The BC SPCA has been advised by the City of Burnaby of plans to demolish and fully rebuild a new animal shelter facility at the current BC SPCA Burnaby location. Operations will be temporarily ceased from this facility at the end of business hours on Sunday, May 24 until construction is complete.
“The BC SPCA and the City of Burnaby have worked together since the 1980s to support animals and their guardians in the community,” says Charlotte Ellice, Regional Manager, Lower Mainland & Fraser Valley Region. “We are committed to ensuring the animals and residents of our city continue to have access to animal welfare supports for the duration of the construction project.”
Ellice adds the building has not had significant renovations since 1982. “We’ve come a long way in terms of research and understanding of best practices for animal welfare in building design, which the city has confirmed will be reflected in the rebuild,” says Ellice. “The rebuilt animal centre will not only be better for the animals but will have improvements to human accessibility, which is so important to ensure BC SPCA services are available to all who need them.”
During this temporary closure, the BC SPCA will continue to provide animal welfare service through its other nearby centres across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. A small, dedicated facility located at 6229 Laurel Avenue in Burnaby will open on Wednesday, May 27 to support community members who have found a stray animal in Burnaby and to continue provision of the BC SPCA’s pet food bank services.
All other BC SPCA animal welfare services and programs including animal surrender and adoption will continue to be available through the BC SPCA’s other local animal centres. Anyone picking up their pet who was found as a stray will need to do so at the BC SPCA Vancouver.
Animals currently in care at the BC SPCA Burnaby animal centre will be transferred to other BC SPCA locations or placed with foster volunteers. No animals will be housed at the temporary facility.
If you need support from the BC SPCA, contact your nearest BC SPCA location or call the Animal Helpline: 1-855-622-7722