May 28, 2025Summertime for many families = road trip season. And as pet guardians know, a road trip with your furry family member can double the fun. Before you go, consider a pre-trip vet appointment. Get a quick exam to confirm that your pet is in good health and up-to-date on their vaccinations, and as some dogs …
Continue reading “Rev up the excitement! A guide to roadtripping with your pet”
News Category: Pet care
May 5, 2025Imagine your cat sniffing the fresh breeze, ears perked to the sound of birdsong, paws trotting confidently along a garden path — all while safely by your side. Walking a cat on a harness and leash might sound unusual at first, but for many feline companions, it’s a chance to explore the world beyond the …
Continue reading “Leash walking cats: How to give your cat safe outdoor time”
News Category: Pet care
May 2, 2025During the warmer months, more and more people are enjoying walks and hikes with their pets. But Dr. Rachel Groarke, the BC SPCA’s manager of shelter medicine, cautions pet guardians that there may be some pesky parasites, such as ticks and fleas, lurking outdoors this time of year. “Ticks are external parasites that feed off …
Continue reading “Tick alert: Precautions for pets”
News Category: Pet care
March 7, 2025Are dog parks good for dogs? A dog park seems like the perfect place for dogs to socialize, exercise and have fun. But it is also a place where dogs share water, toys, dirt and their feces and that can expose them to disease. Not to mention exposure to the elements and the toxic substances …
Continue reading “Beware of these 5 dog park dangers”
News Category: Pet care
February 6, 2025The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is setting its sights on a bold future for animal welfare in the province with the launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan. With an emphasis on tackling the root causes of animal suffering, while continuing to act as a safety net for …
Continue reading “BC SPCA aims to tackle root causes of animal suffering with launch of its new 2025-2030 strategic plan”
News Category: Adoption, Animal cruelty, Farm, Pet care, Wildlife, Youth
January 9, 2025Outdoor cats live in communities across B.C. Some have guardians but, sadly, many do not. Whenever possible, we look to trap, spay/neuter and re-home unowned community cats and recommend that pet cats be kept indoors for their own health and safety. Some community cats, however, have been born and raised outdoors and never socialized to …
Continue reading “4 ways to keep community cats safe this winter”
News Category: Pet care
December 5, 2024It’s a festive time of year for humans, but it can be a tricky time for the animals in our lives. Whether it’s décor, plants, or the hustle and bustle at home, there are certain things pet guardians need to be aware of when celebrating the season. Christmas decorations A Christmas tree with tinsel and …
Continue reading “How to keep your pets safe from holiday hazards!”
News Category: Pet care
December 2, 2024As winter temperatures drop below freezing around the province, many safety issues begin to surface. Learn how to protect your furry family member from seasonal threats. Salt on sidewalks Watch for the salt or sand used on sidewalks, which can get between your dog’s paw pads or toes. Salt and sand irritate the skin and …
Continue reading “Protect your pet against harmful winter conditions”
News Category: Pet care
October 31, 2024With more than half of Canadian households owning at least one pet, there is no doubt that our furry friends are cherished members of our families. But because pets spend most of their time indoors at home, they are more likely to show signs of carbon monoxide poisoning before people do. For Carbon Monoxide Awareness …
Continue reading “Ask a Veterinarian: How does carbon monoxide (CO) affect our pets?”
News Category: Pet care
August 22, 2024Dog guardians want to take their pets with them everywhere, but sometimes, that is simply not possible. Maybe you are going out of town to a wedding, a family reunion, or on a trip overseas. Or maybe your workplace is not pet-friendly so your dog or cat must stay home alone during long workdays. In …
Continue reading “Do not hire a pet sitter before asking these questions”
News Category: Pet care