Kamloops BC SPCA plea for puppy fosters

KAMLOOPS– Just a few years ago, puppies were a rare sight at the BC SPCA, now, throughout the province, litter after litter is being brought into shelters.

“2024 started with a bang for the SPCA,” said Ashley Fontaine-Ost, senior manager for the BC SPCA Thompson-Nicola Region

“We currently have 17 puppies in care right now. Several of those are in foster. And then we have another 20 that are waiting to come in sometime next week. “

Fontaine-Ost says there are many reasons for the influx of puppies, including the high cost of spay and neuter procedures and for-profit breeders unable to sell their puppies in a saturated market.

“This is really unprecedented times for the BC SPCA,” she said.

“It’s almost alarming the amount of puppies and kittens that we’ve seen come in through. You know, there’s typically like a kitten season and it’s just lasted all year long and the same with these puppies.”

Puppies less than eight weeks old aren’t able to live in the shelter and must be placed in a foster home.

“Their little immune systems just aren’t built up enough and they’re at risk of catching illness or disease, so we want to eliminate those risks at home as well,” explained Fontaine-Ost

The Kamloops branch is putting out a plea for local foster homes, but those interested should know what they are signing up for before reaching out.

“What we are looking for is a minimum three-week commitment where preferably homes that don’t have any small children or other animals in them, they need to have a designated space for the puppies that is enclosed,” said Fontaine-Ost.

“You have to be willing to travel, take them to vet appointments or bring them to the center for check-ins and of course, be prepared to give lots of love and to have lots of mess. ”

Those interested in the BC SPCA foster program can contact the Kamloops branch, or apply online.