A new ‘state of the art’ facility will start construction today (Nov. 22) in North Cowichan and the BCSPCA says it will offer services not found in Canada.
Chief executive officer Craig Daniell says the new facility will provide services essential to helping animals across the province, but this one will allow dogs and cats to start adapting their behaviour, and remove any trauma they might’ve suffered in the past.
“They can come to this facility and get the rehabilitation they need and find loving homes,” he says. “More than half come in because maybe they’re a little excitable, mouthy and don’t have manners, and they just need some work.
“Through this particular facility dogs and cats with behaviour issues, that we can work on, can spend some time with staff and volunteers and learn the manners they need.”
Daniell says there currently is a centre in the United States, but this will be the first of its kind in Canada. He adds the Cowichan Valley was chosen because of the natural environment and all it has to offer.
“It’s more rural, and that was very appealing to us,” he says. “It’s really about giving the animals the best opportunity to be successful, and this environment gives them that chance.
“Also, you can go up and down the island very easily, and by placing it in the Cowichan Valley, it allows us to draw animals from Victoria, Nanaimo and the north where we have offices, so this is a convenient location.”
The facility will focus on animals from across Vancouver Island, but Daniell says he hopes this will be the model for other facilities on the lower mainland and in the Okanagan in the near future.
The new centre is expected to be open in 2026 and with possible expansion into other communities in the next four years.
Each year the BCSPCA helps over 135,000 animals and is funded by donations from those who love animals.
