FAQs

  • How do I participate in this event?

    • Register for your local walk
    • Fundraise for the animals that need your help
    • Walk in September to celebrate with fellow animal-lovers and dogs!

    I need help logging in to my participant centre - what should I do?
    Send us an email at paws@spca.bc.ca and we'll get that sorted for you right away!

    When is this event?
    All walks occur Sunday September 9th 2018- please visit your local walk page for more details on time and location!

    Where can I donate to my friend's fundraising goal?
    Visit the donation page to enter your friend's first and last name in the search bar. Make an online donation once you've arrived at your friend's fundraising page.
    Other ways to donate:

    • Send donation by mail - please print the donation form available on your friend's fundraising page
    • Donate over phone - call the BC SPCA toll-free at 1.800.665.1868, press 2 for donations. Phone line hours are 9-5.

    I don't have a dog - can I still come?
    Yes! Animals in your community count on everyone to show up and support your local SPCA.

  • What is the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ?
    The BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ is the BC SPCA's annual charity walk and largest fundraising event. Donations to participants and the event fund critical services to care for animals in need in BC SPCA shelters and to fight animal cruelty in British Columbia.

    Who can participate in the event?
    Anyone can participate and fundraise for the animals. Kids, adults, families, school teams, corporate teams, friends and neighbours are all welcome to join the fight against animal cruelty. Register online today to get started!

    Where is the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ?
    There are six walk locations around BC. Check Walk Locations for an event near you.

    When is the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ?
    All walks are held on Sunday, September 9th, 2018. Please visit your local Walk Locations for date and details.

    Why walk in the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ?
    The BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ is an important fundraiser in support of our branches' care for animals across B.C. You can make a difference in three easy steps: Register, Fundraise and Walk. Then come celebrate with other animal-lovers at the event! Pooch or no pooch, there is plenty for everyone to enjoy at the walk!

    Do I have to pay to attend the event?
    Yes. Every walk has a registration fee: early bird, online and for some events a last-minute fee on event day. The earlier you register, the more you save! Registration fees contribute to the cost of producing the event, helping to ensure that every dollar you raise directly supports animals in your community. For information on your walk fee, please visit your local walk page for details.

    I can't participate on the day of the walk in my community. Is there another way I can be involved?
    Yes - Your local BC SPCA branch still needs your help. Even if you can’t join us at the event consider fundraising or making a direct donation to the event.

    How long is the walk?
    The length of the walk varies by location. All walks are between 1-5 kilometers long. Please visit your local walk page for more details.

    What happens on walk day?
    Walk day is a community celebration of all the hard work that participants put in to fundraise for the animals. The event includes a 2-5 km walk and exciting activities for animal-lovers, dogs, and kids! For local activity details, please check your local walk page.

    I don't have a dog - can I still come?
    Yes! Animals in your community count on everyone, not just pet guardians, to show up and support your local SPCA.

    What happens if it rains?
    Rain, hail, snow, or shine, the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ will take place. Just be sure to watch the weather forecast and dress appropriately (i.e rain boots or sunscreen).

    Are there any giveaways for participants?
    All registered participants will receive a walk bib to wear on event day. Walk bibs and sharpies will be handed out together so all walkers can take a moment to write down the name of the animal(s) that they are walking for.

    We also celebrate fundraisers who raise $150 or more with a special tote bag at the event.

    While there is no province wide giveaway each walk may have its own experience and items for participants (visit your local walk page for more details). BC SPCA merchandise is always available online at spca.bc.ca/shop and sold in limited quantities at many walk locations.

    Can I buy BC SPCA merchandise on-site?
    BC SPCA merchandise is available right now in our online store! Visit spca.bc.ca/shop and stock up on gear to wear at the event and show your support for the BC SPCA. Many walk locations will also have BC SPCA merchandise available for purchase on walk day, but quantities will be limited.

    Can my company become a sponsor of The BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ?
    Absolutely! We encourage corporate organizations to get involved with the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ - whether through sponsorship, team participation or fundraising. We would love to hear from you! Contact Breanna Kray for more details: bkray@spca.bc.ca.

    Can I volunteer to help?
    Yes please! Check out our volunteer page for contact information to learn more about volunteering opportunities.

  • How do I register online?
    Online registration is easy! Just choose your walk location and click the register button. Follow the prompts to proceed with online registration or download a registration form on at your local walk page. You can drop off paper registration forms at your local branch.

    How long does it take for my online registration to be processed?
    You should receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours.

    What should I do if I registered or made a donation and haven't received anything by e-mail?
    It can take up to 24 hours to receive a confirmation email. If you have not received a confirmation within 24 hours, remember to check your ‘junk' folder just in case and then contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca (or phone us at toll-free 1.800.665.1868). We will be happy to check the status for you.

    Is there a registration cut off?
    Online registration will close Friday, September 7. Didn't register in time? Not to fear! You can still register on event day at the registration tent.

    What does my registration fee provide me?
    Besides a great day with your friends and family, registration gives you entry to the event and an amazing support team to help you fundraise.

    How can I change the event location that I registered for?
    If you wish to change event location, please contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca or phone us toll-free at 1.800.665.1868.

    How do I join or start a team once I have already registered as an individual
    Please email the name of the team you wish to join or the name of the team you wish to create to paws@spca.bc.ca and we will help you create your dream team!

    Is my registration fee tax deductible?
    No. Your registration fee is used to help cover the cost of services provided at the walk event. Under Canadian Revenue Agency guidelines, this fee is not eligible for a tax receipt.

  • How and where are my fundraising dollars spent?
    The funds you raise will stay in your community and help support your local BC SPCA branch and animals. For more information on how your dollars will help, please visit the About The Walk page.

    I want to raise funds for the BC SPCA Paws for a Cause presented by Hill’sŪ Science DietŪ but am unable to attend the actual event. Can I still fundraise?
    Yes, absolutely! You will still need to register online to set up your personal fundraising page. Please contact paws@spca.bc.ca to receive a special registration code.

    How long will it take for an online pledge to be reflected on my "Amount Raised Online" total?
    Changes on your "Amount Raised Online" total and team total should be updated within 24 hours.

    How will my donors receive their tax receipt?
    All donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. If you make a donation online you will automatically receive an electronic tax receipt by email. For donations made offline, tax receipts will be emailed or mailed directly to donors, depending on the information provided. Processing times vary. Please be sure to provide all contact details when submitting your donation as this is required by the Canada Revenue Agency before we can issue a receipt.

    Can I receive a tax receipt for the donations I collect from others?
    No. Based on Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, we are only able to issue tax receipts to donors. Your supporters will receive a tax receipt for their donations, and you will receive a tax receipt for your personal donations.

    How do I change the fundraising goal that I have set?
    Log in to your participant centre, choose your event, and click on the “change” link under your goal. Your updated goal should be reflected on your page shortly.

    Is there a paper copy of the donation form? How can I obtain a copy for collecting donations?
    You can download a donation form here. Or for greater ease, register online and a form will be available for download from your personal page. If you would like to submit funds collected offline before the event, please refer to How do I submit funds I raise offline before the event? below.

    When do I need to submit my funds by?
    By submitting your funds as soon as possible, your dollars can go to work immediately to help animals in your community! The final date to submit donations for prize eligibility varies based on location. Your personal page will remain up and running and able to accept donations in the months following your walk.

    How do I submit offline donations?

    You can download a printable PDF donation form in order to collect offline donations. Please note that we encourage you to collect donations online. Online donations will be processed and appear on your fundraising page within minutes of the donation being made, whereas offline donations may take up to one month to be processed and uploaded to your online fundraising page and for your donors to receive their tax receipt.
    It is highly recommended that donations are made online as it gets close to event date for a donation to appear on a participant's fundraising page and for donors to receive a tax receipt automatically.

    Will I receive a prize for fundraising?
    Every participant who raises $150 or more will be given a special event tote bag! All top fundraisers who raise $1000 or more will receive a special BC SPCA Paws for a Cause bandana.

    Are there any giveaways for participants?
    All registered participants will receive a walk bib to wear on event day. Walk bibs and sharpies will be handed out together so all walkers can take a moment to write down the name of the animal(s) that they are walking for.
    We also celebrate fundraisers who raise $150 or more with a special tote bag at the event. All top fundraisers who raise $1000 or more will receive a special BC SPCA Paws for a Cause bandana.
    While there is no province wide giveaway each walk may have its own experience and items for participants (visit your local walk page for more details). BC SPCA merchandise is always available online at spca.bc.ca/shop and sold in limited quantities at many walk locations.

  • How do I make a donation?
    Select the Donate button and then enter the name of the person you would like to donate to. Choose their name from the list and click the donate button on their page. Want to make an offline donation? Simply click print a donation form from the participant's page (the form will be at the bottom) to submit donations offline. Please mail the form and donation to the address provided on the form. You can also call the BC SPCA Generosity Services team toll free at 1.800.665.1868 (press 2) to make donations by phone.

    How will my donation dollars be spent?
    The funds you raise will stay in your community and support the life-saving work of your local BC SPCA branch. For more information on how your dollars will help, please visit the About The Walk page.

    How do I receive a tax receipt?
    All donations of $20 or more will receive a tax receipt. If you make a donation online you will automatically receive a tax receipt.
    For donations made offline, tax receipts will be mailed directly to you after the last event in October. Processing time varies based upon date. Please be sure to provide your full name and mailing address when submitting your donation form.

  • What is a participant centre?
    Your participant centre is your fundraising headquarters online. It is a very useful tool to help you maximize your fundraising efforts. We provide you with a template for your online profile, but encourage you to personalize it and share why you are fundraising for the animals. Research shows that those who personalize their online profiles raise 22% more than those who do not!

    How do I access my participant centre?
    Click the login tab on the top right corner of your screen. Once you are logged in you can click the Participant Centre link at the top right of your page to access the centre at any time.

    What should I do if I've forgotten my login ID and/or password?
    If you don't remember the User Name/and or Password that you registered with, that information can be emailed to you. Click the log in link and choose Forgot User Name? or Forgot Password?. You may also contact us at paws@spca.bc.ca for further assistance as we are happy to help!

    Why should I upload a picture or video?
    Did you know that by adding a photo or video to your fundraising page you can increase your donations by 22%? Studies show that donors give more to fundraisers who share a personal story.

    How do I upload a picture or video to my personal page?
    Once in your participant centre, click the Personal Page tab. Click the Photos/Video link on the right to upload.

    How do I find the email templates in my participant centre?
    Once in your participant centre, click the Email tab. Click 'Use a Template' (below the subject line) and choose from the options available. You will be able to make changes to the template before sending. Inspire people to join you in the fight to end animal cruelty! Your donors will love to hear the personal reasons why you are choosing to fundraise for the animals.


Couldn't find the information you wanted? Please e-mail paws@spca.bc.ca or phone us at toll-free at 1.800.665.1868.