Talkin' Shop

What is something you are really proud of as an organization? At the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society, we are incredibly proud of the second chances we create 365 days a year across all four of our shelters across the Niagara Peninsula. Whether it’s rescuing domestic animals or injured wildlife, helping an animal build confidence through enrichment and training, our team works tirelessly to ensure animals are cared for with dignity and compassion. Our Spay/Neuter Clinic has been offering low cost surgeries for over 14 years and our Wellness Clinic recently opened to add to the affordable care for animals across our community. We’re especially proud of how our staff, volunteers, and community step up during challenging times. Our animals always come first.

What makes your shelter unique? The Niagara SPCA & Humane Society is one of Ontario’s largest and most active animal welfare organizations. We operate four animal centres, offering comprehensive sheltering and adoption programs, community outreach and veterinary services, and low-cost spay/neuter and wellness clinics. We also provide animal control and by-law services that contribute to safer, more compassionate communities for both animals and people. Each year, thousands of animals find safety, healing, and second chances through our doors thanks to the generosity of donors, partners, and foundations who share our belief that every animal deserves love, care, and the chance to thrive.

What is a program you run that is important for people to know about? Our Wellness & Spay/Neuter Clinic plays a key role in offering affordable, quality, preventive care. By offering affordable exams, vaccinations, heartworm testing, and spay/neuter services, we reduce overpopulation and prevent suffering before it starts.

Can you share a story of a specific pet you helped recently? Abba’s Happy Tail

After nearly a year at our Welland shelter, our sweet and resilient girl Abba finally got her happily ever after and what a celebration it was! Staff and volunteers lined up to clap her out as she left for her forever home. Just two years old, this Mastiff mix has shown us the true meaning of resilience. When Abba first arrived as a stray, she had clearly been bred for her puppies and was struggling with fear and reactivity, especially around other dogs. With time, patience, and lots of love, our team of dedicated volunteers and animal care staff worked closely with her to help her heal and learn to trust again. Over the months, Abba made incredible progress from being unsure of other dogs to calmly walking beside them and even befriending a few during her time with our volunteer dog walkers. Now, she’s adjusting beautifully to life in her new home including sharing it with another dog! Those who knew Abba describe her as a lovable goof who adores people, gently takes treats, and never misses a chance to gather all her toys into one big pile in the yard and lay on them! Abba reminds us that every animal deserves time, patience, and a chance to shine and that the right match is possible for every animal.

How many donors do you have? We are grateful to have the support of many Community partnerships that make our work possible. It takes a village of support, and we are so grateful to everyone who donates and gives their time to volunteer at the Niagara SPCA & Humane Society.

To what extent are pet licence fees contributing to your overall budget? Pet licence fees contribute to our overall budget but more importantly keep animals and their people together.

What are you raising funds for today specifically? We are raising funds to directly support the animals in our care right now and the ones in the future who depend on us. Providing lifesaving care, daily nutrition, safe shelter, behavioural rehabilitation, enrichment, and the resources needed to prepare them for adoption. Every animal who walks through our doors requires immediate investment: veterinary exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, medications, specialized diets, and dedicated staff time. With intake numbers rising, community support is what makes this work possible. These funds ensure that every animal receives compassionate, high-quality care from the moment they arrive until the day they leave for a safe, loving home.

Do you have any specific advice for pet owners? Prevention is everything. Book your animals annual wellness exam, keep up with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, and spay or neuter your animals. Keep your animal safe with a micro chip and dog license.