Critteraid was established in Summerland, B.C., Canada in 1991 to provide sanctuary for cats in need. Critteraid received it's "Non-Profit" status within the Province of British Columbia and "Registered Charity" status within Canada in 1994.
We are restricted to the number of cats we can provide sanctuary for because Critteraid is a "no kill" sanctuary. This means that animals are not euthanized, unless the animal is suffering from an incurable problem and our veterinarian has recommended that euthanasia is the only way to end the suffering. Every cat that comes in is examined by a qualified veterinarian, vaccinated, neutered or spayed, tattooed, and microchipped.
In 1998, we included "Special Needs dogs" and farm animals into our arena of expertise. Today, Critteraid has grown to include The Summerland Cat Sanctuary, The Dog House Division, Tanglewood Farm, and CDART (the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team).
While we often cannot take these animals in, we do work hand in hand with previous owners, foster homes, and other rescue groups to place these animal into safe, loving, happy homes.
We recently purchased a 10 acres farm and have moved our facilities. This property is a dream come true and has tremendous potential for Critteraid!
Critteraid works together with Transition House in Penticton to provide foster homes for those in need. This aspect of our foster program is required on an urgent basis. Critteraid shelters, feeds and funds medical procedures for Transition House animals where necessary. The utmost care and attention is given to protect the security of our foster homes as well as the privacy of our families and the safety of the animals. Requests for assistance for animals other than with Transition House are reviewed on a individual basis and help is based solely upon volunteer assistance and financial availability.
Our members have been involved in emergency animal rescue/evacuation work during the Garnet Fire in Penticton in 1994 as well as the evacuation of the Kee - Two Wildlife Refuge in Salmon Arm during the Mount Ida fire in 1998. Members were also individually involved with the Animal Rescue and Animal Intake in Kelowna during the Fintry Fire and the Reception Centre for receiving Salmon Arm evacuees. In Firestorm 2003, our members worked together with an American group to help the animals in the areas of the fires in Barriere, Kamloops, Okanagan Falls, and Osoyoos. It was during this disaster that we realised the urgent need for a Canadian group. Thus CDART began.
Critteraid's efforts are funded solely through donations and fundraising activities. Critteraid does not have any paid positions for staff . We encourage a unique Volunteer Program which includes hands-on work with the animals, cleaning duties, a variety of fundraising events and building maintenance.
We know that our directors and member volunteers will continue to make their communities proud of the work they do on their behalf to help animals in distress. For all of this and more, we ask for your help.
