FAQs

A charitable organization raising funds to build a new facility to care for lost, abandoned and neglected animals in the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog.

In 2011 two local business owners approached the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog with a proposal for raising funds to replace the jointly-managed Animal Control Centre on Reach Street, east of Highway 12. Later that year, a board of directors was formed and fundraising efforts began in 2012.

The Township of Uxbridge has donated a parcel of land located at 5500 Lakeridge Road. The site is on the west side of the road, north of Goodwood Road and south of Reach Street. This former gravel pit is a large, level lot backing onto the Trans-Canada Trail System and easily accessible from both Uxbridge and Scugog. The building site is behind a large berm, creating a quiet and safe location for animals and staff.

The fundraising target for the project is $1.3-million. The value of the land donated by the Township of Uxbridge is approximately $300,000. Our capital funding target is $1.0-million.

We are at roughly 119 percent of our capital fundraising target, or $1,019,000. The Townships of Scugog and Uxbridge have each committed $240,000 to the project. Additional funds have been raised through activities such as walkathons, gala dinners and golf tournaments. The community has also donated funds through planned gifts, in memoriam donations, fundraising activities and cash donations.

The existing shelter is more than 20 years old and is in deteriorating condition. Originally built to house 16 cats and 7 dogs, the facility routinely handles more than twice that population. There are structural concerns that prevent a renovation, and the site is not large enough to permit expansion.

Our vision is to build a 6,300 ft2 state-of-the-art facility that will meet the needs of the community for the next 50+ years. The new shelter will be built based on current standards for animal care and will include:

• Outdoor access for both dogs and cats
• Modern ventilation systems to prevent the spread of disease
• Quarantine facilities for sick animals
• Adoption areas where families can meet and interact with prospective pets
• Abundant natural light and fresh air
• Quiet areas for pregnant and nursing animals
• Modern office space for Animal Control staff
• Sustainable building materials and energy sources
• Conceptual drawings and a 3D model animation video of the planned shelter can be viewed on our website at www.animal-shelter.ca.
• A 3D model of the planned shelter can be viewed in person at the Uxbridge Township Office.

Both Townships have set aside funds to replace the existing shelter in the long-term; however, we believe the need is more urgent. With community support, we can build a long-term public asset that will serve the community for generations. The Townships have committed $480,000 to the project. In addition, the new building site at 5500 Lakeridge Road was donated by the Township of Uxbridge.

Our goal is to open in late 2018. Building will begin in 2018.

We have over 150 volunteers working on a variety of projects and events to raise money. Our two key fundraising activities are:

• Gimme Shelter Gala; annually in November
• In The Ruff Golf Tournament: annually in June

We also host many independent fundraisers including raffles, garage-sales, car shows, musicals and concerts. We have been fortunate to receive support from local organizations including The Bonner Boys, Rotary, Uxperience, Roxy Kids in Action and local churches, service clubs and schools.

Individual donors have made generous one-time and monthly gifts through our online donation site, and we have been privileged to receive gifts in memory of both animal lovers and beloved pets.

The business community has also been extremely generous, both as donors and sponsors of our events. Key contributors include:

• McDonald’s Restaurants of Port Perry & Uxbridge
• PetValu in Port Perry & Uxbridge
• Vos’ Independent Grocers, Port Perry
• Williamson Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC, Uxbridge
• Rutledge Jewellers, Uxbridge

Visit our website at www.animal-shelter.ca and click on the Donate Now link, which will take you to Canada Helps, a secure online donation site where you can use your credit card, debit card or PayPal account. You can also set up recurring monthly donations at the site.

If you would like to include us in your planned giving or make a substantial donation, we would be pleased to work with you or your representative. To speak with one of our fundraising team members, please email fundraising@animalshelter.ca or call 416-840-4470.

There are many ways you can help out! We are always looking for volunteers to help with fundraising, communications, volunteer recruitment and to serve on our board. Contact our volunteer group at volunteers@animal-shelter.ca. Students looking for volunteer hours are always welcome! We do not have any volunteer positions that work directly with animals.

As a registered charity, we are able to issue receipts for cash donations of $20 or more. In compliance with Canada Revenue Agency requirements, we are not able to issue tax receipts for donations of products or services or for sponsorships of our events.

We are always thrilled to receive support from the business community. Typical non-cash donations include products and services that support the project by reducing our overhead costs. Recent examples include storage facilities, website design, printing and meeting space. We are also always happy to receive donations of items or gift certificates for fundraising auctions and draws.

Construction and contracts will be managed by the Townships of Uxbridge and Scugog through the standard bidding process. Please contact the the Clerk’s office in either Township for more information.

At the present time, there are no plans to accept either wild or exotic animals such as reptiles and amphibians.

Yes, in keeping with the current shelter’s policy, healthy animals will not be euthanized. If you are interested in fostering a shelter animal, please contact the existing shelter at 905-985-9547.