Chaos in his cone. (Image Credit: Curtis Goodrum / CFJC Today)

By Curtis Goodrum

VET BILLS

Kamloops SPCA concerned with growing trend of pet owners surrendering animals due to expensive vet bills

Jan 8, 2026 | 5:35 PM

KAMLOOPS – The BC SPCA in Kamloops had two dogs come into its care recently due to expensive emergency vet bills that pet owners were unable to afford.

The SPCA says this is a concerning trend it has seen in recent years as it forces them to care for more injured animals.

“We have seen a trend of a lot of animals surrendered recently because their owners are unable to pay their vet bills. Even things like regular spays and neuters can really add up for people,” Dana Coulter, the Kamloops BC SPCA animal care supervisor, told CFJC.

“Emergency vet bills can be upwards of $3,000, and if people aren’t expecting it, that’s often something that they’re not able to accommodate.”

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The Kamloops SPCA is currently caring for Bannock, a two-year-old female Kelpie mix who was hit by a slow-moving train, and Chaos, a one-year-old Argentine mastiff who was hit by a truck.

Coulter says the SPCA has to pay emergency vet bills for pets that are surrendered, adding it can affect their ability to take in more animals.

“Anytime that we do have an animal that comes into our care where the vet bills are adding up and putting a strain on our resources,” Coulter said. “If they have a touching story, we will put out a story to the public asking for help with donations.”

“Oftentimes, that helps ease the strain on us so that we’re able to help more animals down the road.”

There are ways to limit the chances of emergency medical issues, Coulter said, such as routine checkups and making sure homes are animal safe.

“Making sure that they’re not left unsupervised in unfenced areas and that they’re always on leash around moving vehicles, trains, roadways, stuff like that,” Coulter said.

“I highly encourage everyone who adopts a pet to look into pet insurance. If you get your pet on pet insurance when they’re pretty young and healthy, it can help save you from some major medical bills later on.”

As for the two aforementioned dogs, they’re both on the mend. Bannock needs one more surgery while Chaos will need a few more weeks in his cone.

Both animals are currently looking for their forever homes through the SPCA’s Foster-To-Adopt program.