Having a pet in your life can bring the benefits of companionship, connection and more time spent outdoors engaging in physical activity such as going on walks and throwing the ball or stick.
Pets can also help you feel more secure in your home as they can alert you if they hear anything suspicious. Animals and humans can enhance each other's lives significantly, and the depth of bonding can result in monumental results.
There are many animals that have been abandoned or abused or simply cannot stay with their previous owners. Adopting an animal is a way to help and bring joy and comfort into an animal's life who might otherwise end up living out its life in a shelter or, in the worst case scenario, euthanised.
There are a few crucial things to consider before making the decision to have a pet:
Living arrangements - If you own your house, consider whether your yard is suitable for a pet. Things like fencing and adequate space for your pet to relieve itself and run around are important. If you live in an apartment, it’s ideal if there are parks or trails nearby. If you are renting, make sure that your landlord allows pets in the building. If you live on the same property as others, make sure that if they have any pets, your pet won’t be intrusive to your landmates or a threat to the animals that already live there.
Finances - You will be spending more money once you have a pet. Registration, food, immunizations, essential supplies, microchipping, training and vet bills are some of the costs to consider. Many pet owners opt for pet insurance to make sure they are covered in the case of medical emergencies.
Lifestyle - If you like to travel or if you rely on public transit to get around, make sure you can bring your animal. Many public transit options allow people to bring their animals with them if the animal is small enough to fit in a carrying case. Larger dogs can go on an aeroplane in a kennel. If you need to leave a pet at home while you are away, make sure you have a reliable pet sitter for your animal.
READ: Moving with Pets Made Easy: Best Pet Carriers & Pet Transporters
Time/attention - Just like humans, pets need connection, exercise and love. Take a look at your daily commitments and make sure you have time and energy to devote to the well-being of your pet. Training is a gift you can give your dogs - just like in raising children, dogs benefit from good boundaries and structure.
Regular care and maintenance - Many pets such as those that have hair instead of fur need to go to the groomers regularly. Most pets need their nails trimmed as well. Regular vet checkups are also a factor to consider.
The SPCA provides care for sick, neglected, abused and homeless animals in the Vancouver and West Vancouver areas. This NFPO relies on volunteering and community donations to be able to help animals in need.
SPCA kids camps and programs are offered, giving children an opportunity to care for and learn more about animals in need, in turn fostering greater compassion and nurturing skills. SPCA animals are available for fostering and adoption into suitable homes.
1205 E 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1R1, Canada
Monday - Wednesday: 12:00 p.m to 4:30 p.m; Thursday: Closed; Friday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m; Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m; Stat Holidays: Closed
+1 604 879-7721
1020 Marine Dr West Vancouver BC V7T 1B1 CA
Adoption & Animal Viewing: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Other services: Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m, Monday: Closed, except for by appointment, Stat Holidays: Closed
+1 604 922-4622
City of Vancouver Animal Services have a pet adoption program that places 200-300 dogs and other small animals into their forever homes, every year.
The program helps dogs, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and the occasional reptile get adopted and live a happy life.
City of Vancouver Animal Services
1280 Raymur Ave Vancouver, BC V6A 3L8
Open daily, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed on holidays.
This online platform helps animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to adopters, for free.
1500 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2Z6, Canada
NHDRS is a registered dog rescue organization based in B.C. They committed to finding loving homes for stray or unwanted dogs and puppies from remote Canadian communities. Pets are adopted through an online platform.
800 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6M2, Canada
northernhope.drs@gmail.com
Vokra rescues, heals, then homes cats—first in a network of foster homes, then in carefully matched, loving, forever homes. Vokra is a volunteer-driven charity whose volunteers have extensive cat care experience.
They believe that no-kill is the only responsible approach. VOKRA doesn’t operate a traditional shelter - all of their cats and kittens are housed in foster care while they wait to be adopted.
PO Box 74571 Vancouver, BC V6K 4P4 Canada
+1 604-731-2913
Rescue Me Dogs is located in Vancouver and rescues dogs from overpopulated shelters in California, USA.They are 100% foster based so dogs will not go back into the shelter system while they wait for their approved forever homes in Greater Vancouver.
558-1231 Pacific Blvd Vancouver, BC V6Z0E2
SNAPPS is a First Nations Animal Rescue & Care group run by Squamish First Nation members & partners. Any animals coming through SNAPPS are put into private foster homes until adoption.
718 - 333 Brooksbank Ave #241, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3V8
Open Monday - Thursday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
+1 778-384-3226
SNAPPSociety@gmail.com
Action for Animals is an NFPO committed to rescuing, rehabilitating, and providing care for abandoned and unwanted cats and small animals. AFA welcomes volunteers, donations, and referrals to support their mission. Those interested in adopting can find a variety of animals, including kittens, older cats, and occasionally dogs, available for adoption.
The organization also runs a Cats for Seniors program, catering to individuals aged 55 and over who seek the companionship of a cat but may need assistance with care. Action for Animals provides everything necessary for pet care, including food, litter, transportation to appointments and veterinary costs.
Action For Animals in Distress Society
4974 Kingsway Unit 652, Burnaby, BC V5H 4M9, Canada
1 604-724-7652
READ: Do’s and Don'ts When Moving with Pets
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