Victoria’s BCSPCA caps a successful year with their Home for the Holidays campaign.
Each year, the BC SPCA reaches out to its volunteers for help fostering animals during the holiday season. “It means that our staff, who have been working very hard all year, get a well-deserved break,” said Emma Hamill, manager of the Victoria animal centre.
The branch keeps staff on-site throughout the holidays to care for more vulnerable animals, but the program helps transition animals from shelter life to home life. “All animals, at the end of the day, want something that’s a home environment,” said Hamill. “We try our best to make it as comfortable as possible and give them as much attention as we can. But nothing beats the comfort of being in a home with one-on-one attention.”
This year, 30 animals were taken into foster care by volunteers over the holidays. Meanwhile, four dogs remain in care at the centre, along with other vulnerable animals or those in protective care.
The holidays are a busy time for the BC SPCA, as many people consider adding a new member to their family during the season. However, the organization urges prospective adopters to remember that adopting an animal is a big responsibility – not just a holiday gift.
“During the holidays, we try to push people in the direction of seeing pets as family members, rather than gifts you give on Christmas,” said Hamill. “We want to ensure it’s done responsibly, so people are aware of the commitments and responsibilities that come with owning a pet.” Hamill said it’s not common for the BC SPCA to encounter people looking to adopt a pet solely as a gift, but it’s something they remain vigilant about.
The Home for the Holidays program caps a successful year for the Victoria BC SPCA, which saw 600 vulnerable animals adopted, more than 40 animals emergency-boarded, 300 spayed and neutered, and 5,000 meals provided to animals in need. The branch also brought in 140 new volunteers this year, retaining about 200 over a longer term.
The influx of volunteers was a major factor in the branch’s success this year. “The number of volunteers we brought in this year has been a bit of a record,” she said. “That might be a direct link to us being able to foster most of our small animals and cats during this holiday season, so they get that enrichment.”
Looking ahead, the Victoria BC SPCA will focus on work outside of their shelters in 2025. “Moving into 2025, the BC SPCA in general will be looking at more community service and helping people avoid situations where their animals need to come into a shelter,” said Hamill.
“I hope we can help more animals and keep families together.”
