BC SPCA Salt Spring Island

09/05/2025

🐶 Muzzles = Safety, and they are not, and should not be, scary.
Many dogs wear muzzles, whether they have a habit of tasting whatever they find on the ground or are at risk of biting others.

When properly fitted and used as intended, muzzles are an effective tool for keeping dogs and everyone else safe and healthy. They are designed to:

✔️ Prevent bites
✔️ Keep dogs from scavenging
✔️ Signal when a dog needs space
✔️ Ensure the safety of dogs and those around them

Learn more about muzzles and muzzle training at https://animalkind.ca/muzzles/

08/29/2025

All the ❤️ to those sweet muzzled dogs!
Muzzles are not and should not be scary. Many dogs can benefit from wearing properly fitted muzzles, and it's a good idea to muzzle train your dog, in case it is ever needed.

Check out BC SPCA's AnimalKind site for a clear breakdown of facts and tips for dog guardians! https://animalkind.ca/muzzles/

08/25/2025

Has anyone seen Sitka?

Hi everyone Our beloved cat Sitka has been missing since Friday Have you seen him? Beautiful male Maine C**n that goes by Sitka Please call or message if you have any info Many thanks!

08/19/2025

Our shelter and Community Pet Food Bank urgently need supplies to keep the animals cozy, well-fed, and happy! Here’s what we’re looking for:
What We Can Accept:
✅ Open bags of food and litter (must be in original packaging with visible expiry and ingredients)
✅ Dry & wet cat and dog food
✅ Dog & cat treats
✅ Any kind of litter
What We Cannot Accept:
🚫 Fitted sheets
🚫 Pillows and pillowcases
🚫 Prescription diet or expired food
Donation Drop-Off:
📍 Location: 540 Lower Ganges Rd (behind Gulf Island Vet Clinic)
🕒 Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 am – 4 pm
Can’t drop off in person during business hours? You can leave donations on the shelves outside our entranceway and a staff member or volunteer will bring it in.
Thank you for helping us care for our animals—every donation makes a difference! ❤️🐾

08/18/2025

It is with heavy heart that we have to report a deceased cat found on the side of the road. We believe he is a male with no chip or tattoo. He is a medium haired black and white cat found on Langs Rd. If you have any information that can help us find his family, please reach out to the Salt Spring Animal Care Centre at 250-537-2123 or [email protected]

08/11/2025

UPDATE: Willow has returned home to her family. Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word.

Willow, got spooked and shot out the door when her humans were leaving the house on Friday. She's not been seen since and is dearly missed.

She's likely around the Swanson/Woodhall/Park/Atkins/Valhalla area.

She's big and black and usually quite vocal. She's unlikely to approach humans she doesn't know, although she is food motivated.

She's microchipped and her details are up-to-date.
Please let us know if you see Willow!

08/05/2025

The BCSCPA Salt Spring Island Animal Care Centre is looking for an enthusiastic animal lover to join our amazing team as a casual/on-call animal care attendant. This position assists in the care of animals in the centre and foster homes as well as works with the community in various capacities. Please note that since this is a casual position, apart for training the first few months there are no set hours for this position.

If you are interested in joining our team, please visit https://jobs.dayforcehcm.com/en-US/bcspca/CANDIDATEPORTAL/jobs/13346 to find out more about the position and to apply.

08/01/2025

PREVENTING unexpected dog-wildlife encounters!

🙁 You’ve probably heard about Rocky, a sweet dog who encountered a bear on the trail and suffered considerable injuries. Thanks to your support and BC SPCA’s specialized care, now Rocky is fully recovered and living his best life!

So, let’s honour Rocky’s difficult journey by using it as a reminder of the dangers of unexpected dog-wildlife encounters.

The AnimalKind team has some tips on how to minimize risks by keeping everyone safe! Link in comments below ⤵️
https://animalkind.ca/avoiding-dog-wildlife-encounters/

07/29/2025

Worried about your puppy and kids playing safely together? 🤔
Puppies and kids can be best friends. Follow the advice of AnimalKind trainer Valerie Barry (Dog Partners), who shares some fun and safe games!

🐾 From recall to trick training, keep play sessions short (5 mins or less) and focus on activities that create a little distance. Remember to prioritize safety, and everyone wins!

See the link in the comments below ⤵️

07/19/2025

We are seeing an increased need to assist people in catching stray cats. Unfortunately, all of our traps have been loaned out. If you happen to have one of our traps we ask that you please return it to the shelter as soon as possible so that we can help more community members. Thanks

07/18/2025

Please read this important message from The Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic

Rabies Awareness
Please make sure your pet's rabies vaccines are up to date

We want to inform you that a bat recently found dead in a client's home has tested positive for rabies. The client’s cats were potentially exposed and are being treated accordingly. We are sharing this information as a reminder of the ongoing risk rabies poses in our community.
Bats are the most common carrier of rabies in BC. Although the risk of transmission is still low, it is not worth the risk to life - animal and human as it is a deadly zoonotic disease.
Please make sure your pets are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. This is the most effective way to protect them—and your household—from this deadly virus.
To help prevent exposure:
• Keep pets indoors, especially at night.
• Avoid contact with wildlife, particularly bats, racc**ns, skunks, and foxes.
• If you find a bat in your home or believe your pet may have had contact with one, do not touch it—contact us for guidance. DO NOT release it outside
• Contact https://bcbats.ca/ or Bats and human health | BC BATS for more information
• Prevent bats from getting in your home by sealing any openings outside of your home larger than a dime and keeping windows and doors shut
Your pet’s safety is our top priority. If you have any concerns about your pet's vaccination status or possible exposure, please reach out to us immediately.

Stay safe,
From your caring GIVC Team

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Gulf Island Veterinary Clinic
540 Lower Ganges Rd Salt Spring Island, BC V8K2P6 Canada
+12505375334

BC Bats is raising awareness of bat conservation issues, helping manage bats in buildings, and collecting data needed to monitor and understand bats in BC