🏥 BC SPCA offers free emergency boarding during evacuations

During wildfire evacuations and other major emergencies, BC SPCA animal centres provide free temporary boarding for pets when guardians cannot find...

During wildfire evacuations and other major emergencies, BC SPCA animal centres provide free temporary boarding for pets when guardians cannot find pet-friendly accommodation. The program is designed to keep pets out of the hands of overwhelmed evacuees who might otherwise be forced to leave them behind, and it allows owner visits and provides regular welfare updates. Pet food and supplies are also distributed through Emergency Support Services centres and local SPCA animal centres — including crates, leashes, blankets, litter boxes and bowls — for evacuees who left in a hurry. To access help during an active event, call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 or your local ESS centre at 1-800-585-9559. Bring vaccination records and a recent photo if you can. The program operates province-wide and is funded by donations, not government, so during major events the SPCA also accepts monetary and supply donations. In the US, ask your county emergency management, local animal shelter or humane society about emergency pet boarding and animal evacuation support — many areas activate similar programs during a wildfire. Knowing this resource exists, before you need it, removes one of the biggest barriers households face when an evacuation order arrives.

Source: BC SPCA — Wildfire Animal Evacuation Support

Last reviewed 2026-05-02.

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