SPCA Montreal – For all animal lovers
The SPCA Montreal is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and caring for animals in distress. It has been serving the community since 1869, making it one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in North America. The SPCA Montreal offers various services, including:
- Adoption Services
- Animal Rescue and Care
- Promotion of Animal Welfare
- Community Engagement
Additionally, the SPCA Montreal has announced a major partnership with Purina® Pro Plan® to support their mission from May 1st, 2024. They also host no-fee adoption events and have seen an increase in animal surrenders by 21% in the first four months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Adoption Services
The SPCA Montreal offers a comprehensive adoption service, from SPCA dogs to other small animals, to help find forever homes for animals in their care. Most animals available for adoption are at the shelter on Jean-Talon Street in Montreal. You can visit them during opening hours to meet and potentially adopt an animal. The shelter is open for adoptions from Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. , and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s important to note that wait times can be several hours, especially on weekends, so visiting on a weekday is recommended if possible.
Adoption Appointments
Adoption appointments last at least 90 minutes. To ensure you have enough time to meet the animals, it’s advised to arrive well before the shelter’s closing time. It is also important to note that some animals are in foster care rather than at the shelter. Their profiles have a black button leading to a form you can fill out. If your profile matches the animal’s needs, the SPCA will contact you for a pre-screening interview.
The staff at the SPCA Montreal communicate in French and English. If you don’t speak these languages, it’s recommended to bring someone who can help with translation during your visit. Regardless of the method you choose for adoption, the SPCA’s counsellors will guide you through the process, answer questions, and explain the responsibilities of adopting an animal. You can also purchase basic accessories for your new pet in the boutique located at the shelter.
The SPCA Montreal emphasizes the importance of planning ahead if you wish to adopt, as it’s a significant commitment. You can see all the animals waiting for adoption and learn more about the procedures and fees on their website.
Animal Rescue and Care
The SPCA Montreal is deeply committed to the rescue and care of animals. They conduct rescue operations for animals that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. More than that, they also provide immediate care and shelter for these animals. Animals taken in by the SPCA receive medical attention, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and treatment for any health issues they may have. Beyond medical care, the SPCA also focuses on the rehabilitation of animals, which includes socialization and behavioral training to prepare them for adoption.
Investigations Division and Community Education
They have an Investigations Division that looks into reports of animal cruelty and takes action when necessary. For example, in October 2022, they rescued 17 dogs and puppies living in poor conditions at a dog breeding facility outside Montréal. Via the Community Education principle the SPCA Montreal educates the public on how to avoid conflicts with wildlife and promotes responsible pet ownership to prevent future cases of animal distress. The organization has faced a tough summer with a high intake of animals. They organize events like no-fee adoption days to encourage the community to adopt and support animals in distress.
The SPCA Montreal’s dedication to animal rescue and care is evident in their comprehensive approach to addressing the needs of animals in their community. They rely on donations and community support to continue their mission, and every contribution helps them rescue and care for more animals. If you’re interested in supporting their cause, you can consider donating, adopting, volunteering, or fostering an animal in need.
Promotion of Animal Welfare
The Montreal SPCA has a rich history of promoting animal welfare that dates back to its founding in 1869. Initially focused on the treatment of work horses, the organization has expanded its mission to speak on behalf of animals wherever there is ignorance, cruelty, exploitation, or neglect. The SPCA’s efforts are guided by a deep sense of compassion and a commitment to giving animals a voice. Their mission encompasses protecting animals from neglect, abuse, and exploitation, ensuring their well-being, and representing their interests. A significant part of their work involves raising public awareness and helping develop compassion for all sentient beings. This is achieved through educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy for animal-friendly policies and practices.
The SPCA Montreal collaborates with other animal welfare groups to lobby for changes in legislation and promote the adoption of humane practices. They also provide resources and guidance to the public on how to cohabit peacefully with wildlife and manage situations involving lost and found animals. Guided by humane ethics, the SPCA Montreal’s dedication to animal welfare is evident in their continuous efforts to improve the lives of animals and foster a community that values and respects all living creatures.
Community Engagement
The SPCA Montreal’s community engagement is a testament to their commitment to not only animal welfare but also to supporting the people who care for these animals. Their initiatives are designed to provide assistance to pet owners facing challenging circumstances, ensuring that the bond between humans and animals remains unbroken even during tough times.
One of the key programs is the Special Shelter for Animals, where the SPCA collaborates with community organizations to offer temporary housing for pets of individuals undergoing life transitions, such as settling into a new country, reintegration into society, or escaping domestic violence. This program has been a lifeline for many, with over 155 animals and their families benefiting since its inception in 2022. Another significant effort is the Pet Food Bank Program, which has redistributed over 10 tonnes of food to animals in need since 2022. This initiative works with retail partners and accepts public donations to provide pet food to community organizations and food banks, which in turn help pet owners in difficulty.
The SPCA also focuses on creating animal-friendly environments by offering free training to community centers and shelters that accommodate animals. This training, conducted by animal behavior specialists, aims to facilitate harmonious cohabitation between people and animals and prevent incidents. Moreover, the SPCA encourages community members to become foster families for animals through their Special Shelter Program. This allows individuals to support someone going through a difficult situation by providing a safe home for their pet temporarily.
Through these programs and more, the SPCA Montreal fosters a compassionate community where the welfare of animals and the needs of their human companions are addressed with care and empathy. Their community engagement goes beyond animal care; it’s about nurturing a society that values the well-being of all its members, both human and animal.
Contact or Visit SPCA Montreal
Main Location
- Address: 5215 Rue Jean-Talon O, Montréal, Québec H4P 1X4
- Phone Number: (514) 735-2711
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Email: For general inquiries: admin@spca.com
- To report animal abuse: enquetes@spca.com, extension 2230
- Media requests: elodie@tokcommunications.ca or (514) 247-0526
- To make a donation by phone: 1-866-888-7722
More locations
The SPCA Montreal primarily operates from its main location on Jean-Talon Street. However, they do have a network of foster homes and partner veterinary clinics across Montreal that support their mission. While there isn’t a list of additional shelter locations, the SPCA Montreal’s extensive community involvement means they work closely with various organizations and individuals throughout the city to provide care and find homes for animals.
For specific inquiries about services, programs, or how you can get involved, it’s best to contact the main SPCA Montreal location using the details provided earlier. They can offer the most current information on their operations and how to access their services across Montreal.