The BC SPCA says ongoing economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living appears to be contributing to a decline in donations of pet food and supplies to their animal centres across the province.
As of the end of May, the BC SPCA’s pet food bank program has provided more than 298,000 meals to pets in need, an increase of 4,180 meals compared to the same period last year.
According to the BC SPCA, these meals have fed more than 20,000 vulnerable animals in BC this year, including 623 dogs and 851 cats in the Cariboo and North region.
“We completely sympathize that people’s ability to donate is difficult right now with the economic challenges we are all facing,” said Outreach Specialist Diane Waters.
“But without an increase in donations, we may not be able to support all the pet guardians who need the BC SPCA’s help.”
Waters said the BC SPCA has a limited budget to purchase food to make up the difference in donations, but it’s being stretched thin.
“It is so important to be that lifeline – to be able to give people pet food and supplies when they need them and keep these families together,” she said.
While the BC SPCA no longer provides animal shelter operations in Prince George, they still provide the pet food bank service in the northern capital, as well as animal protection services, and the spay/neuter clinic.
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