The SaskSPCA is seeking proposals from qualified consultants to develop two 2023-2028 strategic plans: one for the operations of the SaskSPCA and one to support the construction and operation of the new SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre.

Background:

The Saskatchewan SPCA is the provincial voice on animal welfare. Established in 1928, we are a registered Canadian charity working to promote the humane treatment of animals and prevent animal cruelty. We work collaboratively with a broad variety of partners in the animal welfare sector as well as in human services, policing, health care, and government.
We are one of 17 SPCAs/Humane Societies operating in the province. Contrary to public misconception, the SaskSPCA is not “in charge of” all other SPCAs/Humane Societies; instead, each has its own board of directors and is responsible for raising funds for its own operations.

Our head office is in Saskatoon, SK. Currently we employ five full-time and two part-time staff.

We do not receive government funding; our organization operates through funding from memberships, donations, grants, and other fundraising activities, such as our biannual lottery.

Our current five-year strategic plan was approved in 2018. The plan focused on the needs of our organization as we transitioned away from our role in the enforcement of animal welfare legislation.

The SaskSPCA provides a variety of programs and services aimed at improving the welfare of companion animals and livestock. We will be taking on an expanded role in animal welfare with the construction of an emergency animal care centre. The SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre is slated to be operational in late 2024.

Our vision:

A Saskatchewan in which all animals are free from hunger, thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, diseases, fear and distress, and able to express normal behaviour.

Our mission:

To coordinate and amplify a system of bet practices in animal welfare across the province of Saskatchewan.

Our guiding principles:

The SaskSPCA is an animal welfare organization that:

• Promotes the mutually beneficial relationship between animals and humans;
• Takes a collaborative approach to achieve our mission and vision; and
• Is transparent and respected for our innovation, integrity, and passion.

Our current programs and services:

Currently we are working to:

• Aid owners struggling with the cost of pet food. Our provincial pet food bank now serves 13 communities through 17 distribution sites.
• Assist the victims of family violence through the development of animal safekeeping resources and pet-friendly domestic violence shelters in Saskatchewan.
• Provide funds to assist with the cost of routine and emergency veterinary care for retired law enforcement dogs.
• Prevent animal cruelty and suffering through humane education.
• Conduct research and raise awareness of the link between violence to people and to animals.
• Advocate for improved animal welfare legislation, including the development of standards for animal rescues.

New programs and services in development:

The SaskSPCA has embarked on a project that will address current gaps in the animal welfare sector. The SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care is a provincial resource designed to meet the targeted needs of pet owners and animal law enforcement agencies. The Centre will provide a safe and affordable space for pets when their owners are temporarily unable to provide care because of family violence, lengthy hospitalization, emergency evacuation, or other personal crises. As well, the Centre offers dedicated space to care for abused and neglected animals seized by or surrendered to animal enforcement agencies in Saskatchewan.

The Emergency Animal Care Centre will be owned and operated by the SaskSPCA. The Centre will be housed in a new purpose-built 50 ft. by 165 ft. steel building, located on property owned by the SaskSPCA. A capital fundraising campaign is presently underway to secure the necessary funds to build and operate the centre.

Construction of the Emergency Animal Care Centre is scheduled to be complete in mid-2024, with opening of the centre by the end of the year.

Objectives:

We require two new 5-year strategic plans

1. A plan to guide the overall growth and development of the SaskSPCA. The recent pandemic has highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of animals and their people in our work to improve the welfare of companion animals and livestock.
2. A separate strategic plan to support the launch and operation of the SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre. This is not a traditional animal shelter or adoption facility. The Centre provides short-term, affordable animal care to meet the targeted needs of pet owners and animal law enforcement agencies.The development of the new strategic plans will give our board, staff, members, and donors the opportunity to shape the future of our animal welfare organization. We need to seek feedback from human service agencies, animal law enforcement, and animal welfare organizations that will be impacted by the new programs and services available through the Centre. In addition, we want to provide opportunities for meaningful consultation with individuals and groups who may be served by this new Centre, including victims of intimate partner violence who own pets; individuals of advanced age; First Nations and Metis people; residents of rural and Northern Saskatchewan; and individuals experiencing homelessness or vulnerably housed.

Deliverables:

We require the services of an experienced consultant to assist with the following:

1. Creation of a 5-year strategic plan to support SaskSPCA operations.
2. Creation of a 5-year strategic plan to support the construction and operation of the new SaskSPCA Emergency Animal Care Centre.
3. Hosting focus group(s) and a strategic planning meeting to seek input from internal and external stakeholders.

Methodology:

• Meet with board and Executive Director to clarify expectations for project.
• Create timeline and framework for planning.
• Facilitate focus groups and strategic planning meetings.
• Provide project management, including reminders about deadlines.
• Assist in the process of identifying and reaching external stakeholders.
• Draft and revise as necessary the strategic plan documents.
• Draft the initial report with environmental scan, recommendations, and priorities in preparation for the strategic planning meeting.
• Draft a revenue plan to support implementation of the strategic plans.
• Prepare the two strategic plans, including goals, action plan, timelines, and resources for review and feedback.
• Meet with board to provide feedback on the final strategic plans.

Project budget:

The total budget for this project, including taxes and expenses, is $12,000 to $15,000.

Project timelines:

Deadlines:

Deadline for RFP submissions: September 8, 2023
All work must be complete by the end of June 2024.

Proposal requirements:

1. Consultant’s experience/expertise in the following areas:
   • Strategic planning process with NGOs.
   • Working with community service, not-for-profit, and/or charitable organizations.
   • Understanding of the animal welfare sector.
   • Use of online communication forums, preferably Zoom.
2. Project work plan, including initial planning, research, stakeholder consultation process, and reporting.
3. A list of recent references.
4. A breakdown of costs associated with this project, including travel costs.

Proposals may be submitted to the SaskSPCA:

• By mail: Box 37, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3K1
• By email: info@saskspca.ca

Questions regarding the RFP should be directed to:

Sandra Anderson, Program Director, SaskSPCA:

• 306.382.2419
• sandra@saskspca.ca

Proposal conditions:

1. The SaskSPCA reserves the right to accept or reject all or any part of the submissions or to rescind this call for proposals at any time.
2. The lowest or any other bid will not necessarily be accepted. The contract will be awarded based on proposed approach, ability to meet timelines, and the consultant’s qualifications and related experience.
3. The SaskSPCA is not liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this Request for Proposals.

Click here to download PDF version of RFP document

On March 7, 1928, the Saskatchewan Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SaskSPCA) was created by an Act of the provincial legislature. The creation of the Society aimed “to prevent cruelty to dumb animals of all kinds and to inculcate the principles of and the desire for better and more humane treatment of dumb animals.”

Before 1928, the SaskSPCA was active for over a decade in Regina, operating as the Regina SPCA. The focus was primarily on humane education, with lessons taught in Presbyterian Sunday schools. To educate the community, the SaskSPCA also released an instructional manual for the proper care of animals. During this time, animal cruelty investigations were left to the police. In 1922, the (Regina) SPCA members took the first steps to organize a provincial chapter under the Benevolent Society Act. The hope was that a provincial SPCA would further the humane work of the organization.

After its inception, the SaskSPCA remained centralized in Regina for many years. Early members of the SaskSPCA executive included local doctors, lawyers, veterans, and a provincial judge. The SaskSPCA continued to make humane education a priority. An investigator was hired to work four hours daily, and Dr. L.L. Hewitt of Regina was the first official SaskSPCA veterinarian.

The growth of local SPCAs and Humane Societies

In the early years, the SaskSPCA was an umbrella organization for creating local (city) branch humane societies. In the mid-1960s, branches were opened in Moose Jaw, Lloydminster, and Prince Albert.

The SaskSPCA served as the Regina branch until the Regina Society for the Humane Care of Animals was incorporated in 1964, separate from the SaskSPCA. In 1968, the Saskatoon branch was incorporated as an independent organization, the Saskatoon SPCA.

In 1975, the Yorkton branch of the SaskSPCA was established. The Yorkton branch was incorporated as an independent organization approximately three years later, becoming the Yorkton SPCA.

Even after local societies incorporated separately, they could appoint representatives to sit on the SaskSPCA’s board of directors. This process was later revised with local society representatives serving in an advisory capacity to the provincial SaskSPCA board. Today, each local society operates autonomously without representation on the SaskSPCA board of directors. While all organizations are independent, there is ongoing cooperation and communication between the societies as we work to improve animal welfare.

Enforcement of animal cruelty legislation

Beginning in the 1970s, the SaskSPCA handled enforcement of The Animal Protection Act in all areas of the province. We employed skilled Animal Protection Officers to investigate reports of animal cruelty in locations outside the four largest cities of Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, and Moose Jaw. We devoted considerable effort to building a strong and effective enforcement program but were always keenly aware that we could do more to prevent animal cruelty.

In 2014, our Board of Directors decided not to renew our contract with the Ministry of Agriculture to enforce The Animal Protection Act. Enforcement is now handled by a separate organization — Animal Protection Services of Saskatchewan (APSS). Our Board felt the time was right to focus on education and other areas where we can significantly impact animal welfare.

Partners in prevention

Having given up our role in enforcement, we can now devote our resources to education and the prevention of animal cruelty.

The SaskSPCA continues to work with APSS, local SPCAs and Humane Societies, rescue groups, veterinarians, industry, government, producers, and pet owners. We all have a role to play in animal welfare. Working collaboratively, we can share ideas and develop workable solutions to ensure that all animals are treated humanely throughout their lives.

A growing and evolving animal welfare organization

Looking to the future, the SaskSPCA continues to develop and introduce new programs while expanding existing ones. We want to make a real and lasting difference for Saskatchewan’s animals.

Through partnerships with provincial organizations such as STOPS to Violence and the Provincial Association of Transition Houses & Services of Saskatchewan (PATHS), the SaskSPCA raises awareness of the complex relationship between interpersonal violence and animal abuse. We have developed ViolenceLink.ca as a resource for those seeking information on the violence link.

In 2016, we announced a new initiative to create a certification and registration program for animal rescue groups operating in the province. This process has evolved, and in January 2022, the Saskatchewan Animal Rescue Standards were submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture for consideration that these standards be referenced in The Animal Protection Regulations. The standards can be viewed online at PetRescueToolkit.ca.

In November 2020, the SaskSPCA launched the Emergency Pet Food Bank to help families during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a year of operation, the program was reviewed, and the decision was made to create a permanent pet food bank program. To date, the SaskSPCA Pet Food Bank has distributed, through our partners, over 68,000 pounds of food in 13 Saskatchewan communities.

Indigenous history and animal welfare have strong connections. Unfortunately, many Indigenous communities have been negatively impacted by animal welfare-related laws and efforts. How important are animals in Indigenous culture? How are animal welfare organizations supporting Indigenous communities and their animals? The SaskSPCA is pleased to offer a free webinar to discuss these questions and more. Join us at 7 PM on Thursday, June 29th, for presentations from Elder Betty McKenna and Meagan Schmitz and Monique Schultz from Canine Action Project.

Click here to register for this free webinar

About the speakers:

Elder Betty McKenna is Anishinaabe, born in Opaswayuk (The Pas), Manitoba, and her family reserve is Sapotaweyak. She follows the traditions of her people, speaks her traditional language, conducts numerous ceremonies, and gathers medicines. She is involved in many research projects and is a lecturer at the First Nations University of Canada and Luther College in Regina.

Meagan Schmitz is the Vice President of Canine Action Project (CAP), having joined the organization in 2014. Meagan is proud to be Metis and has over 12 years of experience working in the animal welfare sector. Meagan lives in Prince Albert with her husband, three dogs, two cats, and a revolving door of foster animals.

Monique Schultz is the Co-Founder and President of Canine Action Project (CAP). CAP was formed in 2011, became an organization in 2012, and received charitable status in 2013. Monique is passionate about helping people and animals live healthier, safer, and happier lives. Monique is proud to be Metis and currently lives in Lashburn with her husband, three children, five dogs, and six cats.

Saskatchewan’s animal welfare sector is diverse, and many of the folks we work with are active in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and they deserve our support. The SaskSPCA is pleased to offer our community a free webinar celebrating Pride Month. Join us at 7 PM on Tuesday, June 27th, for presentations from Dr. Rebecca Mycock and Andrew Hartman.

Dr. Mycock will discuss the joys and challenges associated with being an out member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. She will highlight the importance of creating a safe environment for staff and clients and how this can be achieved. Discussion of the struggles she has faced and how she navigated the fears associated with having to “come out” in various situations in a veterinary medicine setting will be included. Lastly, she will discuss her experiences of coming out and navigating life in a small town as a queer youth.

In Andrew Hartman’s talk, participants will receive an introduction and foundation to sex, gender, and sexuality, including the spectrum of 2SLGBTQ+ identities. Additionally, common experiences and barriers 2SLGBTQ+ people experience when accessing services will be highlighted. The talk will close with affirmative actions, policies, and practices that can be applied by animal welfare professionals to improve 2SLGBTQ+ community members’ experiences accessing care for their furry loved ones.

Click here to register for this free webinar

About the Speakers:

Dr. Rebecca Mycock is a small animal veterinarian working in the City Park community in Saskatoon. After graduating from veterinary school in 2018, she did a 1-year rotating internship in Hollywood, Florida. It was during this time she found the courage to come out publicly and truly embrace her sexuality. She returned to Canada to work as an emergency veterinarian at the VMC before settling in at City Park Vet. She strives to create an inclusive environment for her coworkers and clients, and visibility as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community is extremely important to her.

Andrew Hartman (they/them) is a proud queer, Métis, differently abled program evaluator, applied social psychology doctoral student, and Founder of Psystem, a social enterprise focused on facilitating positive change in the world through research and service delivery. Andrew’s research focuses on the psychological process of healing in queer survivors of gender-based violence. They have over five years of experience conducting community-based research alongside the 2SLGBTQ community and leading local and national research projects focused on improving 2SLGBTQ people’s experiences navigating system and other social programming. Over the years, Andrew has presented, published, and instructed others on working with 2SLGBTQ peoples. Most importantly, they are the proud pappi to two beautiful cats.

In 1928, Saskatchewan celebrated 23 years as a province. The Liberal Party, led by the province’s fourth premier, James Garfield Gardiner, formed the provincial government. The minister of agriculture was Charles McGill Hamilton. Henry William Newlands was in the middle of his 10-year term as lieutenant governor.

On the national scene, Freeman Freeman-Thomas was King George V’s governor general, and William Lyon Mackenzie King was in the prime minister’s office.

The 1926 Census lists Saskatchewan with a population of 820,738 residents. Farmland occupied a total of 45,945,410 acres. That total is more acreage than the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba combined!

Our province was home to 1.1 million horses, 1.16 million cattle, 438,245 dairy cows, 161,831 sheep, 597,660 hogs, and 2.85 million chickens.

Statistics Canada data from 1928 lists the price of staple foods. A quart of milk was 12 cents, one pound of butter was 41 cents, and a pound of old cheese was 32 cents. A pound of flour would set you back half a cent. A dozen eggs were 47 cents. A single pound of sirloin steak was 34 cents, and a pound of bacon was 37 cents.

A lot has changed over the last 95 years. We’re excited to see what the future holds as we look forward to our 100th anniversary in 2028.

The SaskSPCA is seeking an experienced fundraiser with strong communication skills to oversee the management and growth of our fundraising programs and activities. The ideal candidate will be motivated, professional, and organized.

We’re looking for someone who will help us continue our efforts to improve the lives of animals today and into the future.

Objectives of this role

• Promote awareness of the SaskSPCA’s mission, vision, and programs
• Develop a network of dedicated donors and volunteers
• Spot new fundraising opportunities
• Manage and grow existing fundraising activities
• Form strong relationships with donors and external stakeholders

Responsibilities

• Effectively convey our organization’s mission, vision, and programs to potential donors
• Research individuals, corporations, and foundations interested in gift giving
• Write grant applications and fundraising proposals
• Manage existing fundraising programs
• Develop new fundraising events and promotions
• Expand and manage our monthly donor program
• Oversee the creation of marketing materials for the promotion of events and other fundraising
• Help recruit, train, motivate, and reward volunteers
• Manage a budget and track whether goals are being met

Required skills and qualifications

• Certification or diploma in fundraising or equivalent experience in fundraising, sales, or marketing
• Ability to lead and motivate colleagues and volunteers
• A genuine interest in improving the welfare of animals
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to successfully balance priorities
• Competence with donor management systems
• Experience in writing grant proposals, media releases, and fundraising letters
• Confidence in public speaking

Full-time, term position

To apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to: info@saskspca.ca.

Deadline for applications: Friday, March 24, 2023

The fall season provided a couple of opportunities for the SaskSPCA to get out to community events.

In September, we ventured out to Vetavision at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) on the University of Saskatchewan campus. The two-day event is a WCVM open house run by students. The College opens its doors to the public to showcase the many important roles that veterinarians play in the world of animal health, welfare, and more.

SaskSPCA staff and volunteers staffed our Vetavision booth sharing important animal welfare information with attendees.

The Saskatchewan Association of Veterinary Technologists (SAVT) Conference took place in early November. The SaskSPCA’s Laura Zmud and Sandra Archibald from New Hope Dog Rescue (NHDR) presented on the topic of animal safekeeping and the importance of safekeeping programs. Laura and Sandra also discussed current safekeeping options available in Saskatchewan and shared more information on NHDR’s ASK and Hospital Care Programs.

The SaskSPCA’s Sandra Anderson, Kenzie Makowsky, and Mikayla Pennington also represented the Society at our display booth. It was a great opportunity to discuss animal welfare concerns
with the province’s veterinary technologists.

We extend sincere thanks to the WCVM and SAVT for inviting us to attend their amazing events!

Header Image: Volunteers Vivian & Don Fraser greet visitors at our Vetavision booth.

During her career, Daxa participated in the 2017 Canadian Police Canine Association K-9 Trials where she took first place in the tracking profile competition. Also in 2017, Daxa received the St. John Life Saving Award for assisting the RCMP in locating a missing person in frigid temperatures, along with the RCMP Commendation Award for, “going above and beyond on the call”. In 2018, Daxa was voted “Best Police Officer” in Prince Albert’s Best of the Best Awards.

During her five years on duty, Daxa was responsible for the apprehension of over 200 suspects.

In her retirement, Daxa has spent time playing with her favourite Kong ball and enjoying the occasional T-bone steak. On behalf of everyone at the SaskSPCA, we thank Daxa and her handler for their years of service with the Prince Albert Police Service.

About the Stryker K-9 Care Fund

The SaskSPCA’s Stryker K-9 Care Fund was established in 2015 to assist the owners of retired law enforcement dogs with the costs of routine and emergency veterinary care. The program is named after Police Service Dog (PSD) Stryker who served with the Saskatoon Police Service’s K-9 Unit. To learn more about the Stryker K-9 Care Fund, including how to apply for the program and how to make a donation, visit saskspca.ca/stryker.

Hey there! We’d like to introduce you to… Fish?

Well this is awkward. Fish doesn’t have a name. Will you help us?

Fill out the form below and give us your suggestion. We’ll put together a list of our favourite suggestions and put it to a vote. The person who suggested the winning name will win a SaskSPCA licence plate!

We’ll make a decision on June 20, 2022 so be sure to get your suggestion in soon.

Thanks for your help!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

“We invite the public to come down with their donations of unopened pet food,” explains Laura Zmud, Family Ties Coordinator at the SaskSPCA. “We’ll also be accepting cash donations throughout the day. During Pet Food Week, all cash donations to the Pet Food Bank – up to $5,000 – will be matched thanks to a generous donation from Earl and Terri Amendt.”

Staff and volunteers will be accepting donations at Michael’s Your Independent Grocer from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, June 11th.

Online donations can also be made by visiting www.saskspca.ca/pet-food.

Pet Food Collection Blitz for SaskSPCA Pet Food Bank
Saturday, June 11, 2022, 10am to 4pm
Michael’s Your Independent Grocer
2815 Wanuskewin Road, Saskatoon

About the SaskSPCA Pet Food Bank

Since the program launched in 2020, the SaskSPCA Pet Food Bank has distributed enough pet food to fill more than 37,000 bowls. The Pet Food Bank can be accessed in Fort Qu’Appelle, Maple Creek, Melville, Moosomin, Nipawin, Rosetown, Rosthern, Saskatoon, and Swift Current.

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For more information:

Josh Hourie, Community Relations Coordinator
SaskSPCA
639-571-7722
josh@saskspca.ca

About the SaskSPCA:

The SaskSPCA is the voice for animals and their people. We educate and promote the wellbeing of animals, strengthening the human-animal bond. As change-makers, we advance policy, with a focus on ensuring the sustained humane treatment of animals. Our collective efforts improve the lives of animals today and into the future.

Follow us on social media:

• www.facebook.com/SaskSPCA
• www.instagram.com/saskspca
• www.twitter.com/saskspca
• www.linkedin.com/company/saskspca