The BC SPCA is currently working with Emergency Support Services (ESS) in British Columbia to help support wildfire evacuees with their pets. If you are in need of emergency boarding, pet supplies or pet food, please review below information.
Emergency Contact Information:
- Call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722
- For B.C. wildfire evacuees that are in need of emergency boarding for your animals.
- General information support for evacuees with pets.
- Reunification of pets who have gone missing during an emergency evacuation.
- Where it is deemed safe to do so, rescue and care for animals who needed to be left behind during evacuation
- B.C. wildfire evacuees that are in need of pet supplies and/or pet food please contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722, visit your local ESS centre 1-800-585-9559 or local BC SPCA Animal Centre.
- CSRD (Columbia-Shuswap Regional District) Emergency Operations Centre: 250-833-5927.
- TNRD (Thompson-Nicola Regional District) Emergency Operations Centre call: 1-866-377-7188.
- Find your ESS: During large events the ESS Call Centre may be activated and can be reached toll free in B.C. 1-800-585-9559.
- B.C. Wildfire Services: Get the latest updates on where fires are located.
- Visit our latest news item regarding wildfire support here.
FAQs
Q: What is the BC SPCA’s role in the BC wildfires?
A: The BC SPCA is currently working with the Provincial Emergency Social Services office and is ready to deploy Animal Protection Officers as needed. Our officers will assist animals that have been left behind due to evacuation notices.
Other local branches and volunteers are supporting as they can and we are coordinating staff and volunteers from around the province to support high-needs areas.
Q: Can I donate to support animals affected by the wildfires?
A: Yes, we are accepting donations online.
Q: Can I donate supplies?
A: Thank you so much for your interest in donating supplies. Please visit How to Help.
Q: Can you take donations of pet food?
A: We’re very fortunate that Hill’s® Science Diet ® will be providing food for the evacuated animals in our care. Thanks to their generosity we’ll be able to provide the animals with a consistent diet, without worrying about the logistics of shipping donations to affected areas.
Q: I would like to volunteer my time. How can I do that?
A: Right now we have enough listed volunteers trained and ready to support. For general info about BC SPCA volunteering.
Q: I can foster dogs, cats and/or other small animals, how can I help?
A: If you are interested in becoming a foster volunteer, please visit here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply to become a foster volunteer. Once we receive your application, one of our Regional Volunteer Engagement Coordinators will connect with you regarding the next steps.
Q: I have land to foster livestock, how can I help?
A: You can call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 to go on the registry of foster volunteers.
Q: I have to evacuate, where can I take my animals?
A: Please contact the Emergency Social Services coordinating evacuation centres for your area, as they will be able to let you know about options for you and your pets. You can also contact BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for details about emergency boarding.
Q: If I’m evacuating, what should I bring for my animal?
A: The following are just some of the items you should bring with you. The BC SPCA also has this list you can refer to (PDF).
- A seven-day supply of food and water
- Identification tag and collar
- Sturdy crate and/or carrier
- Pet first aid kit
- Blanket
- Plastic bags/doggie bags
- Leash
- Harness
- Food and water bowls (collapsible are great)
- Litter box and litter for cats
- Manual can opener
- Copy of your pet’s current vaccination history
- Any special medications and instructions
Q: Will the BC SPCA take my animal?
A: Please contact the Emergency Social Services coordinating evacuation centres for your area, as they will be able to let you know about options for you, emergency boarding for animals will be coordinated through the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
Q: What if I have to leave my pets behind?
A: For indoor companion animals, leave them with as much fresh water (leave your toilet lid up) and food as possible. For outdoor companions and farm animals, leave them with as much food and water as possible. We do not recommend you tie down or chain your animals up whether indoors or outdoors.
There is also the option to ID your animals and set them free. Please use your discretion.
When you evacuate, report your animals to your ESS reception centre. They will be able to advise what local resources there might be to check on/recover your animals when safe.
Q: What can I do to prepare myself in case of an emergency?
A: Please visit the BC SPCA website for information on disaster preparedness.
Register your pet with the BC Pet Registry.
Q: I’m not in an evacuation area, should I be worried about the smoke and my animals?
A: Please visit the BC SPCA website for information on smoke inhalation and other pet care tips. If you have more specific concerns or your animal seems in distress please consult with your veterinarian.