Under our care, no animal is ever euthanized due to lack of space, treatable illness, physical condition, age, behavioural or socialization issues. We work to ensure every animal receives the care, compassion and opportunity they deserve. For some animals, this means adoption into loving homes. For others, it means fostering to prepare them for the next phase of their lives. For others, it means lifelong care at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, aka “Kitty Club Med.”

The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is one of the largest cat sanctuaries in North America and provides a safe, permanent home for hundreds of cats. Many of the cats are feral or semi-feral and would not thrive in traditional homes, while others are cats who require special care or who have nowhere else to go. The sanctuary allows them to live safely and comfortably while receiving the veterinary care, food, shelter and enrichment they want and need.

Animals in our care receive daily attention from trained animal care staff and volunteers. Veterinary services are provided through the RAPS Animal Hospital, one of the largest not-for-profit animal hospitals in Canada. The hospital supports both sanctuary animals and pets from the broader community. We even have designated “Kitty Comforters,” whose exclusive responsibility is to socialize feral or stray animals to prepare them for the rest of their lives.

RAPS grew out of grassroots efforts in the 1980s when volunteers in Richmond recognized that large numbers of feral cats were living without access to shelter, veterinary care or spay/neuter services. A small group formed the Richmond Homeless Cats Society to address the crisis. Over time, that initiative evolved into today’s Regional Animal Protection Society, one of Canada’s largest and most innovative animal-serving agencies.

Richmond Homeless Cats was incorporated in 1995. In 2005 the organization became the Richmond Animal Protection Society, and in 2017 it adopted the name Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) to reflect the broader region it serves.

Long before the sanctuary existed, volunteers operated more than 40 feeding stations daily and focused heavily on spay and neuter programs. Over 1,000 cats were sterilized through these efforts, dramatically reducing the feral cat population and preventing countless future litters.

In 2007, RAPS was awarded the contract to operate the City of Richmond Animal Shelter, including responsibility for animal control in the city. Under our operations, Richmond officially became a no-kill community. RAPS successfully ran the shelter until early 2021, helping thousands of animals find safe homes. When the City of Richmond began the construction of a new Shelter, services were redistributed and RAPS reoriented our mission to serve animals well beyond the geographical limits of Richmond – a responsibility and a privilege made possible in part because of our RAPS Animal Hospital, which opened in 2018. We believe that where an animal lives should not determine whether an animal lives.

Through advocacy and public engagement, RAPS has helped advance stronger animal welfare policies. In part because of RAPS’ advocacy, Richmond became the first municipality in Canada to legally require spaying and neutering for cats and to prohibit the sale of puppies and dogs in pet stores. RAPS continues to be a voice for the voiceless by advocating for households that include pets through housing policy and a range of economic and social strategies.

RAPS is powered by a large and passionate community of animal allies. The Cat Sanctuary alone is supported by approximately 200 volunteers who help care for the animals every day. Donors, foster families, foundations and socially responsible corporate partners, as well as adopters and fosterers all play essential roles in helping RAPS protect animals and promote compassionate animal care. People who donate to and shop at the RAPS Thrift Stores empower our work. By choosing the community-owned nonprofit RAPS Animal Hospital for their veterinary needs, animal allies ensure that revenues from their vet care are reinvested to assist the community.

RAPS works toward a future where no stray cats roam the streets and where all animals are treated with respect, compassion and dignity. The organization strives to create a community in which every animal has the opportunity for safety, care and a lifelong home.

RAPS is based in Richmond, British Columbia, and serves communities across the region. We have branch officers in northern British Columbia and on Vancouver Island. The organization also supports animal welfare initiatives in other parts of the province, across Canada and even internationally through partnerships and outreach programs. We are fortunate to be able to assist other rescue groups by alleviating overcrowding by welcoming animals to our Cat Sanctuary and by providing veterinary care to smaller organizations without veterinary medical capacity.

RAPS believes caring for animals also means caring for the people who love them. Many pet guardians face financial or housing challenges that make it difficult to provide veterinary care or food for their animals. By supporting both pets and their guardians, RAPS helps keep families together and prevents animals from being surrendered to shelters.

The RAPS Animal Hospital, opened in 2018, is a nonprofit veterinary facility. Unlike for-profit clinics, the hospital’s sole bottom line is to save and improve the lives of as many animals as possible. The hospital allows RAPS to expand veterinary services for animals in the community and support many of the organization’s assistance programs.

The Community Assistance and Support Programs are designed for general community benefit rather than direct subsidies for individuals. However, RAPS Animal Hospital offers a range of financial assistance options—including discounts, payment plans and other supports—to help people access veterinary care for their pets. By removing the profit motive from veterinary care, we remove hurdles to quality, accessible vet care.

RAPS provides spay and neuter programs for animals in the community, including feral and stray animals who have been trapped by RAPS or by partner rescue organizations. These programs help prevent overpopulation while ensuring animals receive humane treatment and appropriate veterinary care.

Reducing overpopulation also benefits the broader environment and community by decreasing the number of stray animals and unexpected litters.

RAPS also offers popup clinics in economically challenged neighbourhoods, in partnership with social service agencies, police services and others, ensuring that financial capacity is not a barrier to the care animals need.

RAPS regularly assists rescue groups across British Columbia by providing veterinary care, fostering, sheltering and adoption support for animals from rescue situations. By sharing its facilities and expertise, RAPS helps strengthen the entire animal rescue network and ensures more animals receive the care they need.

RAPS offers services that support people in transitional housing situations, including individuals experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. Because many emergency shelters do not allow pets, RAPS can provide compassionate boarding for animals while their guardians access housing and support services.

RAPS also helps ensure animals meet the vaccination and health requirements needed for pet-friendly housing programs, allowing families to remain together with their companion animals.

The RAPS Pet Food Bank is a long-standing program that provides nutritious pet food to households that need assistance. It operates on a no-questions-asked basis, ensuring that people never have to choose between feeding themselves and feeding their pets.

This program helps keep animals in their homes while supporting families during difficult financial times.

Hundreds of volunteers help make RAPS programs possible. Volunteers assist with caring for animals, maintaining facilities, and supporting many aspects of the organization’s work. Their dedication ensures that animals receive individualized care and that RAPS can continue expanding its services to the community.

RAPS Community Assistance and Support Programs help strengthen the bond between people and animals while addressing larger social challenges such as homelessness, financial hardship and animal overpopulation. By supporting both pets and their guardians, RAPS helps build healthier, more compassionate communities for everyone.

Supporters can make a one-time donation online, by phone, by mail or in person. These gifts provide immediate support for the organization’s operations and help ensure animals receive food, shelter and medical care.

Many donors also choose to make monthly contributions, which allow RAPS to plan its programs with greater financial stability while giving supporters an easy way to make a meaningful ongoing impact.

Supporters can include RAPS in their estate planning or will as a legacy gift. These planned gifts help ensure the animals continue to receive protection and care for generations to come. RAPS also works with financial advisors and legal professionals to help donors understand the benefits and impact of legacy giving.

In many cases, our volunteer financial advisors can ensure a donor’s tax situation is improved today and animals are assisted in future.

Many companies offer employee matching gift programs, which allow employers to match charitable donations made by their staff. In some cases, companies will even match gifts made by spouses or retirees. This means a donor’s contribution can effectively be doubled or even tripled.

Yes. Donating securities such as shares, bonds or mutual funds can be a tax-efficient way to support RAPS. Canadian tax rules often provide significant advantages for gifts of securities, allowing donors to support animal welfare while benefiting from potential tax savings.

Yes. Supporters can sponsor a cat at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary through a monthly contribution. Sponsorship helps provide food, shelter and veterinary care for animals who may not be easily adoptable but deserve a safe and comfortable life.

Absolutely! RAPS encourages supporters to help in many ways, including volunteering, donating goods, or supporting the organization’s social enterprises. The organization’s thrift stores, for example, rely on donated items and community shoppers, and proceeds from those stores help fund animal care and rescue programs. Choosing the RAPS Animal Hospital for your pet’s veterinary care is among the most powerful ways to support RAPS’ mission. Learn more here.

Yes. Supporters can donate an unwanted car, van or truck through a vehicle recycling program. The vehicle is recycled and converted into a cash donation that supports RAPS programs.

RAPS’ ability to rescue animals, operate the Cat Sanctuary, provide veterinary care through the RAPS Animal Hospital and support community programs depends heavily on public support. Every donation—whether financial, material or volunteer time—helps ensure that animals receive compassionate care and the opportunity for a safe and healthy life.

There are several easy ways to support RAPS:

• Make an online donation through the secure donation form
• Mail a donation to the RAPS Administration Office
• Donate in person at a RAPS location

These contributions directly support animal rescue, veterinary care, food, shelter and sanctuary programs.

Donations can be mailed to:

RAPS Administration Office
Suite 201, 13340 Smallwood Place
Richmond, BC V6V 1W8

Donors are also welcome to visit RAPS locations to make a gift in person.

Yes. RAPS welcomes donations from Canadian and American supporters. A dedicated donation option is available for US donors who wish to receive a US tax receipt.

Our regular online donation form is in Canadian dollars, but your credit card will automatically convert funds to US dollars.

US donors can also donate securities/shares from American companies, and our brokerage will sell them and convert the proceeds to Canadian dollars.

Our standard tax receipts are Canadian. For donors wanting a US tax receipt, we partner with the Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) to receive gifts which are then passed through their Canadian branch to RAPS. Please note that CAF does take a large processing fee, so donations less than $100 are not applicable through this program.

Yes. Supporters can sponsor a cat living at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary for $25 per month. This program helps provide food, shelter and veterinary care for animals who may not easily find adoptive homes but deserve lifelong safety and comfort.

Sponsors also receive recognition of their support and can visit the sanctuary cats during visiting hours.

Yes. Many supporters choose to include RAPS in their estate planning. Planned gifts can help ensure that animals continue to receive care and protection for years to come. RAPS can connect donors with professional advisors who can discuss how to structure a legacy gift in a way that benefits both the donor and the organization.

Possibly. Many companies offer matching gift programs that allow employers to match charitable contributions made by employees. In some cases, employers will also match donations made by spouses or retirees, which can significantly increase the impact of a gift.

Donations help RAPS:

• Rescue and shelter homeless animals
• Provide veterinary treatment and preventive care
• Support the RAPS Cat Sanctuary
• Operate the Adoption & Education Centre
• Maintain community programs, such as the Pet Food bank, and outreach clinics

Every contribution helps improve the lives of animals and supports RAPS’ mission of compassionate, no-kill animal care.

Yes. The Regional Animal Protection Society is a registered Canadian charity. Donors may be eligible to receive a charitable tax receipt for their contributions. We also have an agreement that allows US supporters to receive American tax receipts.

Many supporters choose planned giving because it allows them to continue supporting causes they care about long after their lifetime. For animal allies, leaving a gift to RAPS is a meaningful way to ensure that animals will continue receiving protection, care and compassion in the future.

The most common form of planned giving is a bequest in a will. This can be:

• A specific amount of money
• A percentage of the estate
• The remainder (residual) of an estate after other gifts are distributed

Even a simple addition to a will can create a lasting impact for animals in need.

Yes. Planned giving can provide significant tax advantages. Charitable gifts included in an estate plan may reduce taxes owed by the estate, allowing donors to support a meaningful cause while potentially benefiting their financial planning.

Yes. RAPS works with volunteer professionals—including lawyers, financial planners and tax advisors—who can help supporters understand the options and potential benefits of planned giving. These consultations are offered for free and without obligation and can help donors explore ways to maximize the impact of their gift.

In addition to a gift in a will, planned giving can include:

• Donations of securities such as stocks or bonds
• Naming RAPS as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy
• Designating RAPS as a beneficiary of registered accounts

These options allow supporters to create a lasting legacy while managing their estate in a tax-efficient way.

While it is not required, RAPS encourages supporters to inform the organization of their plans. This allows the team to thank donors, ensure their wishes are respected and help ensure the gift is used in ways that align with the donor’s intentions.

Legacy gifts have played a major role in the organization’s ability to grow and expand its lifesaving work. Many of the programs that save and improve the lives of animals—from sanctuary care to veterinary treatment—have been made possible through the generosity of supporters who chose to include RAPS in their estate plans.

Supporters interested in planned giving can contact RAPS directly to discuss their options or connect with professional advisors who can help guide the process.

Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS)
Phone: 604-285-7724
Email: admin@rapsbc.com

RAPS offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities for people who want to help animals and support the organization’s mission. Volunteers may assist with:

• Caring for animals at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary
• Supporting animals at the Adoption & Education Centre
• Helping customers and organizing donations at RAPS Thrift Stores
• Assisting with general tasks at the RAPS Animal Hospital
• Representing RAPS and engaging with the public at community events

Each role helps keep the organization running smoothly and supports animals in need. Learn more.

Many volunteer roles involve direct interaction with animals, particularly at the Cat Sanctuary and Adoption Centre. Tasks may include feeding, refreshing water, cleaning litter boxes, changing bedding, washing dishes and helping maintain clean and comfortable living spaces for the animals.

Other roles focus on operational support, such as retail assistance, event outreach or facility maintenance.

The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is Canada’s largest cat sanctuary and home to hundreds of cats. Volunteers help maintain the sanctuary by assisting with feeding, cleaning, laundry, and general daily care tasks that ensure the cats’ environment remains safe and healthy.

The Adoption & Education Centre provides temporary housing for animals waiting to find permanent homes. Volunteers help care for these animals by supporting daily routines such as feeding, cleaning and maintaining a healthy environment while the animals wait for adoption.

RAPS operates thrift stores from which 100% of revenues support animal care programs. Volunteers help by assisting customers, sorting donations, restocking shelves and maintaining a clean and welcoming shopping environment.

The nonprofit RAPS Animal Hospital offers volunteers a chance to see the behind-the-scenes operations of a busy veterinary facility. Volunteers assist with tasks such as maintaining waiting areas, cleaning surfaces, sweeping and helping keep the hospital environment organized and welcoming.

Yes. RAPS participates in many community events—including festivals, farmers markets and outreach activities. Volunteers help by engaging with the public, sharing information about RAPS programs and raising awareness about animal welfare.

RAPS welcomes volunteers from many backgrounds, including seniors, young people, new Canadians and individuals with diverse abilities. The organization strives to create an inclusive community where everyone can contribute to improving the lives of animals.

Age requirements vary by role:

• Cat Sanctuary: 12+ years old (accompanied by guardian)
• Thrift Stores: 14+ years old (with guardian consent)
• Events: 16+ years old (with guardian consent)
• Adoption Centre: 17+ years old (with guardian consent)
• Animal Hospital: 19+ years old

Yes. Volunteers must:

• Complete a volunteer application
• Sign a volunteer agreement
• Be willing to undergo a criminal record check
• Commit to volunteering for a minimum of six months

RAPS prioritizes the safety and well-being of the animals and therefore reviews all volunteer applications carefully and reserves the right to refuse or dismiss volunteers in the best interests of the animals and the organization.

Anyone interested in volunteering can complete the volunteer application form available on the RAPS website or contact the organization directly for more information.

Email: volunteer@rapsbc.com

Apply here.

Volunteering at RAPS is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals while connecting with a community of people who share a commitment to compassion and animal welfare. Many volunteers find the experience rewarding both personally and socially as they work together to improve the lives of animals in need.

RAPS has a variety of animals waiting for their forever homes through the RAPS Adoption & Education Centre. Many adoptable animals can be viewed online, although the website listing may not include every animal currently available. Visiting the Adoption Centre or following RAPS on social media is the best way to see the most up-to-date adoption opportunities.

The first step in the adoption process is the Online Application. After applying, our adoption team will review your application and if you are a strong fit, we will follow up with you to arrange a meet-and-greet. Meet-and-greets can be arranged outside of weekend visiting hours and can include meeting our kittens currently housed in home foster care and our adult cats at the Sanctuary who will do well with the right adopter. For more information about the adoption process, view our available animals, and to fill out the application, please click the following link: https://rapsbc.com/departments/adoption-centre/

Yes. Potential adopters are encouraged to visit animals at the RAPS Adoption & Education Centre to learn more about them and determine whether they are a good fit for their home and lifestyle. Our Adoption Centre is open for visits from 12 – 4pm on Saturday and Sundays and is located at 3380 No. 6 Road, Richmond, BC.

For the well-being of the animals, RAPS adopts kittens and young cats in pairs if the adopting household does not already have another cat. This helps ensure the animals have companionship and appropriate social development. Some cats that prefer to live alone may be adopted individually.

Adopting an animal is a long-term commitment. Before adopting, prospective guardians should consider:

• The time required for care and companionship
• Financial responsibilities such as food and veterinary care
• Living arrangements and space for the animal
• Compatibility with other pets and family members

RAPS staff are available to discuss these responsibilities and help adopters make informed decisions.

RAPS works to ensure that every adoption is successful for both the animal and the adopter. By carefully matching animals with suitable homes, the organization helps reduce the risk of animals being returned or surrendered again in the future. While we appreciate the commitment of all the applicant’s seeking adoption, our priority is the well-being of the animals and that is the foremost consideration in placement of adoptable animals.

Adoptable animals can be viewed online through RAPS’ adoption listings. You can also contact the RAPS Adoption & Education Centre directly or follow RAPS on social media for updates about animals currently looking for homes.

If adoption is not possible at this time, there are many other ways to support animals at RAPS. You can volunteer, foster animals, donate or sponsor a sanctuary cat. Every contribution helps improve the lives of animals in need.

The RAPS Adoption & Education Centre is the place where animals ready for adoption are prepared to begin the next chapter of their lives. At the centre, animals receive care, attention and support while waiting to be matched with loving families.

The centre connects adoptable animals with people looking to provide safe, permanent homes.

The RAPS Adoption & Education Centre is located at:

3380 No. 6 Road
Richmond, British Columbia V6V 1P5

Visitors are encouraged to contact the centre before arriving to arrange an appointment.

The Adoption & Education Centre is open:

• Saturday: 12 – 4 pm
• Sunday: 12 – 4 pm

The centre is closed to the public Monday through Friday.

Appointments are recommended to ensure staff can provide the best possible assistance during visits.

The Adoption Centre cares for animals who are ready to be rehomed. These animals are waiting to be matched with families who can provide loving, lifelong homes.

While many adoptable animals are listed online, the website listings may not include every animal currently available.

RAPS provides online listings of adoptable animals so potential adopters can see some of the pets currently waiting for homes. However, the online list is not always comprehensive.

Prospective adopters are encouraged to visit the centre or follow RAPS on social media for the most up-to-date information about available animals.

The first step in the adoption process is the application. After applying, the Adoption Team will review your application and if you are a strong fit, they will follow up with you to arrange a meet-and-greet. Meet-and-greets can be arranged outside of weekend visiting hours and can include meeting our kittens currently housed in home foster care and our adult cats at the Sanctuary who will do well with the right adopter. This process helps ensure long-term success for both the animals and their new guardians.

Yes. The Adoption Centre is the intake point for animals entering the RAPS system. Animals who are surrendered are assessed and may be placed for adoption, foster care or sanctuary depending on their needs and circumstances.

The Adoption & Education Centre is a key part of RAPS’ broader mission to save and improve the lives of animals. It works alongside other RAPS programs—including the Cat Sanctuary, foster network and RAPS Animal Hospital—to ensure animals receive the care they need and the opportunity to find safe, loving homes.

For adoption inquiries, surrender information or general questions, you can contact the RAPS Adoption Centre:

Phone: 604-275-2036
Email: info@rapsbc.com

The Adoption Centre is also open for visits from 12 – 4pm on Saturday and Sundays

Location: 3380 No. 6 Road, Richmond, BC.

The sanctuary was built to accommodate stray and abandoned cats who are unlikely to be adopted into traditional homes. Many of these cats are feral or semi-feral, are not suited to living as household pets, or are unlikely to be adopted because of behavioural or medical conditions. The sanctuary gives them a safe, stable environment where they can live out their lives with proper care and supervision.

The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is home to hundreds of cats, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind in North America. Each cat receives daily care, food, shelter and veterinary attention.

Cats living at the sanctuary include:

• Feral or semi-feral cats who are not comfortable living in traditional homes
• Cats with special needs
• Senior cats who require long-term care
• Cats rescued from difficult situations who need a safe permanent environment
• Cats with chronic but manageable conditions like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), feline leukemia (FeLV), diabetes or other conditions with which our team has expertise.
• Cats who, for whatever reason, are unlikely to be adopted into family environments.

The sanctuary ensures these animals receive compassionate care even when adoption is not possible.

Cats at the sanctuary receive daily attention from trained staff and dedicated volunteers. Their care includes:

• Nutritious food and fresh water
• Clean shelter and bedding
• Enrichment and safe outdoor space
• Veterinary care through the RAPS Animal Hospital

The goal is to provide a comfortable, low-stress environment where the cats can live safely and naturally.

Yes. The sanctuary welcomes visitors during designated visiting hours. Visitors can observe the cats in their environment and learn more about RAPS’ rescue and sanctuary work.

Because the sanctuary is first and foremost a home for the cats, visits are structured to ensure the animals remain comfortable and stress-free.

Purchase tickets.

Most cats at the sanctuary are permanent residents who require lifelong care. However, some cats may eventually become comfortable enough with people to transition into adoptive homes.

Cats ready for adoption are typically placed through the RAPS Adoption & Education Centre.

Supporters can help the sanctuary in many ways, including:

• Sponsoring a sanctuary cat
• Making a donation
• Volunteering
• Donating supplies
• Shopping at RAPS Thrift Stores, which support animal care programs

Community support helps ensure the sanctuary can continue providing lifelong care for hundreds of cats.

By offering a permanent, compassionate home, the RAPS Cat Sanctuary ensures that every cat—regardless of background or adoptability—has the chance to live safely and with dignity.

The RAPS Animal Hospital plays a critical role supporting many RAPS programs. Veterinary services provided by the hospital help care for animals living at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, animals awaiting adoption through the Adoption & Education Centre, and animals rescued by partner organizations.

The hospital also helps make veterinary care more accessible to members of the community who may otherwise struggle to obtain it.

All revenues from the services at RAPS Animal Hospital are reinvested into saving and improving the lives of animals in the community.

The RAPS Animal Hospital offers a full range of veterinary services, including:

• Wellness Exams
• Clinical Examination
• Urgent Care
• Surgeries
• Dental Procedures and Oral Exams
• Vaccinations
• Spaying and Neutering
• Microchipping
• Laboratory Diagnostics
• Ultrasounds & Echocardiogram
• Digital X-rays
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
• Fluorescent Light Therapy
• Dermatology & Allergies
• Nutrition
• Nail Trim
• Puppy and Kitten Care
• Exotic Animals
• Geriatric Care
• End Of Life

For complete information about available services, visitors are encouraged to consult the hospital’s website.

Yes. The hospital provides veterinary services for pets in the community, not only animals in the RAPS system. Pet guardians can bring their animals to the hospital for routine and advanced veterinary care. By choosing the RAPS Animal Hospital, pet guardians support the work of RAPS, with revenues reinvested to support less fortunate animals.

As a nonprofit veterinary hospital, the goal is to maximize animal care and community benefit rather than profit. This model allows the hospital to reinvest resources into improving services, supporting rescue work and expanding programs that help animals and their guardians.

Yes. The hospital helps support a variety of community initiatives designed to improve access to veterinary care. This include monthly specials, financial assistance options and programs related to spay and neuter services, rescue support and assistance for vulnerable households and communities.

For detailed information about services, hours, appointments and veterinary care, please visit the RAPS Animal Hospital website.

The series highlights the unique way RAPS helps animals and the people who love them. It follows veterinarians and staff at the RAPS Animal Hospital as they provide care to animals who might otherwise struggle to access treatment.

At the same time, the show also features the team of dedicated “pickers” who search through donated items and storage locker goods to raise money for veterinary care through the RAPS thrift stores.

The name reflects the unusual partnership that makes the RAPS model possible.

The “pets” represent the animals receiving care at the RAPS Animal Hospital, while the “pickers” are the people who uncover valuable items from donated goods and storage lockers. The proceeds from those items help fund veterinary treatment and lifesaving surgeries for animals in need.

The series is available to watch or stream on several platforms. Depending on where you live and what streaming or cable packages you have, Pets & Pickers can be viewed on: CTV.ca, CTV Wild, Discovery Plus, Animal Planet, CRAVE, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. Learn more.

Pets & Pickers features many of the people who make RAPS possible, including veterinarians, technicians, thrift store staff and volunteers. The series also highlights the powerful, emotional and sometimes hilarious stories of pet guardians whose animals receive care through the RAPS Animal Hospital.

Pets & Pickers showcases a one-of-a-kind model that connects animal rescue, community support and social enterprise. The series demonstrates how thrift store fundraising and community donations help make veterinary care more accessible while supporting animals in need.

The series was created to give people a behind-the-scenes look at the work RAPS does every day. By sharing these stories, the show helps raise awareness about animal welfare, inspire compassion for animals and highlight the innovative ways RAPS supports animals and their families.

By sharing the stories of animals and the people who care for them, the series helps raise awareness of RAPS programs and encourages viewers to support animal rescue organizations in their communities. The show also highlights how the RAPS model makes lifesaving veterinary care possible for many animals who might otherwise go without treatment.

Viewers who are inspired by Pets & Pickers can support the work of RAPS in many ways, including:

• Donating to RAPS
• Shopping or donating at RAPS thrift stores
• Volunteering
• Sponsoring a sanctuary cat
• Adopting or fostering animals

Community support helps ensure that RAPS can continue saving and improving the lives of animals.

100% of the proceeds from RAPS Thrift Stores go directly toward helping animals. Revenue from the stores supports RAPS programs such as the Cat Sanctuary, the Adoption & Education Centre, rescue initiatives and other animal care services.

By shopping or donating, customers are directly helping improve the lives of animals.

RAPS Thrift Stores offer a wide range of affordable items, including:

• Clothing and accessories
• Furniture
• Household goods
• Appliances
• Books and media
• Jewelry
• Tools and hardware
• Toys and collectibles

Because all items are donated, the inventory changes frequently and shoppers can find unique items and bargains.

Yes. RAPS welcomes donations of new or gently used items in good condition. Donated goods are sold in the stores to help raise funds for animal care programs. Donations are an important way for community members to support the organization.

RAPS operates multiple thrift store locations in Richmond. These stores are community gathering places where supporters can shop, donate and help animals at the same time.

For store locations, hours and donation information, visitors can check the RAPS website.

Volunteers play an important role in the operation of RAPS Thrift Stores. They assist with sorting donations, organizing merchandise, helping customers and supporting daily operations. Their efforts help keep the stores running efficiently while maximizing support for animal programs.

Shopping at a RAPS Thrift Store allows people to:

• Save money on quality previously enjoyed items
• Support an innovative, local animal welfare organization
• Help the environment by reducing waste by giving items a second life
• Help fund lifesaving animal care programs

It’s a simple way for the community to support animals while finding great bargains.

Supporters can help by:

• Donating gently used items
• Shopping regularly
• Volunteering at the stores
• Sharing the stores with friends and family

Every purchase and donation helps RAPS continue its mission of saving and improving the lives of animals.