Hearts for Paws Returns to Vernon
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The Okanagan Humane Society is holding its second annual Hearts for Paws fundraising gala to raise vital funds for animal rescue, veterinary care, and support programs across the North Okanagan.
April 24 2026 - The society is inviting the community to the elegant evening on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Prestige Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre.
Featuring a champagne reception, appetizers and wine, silent and live auctions, live music, and live painting, the event sold out quickly in its debut last year.
Organizers are encouraging animal lovers to purchase tickets early.
Tickets are $75 and available at trellis.org/hearts-for-paws-2026.
Founded in 1996, the Okanagan Humane Society has been helping animals across the Okanagan Valley for nearly 30 years, according to its official history.
Unlike traditional shelters, OHS operates entirely without a dedicated building or central kennel facility. Instead, rescued animals are cared for in a network of volunteer foster homes, a model the society says allows them to support more animals while keeping overhead costs low, with more than 90 cents of every dollar going directly to animal care.
According to the Okanagan Humane Society, in 2025 they assisted more than 5,000 animals throughout the Okanagan Valley.
The organization helps lost, stray, abandoned, feral, and homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens through rescue, veterinary care, spay/neuter programs, and adoption support, work that became even more critical in the North Okanagan after other local animal services closed.
The Okanagan Humane Society says funds raised through Hearts for Paws go directly toward:
Veterinary bills and emergency medical care
Spay/neuter programs
Supplies for foster homes
Pet assistance for low-income owners
Want to get involved even if you can’t attend?
You can donate online anytime at okanaganhumanesociety.com/donate. Those interested in fostering can apply directly on the society’s volunteer page: okanaganhumanesociety.com/volunteer.
An online form connects applicants with coordinators who match fosters with suitable animals.
Hearts for Paws Returns to Vernon
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