Rescuing, Sheltering and Rehoming Companion Animals in the Columbia Valley of BC since 2007

History

The Invermere Companion Animal Network (ICAN) was founded in May 2007.  We began as an all volunteer run local network and continued to be staffed solely by volunteers until September 2017, at which time we hired a part-time office/facilities assistant. shamrock

ICAN has grown to become a trusted and well-known animal rescue society that takes in a variety of local companion animals and adopts them to loving homes. On average, we take in a minimum of 125 animals a year and assist with their care.  We also promote and manage our Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR)  program in conjunction with our rescue and shelter services.    All animals that come into ICAN’s care receive any required veterinary attention, are fed quality food, and are given shelter, love and time to heal at their own pace. ICAN spays or neuters all animals (except birds) before adopting them out. We do this to help combat the pet over-population crisis, starting with the animals in the Columbia Valley.

We provide educational talks to children regarding animal welfare and offer visits with our adoptable animals when volunteers are available to do so.

Currently ICAN deals primarily with local cats and small animals. The greatest need for assistance in this Valley is for felines, as they are considered more “disposable” or able to fend for themselves if abandoned.

Dog control officers are hired by the District of Invermere and Regional District of East Kootenay to handle stray, abused and found dogs. However, ICAN will happily provide a courtesy post on our website and facebook page for any animal who has been lost or found or is in need of a new home, even if that animal has not been admitted into our care.

We also work with Pet Owners who are needing to surrender their animal.   If you are a guardian who can no longer care for your pal, please contact us.  We may be able to help find them a new home.

Awards:

ICAN has consistently been nominated for the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Not-for-Profit Business Excellence Award and was the winner of the award in 2011, 2013 and 2023.