Burnaby residents looking to bring a furry friend home for the holidays this year will soon be able to do so for half the price.
The BC SPCA, which includes its Burnaby chapter (3202 Norland Ave.), is offering 50 per cent off all adoption fees for two weeks starting tomorrow, Dec. 1.
You can view a list of pets available for adoption below.
The initiative is part of efforts to find homes for animals in its care as well as free up space for other potential pets in need.
"There is no better way for us to celebrate the season than to find forever homes for all of the deserving animals in our care," said BC SPCA spokesperson Adrienne McBride in a news release.
But while there may be an eagerness for Burnaby families to consider adoption, McBride advises everyone to consider the long-term needs of the animal and to avoid "getting caught up" in the seasonal spirit.
This is especially for those looking to give a pet as a gift.
"It is too hard on an animal to be brought into a home and then returned because someone was surprised and unprepared for the responsibility or the time commitment being a pet guardian takes," explained McBride.
"If a family has already made the decision to bring a pet into their home and they want it to be a surprise for their children, then that is one way a seasonal 'gift' can work."
McBride said other ways to support local animals include volunteering at an SPCA, or making a donation via e-cards, its online store and catalogue.
Adoption fees will remain half off until Dec. 15.
For more information on the adoption event, you can visit the BC SPCA's website.
Here are the pets currently up for adoption in Burnaby (from youngest to oldest), along with SPCA profile descriptions:
Pickle
- Less than one month old
Pickle is a sweet and spunky Lovebird that came into our care after a Good Samaritan found him.
He enjoys listening to music, having people talk and whistle to him, and is very excited to spend supervised time outside of his cage.
Pickle loves his food and the occasional treat. He is still working on his manners but with some patience from his adopter could be hand-tame in no time.
Boba
- Three months old
Boba is a foodie bunny who's all about chill vibes.
She’s a laid-back, potty-trained fluffball that can pull off some teleportation stunts – you never see it coming.
Boba loves lounging in her chosen spots, and come to say "Hi" to you whenever she feels like it. She like snuggles and gracefully escape if she is not in the mood. Watching her goof around is a guaranteed mood-booster!
Boba was found as a tiny little 1-2 week old baby. She has been in foster growing and becoming socialized with people. Boba may enjoy the company of another female rabbit, with a slow introduction.
Ken
- Five months old
Ken is looking for a forever home where he can shine as the only bunny, however he may do well with a respectful companion.
Ken would prefer a quiet, calm home where he can get lots of exercise and play with his favourite toys.
As a younger bunny, Ken is smart and a little mischievous, and will keep you on your toes while you get to know each other.
Ken is the tidiest bunny we have had in the shelter for a long time. Come scoop up this gem!
Dorothy
- Two years old
Dorothy was found as a stray and is on the hunt for a forever home to call her own. She's a very confident bun who loves to be near her humans and follow your every move.
Dorothy will need to be the only bunny in the home as, unfortunately, she has shown to be very protective of her space and does not allow the company of other bunnies.
Dorothy is fully litter box trained, and her previous foster said she’s a very clean, tidy and low-maintenance rabbit. She loves playing with toys, especially her ball that she tosses up in the air!
Casper
- Three years old
Casper has been in care for far too long. If he isn’t the right match for you, please share his handsome face.
This sweet boy had originally come into shelter care as a stray and since then has been patiently waiting for his forever home. Casper is a confident fellow who loves engaging with his humans through play, training and adventures! An active guardian is a must so his needs are met and he can be the best version of himself! He is looking to be the *star* of the show, sorry folks, no other pets please or young children. Casper does a love good romp with his canine buddies but sharing space isn’t ideal for him. Slow introductions to new dogs in the community are always recommended to set him for success.
When Casper gets over-excited he can express his frustration by jumping up and “mouthing/nipping” his person. This behaviour will need continued work through force-free positive reinforcement training in an adult oriented home. It should resolve with a tolerant compassionate guardian who is willing to give him the time he needs to adjust. In new environments Casper can struggle with anxiety and destructive behaviour. His new family should have the time and patience to help him adjust to his new digs.
Activities like decompression walks (“sniffaris”) in nature, easy & fun training sessions, tug, toys and enrichment will help this boy he is the best version of himself! He loves to run and play in water, play fetch and he is an expert hole digger if anyone needs help gardening.
To help support Casper succeed in his new home, we are willing to provide support with an Animal Kind trainer to help with his transition.
Ferbie
- Three years old
When Ferbie first came into our care he was very fearful and it took him time to come around.
Through the patience and care of staff and volunteers, he has become more trusting and affectionate than we ever thought possible. Ferbie loves his food and will also happily sit on your lap once he knows you are a friend.
Ferbie is still learning that not all humans are scary, and he can sometimes act out. Due to his sometimes spicy nature, he requires a cat-experienced owner.
He would do best in an adult-only household as the only animal in the home. He does not like to be contained in small spaces, so will need a lot of space to explore. Ferbie has benefited greatly from the use of behavioural medication and his potential adopter should be prepared to continue with this treatment as needed.
Kronk
- Four years old
Kronk is an expressive and vibrant four-year-old Catahoula Leopard Dog mix who’s ready to find his forever home.
He’s a bundle of energy and love, seeking a family that can match his enthusiasm and provide the active lifestyle he craves. Kronk is known for his high energy level and enthusiasm for play and exercise.
He would thrive in a home that can keep up with his active lifestyle. Daily walks, runs, and playtime in a secure yard will help him release his pent-up energy. He’s an excellent candidate for activities like hiking and jogging.
Kronk does need some training on leash as hes very eager to smell everything!
While he’s friendly with humans, Kronk may not share the same sentiment towards other dogs and tends to prefer being the only canine member of the family.
His new family should have the resources and time to help him work on his dog reactivity. A quieter environment where there are few dogs in the neighbourhood would be ideal for Kronk.
Turtle
- Five years old
Meet Turtle, a courageous feline who has faced tough times but is ready to embark on a new journey.
Turtle found himself at the shelter after a skirmish with another animal left him with a few battle scars, but don’t let the war wounds fool you – deep down, he’s a sweet boy just waiting for the right person to bring him into their home.
Turtle is anxious initially and he’ll need people who are patient and willing to go slow with him at first but he finds his confidence as he settles in.
He's very active and curious cat who loves to chase teasing wands and play with his toys.
He will need a home that will keep him very busy and active both physically and mentally so that he doesn’t get frustrated with boredom. He likes to explore and climb up high so his new home should have high cat perches and shouldn’t be too small.
Turtle doesn’t seem to be very interested in sitting on laps but he will settle in beside you on the couch to snooze.
