May 9, 2022The public comment period is now closed. Thanks to the thousands of British Columbians who shared their feedback and are helping shape a safe future for the industry! UPDATE June 2023: Visit the BC SPCA AnimalKind website to see the voluntary AnimalKind Companion Animal Services Standards (PDF) and access the comprehensive resources for pet guardians …
Continue reading “Working for the safe future of pet services in B.C.”
News Category: Pet care
March 31, 2022At the end of just one year, a single unspayed cat could be responsible for as many as 30 kittens. Most of us are familiar with estimates like this, and understand the urgency for spaying and neutering our feline family members. But these numbers pale in comparison to the reproductive potential of rabbits. Breed like …
Continue reading “Why spay/neuter is important for rabbits”
News Category: Pet care
March 16, 2022DIY cat toys are a purrfect way to express your creativity while also enriching your cat’s day. They’re cost effective too, especially if your kitty has a habit of destroying or losing store-bought toys. So, if you’re craving some creative time and looking to spoil your cat, here are some fun and simple homemade toy …
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News Category: Pet care
February 28, 2022The BC SPCA has received a $125,000 grant from PetSmart Charities® of Canada to help improve access to veterinary care in under-resourced communities. “We know that there are so many loving pet guardians who want to provide the best care they can for their animals, but who may be struggling financially,” says Trevor Harvey, senior …
Continue reading “BC SPCA to increase access to affordable veterinary care with PetSmart Charities® grant”
News Category: Pet care
December 30, 2021Choosing the right dog trainer is one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog’s welfare. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know if a training style supports your pet’s best welfare. The BC SPCA warns against any type of training that uses fear, pain or intimidation …
Continue reading “Effective dog training is reward-based not balanced”
News Category: Pet care
December 4, 2021Trees decorated with bright lights and ornaments are key part of many holiday celebrations. It’s important to protect pets from any holiday hazards and make sure everyone enjoys this annual tradition. These four tips can help pet guardians keep their furry friends safe from any accidents involving the tree. Consider an artificial tree Real trees …
Continue reading “4 steps to pet-proof your holiday tree this season”
News Category: Pet care
October 28, 2021In 2018, after decades of nursing, Lisadawn Shackleford’s passion for dogs led her to found Country Canine Care while still working part-time as a critical care RN. Fast forward to today, now retired from nursing, Shackleford is dedicated full-time to running Country Canine Care and providing humane, science-based dog training services. Her company has now …
Continue reading “Retired RN from Union Bay becomes a BC SPCA-accredited dog trainer”
News Category: Pet care
October 28, 2021What started as an adoption of a rescue dog turned into a life-changing decision for Lynn Gagnon, owner and trainer at Stoked Dogs Training & Behaviour – the first company in Revelstoke to be recognized with BC SPCA’s AnimalKind accreditation. Gagnon’s dog trainer journey began nearly ten years ago when she discovered that her German …
Continue reading “Stoked Dogs: From adopter to BC SPCA accredited dog trainer”
News Category: Pet care
September 29, 2021Toad was a reactive yet friendly dog when AnimalKind trainer Jane Koopman of In Partnership Dog Training first met the two-year-old Australian Shepherd last May. His guardian, Tiffany, reached out after being referred to Koopman by a veterinary behaviorist. Tiffany felt that Toad was anxious when walking in her new neighborhood and wanted to address …
Continue reading “From fearful to fearless – Toad the dog leapfrogs into his safety zone”
News Category: Pet care
September 13, 2021A new study conducted by the BC SPCA in collaboration with external researchers finds that a declaw ban does not lead to increased feline shelter intake or euthanasia. In 2018, the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia announced a ban on feline declawing, a decision hailed by animal welfare organizations. “For two decades the BC …
Continue reading “New peer-reviewed study from BC SPCA finds no increase in cat relinquishment following ban on declawing”
News Category: Pet care