Lakes Animal Friendship Society (LAFS) has rebranded itself as Increased ACCESS (Animal Care and Community Empowered Safety Society), the society announced on July 12. 

This transformation marks a strategic union with the Coastal Animal Rescue and Education Network Society (CARE), consolidating their efforts under a single, more inclusive umbrella.

LAFS works with six First Nations and the Village of 亚洲天堂 Lake as well as the rural communities of the Lakes District. CARE works with sixCoastalFirst Nations and communities in the Tofino-Ucluellet area

The newly formed Increased ACCESS aims to enhance accessibility to essential animal care resources and community safety programs throughout the region. This merger brings together the strengths of both organizations: LAFS's expertise in education and community engagement complements CARES's proficiency in veterinary services, bylaw creation, and enforcement.

The decision to unite under the Increased ACCESS banner was influenced by a shared commitment to addressing the growing demand for animal care support, exacerbated by recent challenges such as reduced service availability during the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating costs. By pooling resources, Increased ACCESS aims to streamline operations and maximize impact, particularly in underserved rural and indigenous communities.

Central to the new organization's mission are key programs like SpayAid and partnerships such as the pet food initiative with the LINK Food Centre. These initiatives, along with educational outreach efforts tailored for local students, underscore Increased ACCESS's dedication to holistic community support.

The SpayAid program has expanded to provide affordable spaying and neutering services to low-income families in the Lakes District and neighbouring communities. 

Through this initiative, qualifying families will pay just $50 per animal, thanks to the support of generous donors and veterinary partners, Alistair Schroff, founder of LAFS said. 

Schroff said the organization, in collaboration with CARE, is also pioneering 'Mission: PAWSIBLE' a mobile veterinary service designed to bring essential care directly to underserved communities in the area.

This initiative includes mobile clinics and M.A.S.H.-style setups in community venues such as curling rinks or community halls, ensuring veterinary services are accessible and efficient.

"These have been very successful because they bring the care exactly where it is needed, and we can get a lot done in a shorter amount of time," Schroff said.

Their goal is to make veterinary care regular, reliable, and seamlessly accessible, he said.

By leveraging mobile units approved by the College of Veterinarians of BC, the organization aims to address the overpopulation of unaltered animals in communities, promoting the well-being of pets, families, and neighbourhoods, Schroff added.

Moving forward, Increased ACCESS will operate under a new web domain, increasedaccess.org, where supporters can learn about ongoing programs, donate, or get involved.

The existing Lakes Animal Friendship Society website will continue to serve as a repository for educational materials and support sales of resources that sustain community outreach initiatives.

For more information on Increased ACCESS and how to support their initiatives, visit