The BC SPCA says donations of pet food and supplies continue to decline even as demand increases.
The association said the drop in donations is likely related to the rising cost of living in British Columbia.
“Provincewide, we're seeing a decline in pet food donations to our centres,” said Diane Waters, outreach specialist with the BC SPCA.
“We all understand that the rising cost of living can make it harder to donate, but unfortunately, now is exactly the time our pet food bank clients need our help the most.”
The group said emergency situations, such as the Fort Nelson wildfire evacuations, have also exacerbated the problem, with pet food bank shelves quickly emptying.
“In an emergency like this, we need to coordinate quickly and move supplies that were going to one animal centre to another animal centre where evacuees are so we can support them while they are away from their homes,” she said.
Waters says donations of unopened pet food, supplies and cash to the food bank are welcome.
“Our biggest need right now is dry cat food, wet cat food and cat litter,” she said.
The BC SPCA also says it is looking for volunteers to help collect and distribute pet food and supplies.
Waters said there are many reasons why pet owners turn to pet food banks for help.
“People of all ages have a variety of reasons for needing temporary assistance from the BC SPCA, including families coming together to get food and other supplies needed for their pets from animal centres and local food banks,” she said.
“Sometimes you can't stretch your paycheck to the end of the month and you need a little help.”
