Leap day is next Thursday, Feb. 29.
In honour of the extra 24 hours that circles every four years, the BC SPCA is hosting another adoption blitz in hopes of finding a forever home for many of its long-term animals in care.
This includes the Burnaby chapter () where, as of this publication, Feb. 21, nearly a dozen pets are up for adoption for 50 per cent off.
You can view a list of pets available for adoption below.
The initiative is taking place for two weeks ending March 3.
It's also part of efforts to find homes for animals in its care as well as free up space for other potential pets in need.
"We want to take advantage of this extra day to help find loving homes for all of the incredible animals in our care," said BC SPCA spokesperson Adrienne McBride
"You will still need to fill out an adoption application and go through the normal screening process, but you can find out quickly if it is a match."
McBride said other ways to support local animals include volunteering at an SPCA, or making a donation via e-cards, its online store and catalogue.
For more information on the adoption event, you can .
Here are the pets currently up for adoption in Burnaby (from youngest to oldest), along with SPCA profile descriptions:
Waffles
- Eight months old
Waffles is a juvenile female bunny bursting with personality. Sporting a coat of speckled black and white fur, Waffles is a confident and curious little hopper who has captured the hearts of staff, volunteers and visitors.
In her cozy unit, Waffles is a whirlwind of energy, hopping around with boundless enthusiasm. She loves to zoom between feet, engage in joyful binkies with her toys, and bring smiles to everyone around her.
However, Waffles is looking for a home without other rabbits. She wants to be the solo star, showcasing her playful demeanor without any competition. Though not a fan of being held, Waffles adores a good head scratch. With her funny antics and charming personality, Waffles is the perfect addition to a home ready for a furry friend who knows how to spread joy. So, if you’re looking for a delightful and entertaining companion, Waffles is eager to hop into your home and heart.
Chloe
- 10 months old
Chloe is quite fearful when meeting new people and entering new situations but once she warms up she is a bundle of energy and affection. She is high energy and will require an active guardian who can keep up with her. She enjoys going for walks, has shown interest in meeting other dogs while in our care, and loves a good zoom around the yard. Chloe would benefit from continued training with an animal kind trainer to help her feel more confident in the world. A home that is experienced and adult ONLY is ideal as she adjusts to her new life. Once she is comfortable with you she can be quite jumpy and excitable, this behaviour will need continued work. With patience and positive reinforcement, Chloe is sure to become a delightful companion for an experienced owner willing to put in the time and effort to help her thrive!
Muffin
- One year old
Meet marvellous Muffin! This stunning gentlemen was found as a stray and sadly never claimed. Muffin is a big, beautiful bully boy, looking for his best match! Being big and strong it is important his new family be capable of handling him as he is quite excitable. Muffin is sure to respond to training through force free, positive reinforcement methods. Snacks, praise and toys will be great motivators for Muffin. He is a strong puller! Loose leash walking isn’t something he is familiar with so his new family should be prepared to teach him. Muffin is best suited to be the only pet in the household. Ideally his new family should be adult oriented with any kids being in their teens. Muffin is a model if you didn’t notice and is sure to brighten up your social media with adorable looks! Muffin can be dog selective and has reacted to some dogs. Any new dogs should be introduced slowly to set him for success, kitties may also not be the best match. If you feel you are his pawfect match inquire today.
Sparky
- One year old
Introducing Sparky! He is looking for a very experienced, adult only home to take him on. He has not had an easy start to life and is under socialized as a result. Sparky is currently on a re-feeding program to help him safely gain weight and this will need to be continued in his new home. When he gets overwhelmed he will flatten himself onto the ground and look for an option to retreat. He is not familiar with on-leash walking and fearful of new faces and loud sounds. He would benefit from training with an animal kind trainer.
Sparky is a true sweetheart but very fearful and needs continued work building up his confidence as he learns the world around him isn’t scary. He has shown interest in other dogs while in our care and would benefit from having a friendly, confident dog in the house to show him the ropes. If you are a quiet, patient household looking to add another canine companion Sparky would be the right fit for you!
Tuxedo
- One year old
Meet terrific Tuxedo!
This little cutie came in missing a lot of hair and is on a special food trial to help correct this issue. He may need to be on a hypoallergenic diet for the rest of his life (currently Hill’s Science Diet ZD wet and dry food). Tuxedo has previously lived with other cats and would benefit from another friendly feline in the home. A slow introduction to his new environment and any new cats will be necessary to set him up for success. He gets easily overwhelmed and will hiss and retreat into his covered bed but don’t let that behaviour fool you – he is a love bug at heart! Tuxedo enjoys gentle head scratches, playing with his toys, and he is quite vocal. A quiet, patient guardian who is willing to let him come out of his shell on his own terms would be the perfect match for this lovely boy.
Dorothy
- Two years old
Dorothy is proof that a big personality can come in the smallest package. This bun is very confident and enjoys exploring her surroundings and tossing her toys up in the air. She is quite the foodie (but does NOT like spinach) and enjoys trying new veggies. Dorothy is quite tidy and picked up litter box training right away. She is still coming around to being handled but you can gain her trust by having a calm demeanour and offering her yummy treats. Each bunny has their own distinct personality and Dorothy is sure to keep you entertained with her goofy antics. Dorothy is content being a solo bun and is looking to go into a home with no other rabbits.
Stacey
- Two years old
Stacey was a mother cat recently transferred to the Burnaby Centre in hopes of finding an experienced, adult only home. Of course, all of her babies have been re homed and now it’s her turn. She's under socialized and will need the time and patience by guardians willing to work on her fearful behaviour.
Stacey gets very nervous with fast movements and accepts pets on her terms. With time, this sweet girl will be more accepting of human attention.
Macy
- Three years old
Macy was a mother cat recently transferred to the Burnaby Centre in hopes of finding an experienced, adult only home. Of course, all of her babies have been re homed and now it’s her turn. She's under socialized and will need the time and patience by guardians willing to work on her fearful behaviour.
Macy gets very nervous with fast movements and accepts pets on her terms. With time, this sweet girl will be more accepting of human attention.
Buster
- Eight years old
Buster is looking to “bust” out of the shelter and into your heart at home. If you can’t tell already Buster is a perfect gentlemen with so much love to give. He is a typical akita and is everything we love about the breed. He can be independent, silly and did we mention loving? This guy can be a total love bug and wants nothing more than to lean on you for a big snuggle, once trust is built of course!
Buster’s dream retirement home would be adult only with experienced adopters. He doesn’t want to share his new home with children or dogs as Buster has shown some food guarding behaviour. To set him up for success he should be left alone for all meals and not bothered. This also something that can be worked on with an Animal Kind Dog Trainer.
He would love a relaxing life, full of leisurely walks where he can sniff to his hearts content with his family. Buster does need to shed some pounds so encouraging him to exercise is important while watching his calorie intake. Buster can counter surf so food should be kept safely away!
Buster can take a moment to engage with new people but it doesn’t take him long to warm up! Buster would prefer all humans be dog savvy and know how to read a dog’s body language. Buster doesn’t want to be alone all day, he wants someone who is also ready for retirement living! Buster can feel a little anxious in new environments and should get used to being alone a few minutes at a time. This will set him up for success and make sure he doesn’t get upset when you leave. A flexible schedule is important for him.
Tracey
- Four years old
Tracey came into care with her kittens, undersocialized and fearful. With time Tracey has started to blossom and once she get comfortable is very sweet and will melt in to your arms, just an absolute snuggle bug. She’s friendly, LOVES attention and treats! She did super well with raising her kittens and is now so deserving of a home of her own. Loud noises and commotion are still scary for this darling girl, so she’s seeking an experienced adult only home.