Heart of qathet

Much more than adoptions at the SPCA

Tara Daniels joined the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BCSPCA) team in 2017 as Manager at the Powell River & District Branch, and was a volunteer for many years before that. Tara has lived in qathet for nearly 25 years and raised three children here. Tara created social programs that offer aid to low income and marginalized pet owners, and provide valuable services such as the pet food bank, low-income spay and neuter access, emergency boarding, and humane education/ outreach.

The BCSPCA protects and enhances the quality of life for domestic, farm and wild animals in BC. It is the only animal welfare organization in BC. with the authority to enforce animal cruelty laws under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and is the largest animal welfare organization of its kind in North America with 43 locations across BC.

How did you start working with the SPCA?

Tara • I began when I was six-years-old alongside my mother for the Alberni-Clayoquot Branch. We continued to volunteer as a foster family after relocating to the qathet region in 1996. As an adult, I kept fostering for our local branch, and became a BCSPCA employee as an Animal Care Attendant when our current facility opened in 2013.

What attracted you to this organization?

Tara • I’ve had a passion for animal welfare from a very young age, and was lucky enough to have a parent who really let me embrace this piece of myself by providing me with advocacy and education opportunities, wildlife rehabilitation experiences, and endless fostering moments.

What part of the work is the most satisfying?

Tara • Oh my, this is a great question! If I had to pick just one it would be an animal’s official adoption day, especially the animals who came into care in very poor condition who we spent weeks, sometimes months, caring for. Watching them happily walk (or be carried) out our doors embarking on their next adventure is one of the best, most satisfying moments to experience in this line of work.

What part of the work do you find the most challenging?

Tara • Navigating the feral cat/kitten overpopulation within our community. We have been steadily working on several TNR (trap, neuter, release) projects the past few years. When we see large populations of feral cats/kittens spayed/neutered this is the most effective, humane way to manage these feral colonies.

What do you wish other people knew about the work the SPCA does?

Tara • That we do much more than adoptions! We also offer a range of outreach services to people and their pets as well as a pet food bank (including litter), low-income spay/neuter assistance programs year-round, emergency boarding at no cost to pet owners, TNR (trap, neuter, release) planning and continued support after the fact, and financial assistance for pet owners who are unable to cover euthanasia expenses to put their beloved pet to rest. If there is a need, regardless of what it may be, please connect with us as we’ll always do our best to try and help. We also take in animals whose owners are no longer able to continue to care for them for a variety of reasons – life changes, behavioural, medical needs etc., and stray animals who are either lost, injured, or abandoned.

How has BCSPCA changed your life?

Tara • The BCSPCA has given me so many opportunities to grow, endless learning experiences, and what I feel is truly a gift, to spend my days helping animals.

Do you bring any unique skills to this organization?

Tara • I bring a willingness and commitment to continuously learn, adapt, and grow. No day in-shelter is the same as the last, and the ability to adjust or change at a moment’s notice is a skill that never goes unused. Compassion for both animals and people, this is a big piece. I strongly believe that working together we can further our reach to ensure everyone can access our help or services if, and when, needed. A great sense of humour in this line of work is a must, and I encourage staff and volunteers to spread laughter whenever appropriate. I mean poop scooping and washing dishes doesn’t have to be a dull time!

Have there been benefits from volunteering with this agency that you didn’t expect?

Tara • I’ve met many wonderful people who’ve become great friends and learned new things. And celebrating happy animal milestone moments with each other is simply the best.

What would you say to other people who might be thinking about volunteering?

Tara • We need YOU. In 2020, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, we had 460 animals come through our doors. Last year, in 2021 our incoming numbers increased to 519 animals. We have volunteer positions for almost anything you can think of from reception, fostering, animal care, inshelter socializing cats/kittens, transfer driving, even recycling! Volunteers make a difference, come join us!

519 ANIMALS AT THE PR SPCA IN 2021: Tara Daniels (here with Whiskey) is a passionate advocate – and hands-on caregiver – for qathet’s vulnerable animals.