Maple Ridge, B.C., January 16, 2026 – Maple Ridge City Council has approved a new Operating Agreement with the BC SPCA to continue operating the Maple Ridge Animal Shelter, reinforcing a long-standing partnership and ensuring stable, high-quality shelter services for the community.
The agreement will be in effect from January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, with an option to renew for an additional two years. The City and the BC SPCA co-own the shelter facility at 10235 Jackson Avenue, reflecting a shared investment in local animal welfare.
“This agreement provides certainty for residents and ensures animals in our community continue to receive compassionate, professional care,” said Mayor Dan Ruimy. “By keeping animal control services in-house while partnering with the BC SPCA for shelter operations, we are using a proven model across B.C. that delivers the best value and outcomes for Maple Ridge.”
Since June 14, 2024, Maple Ridge Bylaw Compliance Officers have delivered animal control services to ensure continuity and compliance with provincial legislation following notice from the BC SPCA that it would no longer provide animal control services. City staff undertook a comprehensive assessment of animal service needs, including a cost-benefit analysis and a cross-jurisdictional review.
“The City is deeply committed to protecting animal welfare and ensuring residents receive reliable, compassionate service,” said Michelle Adams, Director of Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety. “This agreement builds on the BC SPCA’s expertise in shelter operations, while the City maintains direct oversight of animal control. We look forward to continuing to build a positive, collaborative working relationship that supports transparency, and accountability for our community.”
The new Operating Agreement sets strong service standards, including animal care and welfare, adoptions, public education, volunteer programs, customer service, staff training, transparent quarterly reporting to the City and is in line with models used by other Cities. Animal cruelty investigations will continue to be handled by the BC SPCA’s Special Provincial Constables under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.
Shelter hours are Monday to Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and the shelter is closed on statutory holidays.
How Residents Can Help
Community members are encouraged to adopt, foster, volunteer, and follow shelter updates for lost and found pets and adoption opportunities.
Who to Report Concerns
- Animal control issues (dogs at large, dog bites, licensing): Maple Ridge Bylaw, Licensing & Community Safety – 604-467-7305 or MapleRidge.ca/Report
- Animal cruelty or welfare concerns: BC SPCA Animal Cruelty Helpline – 1-855-622-7722
- Shelter services (adoptions, fostering, volunteering, lost/found pets): Maple Ridge BC SPCA – 604-463-9511
For more information, visit MapleRidge.ca/Dogs or contact Bylaws@MapleRidge.ca
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Media Contact
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249 E media@mapleridge.ca