We’ve Got Answers
10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you’re considering adopting a pet, looking to surrender an animal, or simply want to learn more about how you can help, we’re here to provide you with the information you need. We believe that transparency and open communication are key to building trust and ensuring the best possible outcomes for the animals in our care. Browse through our FAQs or reach out to us directly if you have any further questions.
Q: Does the SPCA receive regular government funding?
A: No, the government does not give the SPCA any regular funding. The money we have to work with, to keep the SPCA shelter operating is from Fundraising Events, Donations, Membership Fees, Bottle Returns, Animal Surrender and Adoption fees, and Municipal Grants.
Q: Why do we have to pay to surrender our own animal?
A: The surrender fee is to help the SPCA with the costs of feeding, vaccinating, deworming, and day to day costs that are involved in the care of the animals. This charge is also in effect for people that have found stray cats/kittens.
Q: Why does the SPCA charge for adopting an animal?
A: Our adoption fees for the animals help to cover some costs incurred of caring for the animals and day to day operating shelter operating costs.
Each animal adoption includes – Their Spay/Neuter, Micro-chipping, 30 day Animal Health Insurance, Free Vet Wellness Exam, first vaccination, deworming, 1 year Complimentary SPCA membership, and a trial size bag of Hills Science pet food.
Q: Is the Bonnyville SPCA a No Kill Shelter?
A: We euthanize an animal only when necessary, and if the animal fits euthanization criteria: if the animal is severely ill, severely injured, aggressive, vicious, or has bitten anyone or viciously attacked another animal. We euthanize very, very few animals.
Q: Who should I call when I lose my pet?
A: Your first contact should be to the Bonnyville SPCA – 780-826-3230 to report your pet missing. We post a photo of the stray animals that come into the shelter on our web site – www.bonnyvillespca.ca We also keep a log of lost and found animals in the office. You may also call the Peace Officers Office if you are missing a dog.
Q: What happens to a stray animal when it arrives?
A: We look for any identification on the animal, for example: dog tags, micro-chip, or tattoos. If the animal has any identification we will contact the owner immediately. The animal gets vaccinated and dewormed the first day they arrive if the animal is co-operative and not aggressive. Stray animals become the property of the SPCA after 2 business days. The animal is confined to isolation for a period of anywhere from 5 to 10 days. After the animal has completed its isolation time and has become the property of the SPCA, the animal will then be moved to the adoptable kennels and put up for adoption.
Q: How long can an animal stay at the shelter?
A: We assign no time limit to our animals, as long as an adoptable animal remains physically and mentally healthy, and as long as space permits.
Q: How long can an animal stay at the shelter?
A: We assign no time limit to our animals, as long as an adoptable animal remains physically and mentally healthy, and as long as space permits.
Q: Why does the SPCA spay or neuter all the animals that are adopted?
A: To help with the over population of animals, and encourage responsible pet ownership. There are far too many unwanted animals born each year and are left to fend for themselves. We are here to help make a difference! The cost of the spay or neuter of an animal is included in the adoption fee.
Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer at the SPCA?
A: You may volunteer at the SPCA at any age, however, volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. We appreciate any and all volunteers!
Q: What time of the day can I come and volunteer?
A: We open to the public at 1:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 12:30 p.m. on weekends. You can come in anytime after that or call and make arrangements with the staff working if you wish to come in earlier.