Our History

Founded in 1971 and incorporated in 1973, the Swift Current Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) began as a “shelter-less” organization that accepted stray pets for adoption. The initiative started when two sisters dreamt of opening an animal shelter. In 1971, Meryl Campion and Fran Myhr formed a board with permission from Mayor R.C. Dahl. For the first couple of years, board members and volunteers cared for the animals in their homes. In 1973, the city granted the board use of a building, and the SPCA officially opened its doors at the corner of 11th Ave West and South Railway. In 1990, the current shelter on Knight Crescent opened its doors.

Operated by paid staff and volunteers, the SPCA Swift Current is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and relies primarily on community funding. The SPCA Used Bookstore remains a successful, volunteer-run fundraising arm, and the Board oversees additional fundraising initiatives, such as the recent Capital Campaign.