Pet overpopulation is a problem in many parts of B.C. where shelters and rescues are at full capacity. Some communities do not have enough people to provide homes for all of the animals waiting to be adopted.
In 2004, the BC SPCA launched the Drive for Lives animal transfer program to help address the issue of pet overpopulation.
Drive for Lives saves animals
Each year, we transfer more than 4,000 animals between our shelters. Animals may travel within their own region or longer distances to increase their chances of finding new homes.
Transfers from Northern BC shelters into the Lower Mainland occur weekly. Some of our outlying shelters such as Prince Rupert and the Peace region (Dawson Creek and Fort St. John) send animals first to hub shelters and then into the Lower Mainland.
The BC SPCA also partners with Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air, which provide free and discounted transport of animals on select routes.
If you see an animal you would like to adopt in another community shelter, we may be able to do a transfer depending on your location and the location and status of the animal. Please contact your local shelter for more details.
