Network Partners
Working together to help animals.
Building a stronger and more
sustainable animal welfare system.
Network partners are committed to a professional and transparent animal welfare sector. The strength of the network and our ability to successfully address companion animal issues throughout BC depends on a diverse, dedicated membership.
Through a strong collective voice, our Network Partners are helping Paws for Hope make a difference in the lives of animals and are building a system that is no longer just responding to crises but creating lasting solutions.
The Network Partner initiative creates access to conferences and learning events, grants, data collection, and an important space to network.
Our Network Partners
Rescue Standards Accreditation
Animal Rescue Standards of Practice
Prior to 2020, there were no criteria required for groups involved in animal welfare or rescue in BC. There is rarely accountability or funding support for these organizations and the patchwork of animal protection legislation from community to community is outdated and has often been difficult to enforce. At the same time, there has also been a dramatic increase in the number of organizations created to import dogs from other countries.
As a result, advocates and organizations across BC have been calling for the creation of animal rescue standards of practice. In the summer of 2019, Paws for Hope and our network partners (formerly called the Animal Welfare Advisory Network of BC) began work on such guidelines. And, in August of 2020, the Animal Rescue Standards of Practice were finalized and released to the public.
Thank you to the Vancouver Foundation for funding the development of the Animal Rescue Standards of Practice.
Supporting Best Practices
The standards aim to provide feasible and scientifically informed approaches for rescues to meet animal health and welfare needs. They also ensure that rescue organizations are operating such that they meet legal requirements. Individuals interested in adopting from and volunteering with rescues that meet the standards will be able to trust that the organization is acting in the best interests of both the animals they serve and the community.
Animal Rescue Accreditation Audit Guide
The Animal Welfare Accreditation Audit Guide is a tool that is used by auditors to assess an organization’s readiness for accreditation before making a recommendation to the Accreditation Steering Committee. It includes deliverables organizations are required to meet, standards assessment tool for organizations, and interview questions.
Accreditation Request Form
The intention of our Accreditation Program to help professionalize and standardize BC’s animal welfare sector. The Accreditation Program is informed by the Animal Welfare Standards of Practice that were created by Paws for Hope and our Network Partners and overseen by our Accreditation Committee. Our long-term goal is for the provincial government to adopt these standards as a requirement for all animal rescue work in BC. Organization can request accrediation through our program using the form below.
Resources
Access and download resources and reports on animal companionship, pets and intimate partner violence, dangerous dog legislation as well as organizational policy templates.
Resources
Grants
Network Partners are eligible for grant funding for things like animal transportation and organizational development through the Paws for Hope Guardian Angel program.
Learn MoreJoin our Network
Paws for Hope Network Partners is a collection of volunteer members and a steering committee that supports strategies and initiatives associated with animal welfare in British Columbia. Any non-profit organizations registered in the province of BC who provide services for animals can apply to join the network. Animal welfare organizations and rescues can submit applications join at any time of the year. There is no fee to join the network. You can view the list of our current Network Partner members here.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Maintain network membership in good standing (i.e. meet the membership criteria)
- Give advanced notification and identify an alternate representative to attend if a member cannot attend meetings
- Be an advocate and promote the work of Paws for Hope
- Follow the Paws for Hope Code of Ethics
- Participate in continuing education on best practices and new concepts
- Adhere to and promote best practices in their own organizations
- Refrain from publicly criticizing other member organizations and their representatives
- Agree to have your organization listed Paws for Hope website
All partners must abide by the Paws for Hope Network Partners Collaboration Agreement and Terms of Reference.
Application Form