Nova Scotia SPCA - Dartmouth Shelter

11/04/2024

We have another highlight today for National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week! Meet the paw-some Michelle! 🥰

She has been caring for and helping pets at the SPCA for the last three years. And it’s so easy to see the passion she has day in and day out. High paw to Michelle and all of her hard work. 🐾

Michelle’s favourite part is “building bonds with the happiest critters on earth.” And alumni Hank is just one of the hundreds of pets Michelle bonded with over the years and helped find their people. 🥹

When she’s not making doggos smile at work, Michelle is surrounded by her 4-year-old son, and two SPCA alumni, Cooper, 9 and Jacks, 4.

Please help us celebrate Michelle and all the hard-working staff by leaving a blue heart in the comments! 💙

11/03/2024

Happy, happy, happy National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week! 😁 We want to take this opportunity to celebrate the wonder-fur Kara!

During the day, Kara is an amazing animal care attendant. At home, she is kept busy by her 8-year-old daughter, two cats, Tiny and Furry, and Milo, a 3-year-old doggo. 🤗

Kara joined the team almost a year ago. She wanted to work for the SPCA because of her love for animals and being able to be there for them when no one else is and when they need it the most. We are so grateful for Kara’s dedication to helping pets, families, and our community. 🥰

Please put your paws in the air and join us by thanking Kara and animal care workers everywhere. 🐾 You are absolutely amazing!

11/03/2024

It’s National Animal Shelter and Rescue Appreciation Week! 🙌 For the next sevent days, we’re going to be highlighting some of our amazing staff!

First up is Muhammad Haroon. He has been with the SPCA team for almost two years and we’re so lucky to call him a colleague. 🤗

“I am passionate about animal welfare, and I believe in the importance of providing compassionate care to animals in need,” he shared with us when we asked why he chose this career. “Working at the SPCA allows me to make a positive impact by helping rehome animals.” 🤩

Zeus is just one of hundreds of pets that Muhammed has helped. On a scale of 1-10, his kindness and dedication are off the charts. 🥰 Please join us in giving Muhammed and animal care workers everywhere high paws for their hard work. 🐾

11/01/2024

Have you been looking to add another feathered friend to your home? 🐦

The Dartmouth SPCA has been in contact with someone hoping to rehome some of their budgie birds. These birds are not housed at the Dartmouth Shelter. If you or someone you know is interested in adding a budgie to your family, please reach out to us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 902-468-7877

*Please be kind to one another. While we appreciate your compassion and empathy, we ask that you refrain from any comments that include profanity, harassment, or may be considered disrespectful in accordance with our social media policy*

11/01/2024

Senior dogs have so much to offer. 🥰

Just ask Jasmine, our adoptable highlight today!

Jasmine, or "Jazzy," as her besties call her, is a great cuddle buddy, loves going on walks and just being with her people. ❤️

She is a laid back gal looking for a quiet place to call home. 🏠

Do you have a small spot on your couch that is currently empty and needs to be filled with a loving and sweet four legged friend? If so, Jazzy just might be your girl. 💞 Just imagine coming home to that sweet face every day!

This adorable adoptable is being cared for at the HRM Animal Redemption Centre located at 201 Brownlow Ave, Suite #9. We are open to the public every day from 11am-4pm for meet and greets and adoptions at this location. If you have questions, we’d love to help. You can call us at 902-536-2032 or e-mail [email protected].

If you are not ready to adopt yet or you are simply browsing for cuteness, you can always help by donating. Every little bit helps! We proudly follow no-kill principles and receive no government funding for animal care. Visit www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/ to help save lives. 🥰

10/31/2024

In the last seven years, we have seen a lot of changes to the SPCA Thrift stores. 🛍️ This year alone brought a renovation to the Dartmouth store and a new location in Stellarton. But also brought Anya Zub, Regional Manager of Thrift. Anya’s love for retail and the SPCA thrift stores is evident when you talk with her. 🥰 Seven months into the job, she continues to bring the same contagious enthusiasm to each project.

Read 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐚 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐚 𝐒𝐏𝐂𝐀 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 in the Paw Print here: https://mailchi.mp/spcans/the-paw-print-2024-october. ⬅️

10/31/2024

Ella and Dr. Ackerley from Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital Dartmouth made a furr-tastic duo on CTV Atlantic Morning. 🤩

They chatted about Halloween and offered some tips on how to keep pets safe, including when to consider a quiet area if your furry friend needs it and what treats not to give your pets. 🤔

If you missed the segment, you can watch it here: https://x.com/CTVMorningAtl/status/1851257885453349173. ⬅

Happy spooky Thursday! 🤗

10/31/2024

Boo! Did we scare you? 👀 Well, we jumped a little - out of happiness, of course - when we saw this jackpot of $10,315! And what a way to end October for our newest winner, Doris Horne! Congratulations! 🙌

Huge thanks to everyone who supported our furry friends through our draw! 🤩

The new draw is now open at WWW.SPCA5050.COM. ⬅ You have until Wednesday, November 6 at midnight to buy your tickets for a chance to win BIG while helping pets in need. 💙

Good luck! 🤗

10/30/2024

And with this feature, we're celebrating our last RVT! 🙌

Meet Jennifer Welshman. She is an RVT, Associate Director of Veterinary Education Programs and one of the amazing instructors at the Nova Scotia SPCA College of Animal Welfare . Whoa, talk about a long list! 🤩

She joined us in March of 2021 and since then has imparted all of her knowledge to students. But Jennifer started her journey as an RVT and she shared with us, “When I was young and unaware of the many roles in the veterinary field, I wanted to be a veterinarian because I loved animals. I had a love for medicine but could not see myself following in my mom's footsteps to become a Registered Nurse. When I realized that becoming a Registered Veterinary Technician was an option, I applied and was accepted into a program after high school. I graduated 28 years ago and have never looked back!” 🤗

And since being an instructor as well, she has made a lot of memories with us and the students. “I think it will have to be when we go on our field trips to Ataraxy and Hatfield farms for behind-the-scenes tours and hands-on learning! Horses are one of my favourite animals and it's exciting to see the students having so many valuable experiences from each facility that we visit!”

When she isn’t helping pets and hoomans at work, Jennifer is surrounded by love from Audrey, a 10-year-old King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Stan Lee, a 3-year-old DSH brown tabby (SPCA alumni), Tato, a 3-year-old DSH white and brown tabby, and Sweet Pea, a 15-year-old DMH calico (SPCA alumni). 🐾

For the last time this month, please join us in celebrating Jennifer and all RVTs by leaving a blue heart in the comments. 💙

10/30/2024

The pups were working in the shelter, late one night.
When their eyes beheld an eerie sight. 👀
Oh my, the doggos began to rise. ⬆️
And suddenly, to our surprise, they did the Mash!
The Shelter Mash! 🎃💃

Our adoptable pups are so excited to celebrate Halloween! The only way it could be even better would be seeing all the neighbourhood kids dressed up and trick or treating from their new homes. 🏠

The biggest thank you to Sean from Waterfront Media Halifax for taking these absolutely adorable pictures of our adoptables! 💙

The Dartmouth SPCA will be open regular business hours on October 31st if you would like to treat one of our adorable pups to a visit! Maybe you'll even end up meeting your new best friend. 🧡

The Dartmouth SPCA is located at 5 Scarfe Court. 🐾 And you can visit us anytime during the following hours:

Monday – Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
Wednesday & Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm
Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 3:00pm

If you have questions, we'd love to help. You can call us at 902-468-7877 or e-mail through [email protected].

If you are not ready to adopt yet or you are simply browsing for cuteness, you can always help by donating. Every little bit helps! We proudly follow no-kill principles and receive no government funding for animal care. Visit www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/ to help save lives.

10/30/2024

Zorra is ready for Halloween since she looks furr-bulous in her costume. 🤩 And for some treats. And you can treat yourself to a chance to be our newest 50/50 winner and take home thousands! 👀

Last week's winner took home almost $7000 while helping pets like Zorra!! Buy your tickets now at WWW.SPCA5050.COM. ⬅️

Who are we happily scaring tomorrow? 😅

Thank you all for your support! We're so grateful for our paw-some community!

Good luck! 💙

10/29/2024

We’re so close to the end of RVT month! But we have a couple more features! 🤩

Next up is Jennifer. She joined the Cape Breton Shelter team a little over a year ago. And we couldn’t be happier to work alongside her every day as she grows her skills with us. 😻

You might have seen a trend based on everyone’s answers on why they pursued a career as RVTs. And as always, Jennifer's answer is also very sweet. “Growing up with a veterinarian Mom, I always knew I wanted to be involved in helping animals. I have had my fair share of animals I have had to provide nursing care for, and that is what sparked my interest in becoming an RVT. I love being able to help animals when they can't help themselves." 🤗

Lots of memories were made, even in one year, but Jennifer remembers, “One of the best would have to be when we had a kitten come in with an unfortunate eye problem in both eyes. She had to get both eyes removed, but to see how she acted afterwards was heartwarming! We relieved her pain and were able to watch her get her furrever home. “ ☺️

We love a great happily ever after story!

When she’s not helping pets at the shelter, Jennifer spends her time with her own furry friends, a 6-year-old Golden Retriever named Angel, and a 1-year-old Golden Retriever named Nova.

Please put your paws up for Jennifer and her hard work and dedication by leaving paw prints in the comments. 🐾

10/29/2024

Meowsies! Our cat adoption rooms are currently closed. But watch this post! As soon as they are re-opened with adoptable kitties to view, this post will be updated!

We have adoptable rabbits available to be viewed at the shelter as well as our amazing, energetic, dogs that would be thrilled to go for walks! 🐾

The available kitties can be viewed at the following links:
https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/adoptions/?animalid=2000203602

You'll be able to find our address and hours here: https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/shelters/dartmouth-shelter/

If you have questions, we'd love to help. You can call us at 902-468-7877 or e-mail through [email protected]

If you are not ready to adopt yet or you are simply browsing for cuteness, you can always help by donating. Every little bit helps! We proudly follow no-kill principles and receive no government funding for animal care. Click here (https://www.novascotiaspca.ca/how-you-can-help/) to help save lives.

10/28/2024

We’re so excited to say thank you to another paw-some RVT! 🥰

Bree joined the Tartan Tail Veterinary Hospital team in July 2024. She is now in Stellarton but before the hospital opened to the public, she helped at the Pictou Shelter. She told us, “I haven’t been with Tartan Tails very long, but I love caring for all the animals at the Pictou shelter, plus meeting all the kind and passionate staff in Pictou, Stellarton and Dartmouth!” 🥹

We love meeting passionate and dedicated RVTs and Bree is no exception. She shared, “I wanted to become an RVT so I could make an impact in the general husbandry of animals. RVTs get to have a lot more hands-on work with their patients and engage more with clients, so I get to practice and share my knowledge to make a difference, both big and small, in the daily lives of pets and their owners!” 🐾

At home, she is surrounded by love from her three cats - Marston, 5, Kili, 5, and Uncle – and three mice, Spinach, Tofu, and Ube.

We’re so happy Bree joined the team, and we can’t wait to cheer her on. You can help us do that by leaving a blue heart in the comments! 💙

10/27/2024

Meet Our Adorable Harlequin Bunny - Tug Boat! 🥕🚢

This charming male harlequin bunny is ready to hop into your heart! Neutered and full of personality, he loves nothing more than being picked up and snuggled close. His sweet nature makes him a joy to be around.🐾

This playful little guy has a knack for hide and seek—watch him hop into his cozy house and then surprise you by jumping out for some fun! If you’re looking for a gentle companion who’s as affectionate as he is playful, this lovely bunny is eager to find his forever home. Come meet him today at our Kings location and discover the joy of having a snuggly friend by your side!

You’ll be able to find Kings address and hours here: www.novascotiaspca.ca/shelters/kings-shelter/ If you have questions, we’d love to help. You can call us at 902-538-9075 or e-mail [email protected].

10/27/2024

A new Nova Scotia SPCA PAW’dcast episode is out! 🤩

If you’ve been following our social media channels this month, you know we’ve been celebrating amazing RVTs! So, of course, we had to chat with an RVT. 🙌

Michelle joined us from the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital in Dartmouth to share what it means to be an RVT, give us some behind-the-scenes of what a day looks like, and offer some great advice for those who are interested in this career path. 🤗

We’re so excited for you to listen to this episode!

Find us anywhere you get your podcasts including:

Spotify: bit.ly/pawdcastonspotify. ⬅
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/pawdcastonapple. ⬅
RSS: bit.ly/pawdcastonrss. ⬅

Happy listening! 🎧

Pspspsp- Don’t forget to subscribe to be notified of when new episodes drop. Also, don’t forget to rate and share so other animal lovers can find us!

**Please note that the opinions of our guests on our podcast are entirely their own and do not represent the Nova Scotia SPCA's views. Please be kind to one another. While we appreciate your compassion and empathy, we ask that you refrain from any comments that include profanity, harassment, or may be considered disrespectful in accordance with our social media policy.

10/25/2024

Wagging our tails for another RVT feature! 🙌

Next up is Courtney, who has been with the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital team in Cape Breton for a little over a year. 🥰

For Courtney, her paw-ssion for furry friends started at a young age. “My family always had animals whether it be cats, dogs, rabbits or turkeys! This love for animals sparked an interest in Veterinary medicine. As a kid, I always said I wanted to be a veterinarian but as I got older, I realized that I didn’t want to perform surgery. I soon discovered there was another option where I could still help animals. Once I found out that RVTs existed, I knew that was what I wanted to do. I have now been an RVT for 7 years.” 😇

It’s clear to everyone who meets Courtney that she is doing what she loves.” There are two things I am very passionate about in Vet Med. One is dental health and the second is senior health/pain management. One of my favourite things to see is when pet parents come to us with their senior animals because they realize they are struggling with arthritis or that they just aren’t able to do what they used to and ask us for help.

It amazes me every day how well animals can hide their pain (especially cats) so one of the most rewarding parts of this job is being able to provide relief and seeing these senior animals become comfortable again so they can get back to doing what they love while living out their golden years,” she shared with us.

Outside of work, she loves and cares for her two doggos – Callie, 13 and Abby, 11 – and NS SPCA alumni Carl, a nine-year young cat. 🤩

Please help us thank Courtney for the passion she brings every day to our team by leaving paw prints in the comments. 🐾

10/24/2024

🐱 Parcel's Story 🐱

What would you do if you felt a paw when you reached your hand into your mailbox? That’s actually how me and my siblings were found. Only weeks old, we were abandoned. 💔

The four of us couldn’t stop sneezing. We were so sick.

Without any breathing holes, the small space felt thick and sticky. Our energy was fading fast. 😿 Imagine having no fresh air, food, or water. How long could you stand it?

Just as we were about to give up hope, we heard keys rattling. Then, someone gasped. I wished I could see what was happening. It was impossible with our eyes crusted shut.

They delivered us to safety at the Nova Scotia SPCA. 🐾

Sadly, we all tested positive for Panleukopenia – a devastating and deadly disease. There is no magic cure. It needs to be aggressively treated with supportive care. Every second matters. We were fighting for our lives…

After a few weeks of around-the-clock treatment, I began to feel better. Finally, we could open our eyes and see the world. 🥰 Although the shelter was small, everyone here had big hearts.

We went from abandoned to adored.

All my sisters and brothers were adopted and I gave my stamp of approval to their new families. Now, I have four kid siblings and a fur friend named Ballerina. My new home is filled with love. 💙

I wish that’s where I could finish my letter to you. But vulnerable pets like me are dumped every single day. We urgently need your help.

Please donate at www.novascotiaspca.ca/parcel to make your generous gift and help local pets who need it most. You’ll rescue animals, give second chances, and help pets feel safe and loved. 😻 Thanks for caring!

➡️ www.novascotiaspca.ca/parcel ⬅

Signed, sealed, and delivered with a purr

Parcel | Proud SPCA Alumni

P.S. More kittens were found in another mailbox on August 12. Thankfully, those three kitties were brought to safety at the SPCA as well.

10/24/2024

No foggy or rainy day is stopping us from a good paw-ty, not with this jackpot of $13,705! 🤩 Congratulations to Nancy Ford for being our newest winner! 🤗

Huge thanks to everyone who supported our furry friends through our draw! 💙

The new draw is now open at WWW.SPCA5050.COM. ⬅ You have until Wednesday, October 30 to buy your tickets for a chance to win BIG while helping pets in need.

Good luck! 🐾

10/23/2024

RVT! RVT! RVT! Everyone, meet Heather! 🤩

Heather joined us almost two years ago and she has been so furr-bulous. Since we love hearing how and why people chose this rewarding path, we had to ask.

She shared with us, “From a young age, I felt a deep connection with animals, growing up surrounded by them and witnessing their incredible ability to enrich our lives! This passion, combined with my love for the sciences, naturally led me to pursue a career as a Registered Veterinary Technician. I wanted to give back to the animals that have brought me so much joy, and I have always been dedicated to advocating for their welfare. Becoming a veterinary technician allows me to blend my interests while making a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and their owners.” 🐾

When it comes to furry friends, it truly is too hard to choose favourite memories and Heather agrees. “Too many to count! We receive many animals that are coming to us from very difficult situations, needing medical and socialization support and for some this may be the first time they are experiencing compassion. Nothing feels as rewarding as getting to watch them head out the door with their new forever family.”

That was beautifully put, and we all echo that sentiment! 🥰

When she isn’t helping pets in a hospital setting or shelter, Heather is surrounded by two fur-babies, a four-year-old Australian Shepherd named Orion, and a two-year-old Miniature Dachshund named Clara. 🤗

Put your paws up for Heather and all the hard work and dedication she shows every day at the NS SPCA! 💙

10/23/2024

10/23/2024

Alfredo was all of us when he saw the jackpot is $7000 and growing! 😳 Don't forget tonight at midnight is your deadline to enter this week's draw for a chance to win big while helping pets like Alfredo. 🤗

Visit WWW.SPCA5050.COM now to buy your tickets! ⬅️

Thank you all for your support! We're so grateful for our paw-some community! 💙

Good luck! 🐾

10/22/2024

For twelve years, a beautiful German Shepherd named Bodj stole hearts everywhere. 🐶 She was a social butterfly and always on duty to care for her family. When Bodj’s owner was diagnosed with ALS, she went above and beyond to provide comfort and support. 💕

Sadly, Bodj made her way to the Rainbow Bridge. 🌈 To make her loyalty and love last forever, Bodj’s family started the Bodj von Grunfeld® scholarship in her memory. Every year, a dedicated student will be awarded $500 towards their animal welfare education. 🐾 This year, the Bodj family doubled the scholarship amount!

After receiving many amazing applications, one student was selected. Drum roll please….. Congratulations, Aliena Kennedy! 🎉

Aliena is pursuing a Veterinary Technology Diploma at Olds College of Agriculture & Technology. 💙 Here Aliena is with their pup who is 10/10 adorable.

Thank you to everyone who applied, shared the scholarship, and is following your heart with a career in animal welfare. 😻

Stay tuned in March 2025 when applications open again! 🥰

10/21/2024

Raise your paws for another amazing RVT! 🙌

Jessica Murphy has been with the team for seven and a half years. You might have seen her around the Colchester SPCA Shelter and now you’ll have the chance to meet her at the Tartan Tails Veterinary Hospital in Stellarton. 🥰

To Jessica working with animals and making a difference in their lives was a no-brainer, growing up on a farm and being surrounded by animals all the time, while also being heavily involved with 4-H.

In so many years, Jessica formed a lot of great memories, but she shared a special one with us, “My favourite memory is the four years my family and I spent with our palliative care pup, Biscuit. He came to the shelter with a terrible past, but he thrived and lived his best life once saved by our Enforcement team. I'm so grateful for all our team does daily to make sure animals are safe and cared for.” 💙

When she isn’t so furr-tastic and helping pets in need at the shelter or hospital, Jessica loves to create new memories with her husband and three kids, two cats - Indy, 9 years old and Dory, 6 years old (NS SPCA alum) and their newest addition, Skip, a Jack Russell mix, recently adopted from the NS SPCA.

Help us thank Jessica for making a difference by leaving paw prints in the comments. 🐾

10/21/2024

Meet this gorgeous, rare, orange girl, Falon! 🔶

Falon is FIV+. This does mean that she will require to be either the only cat in the home or only with other FIV+ cats.

To learn more about the Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, click the link below. ⬇

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951815

Otherwise, Falon is a happy, quiet girl, looking for a relaxing home where she can lounge. She will need to be indoors only but enjoys watching from a window.

Come meet this sweet girl at our shelter at 5 Scarfe Court during our hours:

🔹Monday – Closed
🔹Tuesday & Thursday 12:00pm – 7:00pm
🔹Wednesday & Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm
🔹Saturday & Sunday 11:00am – 3:00pm