Q:	Are you a no-kill shelter ?
A:	The BC SPCA has an "open-door" policy and we have an extremely low euthenasia rate. We offer shelter and care to all animals regardless of age, type and health.

Q:	Are you government funded ?
A:	NO, the SPCA is a not-for-profit organization solely funded by donations and by fundraising.

Q:	Can I do a "trial visit" with a dog or cat that I am considering adopting ?
A:	We are more than willing to work with you to ensure the animal is the correct one for you and that you are the correct guardian for the animal. Trial visits are usually too short to be sure and we do not want to take the pet out of the adoption pool for very long. Therefore we have a three week full refund time period in order that you can take your time and get to know each other.

Q:	Do you ever get purebred dogs or cats ?
A:	Yes we do. However, they get adopted very quickly.

Q:

Help ! I've lost my pet. What do I do ?

A:

Search everywhere. Inside and outside, in bushes, in tight corners, in your neighbours' houses, garages and sheds. Check with all your neighbours to see if any of them have taken the pet in. If it is a dog you've lost and you're in a dog control area you should call them. Also, call the shelter to give a description of the missing pet, including tattoo number if applicable. Place posters wherever you can (ie: veterinarian's offices), local business bulletin boards and at the shelter. Check back frequently with the shelter to see if someone has brought your pet in to us. Your description of the pet may not be the same as our description of the pet so you should come to the shelter to view the animals that have arrived since you lost yours.

Q:	How can I report animal neglect or cruelty ?
A:	Contact us at the shelter if you suspect or know there is abuse. We need detailed information about the location, the animal in question and, if possible, the owner's name. We also require your name and telephone number both of which will be kept strictly confidential.

Q:	How do I surrender an animal to you for adoption ?
A:	The BC SPCA never turns away a companion animal. We try first to help you keep your pet however we know that this is not always an option. We do, however, request a donation to help us with the cost of caring for your animal until such time as we are able to rehome it.

Q:	How do you decide which animals are adoptable ?
A:	Our goal is to rehome 100% of the pets which we receive at the shelter. That being said, an animal needs to be of sound temperament and in good physical health. Sometimes we need to foster an animal out or provide medical care for an animal prior to placing them for adoption.

Q:	How long do you keep pets ?
A:	Physically and emotionally healthy pets stay at the shelter until we find good homes for them. That can mean some animals live with us for many months. Some of the animals are moved to other shelters that will find homes for them. No animal is euthanised due to lack of space.

Q:

How much does it cost to adopt a pet?

A:

Large adult dogs are $214.00. Puppies that will grow to be large dogs are $240.75. Small adult dogs are $310.30. Puppies that will grow to be small dogs are $337.50. Adult cats are $96.30. Kittens are $123.05. These amounts include the PST. Before adoption the animals have been spayed or neutered, tattooed, vaccinated and dewormed. You are also eligible for a free vet examination within five days of adoption.

Q:	How old do I have to be to adopt an animal ?
A:	You have to be 19 as you will be signing a contract and that requires you to be of legal age.

Q:

I found a dog. What should I do ?

A:

If you live in an area that has dog control you should call them. You should also call us to give us a description of the dog in case the owner phones the dog in to us as missing. If the dog is approachable we ask that you check it for an ear tattoo. If there hasn't been a report and you live in an area without dog control you can bring it into the shelter. However, we ask that you first canvass your neighbourhood in case the dog is new to the area or is a visitor's dog.

Q:	If I make a donation to you does the money/item stay at the Shuswap branch ?
A:	YES.

Q:	What happens if there is more than one application to adopt a certain animal ?
A:	It's all about the animal and not about you. The applications are reviewed and the "most suitable home for the animal" is chosen. This process is, in no way, a reflection on you. Although you might be a wonderful guardian and provide a top-notch home, we may not feel it is the right home for that particular animal. We will endeavor to find you the best pet for your home.

Q:	What is your policy on spaying and neutering ?
A:	All of our animals, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.

Q:	Why do you ask so many questions when I bring my pet in to surrender him or her to you ?
A:	We need to know if there are any problems with your pet that must be addressed prior to rehoming him or her. We also need to know why you are surrendering your pet as, in some cases, we may be able to help you keep it. We need to know your pet's personality, quirks, age, prior health care and habits as these things help us to find a suitable new home for him or her.