Eyal Lichtmann is the Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS), a pioneering no-kill animal organization based in Richmond, British Columbia. In this interview, Eyal shares insights into RAPS’ mission, growth, and ongoing efforts to transform animal welfare in Canada.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS) is one of Canada’s most innovative and impactful animal-serving organizations. We operate the no-kill RAPS Adoption and Education Centre, the world-renowned RAPS Cat Sanctuary, a full-service, community-owned not-for-profit RAPS Animal Hospital, fostering and adoption programs, a Pet Food Bank, a chain of social enterprise RAPS Thrift Stores, and a wide range of community services. Our mission is to save and improve the lives of animals while supporting the people who care for them.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We aim to address the root causes and consequences of animal homelessness, suffering, and abandonment. That means rescuing animals in crisis, giving them veterinary care, and placing them in loving homes — but also helping people who face financial hardship, educating the public, and creating systemic change in how society values and treats animals. Animals who are unlikely to be adopted by families live in the RAPS Cat Sanctuary (our “Kitty Club Med”) or in our fostering network.
When did you start/join it?
I joined RAPS as CEO in 2016. This year, the organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary of saving and improving the lives of animals!
What made you want to get involved?
I’ve always believed that how a society treats its most vulnerable — animals included — says everything about its values. When I learned about the incredible work RAPS was already doing, I saw a chance to help take that to the next level: expanding our impact, building sustainable funding models, and creating an organization that could be a model for others across Canada and beyond.
What was the situation like when you started?
RAPS had a strong foundation and an inspiring commitment to no-kill principles. But it was heavily dependent on traditional donations, with limited capacity to expand services. I saw an opportunity to strengthen the organization’s infrastructure and launch major new initiatives — including the RAPS Animal Hospital — that would generate sustainable income and allow us to serve even more animals and people.
How has it changed since?
Since 2016, we’ve launched the RAPS Animal Hospital, one of the only full-service, not-for-profit veterinary hospitals in Canada. That move has transformed our capacity to help — not only giving care to thousands of animals who might otherwise have been euthanized, but also generating revenue that directly funds our sanctuary, shelter, and community programs. We’ve also expanded our adoption programs, developed new community partnerships, and introduced innovative technology and operations to increase efficiency and transparency.
What more needs to be done?
We’re proud of what we’ve built, but there’s so much more to do. Every day, we see people who love their animals but can’t afford medical care. We take in animals who have suffered from neglect or abandonment. We want to scale our efforts — expanding services across the region, offering more outreach to underserved communities, and creating more awareness around responsible pet guardianship. To do that, we need continued support, both financial and volunteer-based.
How can our readers help?
Support can take many forms:
- Choose the RAPS Animal Hospital for your pet’s care — it’s expert, compassionate, and every dollar goes back to saving animals.
- Donate — one-time or monthly donations go directly to food, care, and medical treatment.
- Foster or adopt — give an animal a second chance.
- Volunteer — at the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, shelter, thrift stores, or events.
- Visit the RAPS Cat Sanctuary during weekend visiting hours.
- Shop at or donate to our RAPS Thrift Stores — help the environment, your wallet, and the animals all at the same time!
- Fundraise — host your own campaign or participate in ours.
- Spread the word — your voice can help bring in others who care.
- Watch our TV show — just Google “Pets & Pickers.”
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! We’re excited to announce the RAPS Catwalk-A-Thon 2025, a fun and flexible way to support the hundreds of cats in our care. Walk at your own pace, raise funds, and track your progress — all while helping cats live longer, healthier lives.
Sign up here.
Where can we follow you?
