File photo. (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Dylana Kneeshaw

COVID-19

Adoptions continue through Kamloops SPCA, while working on fundraising alternatives

Apr 15, 2020 | 4:39 PM

KAMLOOPS — While many organizations are having a tough time operating during the COVID-19 pandemic, animal adoptions through the local SPCA have been steady.

Before COVID-19, walk-in pet inquires were common at the Kamloops SPCA. Now, Community Engagement Manager Hayley Bennett says applications are filled out online, and if it’s approved, the SPCA will call you to set up a time to come see if the animal is a good match.

Bennett says she figures the uptick in interest comes from people having more time on their hands at home to be able to give a pet the attention and training it needs to settle into a new environment.

“We’ve seen incredible support from the community. We’ve really been able to get our numbers low in the shelter. Which is so important because we are anticipating and wanting to be prepared for those emergency cases that could, and will most likely come in.”

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Fast adoption turnarounds have kept spaces open at the shelter, but Bennett says the SPCA is growing concerned about how postponed fundraising events will impact revenue and operation costs.

“I know Kamloops specifically, we’ve had to cancel for 2020, and postponing it to 2021 — our major fundraising gala — the Furball — which really is a huge hit for our shelter, that’s our main fundraising for the year. And we’re missing our walk in donations, which those amount to a huge amount of our support.”

Bennett says they’ve also been working to gather food donations to provide pet owners in the community who are unable to afford it due to an employment change.

Anyone wishing to donate monetarily, or provide pet food and supplies to the shelter is asked to contact Kamloops SPCA online, or directly at (250) 376-7722.