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By Pete McIntyre

Active animal helpine

SPCA adds new staff person for Vernon, still providing services despite no shelter

Apr 1, 2024 | 5:00 AM

The BC SPCA may have closed its animal centre in Vernon last year, but the society says it is still active, and helping animals, in Greater Vernon.

Ashley Fontaine-Ost, senior manager with the BC SPCA in the Thompson-Nicola region said since the closure of the Vernon Centre on Haney Road last November, the agency has continued to provide services and support to the community.

“Our animal helpline has received 82 calls for assistance from animal protection services from Vernon residents since November 15 of last year, just three less than the previous year during that time,” Fontaine-Ost told Vernon Matters.

Fontaine-Ost said the SPCA has also continued to run its pet food bank program, take in surrendered and stray animals, provide emergency boarding services, and offer humane education programming.

The animal care society also introduced a new Vernon community services coordinator to its team in February.

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“The coordinator will be taking over the operations of the programs and services that we offer in Vernon and the surrounding area, manage our volunteer services including our foster network, triage and transport stray and surrendered animals, and provide community outreach and support for residence and stakeholders,” Fontaine-Ost explained.

The senior manager said the best way to get a hold of the BC SPCA for services and support is to call their Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722. All calls from Vernon and surrounding communities will be directed to the Vernon Community Services Coordinator.

“The Animal Helpline is available from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days aer week (closed on stat holidays) to answer questions about BC SPCA services in the community, address animal care concerns and accept reports of animals in distress, and to help with next steps for lost/found animals in the community,” Fontaine-Ost said.

For more information on other programs and services visit their website BC SPCA Vernon.

The SPCA stands for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.