Author: Amy Morris

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Media Release

New project launched to help homeless women and their pets

Vancouver – The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) has joined with the North Shore Crisis Services Society (NSCSS) to launch the first partnership of its kind in a project designed to help women and pets in crisis.

The project, funded in part by a $30,000 grant from PetSmart Charities® of Canada and a $9,000 grant from North Shore Community Foundation, will help homeless and loosely housed women who face barriers to accessing housing and support because they have pets. Many support facilities do not have the knowledge or capacity to address the animal health issues that come with housing pets.

The project will provide funding for preventative and urgent veterinary costs for pets, ensuring they are in good health and not a risk to human health. This could include medical treatments; flea, tick and deworming treatment; vaccinations and health checks.

“Women with companion animals have more difficulty finding housing,” said VHS executive director Amy Morris. “By ensuring their pets are in good health this project will allow homeless women to meet the requirements of housing and support social service agencies with concerns about taking in animals.”

Morris said that, under the partnership, NSCSS’s eligible clients would be able to apply to VHS for funding to pay for veterinary care and other support for their pets. VHS expects the project will add more partners in the coming months, offering more help to homeless women and their animals.

Laura Reynolds, Executive Director at NSCSS said: “North Shore Crisis Services Society provides safe and secure housing to abused women and their children. Pets can often be used as a means of control by an abusive partner, and we are grateful for this opportunity to partner with VHS to enhance our support for women, their children and their pets.”

“Far too often women living in unsafe situations face barriers when searching for pet-friendly transitional housing,” said Dani LaGiglia, regional relationship manager at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “We are proud to support these efforts that ensure women and pets in Vancouver can transition to safety together.”

More information about the program
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Vancouver council votes in favour of the human-animal bond

The impacts of Covid-19 on mental health, and the demonstrated positive impact of companion animals, led to a renewed call to Vancouver City Council to support an end to ‘no pets’ clauses in rental contracts.

The Vancouver Humane Society wrote a letter on October 5 to council, encouraging them to advocate for companion animals, noting that in Ontario the legislation is better worded.

The letter highlights that no pet clauses, as well as clauses that restrict weight, height, and breed, are arbitrary and unnecessary. Referencing Ontario, it also acknowledges the importance of a process for landlords to address issues related to aggression, noise, and allergies, should they arise.

Read the letter

On Thursday, October 15, 2020, Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to take two actions:

  1. To advocate for the province to end the prohibition of “no pets” clauses in rental contracts.
  2. For staff to look into what the city can do to curb landlords’ right to refuse rental on the basis of pet ownership.
Pets may finally be able to rest easy if action is taken by the Province as a result of the City of Vancouver’s motion

We congratulate the City of Vancouver for this progressive action and look forward to engaging with them to ensure safe homes for all citizens.

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Webinar: Powerful actions to protect animal welfare

On July 22, 2020, Vancouver Humane Society’s executive director, Amy Morris, interviewed campaign director Emily Pickett. Emily highlights actions that we can take as individuals to protect animal welfare.

Powerful Actions to Protect Animal Welfare

1. Eat plant-based food 2. Be curious 3. Celebrate food victories 4. Visit an animal sanctuary 5. Petitions & political engagement 6. Apply the skills you have https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/our-work/

Emily shared her personal journey from first learning about animal suffering to identifying actionable solutions to the ‘wicked’ problems. She shared about her personal decisions to improve the well-being of animals, as well as some of Vancouver Humane Society’s long-term goals when it comes to protecting animals.

To learn more, visit Our Work.

  • Amy Morris, Executive Director
  • Emily Pickett, Campaign Director
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Update: A win for owls and bears!

Update: A win for owls and bears!


The B.C. government has agreed to permanently halt logging in the Dakota Ridge area on the Sunshine Coast. The decision was announced in early March in a joint government/Skwxwu7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) press release. The area had been part of a plan by B.C. Timber Sales (the B.C. government agency that regulates logging on public land) to allow logging in area, which could have destroyed black bear dens that are concentrated on the ridge. Elphinstone Logging Focus, a local conservation group campaigning against the logging plan, reported on the win.

Meanwhile, the Spô’zêm Nation and environmental groups leading the campaign against planned logging in the Fraser Canyon have announced that the government has put the plan on hold. The logging would have threatened spotted owl habitat.

Thank you to the more than 2,300 VHS supporters who sent the following message to the B.C. Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development and to everyone who worked for these important wins for animals.

“I am writing to ask you to stop planned logging on the Sunshine Coast and in the Fraser Canyon that threatens the habitats of black bears and spotted owls.

Specifically, I’m asking that you halt a plan by B.C. Timber Sales to allow logging in the Dakota Ridge area of the Sunshine Coast that could destroy black bear dens that are concentrated on the ridge. Studies have shown that logging in the area would destroy up to 28 dens in two cut blocks. The forest on Dakota Ridge has some of the oldest trees in Canada, which provide ideal dens for black bears when they rot out at the base.

In addition, the provincial government has approved clearcut logging in the Fraser Canyon, which is a habitat for highly endangered northern spotted owls. The spotted owl has been listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act since 2003. I urge you to reconsider approval for this logging, which is a clear threat to this vulnerable species.

British Columbians value these animals and we expect the provincial government to protect them. Please take action to ensure their habitats are not destroyed by this ill-considered exploitation of B.C.’s forests.”

Campaign Background:

Spotted owl habitat under threat

The online magazine The Narwhal reports that the provincial government has approved clearcut logging in the Fraser Canyon, which is a habitat for highly endangered northern spotted owls.

Citing maps produced by the Wilderness Committee, the Narwhal report states that the B.C. government has “issued more than 300 logging approvals — totaling almost 2,000 hectares — in the spotted owl’s range from October 2018 to May 2020…” The spotted owl has been listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act since 2003.

Black bear dens would be destroyed

The Narwhal also reported that a plan by B.C. Timber Sales (the B.C. government agency that regulates logging on public land) to allow logging in the Dakota Ridge area of the Sunshine Coast could destroy black bear dens that are concentrated on the ridge. A study cited by the magazine concluded that logging in the area would destroy up to 28 dens in two cut blocks (areas authorized for logging).

The forest on Dakota Ridge has some of the oldest trees in Canada, which provide ideal dens for black bears when they rot out at the base. The area also provides the bears with plentiful blueberries and fresh water.

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Anti-racism & decolonization

As an organization working to end the oppression of animals, we acknowledge that to advocate for social justice we must work together to challenge and dismantle oppression in all of its forms. We are committed to listening, learning, and standing against racism and colonization.

We recognize that our voice has not adequately considered other movements, including Black Lives Matter. We have put together a list of resources that we are using to learn. Please do reach out if you have ideas about how we can improve as an organization in being anti-racist and decolonizing our work.

Some resources we have been learning about/from include:

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The big, challenging questions about plant-based foods with Peter Fricker

What plant-based foods are produced in Canada? Do you have to farm animals to produce enough food for Canadians? Would our economy fail if we stopped slaughtering animals? What’s the deal with vegan junk food? Learn about all of this and more by listening to our interview with VHS’ Projects and Communications Director, Peter Fricker.

Upcoming talk

On June 24, we are hosting an online presentation with Dr. Lisa Kramer, a behavioural economist at the University of Toronto, entitled Is the Future of Meat Plant-Based?. It is a free presentation and Dr. Kramer will be answering questions live! We have scheduled it for 12pm and 7pm to accommodate for different schedules.

Register now

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Help Brittney and Puggy

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Brittney and Puggy’s story

“Puggy came to me through a friend a few years ago, I have another cat named Jasper and they are buddies. I have always had a strong connection to my animals and they mean so much to me. I would do anything to make sure my cats are happy and healthy.”

Brittney, Puggy’s loving guardian

Last year Puggy had some health complications and ended up needing a surgery which was a very scary time. Brittney would visit him everyday at the vet and he was so happy to see her while he was healing.

“I am grateful the vet was so kind and let me make financial installments on his treatment because it was so expensive. Since then he has had to go back for several check ups and recently Puggy developed what seemed to be a bladder infection, which meant he needed further x-rays, urine samples, bloodwork and treatment.”

Brittney contacted VHS last week as she was struggling to pay for Puggy’s veterinary care.

“I do not qualify for CERB (Canadian Emergency Response Benefits) and I’m a former youth in care living off of very little funding and school bursaries. I also have a disability which prevents me from being able to work and I can’t work during this time due to covid. Any assistance would be much appreciated as I can not afford a huge vet bill and have no other resources or people that can help pay.”

“Puggy is honestly the sweetest and most loving cat ever and he is very attuned to my emotions. We both love and support each other when we are in pain, and he loves to cuddle and is very social. I take him on walks in the garden and we sit in the sun together. I couldn’t imagine life without him.”

Could you help Brittney and Puggy by making a donation to our McVitie Fund today?

“Having help from the McVitie fund is a blessing especially during COVID-19. Animals are so special and because of programs like this one people can have support in making sure their animals are healthy and safe. No one should have to choose between their animal and paying for rent or groceries. Thank you from Puggy and I both, we are so grateful for the support!!”

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Help Brutus in his time of need

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When thirteen-year-old Brutus developed a persistent cough and began bringing up fluid, his worried owner Carol made several trips to their vet.

After two unsuccessful rounds of antibiotics, Brutus’ vet advised that he would need x-rays in order to diagnose the issue and prescribe Brutus with the medication he needed.

Carol is currently unable to work due to her own medical conditions, and is not yet receiving EI because of delays due to COVID-19.

“It is breaking my heart to think I may have to put him down because I do not have the funds to pay for his further tests and medication. Brutus is such an affectionate dog, sometimes I think he is human! We cannot imagine him not being part of our family. He could still have a few more years with us.”

Carol, Brutus’ loving guardian

Please consider making a donation today towards our veterinary care assistance program, the McVitie Fund, to help us cover the cost of Brutus’ x-ray. Thank you!

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Help Bubba

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Exuberant English Bulldog, Bubba, injured his leg while playing at the park.

When he began limping and showing signs of pain, his owner Holly took him to the vet, who confirmed he would need an x-ray, most likely followed by surgery for a suspected torn or broken ligament.

Holly, a single parent on disability, reached out to VHS for help.

Could you make a donation today to help us cover the cost of Bubba’s x-ray?

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Spike kept his tail thanks to our generous donors

Spike means a lot to his family. The black and white tom cat was just a kitten when he was adopted by a single mother and her children following a difficult family break-up. Spike’s guardian Allyson said it was a hard time for her children. “I desperately wanted to bring some joy and comfort into their lives,” she says.

Spike was happy to oblige and quickly became “everyone’s friend.” He loves attention, “nudging and pushing against your legs” and even blocking your path until he’s noticed, says Allyson.

Unfortunately, Spike had an altercation with another cat (or possibly local wildlife) and had a bad bite wound on the underside of his tail. The wound became badly infected and required immediate treatment, as there was risk the tail would need to be amputated.

As a single mom on a fixed income, Allyson couldn’t afford the cost of the medical treatment Spike needed so she asked for our help.  We were able to provide financial support through our McVitie Fund and Spike was treated right away.  His infection was addressed and, thankfully, there was no need for an amputation.  Spike recovered well and his grateful family is breathing a huge sigh of relief.

Our McVitie Fund saves lives!

The McVitie Fund is one of our most important projects, which provides emergency medical care for sick or injured animals.

We receive several phone calls a week from worried guardians asking us for financial help. Unfortunately, there are very few options available for low-income guardians in emergencies, that’s where our McVitie Fund comes in. The fund aims to keep beloved animals in their forever home instead of being surrendered to over-burdened shelters or unnecessarily euthanized.

Once again, a wonderful anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations, up to a total of $25,000, received towards the McVitie Fund from now until April 30th 2020. Your donation will be doubled through our challenge grant, meaning we will be able to help even more animals!

You can donate here.

Thank you!