Bow Valley SPCA

01/14/2026

It can be tough watching our residents wait so patiently for their perfect people to find them, but moments like this remind us that patience truly pays off. Columbus, an affectionate boy who loves the company of other cats, has always had a sensitive side. His gentle nature made it challenging for him to feel comfortable in busy, high‑energy homes.

But along came some special humans who saw past his initial shyness and recognized the sweet, snuggly soul beneath. We’re overjoyed knowing Columbus will soon be settling in with his new feline brother and his kind, forever family!

Columbus is looking for a forever home. Contact us for more information

01/11/2026

🎉 Congrats Remi! 🎉

After rocking a dental surgery extracting most of her teeth, waving goodbye to several unwanted old lady masses, and slimming down like the little champ she is, this fabulous senior Frenchton was ready for her glow‑up. And wow, did the world notice! She pulled in 30+ applications (a record number for a single dog!), proving once and for all that age is just a number when you’re this adorable.

But one family stood out as her perfect match: equal parts cozy, playful, and fully prepared to cater to her most important requirement… being held like a baby. All. The. Time. She’s now living her best life: snuggled, adored, and absolutely convinced the world revolves around her… which, honestly, it kind of does. We’re so happy for this senior lady who will be living out her golden years in style!

01/08/2026

As we welcome 2026, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible year we’ve had at The Bow Valley SPCA. From life-changing rescues to new beginnings for so many animals, 2025 was a year full of hope, love, and community support. We couldn’t have done it without you - our volunteers, donors, supporters, adopters, and animal lovers who continue to make a difference every day.

We invite you to join us for a special look back at 2025 in our Year In Review Recap video, filled with wagging tails, biscuit-powered breakthroughs, and the heart-melting adoption glow-ups that defined our year. It’s a celebration of all the lives we’ve touched, and we hope it inspires you as much as it inspires us!

Thank you for being a part of our mission to Make a Difference and Change Lives. Here’s to another year of second chances and happily-ever-afters!

- Daisy Hilchey, Bow Valley SPCA Adoption Centre Manager

The wait is over. It’s time to look back at the wagging tails, biscuit‑powered breakthroughs, and heart‑melting adoption glow‑ups that defined our year. Thin...

01/05/2026

Hi, I'm Sandwich, but my friends call me Sammy! If you've ever wondered what happens when you mix a dash of mischief, a sprinkle of sass, and a whole lot of sweetness... well, that's me. I'm a tiny tortoiseshell kitten with big confidence and even bigger personality, and trust me, I know how cute I am. I'm playful, clever, and endlessly curious. When I'm not busy cooking up mischief, I'm actually a world-class snuggler. I'll curl up on your lap, purr like a tiny engine, and remind you that life is better with a tortie by your side. I've got plenty of "tortitude" (and might throw in a love-nibble or two during our snuggle sesh) but I balance it out with a whole lot of love. I'd thrive in a home that appreciates a kitten with opinions, energy, and a big heart. I'm ready to steal yours! Dog-friendly: Untested, likely okayCat-friendly: YesKid-friendly: YesDo I Need Special Care?: No

Sandwich (Sammy) is looking for a forever home. Contact us for more information

01/03/2026

Thanks to your generosity and support, for our winter campaign this year we raised an astounding $124,517.20, exceeding our 100K goal! We are blown away by our amazing community, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you!

Here at the Bow Valley SPCA, we know we can’t change the world. But we can change the worlds of the cats and dogs who come into our care in need of a second chance.  

From all of us at the Bow Valley SPCA, we wish you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2026! 

We would like to thank our matching donors: Shannon Danylko, Barry Taylor, Wendy Mah, Carla Cumming Sojonky, Heather and Nick Wieler, and Stonewaters.

We would also like to thank our sponsors (second slide) for making this campaign such a success!

01/03/2026

Hi there, I'm Remi, a senior French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix with a huge heart, and an unconditional love of all people. I may have a little salt-and-pepper on my muzzle these days, but trust me, I've perfected the art of loving and being loved! My favorite thing in the entire world is simple: you! I'm happiest when I'm curled up in your arms, being held like the oversized baby I absolutely believe I am. If you pick me up (or more likely, if I demand "uppies" by stretching up your legs while standing on my hind ones), I'll melt into you. If you sit down, I'll be in your lap before you even finish getting comfortable. Affection isn't just something I enjoy, it's my love language. I don't need long hikes or wild adventures - although I'll happily toddle beside you for a few strolls around the neighbourhood each day to get my steps in - I just want a soft place to nap, a human to adore, and someone who doesn't mind giving me all the cuddles I've been storing up. I'm a senior gal, so I've outgrown the chaos of puppyhood and settled into a calm, easygoing rhythm, although you'll be surprised how much playful energy I still have left to chase toys! If you're looking for a devoted companion who will look at you like you hung the moon, I'm your girl. I've got so much love left to give, and I can't wait to find the person who wants to share their heart, and their lap, with me for my retirement years!Dog-friendly: YesCat-friendly: Untested, likely yesKid-friendly: Yes, loves all people!Do I Need Special Care?: Unfortunately I am very overweight, in fact considered "morbidly obese" by the vet. Especially due to the fact that I am a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog, helping me reach a healthy weight is crucial to my long-term health and well-being, and will help my ability to breathe more easily. Therefore, I am on a special diet and my portions are carefully controlled. When I arrived to the shelter, I also had several masses removed, and most of my teeth extracted. I am now healed up and feeling like a whole new lady, ready to take on the world!

Remi is looking for a forever home. Contact us for more information

01/02/2026

We’re excited to start off 2026 with another Dog Day Open House TOMORROW from 1:00-3:00PM! We’re excited to introduce you to two new resident dogs, Remi and Stella, who can’t wait to meet you (warning: these two are serious snuggle bugs who might just steal your heart!) 🧡🐾

Please note that Daisy and Hope will not be partaking in the Open House. They would still love to meet you, but meet and greets with these dogs are by appointment only for serious adopters.

12/31/2025

🎉 Congrats Nala! 🎉

Our final adoption of 2025, we’re so excited for this foxy-lady who is ringing in the New Year with her forever family. Curious, striking, and sweet-as-sugar, Nala turned heads everywhere she went. Although timid at first, Nala was gaining confidence every day, and blossoming into a playful and mischievous young pup. Now, this clever little canine has officially traded shelter life for a cozy forever home. Her next adventure: befriending her new cat sibling! Here’s to soft beds, long walks, new friendships, and a lifetime of love for this beautiful girl!

12/30/2025

🎁 Love Has No Timeline 🎁

For more than three years, Benny has called the BVSPCA home. Day after day, he has waited while countless other animals find homes, but despite the length of his stay, Benny has never lost hope.

When Benny arrived, we discovered that he is Feline Leukaemia Virus (FeLV) positive. FeLV is a virus that affects a cat’s immune system, making it harder for them to fight infections. Some cats may become sick over time, but many live comfortably for several years, especially if they have the regressive form of the disease, like Benny.

Because FeLV is contagious to other cats, in shelters without resources or a suitable set-up, this diagnosis can be a death sentence. But not us! With regular vet care, good nutrition, and a low-stress environment, they can have a great life! Benny is currently healthy, and if you didn’t know he was FeLV-positive, you wouldn’t know there was anything different about him.

Luckily for Benny, he has been able to kick back on the couch of a devoted foster family. His foster describes him as a “velcro kitty”, the kind of cat who always wants to be near you. Whether he’s snuggled on your lap, curled up at your feet, or leaning in for head rubs, Benny thrives on companionship. His foster says she’s truly never met a cat like Benny!

We don’t put a timeline on love, and know that for some animals it just takes finding the right fit. Cats with medical diagnoses are frequently overlooked, even when they are stable, happy, and able to enjoy a wonderful quality of life, but we are committed to caring for them for no matter how long it takes.

While Benny is fortunate to be in a loving temporary home, he is still waiting for the day he can have a forever family of his own. Whether Benny finds his forever home tomorrow or continues his journey with us a while longer, he will always receive the care, comfort, and second chance he deserves.

This holiday season, help us Unwrap Their Second Chance. We’ve reached our $100K goal, and we’re blown away! The campaign will remain open until year-end - if you missed out, there’s still time to donate.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/bow-valley-spca/campaign/unwrap-their-second-chance/

Thank you to our major sponsor, Cooper’s Dog Cabin!

12/28/2025

🎁 Paws of Perseverance 🎁

In 2022, Kohen arrived to us as a puppy. He was adopted to a loving family, but 2 years later, we received word that he had been struggling severely with his health, and they were out of options. Kohen was returned in 2024.

To say we were shocked by his condition would be an understatement. The once-lively pup was emaciated, his skin inflamed and bright red. Infected sores and scaly patches covered his face and body, and he had painful ulcers in his mouth.

In the initial 6 months, we spent over $3,000 on vet visits, tests, meds, and diet trials. Our staff and volunteers spent countless hours on his care, and while Kohen was more comfortable, we still didn’t know what was ailing him.

With fundraising help from our community, Kohen saw a Veterinary Dermatologist for specialized testing. Kohen’s allergy test revealed numerous environmental allergies, and we began immunotherapy injections.

While this brought improvements, there were still issues that couldn’t be attributed to allergies. Months later, a second diagnosis finally brought clarity: Pemphigus, a rare and serious autoimmune skin disease. Though not curable, it is treatable, and the diagnosis allowed us to create a plan that would help Kohen live pain-free.

We knew finding an adopter willing to take on the daily care and financial responsibility required to keep him comfortable would be no easy task, but we held onto hope that someone would look beyond his challenges to see the loving dog within. Nearly two years after returning to our care, he found a family experienced with allergies, who wasn’t deterred by the maintenance his condition requires.

“Kohen is doing wonderful! He settled in so well, it feels like we’ve been together way longer. BVSPCA clearly invested so much love and care into him; We feel blessed!” - Kohen’s Adopters

This holiday season, help us Unwrap Their Second Chance. We’ve reached our $100K goal, and we’re blown away! The campaign will remain open until year-end - if you missed out, there’s still time to donate.

Thank you to our major sponsor, Pet Valu!

12/25/2025

Wishing you and your furry friends a warm and wonderful holiday season! Note that we are closed for public visits until January 2nd. Rest assured, our animals spending the holidays in the shelter are being showered with extra care, love, and affection!

12/24/2025

The holidays are here, and our hearts are full! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community this season, we are able to give a second chance to the animals spending Christmas in our shelter, and to those who will find their way to us in the New Year. The life-changing work of our no-kill, no-cage Adoption Centre is only possible because of your unwavering support, and we are so deeply grateful.

As the year draws to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the many success stories that made this past year so meaningful. The stories we’ve shared with you are just a glimpse of the countless abandoned, stray, and surrendered animals who were lovingly rescued and rehabilitated, and went on to find wonderful homes. We are incredibly proud of every happily-ever-after we’ve helped facilitate, every animal given a second chance in our care, and every opportunity we’ve had to give back to the community that continually supports us.

None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff, compassionate volunteers, generous supporters and donors, and kind-hearted adopters, who all played a vital role in these successes throughout 2025. While this year brought its challenges with several medically and behaviourally complex animals, we remained steadfast in our mission and values. As we look ahead, we are filled with hope and excitement for another year of saving lives, spreading joy, and connecting animals with their forever homes.

Thank you for being on this journey with us. We wish you and your four-legged friends a safe, warm and wonderful holiday season, and all the best in the year to come! 

— Daisy, Bow Valley SPCA Adoption Centre Manager (and her four-legged sidekick, BVSPCA Alumni Gunner)