About Us
You can find our shelter behind the airport. Head towards Torbay on Torbay Road and turn left onto the RCAF Rd. which then becomes Conception Rd. We are the second road on the left hand side. You will see our SPCA sign as well.
SPCA Newfoundland & Labrador
(Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
The SPCA Newfoundland & Labrador operates a shelter in St. John's. Shelter operating costs are over $500,000 annually. We rely primarily on the kind support of people who make donations and support our fundraising events. We are also grateful for annual operating grants from the Department of Natural Resources, Government of Newfoundland & Labrador ($50,000) and the City of St. John's ($10,000). Over sixty volunteers work at our shelter and PetSmart to care for the animals and provide them with much needed T.L.C. We are governed by a voluntary Board of Directors who manage the Society through a committee structure. The day-to-day operations of the shelter are run by a manager and five animal care staff. Each year we are able to provide help to over 2000 animals.
Mandate
The mandate of the SPCA is to prevent animal cruelty, educate about humane treatment of animals, provide shelter and love to abandoned and abused animals, and encourage adoption to suitable homes. Through education and programming, we promote responsible pet ownership and encourage spaying and neutering, so that animals receive the love and respect they deserve.
History
There has been a Newfoundland Society since November 9, 1888. The first work in those days was mostly amongst horses, and the hardship they endured from pulling heavy loads up steep hills from the harbour.
For many years, the SPCA St. John’s operated without a physical building. Hundreds of animals found shelter and were cared for by a very compassionate lady, Mrs. Hilda Smith (a university professor) until a home could be found.
It was in 1972 that the SPCA acquired an old converted dentists’ office on RCAF Road to accommodate the animals in its care. This building initially lacked running water and electricity. For more than twenty years, the dedicated volunteers did their very best and helped many animals.
In 1993, our current shelter (The Lady Dunfield Memorial Animal Shelter on RCAF Road) was built thanks to the efforts of the late Lady Sybil Dunfield, the wife of a former Justice of the Newfoundland Supreme Court. She organized a group called the Animal Shelter League and through fundraising teas, card parties, etc., she and her friends collected and invested money for the building of a new shelter. The money was held in trust for many years.
Board of Directors (2012 – 2013)
Executive:
Simone Browne - President
Bob Noseworthy - Vice-President
Lori Foote - Treasurer
Carolyn Hickey - Secretary
At Large:
Mitzi Smyth
Keith Mercer
Dennis Bishop
Amanda MacDougall
Jennifer Fowler
Erin Walsh
Joanne Kelly Cook
Contact Us
Primary Contact Information:
Mailing Address
SPCA St. John’s
P.O. Box 29053
St. John’s, NL
Canada A1A 5B5
Phone Numbers
Tel: (709) 726-0301
Fax: (709) 579-8089
Phone System: We operate our phone system through a 24 hour message service due to the volume of calls we receive. We do our best to return phone calls as quickly as possible. Please be patient, your call will be returned. If you have difficulty reaching us, please visit our shelter during business hours or contact us via email.
Hours of Operation
Monday - closed
Tuesday – Sunday : 12:00pm – 5:00pm
It is important that you call ahead and make an appointment if you are intending to drop off a lost, or surrendered animal. We need time to accomodate your animal the best way that we can. Sometimes we need to make adjustments, especially if the Shelter is full. We would really appreciate your cooperation in this regard.
In addition, all perspective pet owners must call and make an appointment to pick up your new pet before you come to the shelter. We need time to gather the information you will need to help you make a good home for your newly acquired pet. Please give us time to have your pet ready when you come to pick them up.
shelter@spcastjohns.org |
