Since January, the Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) has already rescued, treated, and supported 3,534 animals, of which 17 puppies have been hospitalized due to Canine Parvovirus (Parvo).
The number of animals in crisis throughout the Okanagan and Shuswap has reached historic levels, including an outbreak of Parvo, which has the OHS issuing an urgent plea to the community.
The charity is helping on average 14 animals every day, something the organization has never seen since its inception in 1996.
Romany Runnalls, the executive director for OHS, said the non-profit is losing ground in the battle against pet overpopulation since COVID, despite helping spay and neuter thousands per year.
“During the pandemic, people welcomed animals into their homes in record numbers, but now the skyrocketing cost of living, rent, food, and even the basics has left many unable to provide proper veterinary care. Families know they need to spay and neuter, but when a single procedure and microchip starts at $500, and much more for dogs, it becomes impossible for many to afford,” she said.
The latest crisis is that of an outbreak of Parvo that presents itself in puppies that have gone without vaccinations.
“There have been 12 in the past three weeks from five separate unrelated cases across the region,” said Runnalls.
Parvovirus is a very contagious, dangerous, and often deadly disease that affects dogs primarily between two weeks and one year of age, although unvaccinated dogs of any age are at risk.
The most common symptoms of the virus are excessive vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes with blood), lethargy, abdominal pain and bloating, dehydration, fever, and loss of appetite.
Runnalls said one of their most recent cases is that of Octavia, a two-month-old puppy at the time, who was dropped off by an owner and abandoned at one of OHS’ veterinary partner hospitals.
“She was very lethargic and did not feel well, testing positive for Canine Parvovirus. They called the Okanagan Humane Society for assistance with this animal, and it was immediately moved to isolation at the clinic,” explained Runnalls.
Thanks to the quick action of the veterinarians and staff, Octavia received the intensive hospitalization treatment needed, including IV fluids with antibiotics, along with overnight monitoring for dangerously high fever and dehydration from constant vomiting and bloody diarrhea. She was in the hospital for a full week.
“Octavia escaped what can be certain death for many puppies and is now making a full recovery in an expert OHS volunteer foster family. They will be careful not to interact with other pups for several months afterward,” said Runnalls.
The cost to vaccinate a puppy for Parvo is approximately $35 each, but the cost to treat Parvo for one dog can reach more than $3,000. Pups need to be vaccinated at six to eight weeks old, and the full series of three shots is best.
Runnalls is asking the community to beware of uncouth breeders claiming animals are vaccinated, and to be sure to ask for proof of vaccinations, as several of the pups have come from breeders in different parts of the valley.
OHS operates two critical programs, including a rescue program, which supports vulnerable community animals, including entire cat colonies across the Okanagan Valley and Shuswap. The pet assistance program helps pet guardians in financial crisis access spay, neuter, vaccine and ID, and urgent medical care for pets.
All pets receiving care through OHS are required to get spayed or neutered, vaccinated and a chip or tattoo ID.
In 2022, OHS supported 1,500 animals. In 2023, that number jumped to 2,500. In 2024, more than 4,000 animals came into care, and 2025 is already on track to surpass that number.
“The face of the crisis is not only growing, but also changing,” added Runnalls. “We’re seeing more homes with 20, 30, even 40 animals, often because families couldn’t afford to spay or neuter, and litters kept coming. Animals are still being born outdoors, in tent cities, industrial sites, and on farms, but more than ever, they’re being surrendered or rescued directly from people’s homes.”
Last year, OHS took in more than 100 animals from just a few properties simultaneously in one month, providing urgent medical treatment, spaying and neutering, and finding each animal a safe new home.
OHS works with partner veterinarians to deliver vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, microchips, and rehoming services to animals in need.
“Thankfully, we receive volume pricing and discounts from our veterinary partners to keep our cost per animal around $350 on average, though emergency medicals cost much more,” she said.
Now, Runnalls and OHS are reaching out to businesses and the community to step up and donate, sponsor, and volunteer time to help with medical care, food, and shelter for animals who would otherwise have nowhere to turn.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Scotiabank will be supporting OHS through its Fetching Funds annual campaign to raise money for local animals. This year, four branches are participating, with one at Safeway in Vernon at 4300 32nd St., two locations in Kelowna at Save On Foods Orchard Plaza and Lakeshore and the BC Liquor Store at 2475 Dobbin Rd., in West Kelowna all from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OHS will be on site at all locations with OHS animals to meet and cuddle.
For more information, go to https://okanaganhumanesociety.com/scotiabank-fetching-funds/?
