Animal welfare organization in Okanagan region reports excessive number of animals in need of rescue, an apparent record for pet overpopulation.
The Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) is currently experiencing a crisis in animal rescues, with the numbers of animals in need reaching record highs. The crisis, which started post-pandemic and has continued, is pleading for public help and donations.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, the OHS is partnering with various organisations for fundraisers across four branches. The fundraisers are scheduled to start at 10 a.m. and go until 2 p.m. on Saturday. The participating branches include one in Vernon, two in Kelowna, and one in West Kelowna.
In Vernon, representatives from the bank and OHS will be at the Safeway on 32nd Ave. The Kelowna Veterinary Hospital is seeing animal owners making difficult decisions due to the high cost of living, and the fundraisers in Kelowna will take place at Save-On-Foods on Lakeshore Road and at the Orchard Plaza. In West Kelowna, the fundraiser will take place at the BC Liquor store on Dobbin Road.
Dr. Ellen Nicklassen, the clinic's owner, stated that the cost of living is a significant factor in the current crisis, with groceries, rent, utilities, etc., having to come first, necessitating the need for affordable care. The clinic offers a spectrum of care, with options to access affordable care.
The OHS is on track for a record year, having rescued and supported 3,534 animals in 2025. However, the crisis is not just limited to the OHS. In recent years, British Columbia organisations have faced crises linked to agricultural sustainability pressures and the consolidation of farms, with smaller operations struggling to afford compliance costs for sustainability programs and facing closures or forced expansion/sale. These organisations also need public support and donations to survive these challenges.
A new contributing factor to the crisis is the prevalence of parovirus (parvo), a severe and highly contagious viral disease. The numbers of parvo cases are likely much higher across the community, considering the 20 reported cases are from just one rescue group. OHS has hospitalized 20 puppies in its care due to parvo this year, with three of them dying.
The prevalence of parvo in communities is believed to be a result of people not getting their animals vaccinated. The high cost of living is making it difficult for many pet owners to afford necessary veterinary care, leading to a decrease in the number of vaccinated animals.
The fundraisers aim to raise funds to support the OHS in its mission to provide affordable care and combat the crisis in animal rescues. Scotiabank is set to support OHS with its annual Fetching Funds campaign on Saturday. The OHS is urging the public to come out and support the fundraisers, as every donation counts in the fight against pet overpopulation and the spread of parvo.
Read also:
- Honoring Ayurveda Day 2024: Tapping into the Power of AYUSH for Worldwide Wellbeing
- casesof West Nile virus resulting in fatalities in Greece, with seven individuals confirmed to have succumbed to the disease
- Nutrient-Packed Wonders: Why Sardines Deserve Respect for Their Health Benefits
- Assessing the Importance: Deciphering the Meaning Behind an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Diagnostic Examination
