When the temperatures dip in the wintertime, animals outdoors – like cats and small wildlife – look for ways to keep warm. More often than you’d think, a warm car engine attracts these animals, which can be very dangerous if someone comes along and starts the vehicle. 

So, what can you and your family do to make a difference? It’s simple! Just make it a habit to always “think and thump” before getting in the car. That means tapping on the hood of the car to alert anyone inside that it’s time to wake up and leave! 

Watch the “Think and Thump” video here and tell everyone you know about this trick to keep animals safe this winter.

What do beavers, cats and slugs have in common? They’re all animals being featured in the winter issue of Bark!, landing in Kids Club members’ mailboxes early next month.

• Beavers are Canada’s national animal – and now they’re playing an important role in fighting climate change!
• Kat and Fin have found a stray cat. Join them as they decide what to do next. 
• Ever heard of a blue-grey taildropper? Get to know these tiny, endangered creatures and find out how you can take action to save them. 

Plus, bake tasty “pupcakes” for the dogs in your life, discover how to become an animal protection officer, learn about chicken emotions and more!

Not a Kids Club member yet? Join today and don’t miss out on another issue of Bark!.

National Cupcake Day for SPCAs & 
Humane Societies is taking place on
Monday, February 29 – but you can get started right now! 

Set up your virtual bakery online, then bake, decorate and trade your treats for donations to help animals.

Host your own Cupcake Day party at school or home and fight animal cruelty with cupcakes!

Cupcakes can be any flavour with any decorations you want. Animal-themed cupcakes can be a lot of fun – search online for ideas!

Ready to get started? Sign up today!

January’s Furry Friend of the Month is a one-year-old cat named Mason.

Mason was brought to the SPCA as a stray after showing up on a stranger’s doorstep, cold and hungry. Sadly, he did not have any identification and no one came to claim him,
so he’s now looking for his second chance at a forever home.

Mason enjoys attention – including being pet, having his head scratched and playing with his toys. In fact, he enjoys it so much that he would prefer to be the only cat in the household so he doesn’t have to share! Mason is available for adoption at the Nelson SPCA.

Please note: Mason was for adoption at the time this article was written and may have found his forever home since then.

Visit the BC SPCA website to find more furry friends currently looking for homes.