- The Vancouver Humane Society is raising alarms about a dramatic increase in emergency veterinary assistance requests.
- The McVitie Fund, which provides life-saving veterinary assistance to low-income B.C. residents, has seen more than 10 times as many applications so far in 2025 compared to 2020.
- The rising cost of living as a driving force behind the growing need for help.
- The VHS is reaching out to the community to help pets come home safe and calling for long-term solutions so no animal guardian is forced to choose between paying for their basic needs and life-saving pet care.
Read or watch the news story from CTV News Vancouver below.
“The Vancouver Humane Society has expressed serious concerns regarding what they describe as an alarming trend in emergency veterinary assistance requests, which have reached unprecedented levels.”
“Chantelle Archambault from the Vancouver Humane Society referred to the McVitie Fund as a ‘lifeline for people who have nowhere else to turn.'”
“We’re seeing the cost of living is impacting everyone, and they’re just struggling to keep up,” she added.
“The program is designed to assist those living below the poverty line. Many beneficiaries rely on income sources such as Persons With Disabilities, Income Assistance, Canada Pension Plan, or Old Age Security.”
“Archambault explained that many individuals are left with only $100 to $200 after paying rent, making a large veterinary bill devastating.”