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Support for women and pets fleeing homelessness


Helping Women and Pets in Crisis Please donate to help keep this program operating

Over the past year, the Vancouver Humane Society has been partnering with women’s support agencies across B.C. to break down housing barriers. We need your support to keep this program operating in order to help women and animals like Mariam and Odin.

Mariam and Odin’s story

“It is difficult finding places that allow pets,” says Mariam, a client of the program whose name has been changed for privacy, “especially with non-refundable pet deposits which take away the limited income I have per month.” Mariam’s family is familiar with this struggle; her sister has already given up a cat because she couldn’t afford anywhere that would allow a pet to live with her.

When Mariam’s cat Odin got sick, she spent her rent money to get him medicine in the hospital to prevent him from suffering. “I accepted that I would have to go without some basic needs and put off rent for a couple of months to catch up financially.”
 
Thankfully, the Helping Women and Pets in Crisis program covered part of Odin’s urgent veterinary costs so that Mariam did not need to shoulder the financial burden alone. “That took away the worry about being able to afford the next couple of months, knowing we won’t have to struggle for a while.”

Your donation today will:


– Cover the cost of preventative care, including deworming, de-fleaing and vaccinations, to ensure that frequent changeover within the facility does not lead to zoonotic disease issues.
– Ensure that cats, dogs and small animals experiencing experiencing urgent medical issues will receive the veterinary treatment they need.
– Positively impact the lives of vulnerable women and pets by providing a financial safety net and the care and support they need in order to access safe housing. 

Thank you for your support!

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Max needed surgery

Max recently developed a lump on the back of his neck. When the lump broke open and wouldn’t stop seeping, his owner Margaret rushed him to the vet. Margaret was told that Max would need to be anesthetized so they could remove the lump, and also another lump which they discovered under his chin.

Max has been with his loving owner Margaret since 2013. He has been her shadow ever since.

We are connected like E.T. and Elliott. He means the world to me and my family. He lays on our furniture and spreads his love one hair at a time. My house looks like a snow globe because of his white fur!

Margaret, Max’s owner

A single mom on low income, Margaret knew she wouldn’t be able to afford his costly veterinary procedure.

It breaks our hearts to see him like this. Max has brought a lot of love to our home. He’s been there for all of us in so many ways. We just want his pain to go away.

Thankfully, the McVitie Fund is there to help in these difficult circumstances. The McVitie Fund relies entirely on the generosity of VHS’s supporters. 

Could you make a donation towards our McVitie Fund to help Max? 

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Limited Edition VHS Lager cans from Howe Sound Brewing Company

We are so excited to announce that the Vancouver Humane Society has partnered with Howe Sound Brewing Company for the release of their limited edition VHS Lager!

50c from each six-pack sold, will be donated towards the McVitie fund, which assists pet owners who are experiencing a period of life with low or no income. When their best furr-end gets injured or sick, the McVitie fund provides a safety net so that these super companions can stay in their loving homes.

Read more about some of the animals that VHS is currently helping.

The Vancouver Humane Society Lager will be available at private liquor stores. A list of stores will be added shortly. You must be over the age of 19 to purchase alcohol.

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Eat, shop or donate to help animals this Giving Tuesday

We are so pleased to announce that VHS is partnering with The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary this Giving Tuesday, to make life better for farmed animals.

Between now and December 1st, you can donate directly to our joint campaign, or help by supporting the generous local businesses who are partnering with us!

How your donation helps

Happy Herd provides a loving home to 36 animals rescued from the farming industry. Earlier this year, they welcomed two little lambs to their herd, Lincoln and Lola. Both lambs were born on commercial farms and rejected by their mothers. Lambs are typically sold for slaughter before they reach six months of age. 

Caring for this many animals, comes with a high cost of feed, veterinary expenses and grooming expenses. Your generous support of our campaign will have a lasting impact on the lives of these animals. 

VHS educates and supports individuals, institutions and policy makers, in transitioning towards a plant-based diet and cruelty-free lifestyle.

With your support, we will be launching an Online Plant-based Resource Center in 2021. The resource center will offer marketing tools for food service agencies, guidance to sourcing ingredients, recipe plans and online culinary training.

Visit our Plant-based Plates and Go Veg pages to find out more.

Thank you so much for your support of both of our organizations!

  • BRED – will be donating proceeds from the sales of their dog biscuits for the month of December
  • Chickpea – are donating 10% of restaurant sales on December 1st
  • Down 2 Earth – will be donating a percentage of proceeds from their new holiday beverages, on December 1st, which include: Nog latte, Gingerbread latte, Peppermint Mocha, and a variety of Hot Cocoa’s from Zimt chocolates
  • Ergogenics – are donating a percentage of their sales on December 1st, and offering a 10% discount for online shoppers, using the code GOVEGAN. If you spend $100 or more, you will also receive a free bottle of Ergogenics Plant Protein Berry 420g.
  • Kayefleur Prints – are donating 50% of sales from each animal and flower crown print purchased via www.society6.com/kayefleur from now until December 1st
  • Kind Cafe – are donating proceeds from sale of their Tahini Choco Cookies on December 1st
  • Kula Kitchen – are donating 5% of profits from online sales on December 1st
  • Lita’s Mexican Foods – are donating 5% of proceeds from retailer sales from Nov. 30th – Dec. 7th
  • Lotus Seed Vegan – are donating 50% of sales on December 1st
  • Modern Meat – are donating a percentage of proceeds from sales on Giving Tuesday
  • Nice Shoes are donating 10% of sales on December 1st
  • Panago – locations in Vancouver, North Vancouver and West Vancouver will be offering any large plant-based pizza for $10 on December 1st. $1 will be donated to our Giving Tuesday campaign for every plant-based pizza sold. Please use the code PLANT10 at time of order
  • Plant Veda are donating 10% of sales from their subscription box throughout December
  • Sprouted Oven by Silver Hills Bakery – are donating 3% of sales on Giving Tuesday
  • The Pie Hole – are donating 15% of sales from vegan purchases online and in store on December 1st. (Online orders must be ordered on December 1st for pick up on a later date!)
  • Vegan Supply – have added a virtual donation jar to their website, which will be live for a week, starting December 1st
  • Vegan Yarn Studio – are donating 20% of all sales on December 1st
  • Veronica’s Gourmet Perogies – are donating $1 per every dozen vegan perogies that are sold in store between Dec 1st – 12th
  • Westpoint Naturals – have generously made a donation towards our campaign
  • Willow’s Wax Bar – are donating a percentage of sales on December 1st
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Joyful George needed help

9-year-old George means everything to his owner Leah. Whenever Leah comes home, George dances in circles of joy.

Leah has bipolar and told VHS that she can’t imagine getting through her dark days without him.

He always knows when I am down and will cuddle and lick me when I’m very depressed.

Leah, George’s loving owner

Leah took George to her local veterinary clinic earlier this month after noticing his teeth were causing him pain. She was told that George’s teeth were badly abscessed and that he would need urgent treatment. The vet also noticed a cyst in George’s eye had grown and recommended doing a biopsy to confirm whether it needed to be removed.

Leah was able to put down a deposit for George’s treatment, but as she is struggling on low income, she was unable to pay the full cost of almost $1,000. That’s why she reached out to the McVitie Fund for help.

Could you help cover the additional costs of George’s medical treatment?

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Daphne’s lucky to be alive

Daphne is precious member of her family.  Her guardian Misty, a single mom, says Daphne loves to cuddle with her six-year-old son, who has a sensory disorder. She’s important to everyone in the family, and a loving dog who loves to entertain everyone with her antics.

She is a great dog, very brave. She is friends with all who know her. I love her like my child and the kids love her so much. I feel lucky to have had this dog in my life for seven years.

Misty, Daphne’s loving owner

Recently, Daphne escaped her backyard, pushing through a loose board in the fence and running out on the road.  She was hit by a car, badly injuring her leg. She required urgent and expensive surgery, but her guardian Misty didn’t have the funds to cover the cost. 

She was in bad shape and we were told that without urgent surgery she’d only have a few days to live.

Fortunately, VHS was able to step in and provide financial assistance through the McVitie Fund, ensuring that Daphne got the treatment she needed.

Could you help today by making a donation to help cover the cost of Daphne’s medical bills?

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Sweetheart Salem

Nicky adopted Salem 3 years ago, after seeing a photo of him in a nearby shelter. She took her time getting to know him and getting him to trust her before eventually adopting him.

I wanted to make sure that he was going to pick me, as well as me pick him. Right away he was the sweetest boy once home. He sleeps with me almost every night and knows my moods so well.

Nicky, Salem’s owner

Nicky suffers from severe anxiety and depression; which Salem helps her cope with. He is not only is giving Nicky a reason to get up in the morning but he helps her remember to take her medications too!

Last month Salem started showing signs of illness, and after a visit to the vet, he was diagnosed with a urinary tract blockage. Nicky was told that he needed emergency surgery, costing thousands.

The urinary blockage was so sudden, especially since he’s not a very old cat. He’s had no prior issues.

Knowing she couldn’t afford his surgery, Nicky reached out to VHS and several other organizations for help. She told us that Salem is her sweetheart and she’d be lost without him.

The McVitie Fund, generously funded by VHS supporters, contributed $500 towards Salem’s surgery.

Please consider making a donation today towards the McVitie Fund, to help animals like Salem receive the urgent veterinary care they need. Thank you for your support!

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Annie sleeps at Dora’s side every night

The McVitie Fund is always stretched to it’s limits. This week alone, VHS has received more than 18 phone calls from vulnerable individuals in the community looking for help to cover the costs of their companions unexpected veterinary bills.

VHS recently helped sweet little Annie, after her owner Dora reached out. Dora lives alone with Annie, after her husband passed away last year.

“Annie has been my ears for me since 2012 when I started to lose my hearing. I now depend on her at night to let me know if something happens around me. She has always slept with me and wakes me up by barking.”

Dora, Annie’s owner

When Annie started developing eye problems, Dora rushed her to the vet where they confirmed she had eye ulcers that required urgent treatment.

“I am now on disability and no longer able to work as a nurse as I have severe hearing loss. I am asking for help so I can have a few more years with my Annie.”

The McVitie Fund provides a safety net for vulnerable individuals, so they don’t have to give up or unnecessarily euthanize their companion. Could you make a donation today to help Annie and the many other animals in need?

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Chance needed surgery for cherry eye

Bev took little Chance in when he was just 6 weeks old. His mom had rejected all of the puppies in her litter and Bev wanted to give this puppy a chance – hence his name!

Since adopting Chance, he has been Bev’s loving companion and best friend.

Recently Chance has developed severe cherry eye, which is at risk of spreading to the second eye. After visiting my vet, I have been told that surgery is the only option, costing almost $400.

Bev, Chance’s owner

Bev is 74 years old and on a pension. The lease on her apartment is coming to an end and she is currently looking for a new place to live that will accept Chance. Finding suitable pet-friendly accommodation can be a daunting task for any of us.

Unexpected veterinary bills can be devastating for individuals who are struggling on low income; that’s why Bev reached out to our McVitie Fund for financial assistance to pay for Chance’s eye surgery.

Could you make a donation today to help cover the cost of Chance’s cherry eye surgery?

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Little Champagne urgently needed help

Since Vonette rescued Champagne, this precious pup has served as her support animal and has been a wonderful addition to her life.

When Champagne started having trouble urinating and passing blood one day, Vonette realised something was seriously wrong.

I took her to the emergency clinic at 4am and the vet discovered that she had a blockage in her urethra and a large stone in her bladder.

Vonette, Champagne’s owner

The veterinary services cost Vonette $499; an amount she cannot afford as she is living on disability income.

Champagne was discharged the same day with morphine, and Vonette contacted the McVitie Fund straight away to ask for help with her treatment.

The McVitie Fund assists vulnerable individuals on low or no income with emergency medical costs for their loved and well-cared for pets. This program ensures that animals do not have to be unnecessarily euthanized or surrendered to a shelter.

You can help keep Champagne and Vonette together by making a life-saving donation today towards her care.