August 6, 2025Suppose you unexpectedly face a scary wildlife encounter or an aggressive dog on your off-leash walk and need to call your dog back immediately. Do you have an effective, distraction-proof recall? An emergency recall can be life-saving and it is the one essential skill for you and your dog to master. An emergency recall is …
Continue reading “Emergency recall – The one word every dog must know”
News Category: Pet care
July 16, 2025As of July 16, 2025, there have been two suspect cases of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) poisoning in pets swimming in Nicola lake near Merritt. Beaches in the area have been closed as a precaution. Visit the Province of British Columbia’s website for important information from the Office of the Chief Veterinarian, including a link to …
Continue reading “Two suspect cases of blue-green algae poisoning in pets swimming in Nicola lake”
News Category: Pet care
July 3, 2025Good planning can make all the difference in the event of a disaster. Don’t forget to include your pets in the plan! Make your emergency exit more efficient with these tips. Download our evacuation checklist below! Prepare & Prep Emergency Sticker: Put a sticker on each entry of your home so first responders know what …
Continue reading “How to prepare for an emergency: pet edition!”
News Category: Pet care
May 28, 2025I Heart Canine PR is the latest dog training business to be accredited by the BC SPCA’s AnimalKind program, which recognizes companies that use science-based training methods and are committed to high dog welfare. “We are excited to welcome I Heart Canine PR to our AnimalKind community of accredited dog trainers,” says Nicole Fenwick, manager, …
Continue reading “BC SPCA awards Penticton dog trainer with AnimalKind accreditation”
News Category: Pet care
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 25, 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
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
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 …
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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