BC SPCA Animal Custody Costs

What Pet and Animal Guardians Should Know

When the BC SPCA seizes an animal the pet guardian is responsible for the days that the animal stays in the shelter, any food fed, the daily care or veterinary treatment the animal receives. These services can add up particularly since the public already pays for the costs with the donations that are intended to be used by the BC SPCA for the care of animals.

Lack Of Standard Fees Policy

There is no standard fee policy applied for the costs that the BC SPCA can or will charge the pet guardian. However, the fees must be paid even if the BC SPCA decides to return or not return the animal(s).

Charitable Activities

People often do not understand how the BC SPCA can profit again when the public's donations have already covered the costs of caring for animals. According to the BC SPCA's audited financial statements, the society is running a surplus of well over $100 million from soliciting public donations claiming that they are needed for the care of animals.

Is The BC SPCA Running A Scam?

The BC SPCA is allowed to say whatever the society wants to solicit donations even if the donations are not necessary for the care of animals. People may believe that they are helping animals, however, it is well-documented by the BC Animal Law Reform Coalition (BCALRC) that healthy animals are killed by the BC SPCA.

Can the BC SPCA Kill My Pet

Absolutely. There are several instances where the society will destroy an animal. Even the healthy ones.

Does the BC SPCA Receive Government Funding

Yes. The BC SPCA received a whopping $12 million in 2023 from the provincial government despite its huge financial surplus.

Who Decides Whether My Animal Will Returned To Me

Although it cannot be said with certainty that the same person at the BC SPCA always decides the fate of your seized pet or animal(s), it can be the Chief of the animal policing unit, Marcie Moriarty, a lawyer by profession. In 2026, due to a complaint to the RCMP, Marcie Moriarity is being investigated.

The bottom line

The BC SPCA animal policing actions bring a substantial number of animals into the society that are retained and profited from. In this way, the BC SPCA by law is entitled to its costs from the pet guardian for the related costs, the public donations for the care of animals, and the profit from seized animals that are sold to the public.