Since its inception in 1996, the Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) has successfully spayed and neutered more than 47,000 animals.
When the charity was established its founder recognized the urgent need to support local animals, especially those in the community who were suffering and dying due to uncontrolled breeding in the Okanagan Valley.
Today is no different as the volunteers of OHS continue to do the same work it started out doing 29 years ago.
As Spaying and neutering is the most effective way to reduce unwanted animals and control the population of community animals, OHS is inviting pet lovers to support their furry friends on Feb. 25 during International Spay and Neuter Day.
Romany Runnalls, president of the board of directors for OHS explained that community animals struggle to survive harsh winter and summer conditions, disease, car crashes, and predators while constantly searching for food, water, and shelter.
鈥淥HS has vast experience in animal rescue across the Okanagan Valley, and is currently working on three separate rescue cases, each involving more than 25 cats and kittens,鈥� Runnalls said.
Currently, OHS is involved with three large rescue operations, in addition to 477 other requests for help already in 2025.
鈥淭he three large cases underway represent at least 75 animals to be spayed or neutered,鈥� Runnalls said. 鈥淥ur volunteers and partner veterinarians have already rescued the smallest and weakest animals and continue working to capture all the community animals on the farms. The numbers are staggering and soaring out of control in some areas with several requests a day, seven days a week.鈥�
OHS works with community members and has mobilized available rescuers, volunteers, and partner organizations to ensure animals are being fed, provided with fresh water, and sheltered during the ongoing rescue efforts.
In 2024, OHS had a record-breaking year, assisting more than 4,150 animals through its rescue and pet assistance programs, with both programs showing an increase in demand.
鈥淔or pets with guardians, spaying and neutering offer numerous benefits, such as preventing medical and behavioural issues, while also promoting a longer, healthier, and happier life for your pet,鈥� Runnalls explains.
One of the biggest challenges for pet guardians today is the cost of veterinary care, Runnalls added.
This is why, OHS offers a pet assistance program to low-income individuals who qualify, helping with the cost of spay and neuter procedures as part of the charity鈥檚 commitment to tackling overpopulation.
The average cost of one animal for OHS is $350, which means a rescue involving more than 30 animals could exceed $10,000. OHS is supported primarily by community donations and does not receive municipal funding to support its work.
鈥淒espite available funding, OHS has not yet received financial assistance from the Regional District of Central Okanagan for its work in spaying and neutering community animals, both cats and dogs,鈥� Runnalls stated.
In response, OHS launched a new initiative last year called "Spay It Forward."
鈥淲e introduced this new program to support spay and neuter efforts and engage our local veterinary partners, who understand the importance of spaying and neutering in the community,鈥� Runnalls said.
To date, more than 10 veterinary partners have joined the program.
To learn more or donate to Spay it Forward, go to okanaganhumanesociety.com/spayitforward/ or make your donation online at okanaganhumanesociety.com/.
