The dog days of summer have left the Flin Flon/Creighton and Area SPCA shelter full, with no room for more dogs or cats.
“We are definitely full, for both cats and dogs. We’re at our capacity,” said Erica Husberg, SPCA president.
“We’re getting numerous phone calls from people wanting to take in cats and dogs, and with us being at capacity, we can’t really help them.”
This comes after busy spring and summer seasons, during which the shelter took in multiple litters of puppies and a high number of strays was reported.
“This is the worst year I’ve ever seen. I don’t know why,” said Husberg.
“This year has been really, really bad for puppies who have either been lost or neglected. They’re roaming around. This has been the worst year, we’re getting calls every day from people who have seen a puppy or found a puppy.”
Husberg said the combination of a high need and no vacancies has been frustrating, adding that people who have found puppies or other animals will have to find other lodgings for them until spaces open up or more animals are adopted.
“It’s been unreal and it’s frustrating for us, because since we’re full – we don’t have room to take them in,” said Husberg.
To add to the strain, spots in the SPCA’s spay-and-neuter clinic in September have not filled up as quickly as the group had hoped. As of July 19, only 10 spots had been filled. The clinic may be cancelled, said Husberg, if more spots aren’t filled by late August.
The high number of shelter dwellers has not only been a drain on the SPCA’s services – it has meant a financial burden as well. Husberg said it takes more than $100,000 a year to keep the shelter going, with most expenses going to veterinary bills and worker wages. Most of the SPCA’s income comes from adoptions, donations and fundraising.
“We’re not at a great level – I’d say we’re at a fair level,” said Husberg about the shelter’s finances.
“If there’s any additional medical costs with animals, we have to eat that money separately and we have to fundraise separately.”
Husberg said the person who had previously been in charge of fundraising for the SPCA had left the group, but added the SPCA was planning a musical fundraiser in September and that finances aren’t the group’s main concern.
“The community has always responded really well with us. Where we’re falling short are with volunteers, people to walk the dogs or brush the cats. Financial wise, the community has always backed us,” said Husberg.
