The Regional Animal Protection Society is stepping up to assist communities impacted by COVID19, through our Pet Food Bank, veterinary care subsidies, and interest free wellness plans. As it has with every facet of our world, the COVID-19 crisis is having impacts on our work. We are continuing to provide individualized care for all the animals in the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, at the RAPS City of Richmond Animal Shelter, in our vast fostering network and those in the community we serve through the social enterprise not-for-profit animal hospital.

We have implemented strict protocols for staff, volunteers and members of the public. The animal hospital, which we deem an essential service, remains open, while all of our other services are closed to the public except in cases of emergency. Rest assured, we are still providing full care to all animals at the Sanctuary and Shelter.We are, however, experiencing financial impacts form this situation. We needed to temporarily close our two thrift stores to comply with social distancing guidelines and that has resulted in significantly reduced revenues. The postponement of most non-essential veterinary services is impacting the bottom line at our animal hospital. Our staff are valiantly stepping up to fill the hours and hours of labour usually performed by volunteers, many of whom are unable to continue at this time.

At the same time, we are seeing increased demand for our socially responsive services. In the past two years, we have provided $1.2 million in partial or fully subsidized veterinary care to households with low income and those facing other challenges. Now, as more families experience temporary unemployment and financial hardships, we are seeing more demand for our no-interest wellness payment plans for urgent medical care for companion animals, our Pet Food Bank for those facing financial hardship and other services to animals in households with challenges. As more and more Canadians lose their jobs and find themselves in a financially constrained position, we expect even greater demand for free immediate emergency vet care services.

We must continue these vital services, including our Pet Food Bank which provides thousands of dollars worth of food every month to those facing hardship. If you have the capacity to step up at this unprecedented moment to help us continue to deliver services to animals and their people, we and the people and animals we serve would be immensely grateful.