BC SPCA says more than 100 animals have been waiting for homes in its qathet, Comox and Sunshine Coast-area care while it urges candidates to improve access to pet-friendly housing.
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BC SPCA has launched a campaign ahead of the provincial election on October 24 to urge candidates to commit to increasing access to pet-friendly housing.
In the qathet region and across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, the organization and its foster volunteers are caring for more than 100 animals waiting for their forever homes, including dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. BC SPCA says many have been in its care for more than 100 days, with a higher number of animals needing homes than last year during the same period, particularly kittens and puppies.
BC SPCA says some animals came into care as strays or through animal protection investigations, while many were surrendered because their owners could no longer afford their care, had more animals than they could manage, or faced challenges finding pet-friendly housing. The organization also says it has advocated for legislative change to increase access to pet-friendly housing to keep families and loved pets together.
BC SPCA senior officer of government relations Sarah Herring said, “Pets reduce loneliness and help people make important social connections,” adding that, “Pet restrictions in rentals and strata make systemic housing barriers even more challenging, and force people to make the heartbreaking choice between a member of their family and a roof over their head.”
BC SPCA highlighted two animals currently waiting at its centres. Cher is a three-year-old female rabbit in the qathet Community Animal Centre that recently recovered from entropion surgery and may have partial vision loss in her right eye; the qathet team said she is “waiting for a home that will let her settle in at her own pace, a cozy setup, some patience and a well-stocked veggie drawer.” Across the region, BC SPCA Comox staff described Kota as having “missed out on important experiences and life skills dogs typically learn when they're young,” while saying he has “embraced his new world with enthusiasm and is making great progress.” Staff said he needs “a patient, confident owner who can provide structure, guidance and plenty of love.”
BC SPCA regional manager of animal care services Leon Davis encouraged people to consider animals beyond their nearest community animal centre, saying, “We always want to see animals who are ready for adoption getting out of the centres and into their new homes as soon as possible,” and that “People do not need to limit their search to just their nearest community animal centre; they can also explore other BC SPCA centres to find the right animal companion for them.”
People interested in adopting can browse available animals at adopt.spca.bc.ca, while those who are unable to adopt can foster, volunteer, donate, or share adoptable pets and volunteer opportunities. For provincial election information, BC SPCA points readers to prpeak.com/2026-bc-votes.
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