“What you have done for me is a true miracle. No words I can say can express the gratitude I feel. The gift of saving Opi has been the greatest thing to have happened to me.” -Christine, guardian to Opi
Opi received life-saving treatment for an intestinal obstruction thanks to the McVitie Fund.
Each day, the Vancouver Humane Society’s McVitie Fund program is flooded with an ever-increasing number of applications and calls from distressed pet guardians seeking urgent veterinary care funding for their loved companion animals. The people who turn to the McVitie Fund are facing not only the stress, trauma, and uncertainty of a sick or injured animal but also the daily challenges of poverty. Women, Indigenous people, seniors, and individuals living with disabilities are among those most affected by these hardships—and most in need of support.
So far this year, the McVitie Fund has helped more than 400 animals in low-income homes across B.C. receive life-saving veterinary care. By the end of 2025, that number is expected to grow to 900 pets helped.
The McVitie Fund remains the only program in B.C. offering year-round emergency vet care funding at this scale. Every person who applies receives compassionate, trauma-informed support from the VHS team, whether or not they qualify for financial aid.
“Bobo is the only one I spend time with every day. I am very grateful to you for helping him through this difficult time so that he can continue his life.” – Elaine, guardian to Bobo
Bobo received surgery for a life-threatening urinary blockage.
Right now, thanks to a generous anonymous donor, your gift to the McVitie Fund will be matched, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000. This means right now your gift goes twice as far to help pets make it back home safely to the ones who love them most. As the bond of pets and their guardians is immeasurable, so are the true and lasting impacts of the McVitie Fund and the support of donors like you.
Layla and Mandy’s story
VHS received a touching story and request. Rather than paraphrase it, we wanted to share it with you in Mandy’s own heartfelt words:
“Layla came into my life when I needed her the most. Seven years ago, she was just a tiny, wrinkly puppy with the biggest, most soulful eyes. From the moment I held her, I knew she was special. She isn’t just a pet. She became my lifeline, my safe place, and my reason to keep going.
“She became my lifeline, my safe place, and my reason to keep going.”
Four years ago, I found the strength to leave an abusive relationship, and Layla was the reason I finally left. For years, I endured the pain, telling myself I could handle it. But when I saw the first signs of abuse directed at Layla, I knew I couldn’t let her suffer the way I had. Unlike me, she didn’t have the ability to make that conscious choice so we walked away together, and she has been my rock ever since.
Now Layla is in urgent need of veterinary care due to a rapidly growing mass that has changed in size and color within the past day. The growth has ballooned, with the end of it turning bright pink, and she has become lethargic and not acting like herself, which is deeply concerning. She has always been full of love, enthusiasm, and happiness, but now she is struggling, and I feel helpless.
Unfortunately, financial hardships have left me unable to afford the vet care she urgently needs. I work hard in landscaping, but with the high cost of living, I have exhausted all my options. I have reached out to multiple organizations for help and have been turned away, leaving me with nowhere else to turn.
I am desperately seeking assistance to get Layla the medical attention she needs. I love her deeply, and the thought of losing her because I can’t afford care is unbearable. Any help would mean the world to both of us. Thank you for considering my request.”
VHS funded Layla’s life-saving mass removal surgery.
Can you donate to the McVitie program, to make sure we can say YES to more animals like Layla?