Clarenville Area SPCA

During the 1980’s, a group of citizens concerned for the welfare of stray animals in the Clarenville area commenced trapping animals and housing them in available places such as sheds, spare rooms, etc., to keep them safe and warm from the elements of living outside. These citizens continued to feed and care for the animals after being trapped until such time as a permanent home could be found for them, thus the beginning of the Clarenville Area SPCA. After much fundraising, a shelter was then built during the years 1989 – 1990 and the Clarenville Area SPCA obtained charitable status and eventually became an incorporate entity in the year 2016.

For years, the Clarenville Area SPCA was operated by volunteers and a Board of Directors until eventually one (1) employee was hired. To date, the shelter currently employees two (2) full time staff members and two (2) part-time staff members and, although the shelter has full and part-time staff, volunteers from the community and surrounding areas are still required to maintain operation of the shelter. We avail of high school students throughout the year in order that they attain their volunteer hours. During the summer months, we hire a student to, not only care for the animals, but assist with customer service and acquire communication skills (and cuddle and play with the animals as well!!!)

In the year 2016, we opened a free public accessible dog park in the rear of our shelter wherein the public can bring their dogs for a walk, a run or just to play and socialize with other dogs. During Clarenville Days, we also host a Pet Show in the park.

Also in the year 2016, we opened a thrift store to service the people of the surrounding area, encouraging people to donate unwanted or gently used items to our store in an effort to reduce, reuse and recycle. Given the success of the store, a larger space was required so we acquired the former Salvation Army Church in Clarenville which was renovated to suit our needs. We currently employ 3 (three) full time employees and one (1) ability employment employee at our thrift store. As a result of the success of our thrift store revenue, we are able to offer a low cost spay and neuter program to assist people who would not otherwise be able to pay the full cost of this veterinary service.

As the Clarenville Area SPCA relies heavily on volunteerism, we currently have in excess of 80 volunteers volunteering with both the shelter and the thrift store. We have partnered with the Correctional Centre for Women on various projects, as well as partnering with other SPCAs and Rescue Groups. We also host tours of our shelter to school groups, Brownie troops, etc. to provide information and education on the caring for the animals. We have participated in the Town of Clarenville Christmas Parade.

Emergency Contacts
RCMP: 466-3211
Fire Department: 466-7777
Ambulance: 466-3468
Hospital: 466-3411
Poison Control: 1-800-722-1110
Mental Health Crisis: 1-888-737-4668

Photography by Paul Tilley.