The BC SPCA is seeing an increase in demand for its pet food bank services.

Last year, the SPCA helped more than 34,000 animals through SPCA pet food banks across B.C.

“So far this year our pet food banks have provided an additional 1,235 animals with a week’s supply of food compared to last year,” says Diane Waters, BC SPCA’s outreach specialist.

The BC SPCA has 34 participating locations and 135 partner organizations, like food banks, across the province that help distribute pet food and pet supplies.

“We have increased our community partnerships from 109 to 135 this year,” says Waters. “This means we are helping more animals, but donations are being spread thin.”

“Many pet guardians are struggling right now, especially those on a fixed income, and we want to make sure they can provide their pets with everything they need,” says Waters.

Waters says the increase in demand is largely due to the economy, and the climate emergencies in B.C. including flooding and forest fires.

“The increase in demand is definitely having an impact. We are having supply issues across the board and are in desperate need of donations of food and other pet supplies," she said.

Waters says anyone struggling can go to an SPCA location and ask for pet food with no questions asked. People can also drop off donations of pet food at local branches.

Kelowna is one of the busiest SPCA locations.

"Kelowna is quite big. they do have quite a few transient folks in the area. Kamloops is also huge."

The BC SPCA is seeking any kind of dry cat or dog food, or cat litter.