There’s a new BC SPCA animal behaviour centre coming to the Cowichan area, and construction is expected to start in the next few weeks.
This first-of-its-kind build will aim to help the growing number of animals entering the BC SPCA’s care, particularly animals who are fearful, under-socialized and in need of significant behavioral support.
The Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre will provide these animals with a calm, nurturing environment to grow and thrive in before being put up for adoption.
“When an animal enters the care of the BC SPCA with behavioural challenges, our staff do everything they can to support their unique needs, but a busy shelter setting isn’t always the best place for that animal to thrive,” explains Leon Davis, BC SPCA Senior Manager of Animal Care Services for the Island and Coastal Region.
“Giving that animal time in a calmer environment with a team of dedicated animal behaviour specialists offers them a better chance to see the comfort of a loving home much quicker.”
According to a media release, as many as 18% of dogs and 30% of cats (depending on the community) will require more specialized care.
The new BC SPCA centre will have a number of unique features, including a room that replicates a ‘real home,’ so that the animal can participate in behavioural modification activities resembling what the animal will experience after adoption.
This building will replace the BC SPCA Cowichan animal centre at its existing location in Duncan. Once opened, the Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre will continue to provide the Cowichan community with animal welfare services.
As of October 6th, the current BC SPCA Cowichan animal centre will be temporarily closed for construction, which is slated to last around 16 to 18 months.
The centre has begun limiting its animal intake to prepare for the closure, however, an adjusted service delivery model will be in place as the new centre is being built.
“Maintaining the BC SPCA’s presence in Cowichan during construction is very important to us. We have leased an office space to be the ‘homebase’ for staff who will continue to facilitate animal intake and adoption by appointment, support the BC SPCA’s local volunteer programs, including animal fostering, and provide our outreach offerings like the pet food bank,” Davis said.
“The team of experts at the Animal Helpline will continue be [sic] the first point of support for anyone needing assistance with animal surrender, stray animals, emergency boarding requests, or concerns about animal cruelty.”
If you’re in the Cowichan area and need help with animal surrender or other BC SPCA services, contact the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722.
