Saskatoon SPCA plans $650,000 expansion that includes a new clinic

The Saskatoon SPCA is expanding its facilities to include a new clinic.

Executive director Patricia Cameron said the new clinic space will allow the SPCA to handle spaying and neutering along with other surgeries for domestic animals.

The $650,000 addition will include a separate entrance with a reception area for animal drop-off, a dental/X-ray room, apreparation and surgery area, separate cat and dog recovery areasand new laundry and storage areas.

"One of the main things we want to do in our clinic is do our onsite spay/neuter [program]," Cameron said. "That's going to make it much faster to move animals from the holding area into the adoptions."

Right now all adopted animals have to be transported around the city to veterinary clinics that partner with the SPCA to be spayed or neutered.

"It's a lot of work transporting thousands of animals every year all over Saskatoon," Cameron said.

She said they hope to spay or neuter about 2,000 animals per year to start with.

They also plan to have a program to help low-income pet owners get their pets spayed or neutered.

Cameron said the only humane way to control the cat and dog population is to spay and neuter.

The expansion should also create more kennel space for both dogs and cats.

"We are always cramped for size," Cameron said. "We are always just sitting on or over the line in terms of capacity."

The $650,000 will come through donations andfundraising.

Cameron is hoping to start building the addition this spring.

This week the SPCA have adoption specials for cats and kittens:$50 for an adult cat and $75 for kittens. They come spay or neutered, vaccinated and with a City of Saskatoon licence.