SPCA to increase capacity to care for vulnerable animals by closing its commercial boarding services

Commercial boarding facilities currently operating at four SPCA Centre sites (Renwick, Timaru, Westport and Greymouth) will be closing to the public from 1 July 2024.

Between them, the four sites will now have capacity to house an additional 82 felines and 72 canines – space which under the previous outgoing service is reserved for beloved family pets instead of SPCA focus of animals in need.

“For over 150 years, our priority has always been protecting and providing care for New Zealand’s most vulnerable animals,” says SPCA General Manager of Animal Services, Dr. Corey Regnerus-Kell. “Offering commercial boarding services to responsible, financially able pet owners does not fundamentally align with what we’re here to do, and it is limiting capacity of care.”

The decision to close these facilities will free up significant and vital capacity for the organisation to take in and care for abused, injured and vulnerable animals.

With its Inspectorate arm tasked with enforcing the Animal Welfare Act, SPCA regularly sees animals come into its care who are unable to move offsite into foster homes for legal reasons. For animals in these circumstances, the increased capacity to provide shelter within SPCA Centres will make a world of difference.

The nationwide nature of the organisation means animals from across the country will benefit from the change. An additional 154 animals will now be able to be held under SPCA’s care at any given time – a huge impact for animals who have nowhere else to go and urgently need our help.

With six weeks’ notice being provided to current clients of the commercial boarding business, and the change being made at the service’s quietest time of year, SPCA hopes members of the public will understand the reason for the change.