Since 1996, the Okanagan Humane Society has assisted animals from Osoyoos to the Shuswap, by rescuing, spaying or neutering and providing life-saving veterinary care to more than 47,500 animals.
According to the president of the board of directors for the Okanagan Humane Society (OHS) Romany Runnalls, last year the charity helped 4,150 animals through rescue, pet assistance, and adoption programs.
鈥淟ast year was a record-breaking year for saving local animals, and so far in 2025, we're on track to match those numbers,鈥� said Runnells.
Already in 2025, OHS has helped more than 992 animals through the rescue and pet assistance programs, which is 100 more animals than at this time last year.
鈥淥HS receives new requests daily, including three large cases presently being worked on, involving about 116 animals needing medical care, spaying
or neutering, ID, foster care, and ultimately rehoming for a lifetime of love,鈥� explained Runnells.
The projected cost for just these three rescues is over $30,000.
Operating on a low-cost model, OHS includes a volunteer-based foster program that can care for up to 300 animals at a time.
鈥淎ll of our rescue work is carried out by volunteers鈥攚hether it's capturing animals from cat colonies, tracking down stray scared dogs on the run, or providing foster homes,鈥� said Runnalls.
The humane society does not receive funding from municipal governments and depends entirely on community support to continue its essential work.
To help fund these efforts, the charity has launched its annual fundraiser, the Raffle to Rescue Animals.
OHS has a goal of raising $75,000 with the raffle, which includes a grand prize trip to Cabo San Lucas.
All proceeds from the raffle will directly support the medical needs of local animals, including emergency care, spaying, neutering, vaccinations, deworming, and ID.
Ticket sales started on April 4 with two early bird draws on April 12 and April 26 and the grand prize being drawn on May 10.
The average cost of one animal for OHS is $350 and the raffle hopes to help 215 local animals in need.
Get your tickets today at .
