August 11, 2026
With the Province of British Columbia in an active state of emergency due to the more than 100 wildfires burning across the province, the BC SPCA is prioritizing support for animals and their families who have been impacted by the fires.
To date, the BC SPCA has cared for 98 animals from Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay and the North and Cariboo regions through its emergency boarding program, with 71 of those animals still currently in care, and has provided other supports to animal guardians through its community animal centres and local Emergency Support Services.
“Being evacuated from a wildfire is terrifying and stressful for humans and animals alike. We’re trying to alleviate whatever burdens we can from pet guardians who have had to leave their homes at a moment’s notice. Whether that means caring for your beloved animal until you can get back on your feet or you just need a crate and a bag of food, please reach out and let us offer whatever peace of mind we can,” says Kaila Wolf, senior director, Media & Internal Communications. “We’re also so grateful to all the organizations, local businesses and community members who have opened their homes to those in need, donated food or supplies, shared information and resources in support of emergency response efforts in our communities.”
Support available for wildfire evacuees and their pets:
- Free pet food and supplies are available at BC SPCA community animal centresor through some Emergency Support Services centres.
- Temporary emergency pet boarding and care is available at no cost for anyone displaced by the wildfires. To arrange emergency boarding for your pets, please call the Animal Helpline (1-855-622-7722)
- Anyone with concerns about the care or rescue of animals left behind during evacuation can call the Animal Helpline (1-855-622-7722). Animal protection officers have been assisting behind firelines to provide feed and water, wherever capacity and appropriate permitting allows.
- Stray animals who have been brought into care whose guardians cannot be identified or contacted are posted on the local BC SPCA Facebook page. Contact your local BC SPCA community animal centre if your pet has gone missing during evacuation.
- Some areas have begun accepting applications for Temporary Access Passes, allowing ranchers and farmers to return to their property to check on farmed animals. Please inquire with the nearest Emergency Operations Centre or local government about the application process for these passes.
- Provincial Emergency Support Services:Anyone in the province impacted by the fires can call the provincial government’s Emergency Support Services toll free at 1-800-585-9559.
While focus remains on supporting emergency response efforts, the non-profit organization is asking for patience and understanding from those who may see delays in response from the Animal Helpline or in getting support with other concerns.
Wolf explains “The BC SPCA’s ability to take animals into our care through surrender requests or respond to concerns about animals in distress is based on the urgency of the need and our available resources and capacity. We are so grateful for the understanding from anyone who may experience a slightly delayed response while we are supporting those displaced from wildfires. If your concern is urgent or time sensitive, like a dog in a hot vehicle, please start by contacting your local bylaw or law enforcement agency for help first.”
Clinton Animal Control Information
If you have an animal control concern or have a lost or missing pet, please contact the Village of Clinton Animal Control Officer, Kaitlyn Allan at 778-207-9423.
