“Genuine lifesavers”: BCSPCA puts out call for foster volunteers

The B.C. SPCA is putting out a call for foster volunteers in the Quesnel area.

Alana Haynes, a regional volunteer co-ordinator for the SPCA, said the pandemic had forced shelters down to 60 per cent capacity to follow distancing guidelines.

She added the organization did a volunteer push in the spring when pandemic restrictions and kitten season stressed shelters.

“We haven’t been able to increase our capacity at all, in accordance with provincial regulations,” Haynes said. “We are possibly going to see another kitten season come in November. Once in a while, we get a second wave, and it looks like that’s a possibility.”

Foster volunteers have materials like food and bedding supplied by the SPCA, but most foster animals must be kept separate from owned pets.

“Most of our animals require medical attention or behaviour modification while they are in foster care homes,” Haynes said. “Some can be fairly well-adjusted, but a lot of the animals that come into our care do require special attention.”

Foster care volunteers are expected to care for an animal for anywhere from two to eight weeks.

Haynes said oftentimes, animals from Quesnel are transported to Williams Lake to be fostered.

“It’s a lifesaver for us,” Haynes said. “Our shelters couldn’t operate without foster care volunteers.”

Foster volunteer training has moved online in the wake of the pandemic.

Potential volunteers can go to spca.bc.ca/volunteer to apply.

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