When a fire broke out in Sara’s apartment building, Otis was trapped inside.
His brothers, Zi and Frey, made it out unharmed. But the extreme stress Otis experienced that day triggered a urinary blockage, a painful and life-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment.
Otis has been at Sara’s side since 2018. He is a snuggle bug who greets every visitor with a request for cuddles and, of course, snacks. Sara told the VHS that Otis is “the best big brother” to Zi and Frey. Losing Otis would be devastating for the whole family.
Otis started receiving care at Sara’s local animal hospital straight away. Veterinary staff moved quickly to place a catheter and start him on the medication and electrolytes he needs to begin his recovery. With continued treatment, Otis has a real chance to heal and return home, but time is critical.
Sara lost her home in the fire, and she is also currently on medical leave. She has very little left to cover the cost of the care Otis needs to come home safely.
Can you donate today to help Otis get the urgent care he needs to come home to Sara?
Did you know August 28th is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day? This day was originally created to honour our companion animals who have moved on.
This day reminds us of the undeniable and special connection between humans and their pets: the unwavering love they share and their reminders to be present, to be silly, and to always take advantage of a good sunbeam nap.
Today, in observation of Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, we invite you to give a special gift in honour of a pet who lives in your heart and has changed your life forever.
When you donate below, you can choose to give in honour of a beloved companion. Your thoughtful gift will pay tribute to their life and bring hope and healing to animals in need today. 🌈
Looking for other ways to support? Share this blog post! ❤️
Several hundred residents of the Downtown Eastside community visited the Because They Matter table in Pigeon Park on Sunday, July 19, all eager to pick up high-quality supplies for their beloved pets. Event participants also spoke with many pet guardians about accessing the VHS’s free veterinary care assistance program.
Each person who connected with the team had a unique journey, and all had incredible bonds with their pets.
Here are some of the amazing people and pets who visited the Vancouver Humane Society’s table in Pigeon Park.
In all, the VHS team and event participants handed out hundreds of pet supplies and pamphlets about the Vancouver Humane Society’s veterinary assistance program.
The VHS’s veterinary support program helps animals get the care they need while staying with their loving families. The need for this program is growing every year, and it is essential that this need is met to make sure loved animals get the care they require without having to be surrendered to the already overflowing shelter and rescue system. The VHS’s veterinary support program is only possible through the help of donations from animal lovers like you.
Can you make a donation towards the VHS’s $18,000 Because They Matter fundraising goal to help animals and the people who love them?
One year old Chloe is a sweet, gentle little cat “with a big soft heart”. Jennifer rescued Chloe from a hoarding situation, and since then, Chloe has brought so much joy to her home, chasing her older brother Charlie, catching bugs, and playing with her favourite peacock feathers.
Recently, Jennifer noticed Chloe squinting in one eye that also appeared swollen. Jennifer rushed her to the vet, where she learned Chloe has a very rare eye issue that would need special eye drops to resolve.
Jennifer spent what she could on Chloe’s drops, but vets have determined that Chloe will need her eye removed to prevent ongoing pain. While the drops are keeping her comfortable for now, surgery will help Chloe get back to the long joyful life that is ahead of her.
Living on a low income and having spent all she could spare on Chloe’s eye drops, Jennifer cannot afford Chloe’s surgery on her own and has reached out to the Vancouver Humane Society for help. “I just don’t want her in pain anymore,” she shared.
Thanks to a generous anonymous matching grant, donations toward the VHS’s McVitie Fund will be matched up to $30,000, doubling the impact of your gift for animals like Chloe.
Can you donate today to help Chloe get the surgery she needs to feel comfortable again?
For many people, a beloved animal is family, comfort, safety, and home. That bond is at the heart of Because They Matter, the VHS’s annual fundraising and outreach event returning for its sixth year on Sunday, July 19.
This meaningful event brings together compassionate supporters to distribute pet supplies and share information about accessing veterinary care with animal guardians living on the streets of Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside.
At last year’s event, participants handed out thousands of essential pet supplies, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members. Hundreds of pamphlets were also distributed about the VHS’s McVitie Fund, which helps pets of low-income families access urgent veterinary care.
For guardians facing poverty, the stress and uncertainty of a sick or injured animal can be overwhelming. Because They Matter offers practical support on event day, while also helping people learn about veterinary care assistance that may keep their beloved companions safe at home.
This year, our goal is to raise $18,000 to help meet the growing demand for the McVitie Fund. Veterinary care services through the program now total more than $450,000 annually and are 100% donor funded. Everyone is welcome to take part, whether by joining us in person or fundraising online.
Donate to help pets like Mini and double your gift!
To send an e-card with your kind gift, tick the “Yes, I want to dedicate my donation” box in the “Want to dedicate your gift to someone special?” section of the online donation form. Then, select “In Honour Of”.
Donate to help pets like brave mama Mini this Mother’s Day
Mini was a former feral barn cat who found a loving home with Kelly. When Mini went into labour at home, it quickly became clear something was wrong. Kelly rushed her to the vet and reached out to the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund for help.
At the clinic, vets were able to get Mini into emergency C-section surgery, saving her life and delivering one tiny kitten. Today, Mini is safe, her tiny kitten is by her side, and Kelly’s family is full of gratitude.When you make a gift to the McVitie Fund, you can also send a thoughtful e-card featuring Mini to someone you love. Your donation will help more animals like Mini receive life-saving veterinary care when they need it most.
Simply tick the “Yes, I want to dedicate my donation” box in the “Want to dedicate your gift to someone special?” section of the online donation form. Then, select “In Honour Of”.
Right now, gifts to the McVitie Fund will be matched up to $30,000 by a generous anonymous donor, doubling your impact for animals like Mini.
Your love will keep families like Kelly’s healthy and together.
In recent weeks, Melissa’s beloved cat, Oliver, has not been feeling like himself. Despite trying changes to his diet, he still needs further testing to understand what is going on. Melissa is worried about her best friend and wants to make sure he receives the care he needs.
Oliver has also been diagnosed with Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL), a painful dental disease affecting his back teeth. One tooth is broken and needs to be extracted, and he requires a full dental cleaning.
Before surgery, Oliver must have blood, urine, and pancreatic testing to rule out other health concerns.
Oliver has been by Melissa’s side since he was born in a sock drawer and came home with her at just eight weeks old. “He is my best friend,” she told the VHS. “He is the only constant I have had in my life. I love him more than anything.”
Melissa shared, “He drinks water only from a gently dripping bathtub tap. He follows me everywhere, even standing guard during showers. Doors are not allowed to be closed. He would be highly offended.”
Living on a very limited income, Melissa was not prepared for these unexpected veterinary costs. With help from the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program, Oliver can receive the testing and dental surgery he needs.
Will you donate today to help relieve Oliver’s pain and give him more healthy years with his best friend, Melissa?
Vancouver Humane Society is partnering with The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary this Giving Tuesday to make life better for animals!
Between now and December 2, you can donate directly to our joint campaign. We are also looking for businesses and individuals to support this campaign through matched giving donations. Check out our sponsorship package for more details.
Every supporter that donates towards the Giving Tuesday campaign will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win a $50 gift card toVegan Supply.
Happy Herd cares for 50+ animals including pigs, cows, goats, chickens, sheep, cats, and one dog! Each cherished animal has their own name and personality, and spends their days enjoying life with their fellow herd family members.
Your generous support of this campaign will support essential daily care costs like food and veterinary treatment, and will have a lasting impact on the lives of the animals who call The Happy Herd home.
The Vancouver Humane Society
Since 1984, the Vancouver Humane Society has been supporting individuals, organizations, and governments to take action for the welfare and rights of animals influenced by human activities.
The VHS is dedicated to ending animal suffering in all forms, including:
This Valentine’s Day, choose to send an e-card to someone you love when you donate to the VHS on their behalf! Your thoughtful donation will go towards improving the lives of animals, while letting someone special know you’re thinking of them.
When you donate below, choose to make a donation in honour of someone special and pick a thoughtful e-card that will be sent directly to their inbox. Simply tick the “Yes, I want to dedicate my donation”boxin the “Want to dedicate your gift to someone special?” section of the online donation form.
UPDATE: Help us reach out $12,000 goal for animals!
With just 12 hours left to bid, the Vancouver Humane Society’s online auction has raised $6,200 toward our $12,000 goal. Your generous bids are making a real difference for animals in need. Thank you!
You can help us reach our goal by:
• Bidding (and setting up autobids to stay on top!)
• Sharing the auction link with friends and family
Bonus: If your winning bid is 125% or more of the item’s value, you’ll receive a tax receipt for the amount above that value!
Every action helps create a kinder future for all animals.
With gratitude,
The VHS team
Join the VHS for an exciting online auction this fall!
There are more than 100 items available to bid on in the online auction, all generously donated by local businesses.
Some of the incredible gifts donated by local businesses
The auction will run from October 16-26.
There’s something for everyone in the auction, including: exciting experiences, cruelty-free clothing and accessories, and delicious plant-based food and treats! The silent auction is the perfect place to purchase unique holiday gifts for loved ones or to treat yourself to something special, and all for a good cause.
New items are being added each day so be sure to check back!
This year’s auction aims to raise more than $12,000 and we can’t do it without you! All proceeds from the auction will go towards the VHS’ work to advocate for animals.
