The Peterborough Humane Society and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society have received a $260,000 grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre.
Currently under construction at 1999 Technology Drive in southeast Peterborough, the 24,000-square-foot facility will house the Peterborough Humane Society’s adoption and education centre and regional high-volume spay and neuter clinic, as well as the Ontario SPCA’s provincial dog rehabilitation centre — the first of its kind in Canada.
The Peterborough Humane Society will use most of the grant to purchase medical equipment required for the regional high-volume spay and neuter clinic. The clinic, which will serve the public as well as other animal rescue organizations, will provide up to 25 surgeries a day, helping 5,000 pets and their families each year.
“PetSmart Charities of Canada has been a phenomenal partner on this journey to the new centre,” says Shawn Morey, executive director of the Peterborough Humane Society, in a media release. “Their support brings us that much closer to being able to raise the bar in animal care in our community and beyond.”
Another $75,000 of the grant will go towards the Ontario SPCA provincial dog rehabilitation centre, which will help dogs who need more support and care than a regular shelter can provide. It will contain several unique features, including hydrotherapy equipment, indoor and outdoor off-leash areas, flexible training rooms, specialized training courses, and a real family living room to help dogs practice living in a home environment.
“We are grateful to receive this grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada to help bring the provincial dog rehabilitation centre to reality,” says Dr. Stephanie Black, chief veterinary officer with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Once complete, this centre will fill a critical and significant gap in current services by addressing the individualized needs of dogs most difficult to adopt.”
PetSmart Charities of Canada, a registered Canadian charity independent from the PetSmart pet store chain in Canada, has granted more than $14 million for animal welfare activities. To date, the charity has contributed over $421,000 towards the Peterborough Animal Care Centre.
“We recognize the need for accessible health and wellness services for pets, which is why we are excited that the new animal care centre will help bring those services to the Peterborough community,” says Dani LaGiglia, senior community grants manager at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “Not only will the centre help more pets find homes, but it will help more pets receive the care they need to support their health and well-being.”
Construction of the centre is slated to be completed at the end of 2022. For more information or to donate, visit www.ourpetproject.ca and ontariospca.ca/dogrehab.
