Lower Mainland animal shelters at ‘crisis level’ as people unable to afford their pets

As the cost of living continues to rise in B.C., more and more people are surrendering their pets. Now, some Lower Mainland shelters are nearing capacity.

The B.C. SPCA says it has resorted to expanding its outreach services by offering residents more free pet food in hopes of being able to keep animals in care of their owners.

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in need. It started during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to rise every year since,” said spokesperson Lorie Chortyk.

In B.C., the price of shelter, food, clothing and fuel has risen sharply. While the rest of Canada’s inflation rates have cooled in recent months, B.C.’s level has remained unchanged at 6.2 per cent.

As a result, the Langley Animal Protection Society is describing its shelter’s current lack of space at a “crisis level.”