The BC SPCA is preparing to cut the ribbon this fall on its one-of-a-kind dedicated animal behaviour centre in North Cowichan.
The Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre has 59 spots dedicated to dogs, cats, and small animals like rabbits, that may be anxious, reactive, or unsocialized and require specialized care so they can find their forever home.
“This Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre is our dream come true of a place where we can have specialized staff working together with animals to make them a little less scared,” said Leon David, BC SPCA’s regional manager of Islands/Sunshine Coast.
“Like people, every animal is different. They all have their own needs; they all have their own fears. So it’s really important for every animal that you have a plan that is tailored just to that animal.”
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In 2023, the provincial government put forward $1 million towards the project. The remaining $1.9 million of the campaign goal was raised by donors. The centre features a dog gym, a socialization room, and a home-recreation space that can be used for behaviour-modification activities.
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“I’m so happy, and I just want to cry because it’s been a long time coming. We’re all very excited to bring this facility to the community and to the BC SPCA,” said Kim Montieth, manager of animal behaviour and welfare at BC SPCA.
“We are the first standalone facility in Canada to have a multi-species behaviour centre. We’re going to cover dogs, cats, rabbits, and any smalls that need us, not only from the community but for behaviour animals.”
Other features of the centre include specialized lighting in the cat rooms to assist with sensitivity and noise buffering built into the building so barking won’t disturb the other animals.
A medical intake room is also on site that will evaluate new arrivals who may require vaccines or other necessary healthcare.
The centre’s upcoming opening comes at a significant time, with the Capital Regional District’s Animal Shelter and the BC SPCA’s Victoria branch announcing they are at capacity due to an overwhelming intake of animals, freeing up more dedicated time for animals with behavioural challenges.
SEE ALSO: Victoria animal shelters facing large intakes, with one tied to investigation
“If just a couple of those dogs have some really challenging behaviour issues, that can take a lot of the volunteers’ and staff’s attention to jus the other dogs,” said Davis.
The creation of the centre should free up space in other shelters, allowing more animals to get the second chance they deserve. The BC SPCA is looking for volunteers to be involved in the centre and recommends checking their website for opportunities.