generally do not take home easy cases,” Rae explains. “I want to take home the dogs that need to be rehabilitated because I have the resources to help with that. It brings me so much satisfaction knowing I’m able to help a dog and see them truly thrive.”
In a home setting, these animals are given the chance to rest, decompress, and begin to build their confidence and trust. They learn what a routine feels like, how to navigate everyday situations, and what it means to form positive connections with people. For many, this progress opens the door to adoption – a chance to find their own forever family. “She has helped many fearful and under-socialized dogs have breakthroughs because of her patience and awareness of dog communication,” shares Avalon, a BC SPCA Animal Care Attendant. “In some cases, she has helped dogs move past fears that could have negatively impacted their entire lives. Rae has always gone far above and beyond to meet the needs of any animal she is fostering.”
Rae loves to get creative when it comes to finding the right care for each animal. That could mean experimenting with different foods to help a dog take their meds or using her experience to walk dogs with challenges at the animal centre. “She will often be the first to take a dog for their first off-property walk. We have every confidence that Rae can handle whatever unexpected situation might happen, like another out of control off-leash dog.” Avalon told us.
“She has always been willing to learn new skills to care for whichever animal needs it the most,” says Avalon. “Every time she learned something new, she used that knowledge to bring more comfort or joy to the animal’s life.”
Giving back without burning out
For Rae, volunteering is deeply meaningful, but she also understands the importance of balance. “I love being part of the bigger picture of dogs getting into homes and seeing those success stories firsthand,” she says. “But it’s important to take care of yourself so you can better take care of others.”
When she is not fostering, dog walking allows her to stay involved in a sustainable way. “It allows me to still be part of the process. You don’t have to have a foster in your house all the time. It’s okay and important to take those breaks.” That said, Rae’s home is rarely without extra paws. “My dogs always enjoy having a house guest,” she adds. “If the foster gets meds in cheese, they get some cheese too!”
Volunteering can take many forms!
Rae’s impact goes beyond animal care. She has spent hours helping with landscaping and yard maintenance, pulling weeds, moving compost, and hauling loads to the dump. She has used her personal connections to help secure equipment and resources that support the daily work of the animal centre. “The impact Rae has had is far‑reaching,” said the centre manager. “She has made staff’s lives easier and deeply improved the lives of countless dogs and birds.”
“Just knowing I’ve been able to add some comfort, safety, and joy to a dog’s life,” Rae says. “That is incredibly rewarding.”
Rae’s story highlights an important truth about volunteering with the BC SPCA. There is no single way to help! From working directly with animals to supporting behind the scenes, volunteers step up in many ways:
Supporting animals and young advocates at the same time
Emily is a grade 12 student who hopes to become a teacher one day. During Spring Break, she volunteered as a Junior Counselor to support animal care and our Humane Education program. She helped lead workshops, guided shelter tours, built beaver dams, and made enrichment toys for cats. Emily’s kindness and leadership helped young participants learn about all the positive impact they can have helping animals in need. We’re looking forward to more opportunities to see her shine, both for youth and animals!
Keeping things running smoothly
Corrine has been donating her time for 10 years as an administrative support volunteer. She helps with paperwork and follows up with new pet guardians after animals move on from our care to start life with their forever families. Corrine also gathers updates from recent adopters – happy photos of a kitty curled up in a lap, or a dog with a wagging tail, bring joy to staff and allow us to share these stories with animal lovers like you! Her work helps keep things organized and reminds everyone that the impact of care continues long after adoption day.
Reaching animals and their people in remote communities
D’Arcy has been volunteering since 2011 as a driver. Each week, he delivers vital pet food and supplies to community partners in our pet food bank network. When families are struggling, or experience an unexpected life event, they may be forced to choose between feeding themselves or their beloved pets. Thanks to D’Arcy, supplies are available even in remote communities, so pets can stay with their people in the homes they know and love.
Feeling inspired? There’s likely a talent you can share with animals and their people across our B.C. communities! Learn more about volunteering with the BC SPCA.