BC SPCA lends a hand to pet owners evacuated by Cache Creek flooding

The BC SPCA is reaching out to pet owners evacuated by the flooding in Cache Creek, offering pet food, supplies and emergency pet boarding.

Authorities have declared a state of emergency in Cache Creek due to rising floodwaters. Approximately 400 people in 160 residences along the Bonaparte River are on evacuation alert and people on at least 10 properties were evacuated Wednesday, including two motels and one campground.

District spokeswoman Wendy Coomber says waters in Cache Creek are the lowest she has seen since Sunday, but the latest alerts cover homes along the Bonaparte River where levels are steady.

“We want (Cache Creek) residents to know if they are evacuating and have nowhere to take their pets, we can provide temporary accommodation for them at our Kamloops Community Animal Centre,” BC SPCA spokesperson Lorie Chortyk said in the release.

The SPCA has also put out a call for public donations of unopened dry and canned pet food and cat litter. Anyone with supplies to donate can drop them off at the SPCA branch in Kamloops at 2816 Tranquille Road.

"We are so grateful for these donations and we will ensure that they get distributed to pet guardians in need," Chortyk said.

Anyone who needs assistance can phone the SPCA Call Centre at 1-855-622-7722.

The SPCA also has an emergency checklist to ensure owners are prepared if they need to evacuate with their pets.

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