Meet the Organization Behind Richmond's First Community-Built Animal Hospital!

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

If you live in Greater Vancouver, you may already be familiar with the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) and their huge paw print on the local rescue community.

Though they are known widely for their cat sanctuary and shelter, RAPS is also responsible for the care and control of Richmond's wildlife. The organization operates an animal welfare thrift store staffed mostly by volunteers, as well as a new full-service veterinary hospital. RAPS is proud to maintain a no-kill policy with all of the animals in their care.

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

RAPS’s cat sanctuary, which is funded entirely by donations and consists of six acres of land, is currently home to over 500 cats and kittens, but their goal is to eventually double that number. Community members can leave their cats to RAPS in their will, promising their kitties a safe and enriching home after their passing. RAPS runs a food bank at the shelter and sanctuary every week for owners who need pet food.

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

The shelter adopts out anywhere between 20 to 50 cats a month. Though the shelter also accommodates dogs, RAPS receives mostly cats and kittens, many of which are stray or feral.

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

With the generosity of local partners, RAPS launched their newest project: a not-for-profit, community-supported animal hospital, which provides affordable, high-quality veterinary care to their own animals and to the public. It is the only animal hospital in British Columbia that offers interest-free payment plans, and the only veterinary facility in Canada with a hyperbaric chamber providing oxygen therapy to animals. Since its opening in 2018, it has provided over $1.2 million worth of free care. RAPS aims to eventually open five facilities across British Columbia, and to offer 24-hour services at its existing location.

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

Canada's first hyperbaric chamber for animals. Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

RAPS’s motto is “We help animals and their people,” addressing that a large part of ending animal homelessness is providing compassion and support to not only pets, but the humans responsible for them. We’re thrilled to count RAPS as one of the amazing organizations receiving a donation from meowfest 2020 ticket sales.

To learn more about RAPS, their adoptable cats and how you can donate, please visit their website at rapsbc.com.

Photo: J. Colpitts Photography

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