The B.C. SPCA is sounding the alarm as British Columbia grapples with an affordability crisis that is driving more pet owners to rely on pet food banks, while donations are dwindling. Since January 2023, the organization has helped over 17,000 pets through its pet food bank program, with demand now outstripping supply. Diane Waters, a community services specialist, noted that areas like Victoria and Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside have become hotspots for this support. The rising costs of pet ownership, including food and veterinary care, are forcing many pet owners to seek assistance. Waters also highlighted that longtime donors are cutting back on contributions due to their own financial pressures, exacerbated by rising gas prices and housing costs. To address the growing need, the B.C. SPCA has begun spending its own funds, totaling $11,000 this year, to purchase pet food. The organization is also witnessing an increase in pet surrenders, particularly among renters struggling to find pet-friendly housing. The B.C. SPCA is calling for donations of unopened pet food and cat litter to help meet the urgent needs of pets across the province.