Homeless and lost pets benefit from Swift Current SPCA donations
The Swift Current SPCA, which boasts an almost 50 year legacy in Swift Current, celebrated Swift Current SPCA Week on May 20 to 26.
As the only public animal shelter in the Southwest, the organization plays an important role in housing homeless and lost pets.
“The local shelter is communityfunded. It relies on funds, revenues, grants, fundraising, adoptions and donations for more than 80 per cent of our annual budget.”
With monthly costs of over $25,000 to operate, yearly expenditures to keep the Swift Current SPCA open are in excess of $300,000. They meet this financial goal annually despite receiving no provincial or federal funding. They are also not funded by the Saskatchewan SPCA.
Johnston points out they serve between 250 and 350 domestic dogs and cats each year. They provide shelter, food, plus medical care which includes mandatory spay and neuter surgery for any adopted animals. They also operate a foster program, provide lost and found services, while also supplying microchipping services and adoption services. The SPCA currently has three full-time employees and four part-time employees.
Swift Current’s SPCA is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. Their various fund-raising efforts and operation of the SPCA Book Store are also led by volunteers, and Johnston estimated that somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 volunteer hours are dedicated to the organization annually.
Johnston also raised the concern about their current location on Knight Crescent just off Highway #4 south.
“The current shelter building has been in use since 1990 and is facing numerous maintenance and capacity challenges,” he admitted of their almost three decade old home.
“During Swift Current SPCA Week the organization invites residents to pause to consider the plight of homeless pets in our community and the role all caring citizens have in their welfare. We also invite you to think of the benefits provided to individuals and families in the area when they are able to welcome new pets into their homes through our services,” he said. “And we want to remind citizens that these services will only continue through the collective support of businesses and individuals.”
It was also pointed out that adoption fees are approximately $340 for dogs and $105 for cats.
To learn more about the SPCA visit their website at www.spcaswiftcurrent.com or by visiting their Facebook page.