Outdoor Security / Safety Cameras for Our Dogs & Our Community

The Bow Valley SPCA is seeking funding for outdoor security cameras to help keep our dogs, staff, community, and local wildlife safe. These cameras will strengthen safety, security, and operational efficiency while reinforcing our role as responsible neighbours.

In recent years, our area has experienced significant growth, with new businesses, apartment buildings, and increased foot traffic. Resulting in greater potential for interactions between our dogs, the public, and local wildlife. Outdoor cameras will enable us to better monitor our dogs and our 2.17-acre outdoor area, ensuring safety while fostering stronger community relations.

About the BVSPCA
The BVSPCA is a no-kill, no-cage facility. With a small and mighty staff, a dedicated volunteer board, and over 90 active volunteers, we have an amazing organization that makes a real difference for animals in our community.

When the BVSPCA is open to visitors, animals are safely housed in designated enclosures, allowing volunteers to play and walk our dogs. Other times, including evenings when Animal Care Attendants (ACA's) are on site, dogs enjoy access to our 2.17 acres of natural, fenced land — a mix of bushes, hills, and trees. Research shows that large, natural environments provide significant physical, mental, and social benefits compared to confinement or leash walks. Open space supports exercise, exploration, confidence, and well-being.

Since our shelter opened its doors in 2007, we have rescued 1778 cats and 753 dogs including Cooper who was one of our most challenging dogs. This loving dog quickly won over staff and volunteers, however he struggled with fear-based reactivity and was adopted and returned several times.After over a year, Cooper found his forever home and is thriving in ways we never could have imagined.

How Outdoor Security Cameras Will Help the BVSPCA

For our Animals

• Preventing Escapes: Allows our staff to respond quickly if an animal attempts to leave the fenced area.
• Deterrence of Harm: Reduces risk of theft or intentional harm.

For our Staff

• Increased Security: Provides peace of mind, particularly during off-hours.
• Incident Documentation: Offers valuable records for investigating security breaches or escapes.
• Operational Efficiency: Supports better allocation of staff time and resources.

For the Public

• Crime Deterrence: Visible cameras discourage vandalism, trespassing, and theft.

For the BVSPCA

• Transparency & Trust: Reinforces donor and community confidence in our commitment to animal welfare.

Outdoor security cameras offer significant benefits to our animals, our staff, and our volunteers. A camera system will enhance safety for volunteers, staff and animals alike, serve as a deterrent to intruders, and provide crucial monitoring of wildlife activity. Specifically, outdoor security cameras will

• Deter and detect criminal activity: Visible security cameras can discourage break-ins, theft, and vandalism, which protects our animals, equipment, and other assets on the property. In the unlikely event of a crime, the recorded footage will provide evidence to law enforcement.
• Facilitate animal safety: Cameras placed to monitor our outdoor property help ensure our dogs remain safe and secure.
• Gain peace of mind: Being able to remotely check live camera feeds offers assurance that the property and our dogs are safe.
• Observing wildlife: Cameras provide insights into local animal behavior, allowing for a better understanding of potential risks to our dogs on our property.
• Good neighbours: Cameras demonstrate accountability and respect by ensuring our dogs stay within boundaries and safety concerns are quickly addressed. Facilitating peace of mind that the SPCA is being a responsible and proactive neighbour.