The Saskatoon Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has officially settled into its new location.
The SPCA held an open house at the new facility on Saturday to showcase its new features and designs.
The SPCA moved into the new facility in November, and immediately started construction to prepare it.
Saskatoon SPCA executive director Fred Dyck mentioned that when they started renovating, they discovered there was no drainage in the back of the warehouse, which was just a large empty space.
Dyck stated that the facility was constructed with a focus on ensuring the safety and well-being of the animals.
Dyck commented that the main priorities in building the facility were controlling diseases, treating animals humanely, and ensuring that the animals' stay at their facility is as stress-free as possible.
View image in full screen
Gates Guarin / Global News
Amber Matthews, the Saskatoon SPCA animal care director, explained that the design of the new facility will streamline operations and serve as a resource center for Saskatoon and the surrounding area now that the society is located within the city.
“We really devoted our time and effort to creating an environment that would benefit the animals' well-being,” she stated. “A place that would reduce stress for the animals, and also be very efficient for staff and the care of animals.”
However, the move poses new challenges.
The previous facility was situated just outside the city limits and was owned by the City of Saskatoon. It also functioned as a city pound for animals.
But with the move into the city, the contract between the SPCA and the city has ended, so the SPCA is now responsible for 100 percent of its own funding.
“We have always depended on community support through donations, but now more than ever,” Dyck expressed.
He added that with the continued support of the community, the new building will play a key role in finding permanent homes for every animal that comes through its doors.
“We always strive to ensure that every animal we receive is adopted and given the best possible start in life,” Dyck noted.
