THE STORY OF RAPS
The Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is a registered animal welfare charity based in British Columbia, dedicated to saving and improving the lives of animals — and their people.
Today, RAPS operates the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, Adoption & Education Centre, an extensive foster network, social enterprise thrift stores and the full-service, community-owned RAPS Animal Hospital.
From Richmond Homeless Cats Society to RAPS
The history of RAPS began in Richmond, BC, in the 1980s, when a small but fiercely dedicated group of volunteers came together to form the Richmond Homeless Cats Society — the grassroots organization that would eventually become today’s Regional Animal Protection Society.
Incorporated in 1995, this passionate team spent years on the front lines providing homeless cats with food, shelter and veterinary care, with a strong commitment to spaying and neutering. Volunteers managed more than 40 feeding stations every day and helped spay or neuter more than 1,000 cats, permanently addressing what had been a significant feral-cat overpopulation crisis.
Whenever possible, cats and kittens were adopted into loving homes. Before there was a sanctuary, volunteers opened their own homes to foster animals who had nowhere else to go.
2005 — Expanding Our Mission
In 2005, the organization expanded its mission to serve all of Richmond’s animals and became the Richmond Animal Protection Society.
2007 — Bringing No-Kill Animal Care to the City Shelter
In 2007, RAPS was entrusted with operating the City of Richmond Animal Shelter, where we introduced a no-kill policy and helped lead important animal welfare reforms, including mandatory spay and neuter requirements and a ban on the sale of puppies and dogs in pet stores.
RAPS proudly operated the City of Richmond Animal Shelter until early 2021, when the City began redevelopment of the site.
2017 — Becoming the Regional Animal Protection Society
In 2017, we became the Regional Animal Protection Society, reflecting the broader and more diverse communities we had come to serve.
What began as a small group of volunteers determined to improve the lives of Richmond’s homeless cats had grown into a multifaceted animal welfare organization with an expanding impact across British Columbia.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE "NO-KILL"?
“Under our care, no animal is ever euthanized due to lack of space, treatable illness, physical defect, age, behavioural or socialization issues.”
The RAPS No-Kill Promise:
Our no-kill promise means we do everything in our power to save every animal and give them the greatest possible opportunity to live a safe, comfortable and fulfilling life.
Animals in RAPS care are never euthanized because of a lack of space, the length of time they have been in our care, their age, a treatable medical condition, behavioural challenges or convenience.
Euthanasia is considered only when an animal is experiencing serious, irreversible suffering and there is no humane medical or palliative option available.
Our No-Kill Promise is a commitment to care, rehabilitation and second chances — supported by a community that refuses to give up on animals who need us most.
From Rescue to Lifelong Sanctuary
The RAPS Cat Sanctuary was created for cats with nowhere else to go. Today, it is one of the largest cat sanctuaries in North America and provides a safe, permanent home to hundreds of feral, abandoned and surrendered cats.
Some cats arrive because they are unlikely to thrive in a traditional home. Others live with chronic medical conditions, behavioural or socialization challenges, or simply need a safe place where they can live on their own terms.
At the Sanctuary, they are surrounded by dedicated animal care professionals and volunteers who provide a clean, comfortable and enriching environment designed around their individual needs.
Their health and well-being are supported by veterinarians and animal care staff, with veterinary treatment provided through the RAPS Animal Hospital, one of Canada’s largest nonprofit veterinary hospitals.
At RAPS, every life has value, and every animal deserves compassionate care.
RAPS Today: A Community of Compassion
Over more than three decades, RAPS has grown far beyond its beginnings while remaining grounded in the values that inspired those first volunteers.
Today, our work encompasses animal rescue and adoption, lifelong sanctuary, fostering, nonprofit veterinary care, education, advocacy and social enterprise.
Our goal is not simply to respond when animals are in crisis. We are working to build communities in which animals and the people who love them have access to the resources, care and support they need to thrive.
That means finding families for homeless animals. It means providing lifelong sanctuary when adoption is not the right solution. It means helping families access veterinary care. It means advocating for better animal welfare practices. And it means continually looking for new ways to save and improve lives.
Be Part of the RAPS Story
The history of RAPS has always been a story about people choosing to act.
From the volunteers who began feeding Richmond’s homeless cats decades ago to the thousands of supporters, adopters, fosters, donors, volunteers, veterinary clients and community partners who make our work possible today, every chapter has been built by people who believe animals deserve compassion, dignity and a second chance.
There are many ways to become part of what comes next.
ADOPTABLE PETS
Explore our adoptable animals anytime and discover the ones waiting for a forever home. While not every animal is listed online, it’s a great place to start.
Visit our Adoption Centre by appointment or follow us on social media for the latest arrivals, updates, and powerful stories.
ADOPT
The RAPS Adoption Centre is filled with extraordinary animals ready to begin their next chapter with loving families. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way — sharing the joys, responsibilities, and lifelong rewards of welcoming a companion animal into your home.
Reach out, book a visit, and come meet your new family members.