A major win for exotic cats!
Wild cats like servals, leopard cats, and ocelots belong in the wild, not in private homes. That’s why the VHS welcomed a new provincial ban on the breeding, sale, public display, and future ownership of exotic cats in B.C. During the province’s consultation period, the VHS submitted recommendations supporting the ban and encouraged compassionate British Columbians to share their concerns about the exotic pet trade. Thanks to widespread public support, no more exotic cats will be brought into captivity as pets in B.C. While animals already in B.C. can be kept with a permit as long as welfare and…
The work to protect farmed animals continues
Major horse slaughterhouse closes Photo: Canadian Horse Defence Coalition A major step forward for farmed…
Exposing the harms faced by animals in entertainment
To many people, a day at the rodeo, a night at the races, a holiday…
Because They Matter returns this summer
For many people, a beloved animal is family, comfort, safety, and home.That bond is at…
Humane societies across B.C. unite to support animals and families
When people face challenges caring for a beloved companion animal, finding help can feel overwhelming….
Reptiles show signs of stress, repetitive behaviours in captivity
https://brocku.ca/brock-news/2026/04/opinion-melanie-denomme-discusses-repetitive-behaviours-in-reptiles/ New research finds repetitive behaviours in reptiles New research shared by a Biological Sciences…
Canadians eating fewer animal products to save at the till as grocery prices rise
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2026/04/28/household-spending-food-increasing-canadians-eating-more-vegetarian/ As grocery prices increase, more Canadians are turning to budget-friendly plant-based foods, according a…
CBC interview: Demand for veterinary assistance soars
The VHS’s McVitie Fund, which provides emergency veterinary assistance to pets in urgent need, has…
165,000 chickens perish in Abbotsford’s deadliest barn fire in more than 10 years
https://abbynews.com/2026/05/22/video-165000-chickens-perish-in-abbotsfords-deadliest-barn-fire-in-more-than-10-years/ We are deeply saddened to hear of the devastating loss of 165,000 chickens in…
Fishes suffer “excruciating pain” for at least 10 minutes after catch
https://www.earth.com/news/fish-suffer-excruciating-pain-when-killed-by-air-asphyxiation-during-catch-process/ A new study published in Scientific Reports and featured in an article from Earth.com…
New Westminster can make plant-based food part of its climate plan
New Westminster is asking residents and businesses to comment on its draft Climate Change Adaptation…
Welfare concerns renewed after fall involving horse and rider during bucking event at Cloverdale Rodeo
Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals. Bucking event at Calgary Stampede. A horse and…
Have your say: Canada’s Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Beef Cattle
The National Farm Animal Care Council’s (NFACC) Beef Code of Practice outlines guidelines for the…
Podcast: PlantUniversity’s campus advocacy, UBC VegFest, and expanding plant-based eating
All episodes In this episode of The Informed Animal Ally podcast, Vancouver Humane Society Communications Director Chantelle…
Your gift for pets will be matched this Mother’s Day
Donate to help pets like Mini and double your gift! To send an e-card with…
Beneath the surface: The hidden welfare crisis of pet fish
Bright aquariums filled with colourful fishes are often seen as calming, decorative additions to a…
Ontario racecourse ends horse racing
https://www.ctvnews.ca/ottawa/article/rideau-carleton-raceway-ending-horse-racing-program/ Following the closure of both B.C.’s active horse racing tracks in 2025, another racecourse…
B.C. bans exotic cats as pets. Thank you for speaking up for animals!
The VHS is celebrating an important step forward for animals in British Columbia. The provincial government has announced a ban…
New research spotlights cow intelligence
Cover image: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/smarter-than-you-think/202604/cows-are-smarter-than-you-think/amp New research featured in Psychology Today…
Study from UBC researchers explores pet surrender and rehoming
A new study on why pet guardians surrender their companion animals highlights the complex, difficult…
Proposed changes to Alberta’s animal protection laws leave “sport” animals vulnerable
Cover image: Calgary Stampede chuckwagon races. Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media. UpdateThe Alberta government…
Parvovirus outbreak in Vancouver: What pet guardians need to know
Guest authored by Dr. Connor Ward, BVMS, MRCVS (veterinarian) Quick summary: Parvovirus is a highly…
The campaign to regulate exotic animals in B.C. explained!
Share this post! Many of us, or children in our lives, have passed snakes around…
Endangered, exploited, and still imported.
Image credit: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Long-tailed macaques are the most heavily traded primate in…
Podcast: Animal advocacy and Vancouver Humane Society’s mission (Vegan Boss Radio)
All episodes The Vancouver Humane Society’s Chantelle Archambault sat down with Shawna Barker from the…
How to spot red flags when animals appear in media.
Image credit: Ana Norman Bermudez / We Animals Animals appear in tv and film, advertisements, and our social…
Progress for renters with pets in Quebec
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-no-pets-clause-rental-housing-tenants-landlords-9.7138728 Renters in Quebec have stronger grounds to challenge no-pet clauses in leases, marking important…
Podcast: A look back at The Informed Animal Ally Season 3
All episodes A look back at The Informed Animal Ally Season 3 In this month’s…
Honouring Ingrid Pollak: Founder of the Vancouver Humane Society
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Ingrid Pollak, founder of…
Scrolling past suffering: Exotic pets and social media culture
Social media has become one of the most powerful places where people learn about animals….
Terrified animals are used as TV props in Fear Factor: House of Fear
Cover image: ‘Fear Factor: House of Fear.’ Photo by Serguei Bachlakov VIA RealityBlurred.com. FearFactorUS, YouTube….