Mission & History
Our Mission
To improve quality of life for companion animals in our community through education, adoption, and the enforcement of animal welfare legislation, in a sustainable manner.
Our Vision
A compassionate community where all animals are valued and respected.
History
The Saskatoon SPCA has a long history in the community. In the 1920’s, citizens in Regina and Saskatoon petitioned the Province of Saskatchewan to form, or incorporate, the Saskatchewan SPCA. Enacted by the legislature in 1928, the provincial SPCA was organized to have branch offices located across the province to respond to cruelty complaints from the rural areas. There was very little animal welfare activity in Saskatoon in the 1930’s. A charitable Blue Cross organization assisted with some animal welfare work in the 1940’s and 1950’s.
The Saskatoon Branch of the provincial SPCA was formed in 1957, using a local veterinarian’s kennel as a shelter facility. In 1962, the City of Saskatoon Pound and the SPCA shared a building in the Engineering Department of the City yards. By 1963, the SPCA was located on 21st Street in a remodeled comfort station. In 1968, the organization was incorporated as the Saskatoon Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, separate from the Saskatchewan SPCA. From 1968 to 1991, the Saskatoon SPCA was located at 302 103rd Street in a city-owned building. During this time period, the demand and need for SPCA services and programs steadily increased and the relatively small facility was quickly outgrown.
A massive building fundraising campaign was launched in 1989. With monies generated through the extensive fundraising campaign and substantial financial assistance from the City of Saskatoon, the goal of relocating to a larger building was realized within two years. On the 11th of October 1991, the Saskatoon SPCA relocated to its current location 5 kilometres south of Circle Drive on Clarence Avenue, in the Rural Municipality of Corman Park. The newly-renovated, spacious building allowed the Saskatoon SPCA to further expand its services and programs while improving the quality of care provided to the thousands of animals received annually. The number of animals admitted to the shelter increases yearly.
In 1994, discussions were initiated with the City of Saskatoon concerning the Saskatoon SPCA assuming the Animal Control Services contract for the City of Saskatoon. This service had historically been provided by the City of Saskatoon Police Service. On April 1st, 1998, the Saskatoon SPCA assumed responsibility for the enforcement of then City Bylaw #5996 under the new title of Animal Protection Services. The original bylaw included the provision of licensing and maintenance of canine control in the City of Saskatoon.
In 2000, the City of Saskatoon Civic Council adopted a resolution of council to incorporate Bylaw #7860. The new Bylaw now includes the licensing and maintenance of canines and felines within the corporate city limits of the City of Saskatoon.
In 2003, the City awarded the contract for Animal Control to the newly formed organization Saskatoon Animal Control Agency. The Saskatoon SPCA continued providing the contract for Poundkeeping for the city of Saskatoon.
In 2005, faced with a deteriorating building and no funds with which to maintain it, as well as financial difficulties, the membership voted to sell the SPCA building to the City of Saskatoon. This has been a beneficial arrangement for everyone involved.
The Saskatoon SPCA is a registered charitable organization that provides care for over 4000 abandoned, homeless, neglected or abused animals annually from Saskatoon and area.
Our organization relies upon support from individual and corporate donors to ensure that we have the ability to provide care, shelter, sustenance & vet care to lost & unwanted companion animals. We provide the public with adoption programs, pet safekeeping, pound services, lost & found, humane education programs and volunteer programs. We also promote the enactment of laws to protect all animals from cruelty, neglect & abuse.
The Saskatoon SPCA has done a lot of work to develop sound financial stability, by implementing effective controls to ensure expenses are appropriate, and resources are utilized appropriately. Thanks to overwhelming public support we have begun to move forward with long term goals, planning and visions for the next 10 years.
We invite you to become a part of this new and exciting time in The Saskatoon SPCA’s history! Volunteer or donate today!