Meet the local heroes rescuing animals across the Okanagan

From alleyways in Kelowna to farms in the Shuswap, the Okanagan Humane Society is on the move to rescue furry lives across our region.

They began in 1996 with a vision: for all pets to find their forever homes and be spayed or neutered accordingly. This developed into their mission to solve the pet overpopulation problem in the Okanagan Region through their spay/neuter initiatives, fostering, adoption, and their unique Farm Cat Program.

Ever since the founding of the society, they’ve spayed or neutered over 47,000 animals and personally cared for over 4,000 animals. All that incredible work is completed by a dedicated and passionate network of volunteers throughout the Okanagan. We spoke with Romany Runnalls, the society’s Executive Director, and asked what their biggest accomplishments so far is.

“The massive increase in the number of animals we have helped year over year – upwards of 4,000 this year already in 2025 and seeing the heartwarming results of every single one receiving kindness and basic veterinary care they require: a full veterinary exam, plus spay or neuter, plus lifesaving vaccines and very important deworming and treatment of ears, eyes and body as needed to have a second chance as a new comfortable, healthy life, also no longer breeding and contributing to the overpopulation of pets in the region.”

However, not everything is sunshine and rainbows for this organization or the animals they care for. Their greatest struggle?

“Keeping up with the huge financial cost to meet the immense demand. Also, the huge numbers we see coming in from single properties as some pet owners simply can’t afford veterinary care with the high cost of living. We receive special pricing from our veterinary partners, but their costs have also increased, and therefore costs continue to rise,” said Runnalls.

If it’s not clear by now, Okanagan Humane Society differs from other animal rescue groups in the area. Not only do they offer an entirely foster-home-based society, which ensures animals are cared for in a loving environment, but they also give a second chance to feral cats in the area. While others would see these wild, tiny creatures as a lost cause, the society has given them a new purpose through their Farm Cat Program.

This program focuses on spaying, neutering, vaccinating, and deworming semi-tame and feral kittens for the purpose of turning them into natural rodent-repellent on local farms. Unlike the fat, comfy cats we have in our homes, these furry friends know how to earn their keep.

There are multiple ways to support the society’s work in the region, but Runnalls had a few suggestions. “First and foremost, ensure (your) own pets are spayed/neutered and vaccinated,” she explained. “Donate to the Okanagan Humane Society, monthly if you can, as this steady stream of donations helps to keep our programs running.”

Looking for a more hands on approach? Runnalls recommended for the community to apply to foster.

“This is how we keep our programs so cost-effective with 90% of our funds raised going right to animal veterinary care to help more animals. We use a foster system rather than pay staff to care for animals in shelters. OHS covers the vet care, and fosters provide the food, the shelter, and the love to get animals ready for adoption and their Second Chance! They actively participate in the adoption process also to complete the mission.”

Times are tough for many, but there are free ways to support Okanagan Humane Society as well. Consider following them on social media to help spread the word about their mission in the Okanagan. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook.

If this is a cause you feel passionate about and you’ve been inspired by the Okanagan Humane Society’s work, we encourage you to volunteer, donate, adopt, foster, and spread the word about a group of people helping the Okanagan’s furry friends. Check out their work here.