With adoptions slowing down, partner shelters evacuated due to fires in the Interior and a large influx of sick kittens, the Comox Valley SPCA is seeking support from the public.
The local branch, located at 1668 Ryan Rd., is currently backed up with animals who aren’t yet ready for their adoption program explained Emily Priestley, local branch manager.
“Because we house animals for many reasons, such as emergency boarding and for our cruelty investigations department, we often have a lot of behind-the-scenes animals that we’re caring for, and for us right now, that’s what we’re dealing with.”
The shelter has also been dealing with many medical emergencies and many of their regular foster homes are unavailable or lost due to people moving out of the Valley. A large influx of sick kittens from various parts of the region, who are getting specialized care in experienced foster homes (who aren’t ready for adoption), are also keeping the shelter busy.
Priestley added they have seen a number of dumped animals.
“One was left here at the shelter and we had a cat and a kitten who were just adopted who had been left in a cardboard box at a set of mailboxes.”
Due to the wildfires in the Interior, two SPCA branches have been evacuated and many branches are stepping up to help, including the Valley branch. Priestley said the organization has been “literally working around the clock” to help all of the displaced animals, whether they are displaced and will be returning to their homes after the fires or if they are their regular intakes and surrenders.
She encourages anyone thinking of adopting an animal to reach out, as adoptions have slowed down due to summer holidays and vacation time.
The local branch is also seeking donations of cash, as they have seen a dramatic decrease in over-the-counter donations during COVID-19. Additionally, the shelter has a large number of dogs who are not yet ready for adoption and are seeking donations of large, durable toys that can withstand heavy chewing.
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