Our Mission & History
Welcome to the Saskatoon SPCA
Our Vision
To be a leader in animal welfare, working for a compassionate society where all animals are respected and valued.
Our Mission
Create a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people.
Our Story
The roots of the Saskatoon SPCA stretch deep into the community's history, beginning in the 1920s when the call for animal welfare echoed through the streets of Saskatchewan.
It was a time when compassion for animals began to find its voice, leading to the establishment of the Saskatchewan SPCA in 1928.
This marked the start of a dedicated effort to shield animals from cruelty, particularly in the less accessible rural areas.
As the decades rolled on, the presence of the SPCA in Saskatoon grew from modest beginnings in the 1950s, operating from a veterinarian's kennel, to a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region.
The 1960s and 70s saw significant milestones, including the formation of the Saskatoon branch of the provincial SPCA and the eventual independence of the organization in 1968 as the Saskatoon Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
This period was characterized by a burgeoning awareness and demand for animal welfare services, propelling the SPCA into a central role within the community.
The journey was not without its challenges. The original facilities quickly became inadequate due to the growing needs of the community and the animals within it.
This led to a massive fundraising effort in the late 1980s, culminating in the move to a more spacious facility in 1991, thanks to the overwhelming support from the City of Saskatoon and its residents.
This new home allowed for an expansion of services and an improvement in the quality of care, setting a new standard for animal welfare in the region.
The turn of the millennium brought new challenges and opportunities.
In 2005, facing a deteriorating facility and financial difficulties, a strategic decision was made to sell the building to the City of Saskatoon, leading to a mutually beneficial partnership that allowed for continued service and care for animals in need.
The story took another turn in 2023, when, despite over five decades of service, the SPCA had to navigate the loss of the city pound contract.
This pivotal moment led to the relocation and creation of a new state-of-the-art facility at 2250 Hanselman Avenue opening in January of 2024.
This new chapter is not just about a change in location but a reaffirmation of our commitment to the highest standards of care, as outlined by the Canadian Standards of Care in Animal Shelters by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians.
Be Part of Our Future
This is a pivotal moment in our story, and we invite you to join us.
Your support, whether through adoption, volunteerism or donations, is vital to our mission and the well-being of countless animals.