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Humans aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure of the current economic crisis. Their pets are also feeling the pinch.
The B.C. SPCA says it is struggling to keep up with demand as a growing number of people are turning to them for help, while donations of pet food and supplies has dropped significantly since January.
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“It’s no longer people in need from the Downtown Eastside and low-income pet owners coming to us for help,” said Diane Waters, a B.C. SPCA spokesperson. “Many more people are struggling with the cost of living.”
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Waters said the B.C. SPCA has not been able to keep up with demand, and cited a range of issues, including the cost of living and an early start to the wildfire season, including the evacuation of Fort Nelson.
The B.C. SPCA has 35 locations across the province. Each location has a pet food bank providing food for domestic pets including cats and dogs to rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, and even chickens. Walk-ins are welcome and they also partner with social service agencies that distribute donations to pet owners in need.
The pet food banks are low-barrier. “No ID is needed, and no one has to prove their income,” said Waters. “Sometimes a paycheque can’t be stretched at the end of the month and people need a little help.”
“Last year, we gave out the most we’ve ever handed out, and this year we are a little behind because donations are down.”
In 2023, more than 95,000 kgs of pet food was donated to the B.C. SPCA, compared to 30,437 received so far this year. “It’s been hard for us to keep up with the need,” said Waters.
While the B.C. SPCA receives pet food donations from pet stores, big box stores and some corporate donors, they also rely on food drives, cash donations and drop offs from private citizens. Of course, many of those people are also struggling to make ends meet.
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