Red Deer & District SPCA

Thanks to the support of our community, Red Deer & District SPCA opened the doors to central Alberta's only Humane Education and Animal Care Centre in March, 2010.

Background

For nearly a decade, Red Deer & District SPCA was forced to turn away hundreds of animals from our doors for one simple reason: space. We cared for more than 800 companion animals during our final year in our old facility.  At any point in the year, we had roughly 80 feline and 20 canine guests - the maximum number of pets we could accept with 3,000 square feet.  From the time we received a used service trailer to use as our facility - more than 30 years ago - the population within our service area grew from 33,717 to almost 89,000 residents... and the pet population along with it.

The services we provided for companion animals and people changed, as well. The traditional Animal Shelter model no longer adequately served either people or pets.  There was - and there continues to be - a huge need to educate and empower communities to care for and respect animals. Our progressive education and community programs reached more than 6,200 people in three years, and we were in desperate need of more space for these programs to grow.

Experts deemed impossible to renovate and/or expand our former facility, which served us well for three decades but was becoming a very real concern where the health, safety and comfort of all within its walls was concerned.

Building Pawsitive Futures

Red Deer & District SPCA, being committed to strong fiscal management, sought to construct a building that was both functional and modest.  We sought the support of the people and businesses in the central Alberta community, as well as municipal and provincial funding, to make this centre a reality.  The resulting 13,000 square foot centre allows our organization the space to care for twice the number of animals as in its previous facility, and features the following:

• Facilities meeting veterinary, hygienic, and related animal-treatment standards
• Kennel facilities appropriate to animals needs and comfort
• A much-needed Air Exchange System to help prevent the spread of contagious diseases
• Easily sterilized facility surfaces
• Adequate drainage for large volumes of water
• A floor plan designed for functionality and efficient resource usage
• A room to accomodate classroom-sized groups for humane education programming
• Facilities accessible to all volunteers, clients and guests

The Campaign Continues...

Although our SPCA has its new home, we are still in need of financial assistance to pay for the new centre and to expand our services and programs to their full capacity.  We have yet to achieve our community campaign goal of $2.5 million, and we ask for your help in reaching this figure to ensure Red Deer & District SPCA can meet construction costs and move forward with new projects to meet the needs of our community.

Naming opportunities are available within the new centre.  Please contact the Development Office at 403-342-7722 ext. 207 or developmentoffice@reddeerspca.com for more information.

Thank you for your support!