British Columbians may often think of kittens and puppies when they think of the BC SPCA, but the animal welfare organization also advocates for, rescues and adopts out farm animals. From horses and llama to goats and chickens, farm animals are among the more than 43,000 animals the BC SPCA helps each year. “I think …
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Respect the cat: Read your feline’s body language before petting
Pet guardians with furry feline companions know that their cats can sometimes, give mixed signals when they’re interacting with their humans. It’s important to take note of their body language and respect what they’re trying to tell you, notes Chirag Patel, an animal behaviour and training consultant who works with the BC SPCA, in one …
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News Category: Pet care
The plight of pet parrots
Birds are the fourth most commonly kept companion animal in Canada after cats, dogs and fish. “It’s easy to see why parrots are popular pets,” says Craig Naherniak, general manager of humane education for the BC SPCA. “They’re extremely intelligent and very sociable.” But such popularity comes at a price — and, sadly, parrots are …
Ask the SPCA: Cat enrichment
Question: I have a new cat who keeps on waking me up at night. What can I do? Although known to be nocturnal, cats can modify their sleep cycles to adjust to our patterns. Firstly, check for any health issues that may be keeping your cat awake at night with a quick trip to your …
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News Category: Pet care
A day in the life at Wild ARC
The BC SPCA’s Wild Animal rehabilitation Centre (Wild ARC), in Metchosin on southern Vancouver Island, treats almost 3,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. Whether an eagle or deer, raccoon or river otter, Wild ARC’s staff and volunteers work tirelessly to treat and rehabilitate each patient for their eventual release back into the wild. …
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News Category: Wildlife
Ask the SPCA: Anxious dogs
Question: My new dog seems afraid of things my previous dog never had issues with. Will she get over this once she learns my patterns? Perhaps, but your new dog will likely always be hesitant and unsure in new situations. It also depends on the severity of her anxiousness. Anxiety is the anticipation of potential …
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News Category: Pet care