The vision of the Nova Scotia SPCA is that Nova Scotia be a No Kill province and a safe place for all animals with a zero tolerance for animal cruelty. The guiding principles of the SPCA’s No Kill model focuses on increasing live release rates with a commitment of attaining a record of 90% or higher. All healthy and medically treatable animals will be given every opportunity for adoption and euthanasia will be reserved only for reasons of mercy or aggression. The model employs a strategy that focuses on increasing adoptions by removing barriers; opening admission so that as many animals as possible are helped; providing community support systems through collaboration and cooperation with government, veterinarians, rescue, TNR and other animal welfare organizations; increasing donor and volunteer support; adhering to high standards of animal care; being accountable and transparent; educating the public about misconceptions and humane and responsible pet ownership; and strong leadership committed to the model and creative solutions. We are often asked - Why can’t the SPCA be open admission for all owner-surrender and abandoned cats and kittens?   Some shelters are open admission, but their kill rates are generally very high.  In North America it is very common for shelters and municipal run pounds to have kill rates as high as 90% for cats.  The SPCA is striving to be an open-admission, No Kill animal welfare organization. We will not compromise live release rates to be open admission.  In other words, the SPCA will not kill healthy, adoptable animals for space. We aim to place all healthy animals and those with treatable, manageable conditions. We only euthanize for reason of mercy or aggression.   Regrettably that means there may not always be room at the SPCA, at its Branch shelters or through its foster network for all of the animals in need. When capacity and resources require us to reduce intake, the SPCA prioritizes the most vulnerable and provides assistance to the extent possible.

GENERAL INFORMATION