The BC SPCA will be the new owner/operator of the Penticton Veterinary Hospital, effective July 6. This is the fourth veterinary facility for the non-profit animal protection society, which also operates a full-service veterinary hospital in Vancouver and spay/neuter clinics in Prince George and Kamloops.

“We are extremely grateful to Dr. Steve Harvey, owner of the Penticton Veterinary Hospital, who is retiring and who has made a significant contribution to enable us to acquire this facility,” says BC SPCA chief executive officer Craig Daniell.

The hospital will retain existing staff and will continue to offer the same full services to the public, including boarding of animals, say Daniell. In addition, the BC SPCA plans to expand spay/neuter services to help address the overwhelming cat overpopulation crisis in the South Okanagan region.

“It is Dr. Harvey’s vision, and our own, that this hospital will continue to be a community asset and that we can work closely with other communities such as Osoyoos, Keremeos and Midway to reduce the number of cats and kittens who die needlessly each year because of overpopulation.” Daniell says the BC SPCA is also considering opportunities to provide after-hours veterinary coverage in the future.

“We are extremely excited to be working with the staff at the hospital to further promote animal welfare in the region.”

In the acquisition deal, which was negotiated during the past year, the BC SPCA will assume ownership of the hospital, while Dr. Harvey retains ownership of the building at 15 Duncan Ave. E in Penticton.

The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a not-for-profit organization reliant on public donations. Our mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in B.C.