Visit the RAPS Cat Sanctuary

The RAPS Cat Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Canada and among the largest in North America. The Sanctuary provides a safe, forever home to hundreds of feral, abandoned and surrendered cats, most of whom are unlikely to find a family home. The Sanctuary is at the heart of RAPS’ no-K*ll promise. Under our care, no animal is ever euthanized due to lack of space, treatable illness, physical defect, age, behavioural or socialization issues.

We are one of very few cat facilities that accommodate animals with leukemia and FIV. (Neither disease is transmissible to humans or other animal species.) We have separate areas for cats with special needs, so that they receive the care they require and other cats are not exposed to the conditions. In many jurisdictions, a positive diagnosis would mean euthanasia for many of these animals. At the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, they are enveloped in love and care for the rest of their lives.

Our Sanctuary is funded by private donations and through revenue from the Regional Animal Protection Society Thrift Store. Please consider helping our Sanctuary cats through a monthly sponsor or by making an online donation today. If you would like to sponsor a RAPS Sanctuary cat ($25 per month), talk to a team member or sponsor online.

When visiting the Sanctuary, please follow these rules to ensure a happy, safe experience for you, your family and the feline residents. THANK YOU.

• Parking is extremely limited, please park on six road and consider carpooling
• Children under 6 not permitted.
• Children under 13 must be supervised by an adult at all times. Maximum two children per adult.
• Not all our cats are tame or friendly. Please ask before you touch. Bandages & antiseptics are available in bathrooms.
• Absolutely no admission to cordoned off areas, closed pens or cages.
• Please limit the number of visitors in our buildings. If crowded, please visit a different area and return later.
• Many of our cats are on special diets. No outside treats.
• Do not pick up the cats.
• Do not disturb sleeping cats.
• Do not enter quiet zones for cats.
• Please move slowly around the cats. No running.
• Do not chase cats or restrict a cat’s movements.
• Be gentle and respectful at all times. Speak quietly. No shouting or raised voices.
• No flash photography.
• Cats don't like perfumes or strong scents. Please conisder this a scent reduced environment.

Please try to keep your visit to one hour so others can enjoy the Sanctuary. Visitors may be asked to wait to enter when capacity is reached.

Also check out other Nonprofit events in Richmond.