OSPCA Perth / About Us

HISTORY

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was established in 1873. Its mandate, the Ontario S.P.C.A. Act, was formed by provincial statute in 1919.

The Perth County Branch received its charter from the Provincial office in 1973 through the vision, energy and persistence of Kitty Cree, who persuaded 500 residents to donate $5.00 each as proof of community commitment. Shortly afterwards, a shelter for cats and small pets was opened on George Street, as Kitty and her dedicated group constantly fund-raised to pay the rent and purchase supplies; all were volunteers.

It was not until 1989 that the current shelter was opened, thanks to a legacy and donations from a growing number of supporters, as well as through fund-raising efforts in Perth County.

STAFF

Along with a truly supportive, enthusiastic group of volunteers, the daily shelter operations and animal care are proficiently handled by four full-time and five part-time staff dedicated to the care and well being of the animals. Staff include:

FULL-TIME STAFF

Sue Porter, Branch Manager – with over fifteen years in the animal welfare field in various positions, and comprehensive training in non-profit management, Sue is happy to respond to fundraising ideas and shelter operational concerns or ideas and can be reached at sueporter@wightman.ca

Carol VanderHeide, Inspector – with over ten years experience as an agent, Carol became an inspector in 2003. Carol can be contacted regarding cruelty and neglect concerns at cvanderheide@wightman.ca

Please note animal emergencies should NOT be emailed as email is not checked regularly throughout the day. Call 519-273-6600 to report an emergency.

Renee Rock, Agent/Animal Control Officer – Renee has been employed with OSPCA Perth since 2003. She completed agent training in 2004.

Sarah Tickner, Animal Care Attendant 3/Adoption Counsellor – Sarah has been employed with OSPCA Perth since 2004, with an additional five years of shelter experience prior to that.

Melanie Lefor, Animal Care Attendant 2– Melanie has been employed with OSPCA Perth since 2003.

** Please note we are unable to give advice regarding medical concerns or issues for personal pets – you must contact a qualified veterinarian for advice of this nature.

PART-TIME STAFF

Cherise Pletsch, Animal Care Attendant 2

Kyle Bellehumeur, Animal Care Attendant 2

Todd Fuhr, Animal Care Attendant 1

Lorraine Dale, Receptionist

General adoption or shelter inquiries should be sent to ospcaperth@wightman.ca

Please note animal emergencies should NOT be emailed as email is not checked regularly throughout the day. Call 519-273-6600 to report an emergency.

ORGANIZATIONS WE WORK WITH

Other SPCA’s – provincial office, branches and affiliates with regard to information sharing, animal transfers, etc.

Feline Friends Network
Through education and the implementation of various spay/neuter programs, Feline Friends Network intends to end the cat overpopulation problem in Perth County, so that every cat may be deemed of value, with the opportunity to live a full and natural life. Volunteers and donations are welcome. For more information call Cheryl Simpson, 519.273.8067.

The local veterinarian community.

Local high school co-op student programs.

Children's groups (e.g., Brownies, Cubs, Scouts, Beavers, 4-H, YMCA).

Salvation Army Community Service Program.

Police and Fire services to assist in removing and sheltering animals due to emergency situations, until alternate arrangements for animals can be made.

Crime Stoppers regarding reporting of animal abuse.

Women’s Shelter regarding temporary sheltering of animals until alternate arrangements can be made for pets.

Children’s Aid Services with regards to reporting concerns in child welfare.

Perth District Health Unit with regards to Rabies information, West Nile virus information, school education programs and biter animal quarantine.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency with regard to animal transporting, dead animal disposal, etc.

Ministry of Natural Resources with regard to wildlife.

Municipalities in Perth County regarding animal cruelty complaints, kennel inspection assistance, and education programs for their workers. We are the only shelter for abandoned and unwanted animals in Perth County, covering 846 square miles.

Animal rescue groups.

Media, to address animal-related community issues.