For over 25 years, RAPS has been helping animals and their people in BC. For most of that period, we have operated the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, home to hundreds of cats who would have faced euthanasia in other jurisdictions.

Located in Richmond, BC, the RAPS Cat Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Canada and among the largest in North America. The Sanctuary provides a safe, forever home to hundreds of feral, abandoned and surrendered cats, most of whom are unlikely to find a family home. The Sanctuary is at the heart of RAPS’ no-kill promise. Under our care, no animal is ever euthanized due to lack of space, treatable illness, physical defect, age, behavioural or socialization issues.

We are one of very few cat facilities that accommodate animals with leukemia and FIV. (Neither disease is transmissible to humans or other animal species.) We have separate areas for cats with special needs, so that they receive the care they require and other cats are not exposed to the conditions. In many jurisdictions, a positive diagnosis would mean euthanasia for many of these animals. At the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, they are enveloped in love and care for the rest of their lives.

Now, in 2022, RAPS is planning to build a true no-kill dog sanctuary: The RAPS Dog Sanctuary & Adoption Centre, which will be a loving and magical place for rehabilitating abused, neglected and otherwise un-adoptable canines.

The RAPS Dog Sanctuary will be equipped to provide everything a dog could want while being prepared for adoption, no matter how long it takes. We will have professional trainers, experts in rehabilitation and, of course, the veterinary expertise of our doctors and support staff at the RAPS Animal Hospital to deliver all the services dogs need. The dog sanctuary will welcome residents from jurisdictions where they might face euthanasia because of challenging health or behavioural issues. We believe where and animal lives should not determine whether an animal lives.