Vokra

At VOKRA, we rescue, heal, then place cats - first in our network of foster homes, then in carefully matched, loving, forever homes. We’re a passionate, volunteer-driven charity with extensive cat care experience

Big News: Motion Passed!

On April 16, 2025, the City of Vancouver’s Mayor and Council unanimously passed a landmark motion introduced by Councillor Pete Fry in support of feline control services provided by the Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association (VOKRA). Unlike most cities in Metro Vancouver, Vancouver’s city charter currently provides for dog control only — not cats.  

This motion formally recognizes VOKRA’s vital role in rescuing, spaying/neutering, and rehoming stray cats — a service the organization has provided free of charge for 25 years. In 2024 alone, VOKRA rescued 219 stray cats from the streets of Vancouver, with an average intake cost of $377.56 per cat, totaling $82,685. This figure does not include the cost of food, foster housing, or emergency veterinary care.

This milestone was made possible by the compassion and commitment of many:

- Councillor Pete Fry, for championing the motion

- The incredible individuals who spoke in support at City Hall

- The Green Party of Vancouver, for launching a petition to rally public support

- The broader public, whose voices showed how deeply our community values animal welfare

- And of course, little Maggie the kitten, who attended the council session— a powerful reminder of the lives at the heart of this work

With this decision, Vancouver becomes the first city in British Columbia to formally consider municipal funding for a cat rescue organization providing essential stray animal control services. This sets an important precedent for other municipalities across the province to follow suit and form meaningful partnerships with local rescues to humanely address the issue of stray cats.

VOKRA extends its heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this moment possible. This is a victory not just for our organization — but for every vulnerable cat still waiting to be rescued.

A landmark Moment for cats in Vancouver

On April 16, 2025, Vancouver City Councilor Pete Fry is introducing a pivotal motion at City Hall to formally recognize and financially support the critical rescue work that VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association) has been providing for over 25 years—entirely without municipal funding.

In 2024 alone, VOKRA rescued 219 stray cats from Vancouver’s streets, each receiving full medical care including vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and spay/neuter surgeries. Despite these efforts, Vancouver remains the only municipality in the Lower Mainland without a cat control program.

This motion—titled “Catalyzing Support for Feline Control Services in Vancouver”—is a major step forward in animal welfare and could set a powerful precedent across British Columbia. If passed, it will mark the first time a B.C. municipality has formally acknowledged and committed funding toward a cat rescue organization for services that benefit the entire community.

VOKRA is grateful to Councillor Fry for championing this cause and invites all supporters to join us in person or online:

City Council Standing Committee Meeting

Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025  

Time: 9:30 AM  

Location: Council Chamber, 3rd Floor, Vancouver City Hall  

Watch Live: https://csg001-harmony.sliq.net/00317/Harmony

We need more voices to support the motion at City Hall! You can speak via phone and share how amazing VOKRA is. Get on the speakers list and show your support!

 Sign up here to speak: https://vancouver.ca/your-government/request-to-speak-at-meeting-form-2.aspx

 Let’s make a difference for the kitties together!

Adopt

Each year more than 1,200 cats and kittens are adopted through VOKRA. Our adoption counsellors follow a robust matching process to ensure you find your perfect companion. Plus we're always here after the adoption if you need ongoing advice.

Get Involved

Volunteers and fosters are at the heart of everything we do. Without them, we couldn’t rescue and find loving homes for the more than 1,400 kittens and cats VOKRA takes in each year. There are many ways to become involved in our organization.

Ways to Give

As a volunteer-driven non-profit, your help is vital to ending cat overpopulation and homelessness. All donations go directly to funding the supplies, equipment, veterinary and operational costs required to ensure the cats in our care are warm, safe and healthy.

Sponsor a Cat

As a sponsor, you’ll help provide care for one of our long-term residents.

Legacy Giving

Consider leaving a gift to current and future cats in VOKRA’s care.

Why pairs are purrfect!

At VOKRA, we're all about the purr-fect match between cats and adopters. Here's why pairs often work best:

1. Social Skills: Kittens learn vital behaviors from their siblings.

2. Bonding: Many kittens share a deep bond with their littermates.

3. Learning Together: From jumping to balancing, kittens teach each other.

4. Security: Especially for rescued kittens, a sibling offers comfort.

But every kitty's unique! While we love pairs, we always aim for the best fit. Sometimes, a solo kitten might join a home with another cat, or an independent adult cat might prefer flying solo.

Curious about the benefits of adopting two kittens? Dive deeper here.