The SPCA St. John's is an adoption-focused agency helping homeless cats and dogs find happy beginnings. We also work, encourage, and assist with spaying and neutering across the Avalon Peninsula, helping make animal homelessness a thing of the past.

Since 1888, the SPCA St. John’s has worked to put an end to animal abuse and neglect. From a proud history of standing up for the rights of the working horses in downtown St. John’s, we have become the largest animal shelter in the Province.

 

Vision

The SPCA St. John’s vision is communities where animals thrive with respect, love and wellbeing.

 

Mission

The mission of the SPCA St. John’s is to provide leadership, education and a consistent voice on matters that promote and improve the welfare of animals. We care for and shelter companion animals in need, prevent cruelty and encourage responsible pet ownership.

We are a leader in preventing pet overpopulation as the first shelter in Newfoundland and Labrador to spay and neuter all our animals prior to adoption. Our low-cost spay and neuter program and our PUP program has assisted members in the community to join us in fighting overpopulation.

None of it would be possible without donations from our supporters. Please consider making your gift a monthly donation, being a member of our PAW Pack (pre-authorized withdrawal) is the easiest, most efficient way to fight cruelty and make a difference for animals all year long.

 

Board of Directors 

• Amanda Buis
• Metzi Prince
• Lisa Inder
• Glenda Howse
• Kevin Fleming
• Christopher Loomis
• Ray Piercey
• Bob Noseworthy
• Kim Andrews
• Heidi Peddle
• Lynn Evans

Administration Staff 

• Karen Mahoney
• Natashia Reddigan
• Heather Howse
• Morgan Quinton

 

Animal Care Staff

• Sarah Kendell
• Laurie Metcalfe
• Nicole McCarthy
• Bobbi Lynn Tucker
• Amber Brown
• Jennifer Stevenson
• Samantha Parsons

 

The SPCA St. John’s cares for animals according to the Five Freedoms, a philosophy that ensures an animal’s welfare needs are met. Read more about what this means in our day-to-day operations.

Everything we do for our animals centres around the Five Freedoms. This philosophy states that an animal’s primary welfare needs can be met if five basic freedoms are followed.

The Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare are:

1. Freedom from Hunger and Thirst.

   Animals must have access to fresh water and a healthy diet.

2. Freedom from Discomfort.

   Animals must have appropriate shelter, including a comfortable resting area.

3. Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease.

   Preventative measures must be taken to keep animals healthy. Should an animal fall ill, that animal must be rapidly diagnosed and treated.

4. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour.

   Animals need sufficient space to engage in natural behaviours.

5. Freedom from Fear and Distress.

   Animals must be housed and treated in a way that prevents stress and mental suffering.