Bubbles, a cat under the care of the Chilliwack Safe Haven. (Image Credit: Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven / GoFundMe)

By Alyssa Conti

Help Sought

Safe Haven hires Chilliwack-based consultant to support ‘difficult’ transition period

Mar 14, 2026 | 10:31 AM

CHILLIWACK — An animal shelter at the center of controversy over the past few weeks has now hired a consultant to support its transition process.

The Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society’s board of directors has hired Kelli Paddon from Equiiti Strategic Ltd. to take charge on a number of initiatives, including listening to staff, volunteers, community members, and stakeholders to pinpoint the organization’s key needs and opportunities during a “difficult period of transition”.

“Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society has always been rooted in community care,” said a representative of the Board. “Bringing in independent governance and leadership support will help us move forward with openness, accountability, and a commitment to listening.”

Paddon, who also served as the MLA for Chilliwack-Kent from 2020 to 2024, is a locally based consultant specializing in board governance and leadership support, with extensive experience in helping non-profit agencies through complex change.

Recommendations for next steps will be sent to the shelter’s board of directors with help from community stakeholders.

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The board will continue to share updates with staff, volunteers and the broader community throughout the process.