Construction is set to begin on B.C. SPCA’s first-of-its-kind animal behaviour centre on Vancouver Island in Duncan, B.C.

The new Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre aims to help the growing number of animals entering the BC SPCA’s care who are fearful, under-socialized and needing significant behavioural support before finding their forever homes.

“When an animal enters the care of the BC SPCA with behavioural challenges, our staff do everything they can to support their unique needs, but a busy shelter setting isn’t always the best place for that animal to thrive,” explained Leon Davis, BC SPCA senior manager of Animal Care Services for the Island and Coastal Region. “Giving that animal time in a calmer environment with a team of dedicated animal behaviour specialists offers them a better chance to see the comfort of a loving home much quicker.”

Depending on the Vancouver Island community, as many as 18 per cent of dogs and 30 per cent of cats coming into the BC SPCA’s care require individualized behavioural care plans

To best support these animals and their needs, the animal behaviour centre is being designed with a number of unique features including a room replicating a “real home” that can be used for behaviour modification activities in a setting more typically like what the animal will experience after adoption.

The new animal behaviour centre will replace the BC SPCA Cowichan community animal centre at its existing location. Once opened, the Vancouver Island Animal Behaviour Centre will continue to serve the Cowichan community with animal welfare services, in addition to supporting animals with greater behavioural needs.