British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 5-star rated charity. It is one of Canada’s largest shelters, helping animals across British Columbia. The charity has an above-average results reporting grade and reasonable overhead costs. It has $86.3m in its reserve funds, which can cover 2.7 years of program costs. British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is financially transparent.

Founded in 1895, British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) works to protect and improve the quality of life of domestic, farm, and wild animals in British Columbia. It aims to create a world where all animals have access to basic needs and live free of suffering. In 2017, BC SPCA’s State of Animal Welfare in BC’s report highlights the main threats that animals face in BC. These are commercial exploitation, the incompetence of animal guardians and unwantedness. It reports that three million animals live in confinement in BC. One million sick and injured animals go to slaughter and 670k animals are at risk of insufficient vet care.

The charity reports helping 120,336 animals across the province in F2022. It recorded 198,792 volunteer hours. BC SPCA has 41 animal care facilities, including two animal hospitals and two spay and neuter clinics. It runs the following four programs:

Shelter, Kenneling and Social Enterprise – 52% of program spending

British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides shelter and emergency care to animals in need. In F2022, 15,752 animals benefited from this service. It provided 7,000 nights of free shelter for animals fleeing distressing situations. It adds that the BC SPCA pet food bank helped 41,019 animals.

Check-ups and Medical Treatment – 25% of program spending

British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides surgeries and medial care for animals. In F2022, BC SPCA spayed and neutered 12,556 animals to reduce suffering of surplus animals. The charity reports treating 16,228 animals through its veterinary services.

Cruelty Investigations – 14% of program spending

The charity runs investigations to ensure animal welfare and remove animals from harmful situations. In F2022, it ran 8,069 animal cruelty investigations. BC SPCA received 72,293 calls to its provincial helpline. The BC SPCA protection officers assisted 37,729 animals in F2022.

Education and Advocacy – 9% of program spending
The charity runs education programs for children. These include summer camps, school clubs, workshops, and presentations. In F2022, the charity reached 15,968 children. British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals also advocates for animal wellbeing. In F2022, it launched 11 major advocacy campaigns and submitted 17 policies to improve animal lives. These related to live horse exports, fun farming, and “debarking” dogs, amongst others.

BC SPCA received $43.0m in donations in F2022, making it a Major 100 charity, one of Canada’s largest charities in donations. Its fees for service revenue was $10.4m in F2022. This comes from kenneling and bylaw enforcement services as well as sheltering, medical, and clinical services. The charity does not report receiving any government funding in F2022 ($1.1m in F2021, $3.9m in F2020). Yet, it reports receiving $4.2m in government funding on its T3010 filing with the CRA in F2022 ($3.9m in F2021, $2.3 in F2020). These are likely included in fees for service for this analysis.

Administrative costs are 9% of revenues (less investment income) and fundraising costs are 17% of donations. This results in total overhead spending of 26%. For every dollar donated, 74 cents are available for programs. This falls within Ci’s reasonable range for overhead spending.

BC SPCA has $86.3m in funding reserves, of which $2.0m is donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity could cover 2 years and 8 months of annual program costs with current reserves.

In F2022 BC SPCA paid external fundraisers $471k to collect $1.2m in donations. This means it cost BC SPCA $0.41 to raise $1 using external fundraisers.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to BC SPCA for review. Changes and edits may be forthcoming.

Updated on June 6, 2023 by Victoria Allder.