As B.C. communities begin to move forward from COVID challenges, the BC SPCA in Surrey is continuing to reach out to those who need a little extra support in caring for their pets.
“This has been a tough time for so many people and we know that many pet guardians are still struggling to ensure that all members of their family – including the four-legged ones – have everything they need,” says Taizo Ellis of the Surrey SPCA. “We want them to know that we are here for them, with a variety of services.”
For the past 18 months, the Surrey SPCA has offered free canned and dry pet food that can be picked up at the SPCA by appointment or accessed through local community food banks. “In addition to distributing food and supplies from our location at 16748 50th Avenue, we have been partnering with the Surrey Foodbank, the Langley Foodbank, SourcesBC, the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, the Muslim Food Bank and Community Services and others,” says Ellis. “We are also providing support to Critter Care Wildlife, Surrey Community Cat Coalition, Vancouver Rabbit Rescue, SAINTS, and several indigenous communities in Surrey and Tsawwassen.”
In 2020, the Surrey SPCA helped to feed 725 dogs and 521 cats in the community and distributed more than 2,500 kg of dry food and 3,400 cans of wet food for pets. “The need has continued to be strong in 2021 and it is so important that we are able to help keep families and their beloved pets together,” says Ellis.
The BC SPCA is also supporting pet guardians by providing spay/neuter grants to anyone who requires financial assistance to sterilize their animal. The program is available for cats, dogs, and rabbits and includes a microchip and registration in the BC Pet Registry, a centralized database created by the BC SPCA to ensure lost pets can be returned promptly to their families.
“To apply for the program, pet guardians are invited to email us at surrey@spca.bc.ca,” says Ellis.
The Surrey SPCA welcomes donations of unopened pet food for the community food banks, particularly canned cat food and cat litter. “These donations are urgently needed and greatly appreciated by those who receive them,” says Ellis.
For details on drop off and pick up times, contact surrey@spca.bc.ca.
“People can also support these outreach services and other programs to help Surrey animals in need through a donation to, or by participating in, our Lock-In for Love program, which is currently underway,” says Ellis.
For more details, visit lockin.spca.bc.ca/participant/2439773/2589/31860.