BC SPGA campaigns for pet-friendly tenancies
BC pet owner and animal hardship help
Political Voice for BC pet owners and their pets
Advocate for animal policing reform
Overview of BC SPGA Programs
Our mission is rooted in the belief that positive change begins with meaningful dialogue.
BC SPGA urges the BC public to keep up the political pressure for pet-friendly housing.
Access For Animals In BC Tenancies
Working to decrease or prevent barriers and discrimination faced by people with pets and animals.
Many British Columbians would have an animal family member if they could find affordable pet-friendly housing.
Premier Eby made a re-election promise to enact a policy that aims to ensure that landlords cannot deny housing to tenants with pets. The Premier promised to end pet discrimination in housing rentals.
Surrendered animals should have a fair chance to live with loving families and individuals. To this end people with pets and the public can email the BC Premier & Housing Minister with a pre-written email.
The BC SPGA also runs an active campaign for BC pet-friendly tenancies today!
We advocate that animals who are currently legally considered "property" be recognized as sentient beings and beloved family members. In this way, guardian and animal rights have a stronger presence in society.
Advocating For Legislative Change
Over 2.5 million British Columbians (that's over half of the BC population) have pets and animals. Yet people with pets have no rights or protection. There is no legislation which assists or protects the lives of ourselves and the animals in our care.
The victims are the animals and their beloved human family.
BC SPGA advocates for change. The Society has proposed to the provincial government that people with pets in the province receive an annual B.C. Pet Bonus and Pet Tax Credit so that the additional financial burdens and challenges for people with pets would be lifted.
At BC SPGA, our mission is clear: to foster a compassionate community where every animal is treated with respect and dignity.
With BC SPGA's campaigns our volunteers, members and the public have a say!
Resources For Animal Guardians in hardship
In our province, we understand that pets are not just animals; they are cherished family members who provide companionship, love, and emotional support. However, life can sometimes present unexpected challenges that may leave people with pets and animals in crisis or hardship situations.
The Guardian and Pets In Hardship Program is open to all residents of our province who find themselves in a crisis situation that affects their ability to care for or keep their pets.
The impact of our Society's volunteers extends far beyond basic assistance; they embody the spirit of compassion and community engagement. No one who has pets or animals should feel alone during difficult times, every pet deserves a loving home and people with pets deserve access to help when they need it most.
As a non-profit organization, BC SPGA relies heavily on the generosity of our supporters. Every donation — no matter how small — contributes significantly to our mission of helping families and individuals with pets stay together.
Pets enrich our lives in immeasurable ways, providing comfort and companionship that can be vital during challenging times. The Guardian and Pets In Hardship Program aims to ensure that no one with a pet has to choose between their wellbeing and the welfare of their animal companions.
Help us to help others🐾
Animal Enforcement
The reality is that people with pets in BC are subjected to an overwhelming level of scrutiny and policing at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars to tax payers.
In 2023, British Columbia recorded a total of 393,928 Criminal Code offenses. Of these, only 21 offenses were related to animal cruelty. That’s just 0.005% of all offenses and over half of the population have pets and animals! It raises an important question: Why is the Province paying hundreds of millions for over-policing people with pets?
People with pets are policed by the Province's 161 municipalities, the RCMP, the Surrey Police Services (SPS), the BC SPCA, the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the BC Agricultural Ministry, with the 2nd tier of policing administered by a Tribunal and the Courts.
The overlap and duplication of animal enforcement by the authorities result in a financial burden to the taxpayer costing many hundreds of millions.
The call for reform is not just about financial efficiency; it’s about fairness for people with pets in British Columbia. The cost to the public for animal enforcement should be minimal with maximum efficiency.
Support change for effective and affordable animal enforcement
BC SPGA RESCUE & SANCTUARY PROGRAM
Making British Columbia's animal lives the best that they can be.
"No-kill Shelters are a type of animal shelter with an anti-euthanasia policy for the animals they house. The most widely accepted definition of a no-kill shelter is a place where all adoptable and treatable animals are saved and where only unadoptable or non-rehabilitatable animals are euthanized.
Humane societies and SPCAs often euthanize pets because they cannot find homes for them."
- Wikipedia
BC SPGA supports only NO-Kill rescues, shelters and sanctuaries in British Columbia.
The BC SPGA Rescue & Sanctuary Program helps NO-kill rescues struggling to meet the needs and strain of the many animals that end up in their care.
On some occasions, BC SPGA provides assistance for one animal in care in a BC rescue, shelter or sanctuary when there is an urgent need.
Where an animal can be saved and live a comfortable life BC SPGA endeavours to assist with resources which may include easing financial challenges.
Read more on the BC SPGA RESCUE & SANCTUARY PROGRAM.
Networking
Animal and pet guardians represent over half of the British Columbia population.
By networking BC SPGA communicates with people who have pets all over the province to share views, hear suggestions, ideas, feedback and participate in surveys.
Networking is used to widen our animal and guardian interests and to increase our awareness of news and trends.
This year a special online platform Meet N Greet was launched to bring animal lovers together in our province.
Businesses in BC can meet their public with our working together program.
Professional networking on behalf of people with pets and animals on various platforms provide an awareness of the interests that we represent and for people to engage and share information.
Awards Gala The "Circle Craft" of Galas
BC SPGA Awards Gala is held for outstanding service and contributions in our community.
Every year we hold a 'grass roots' Awards Gala featuring outstanding contributions in our community. Participants are encouraged to dress casually and comfortably for an event of celebration.
Animal guardians are welcome to bring their pets who will be warmly greeted and treated to healthy treats and goodies.
There will be Outstanding Service awards, Outstanding product awards and most of all lots of fun and exhibition tables of vendors supplies and produce. The "Circle Craft" of Galas!
We welcome suggestions and event volunteers.
Pets and Kids Club
🐶 Our children are our future and living with animals is one of the most rewarding experiences in life! The BC SPGA Pets and Kids Club is all about creating unforgettable memories for children and their furry friends. From exciting excursions to heartwarming hugs with animals, we're on a mission to inspire compassion and foster a love for animals in the next generation.
Our adventures are designed to educate, entertain, and create lasting bonds between kids and their beloved pets 🐶🐱
Kids membership to the Pets and Kids club are always free!
Virtual Puppy and Dog Training program
🐶 Trainers with expertise and experience to guide and provide the solutions for all ages, breeds and behaviours for a special pup or beloved dog.
💻 Participants decide whether to use a cellphone or computer for the virtual training lessons from anywhere the puppy or dog feel most comfortable and relaxed.
The Virtual Puppy and Dog Training program is affordable and if a puppy or dog was adopted from a rescue, shelter or non-profit society the first session is free.
Join BC SPGA Today!
Be the Voice for people with pets.