Vancouver Island pets among thousands helped by BC SPCA food banks

The BC SPCA says its pet food bank program is facing record demand as rising living costs continue to put pressure on families across BC.

Since January 2026, the organization says more than 17,000 pets have received support through the program, helping families avoid surrendering their animals due to the rising cost of pet food.

One of those pets is Susie, a 10-year-old dog living on Vancouver Island.

According to the BC SPCA, Susie was taken in by a friend after her guardian passed away. During a difficult week, the caregiver turned to a local pet food bank for help keeping the dog fed.

The BC SPCA says situations like this are becoming more common, especially in rural and remote communities where costs can be even higher.

Last year, the organization expanded its pet food bank partnerships to more than 168 locations across the province.

One partnership with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul is helping bring pet food to communities  on northern Vancouver Island including Tahsis, Zeballos, Kyuquot and the First Nation communities of Ehattesaht and Oclucje.

“There will be many happy, tail-wagging dogs and cats this month,” said Paul Bertrand with the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.

Research from the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University found pet food prices rose sharply between 2021 and 2023 and have remained high through 2024 and 2025 due to increased transportation, packaging and protein costs.

“We’re also seeing households adjust by buying in bulk, choosing lower-cost products or relying more on pet food banks,” said Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, director of the Agri-Food Analytics Lab.

The BC SPCA says its pet food bank program is not government funded and relies on donations and community support to continue operating.

People looking to help can donate pet food, cat litter or monetary contributions through the BC SPCA website or at local BC SPCA locations.