Montreal inaugurates new one-stop animal shelter

The City of Montreal opened a new one-stop animal shelter on Pie-IX Boulevard in time for the always-busy July 1 moving day.

The City of Montreal now has a one-stop shop for animal services on the island.

On Friday, city officials, along with staff at Proanima, inaugurated the new facility located on Pie-IX Boulevard in Montreal’s east end.

The new shelter has been up and running since the beginning of the year. Dogs, cats and rabbits are already being looked after.

“We had 19 boroughs, 19 different companies,” Luis Miranda, Montreal executive committee member, said. “SPCA unfortunately can’t take everything. It’s a question of feasibility. Right now, we have a partner so that we’re making sure that there’s no gap in Montreal.”

The centre will be run by Proanima and can take care of about 200 animals daily. Staff will take care of stray and abandoned animals while also making sure pets are adopted.

Montreal residents are encouraged to use the Proanima shelter, but people can continue to rely on the SPCA.

“If it’s easier for them and they’re closer to the SPCA that’s why we work together, they’re still a great partner, we’ve been collaborating our two organizations for years and years,” said Proanima Anny Kirouac.

The SPCA will continue its operations, but with a focus on other services.

“Animal defence and protection and we’re going to continue working with all of our community programs,” said Sylvie Bourbonniere, from the Montreal SPCA.

Staff will also be prepared for the first of July moving day; a time of year when pets are abandoned in large numbers.

The total cost of the project is more than $150 million, which includes $25 million spent on acquiring and renovating the building.