The goal of the PUP (Preventing Unwanted Pets) Program is to remove obstacles for families by helping get their pet spayed to permanently stop unwanted litters.

If you have, or are expecting, a litter of puppies or kittens, please call us at (709) 726-0301 ext. 101. We will accept the kittens or puppies into the PUP Program, find them loving homes and provide a spay surgery for the mother – all for no charge.

Please don’t let anything be a barrier that prevents you from reaching out for help.  We understand accidents happen and don’t judge the situation you are dealing with. Please reach out and find out how we can help.

You must call ahead to make an appointment, as participation in this program must be pre-arranged and scheduled through (709) 726-0301 ext. 101 or info@spcastjohns.org.

What to expect when you call:

• Through the PUP Program, the SPCA St. John’s will vaccinate, vet check, spay/neuter, and place the puppies and kittens in loving homes, as well as spay the mother cat/dog – all for free.
• The SPCA will work with you to ensure that all the litter’s needs are met. It is preferred to keep litters with their mothers until they are approximately 10 weeks old.
• We ask you sign up when the kittens/puppies are first born. You will be asked to bring them into the SPCA at 10 weeks of age to stay and get ready for adoption. At this time you will also sign the paperwork agreeing to the program.
• All kittens/puppies must be surrendered to the SPCA, this is the only way we can ensure that the overpopulation problem is reduced through spay/neuter of moms and all kittens/puppies.
• The mother cat/dog will remain in your care as its owner; we do NOT admit the animal to the shelter or have it surrendered into our care. However, you are required to sign a surgical release form in order to have the mother animal spayed.
• We never remove the mom from the home, as there are some very serious concerns about housing someone’s owned pet. We will only house the mom in extreme situations (e.g., domestic violence) with the Supervisor’s approval.
• If impossible to keep the litter comfortable and safe, the SPCA may be able to arrange for temporary placement with foster parents who specialize in puppy and kitten care (depending on available space).
• So, you can expect to continue to house the kittens/puppies until they are of age to find forever homes.  If this is a challenge for you please mention that, as there are other ways we may be able to help.