British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 4-star charity. It has an B+ Results Reporting, which is above average. It holds reserves that can cover 2 years and 7 months of its program costs. For every dollar donated, 62 cents are available to go to the cause, which is outside Ci's reasonable range.

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 can access basic needs and live free of suffering. In fiscal 2024 (year ended September), BC SPCA reports helping 167,890 animals. In F2024, BC SPCA spent $41.2m on its programs.

Shelter and Kennelling represented 51% ($21.1m) of program costs in F2024. BC SPCA provides shelter to animals in need and helps animals get adopted. In F2024, BC SPCA provided 15,970 animals with emergency care and shelter. The charity also found homes for 11,174 animals and reunited 1,192 lost pets with their guardians. BC SPCA assisted 35 families who fostered 46 animals for a total of 1,299 nights in F2024. Its Pet Food Bank program distributed 97,466 kilograms of dry pet food and litter and 73,826 cans of wet pet food.

Medical Care represented 12% ($5.3m) of program costs in F2024. The charity provides medical care and spay/neuter surgeries for animals in need. In F2024, BC SPCA provided care for 15,970 animals and completed 13,620 spay/neuter surgeries for 13,620 homeless and community animals. In F2024, BC SPCA cared for 2,043 injured and orphaned wild animals.

Animal Protection represented 13% of program costs ($5.1m) in F2024. BC SPCA responds to animal cruelty claims and in some cases removes animals from harmful situations. In F2024, BC SPCA officers conducted 7,651 investigations, which helped 76,384 animals.

Vet Hospitals and Clinics represented 12% ($4.8m) of program costs in F2024. BC SPCA provided veterinary services for 20,810 in F2024.

Education and Advocacy represented 10% ($4.3m) of program costs in F2024. The charity educates people on animal protection and advocates to the government for improved animal rights. In F2024, the charity launched 11 major advocacy campaigns and submitted 25 policy recommendations to improve the lives of animals. The charity’s "Take Action" webpage received 216,127 visits in F2024. Its Education work connected with 8,488 students in B.C. schools.

The remaining 2% ($654k) of program costs went toward its Animal Health program.

BC SPCA’s audited financial statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice. Ci used the charity’s T3010 to report government funding. The charity’s F2024 audited financial statements restated its F2023 financial reporting. The numbers shown for F2023 are the restated values.

In F2024, BC SPCA received $38.9m in donations and $10.3m in program fees. BC SPCA also received $4.1m in government funding. The charity spent $41.2m on its programs, which is 62% of revenue, and recorded a surplus of $5.7m after capital expenditures, which is 9% of revenue.

BC SPCA spent $9.6m on fundraising, which is 25% of donations, and $7.5m on administration, which is 13% of revenue (excluding investment income). Total overhead spending is 38%. For every dollar donated, 62 cents are available to go to the cause, which is outside of Ci’s reasonable range.

BC SPCA has $109.2m in reserve funds (cash and investments), of which $2.5m are donor endowed. Excluding donor-endowed funds, the charity’s reserves can cover 2 years and 7 months of its annual program costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.

The charity’s $109.2m in reserves returned $9.7m, at a 9% rate of return. Over the past five years the charity’s investments averaged a 4% rate of return.

BC SPCA uses external fundraisers. In F2024, the charity paid fundraisers $719k to collect $903k. It costs 80 cents to raise a dollar through external fundraisers. It is likely more cost efficient to donate directly to the charity.

BC SPCA ran a lottery that returned $4.5m, net of expenses, although the charity did not report lottery expenses. 

This charity profile is an update that has been sent to British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals for review.

Update on July 3, 2025 by Liam Chapleau.