Get to know the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Animal Centre manager 

If you’ve visited the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Animal Centre over the past few months, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Lauren Davies. Lauren stepped into the role of Manager at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre after starting with the organization as an Animal Care Attendant last June. She’s been hard at work ever since getting to know the team, the animals, and the Sudbury community she now calls home. 

A path rooted in making a difference 

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph, along with a Diploma in Human Resources Management. Her career has touched on conservation, environmental stewardship, and health and safety, but helping animals has always been the thread running through it. 

“I’ve always wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference, whether that was helping animals, people, or the community around me,” Lauren says.  

When she applied for an Animal Care Attendant position last June, she had no idea where it would lead.  

“The more time I spent at the animal centre, the more I fell in love with helping animals and the impact we can have on both animals and the people who care about them,” she says. 

A family tradition of compassion 

Lauren’s connection to animals goes back to childhood, shaped largely by her mother. 

“My mom cared for a colony of stray cats in our neighbourhood, making sure they were fed, taking them to the vet when they were sick,” Lauren says. 

She remembers her parents building insulated shelters so the cats could get through the cold winters safely.  

“The compassion they showed for animals had a lasting impact on me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and the values they instilled in me,” she says. 

There was always room for one more animal in her childhood home, and that spirit followed her straight into her career. 

Settling into her new role 

Now leading the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre, Lauren says what excites her most is the variety the role brings. 

“Leading the animal centre is incredibly rewarding because no two days are the same,” she says. “Whether it’s helping a fearful animal gain confidence, supporting an adopter as they welcome a new family member, or finding solutions for an animal in need, there are constant opportunities to create positive change.” 

Lauren is quick to credit the people around her for making the centre what it is. She’s excited to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and foster families. 

“The Sudbury community is incredibly passionate about animal welfare, and I’m grateful to be part of that,” she says. 

Foster fails of her own 

Lauren practices what she preaches at home, where she shares her life with three cats. Her cat Forest came from the BC SPCA and made the long drive across the country when Lauren relocated to Ontario. Her cats Felix Sr. and Smokey both started out as residents at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre before becoming what Lauren calls “foster fails.” 

Life outside the centre 

Lauren lives in Sudbury with her boyfriend, and the two have settled comfortably into the area. Her parents live in Muskoka, with more family scattered across Southern Ontario and BC, so a good road trip is never far from her mind. 

Lauren believes an Ontario winter is hard to beat.  

“I enjoy the cold weather, snow, and everything that comes with an Ontario winter,” she says.  

Come summer, she’s drawn to the water, whether that means kayaking, boating, or hitting local hiking trails. Her background in Wildlife Biology and Conservation still shows up in her downtime too, and she has a particular soft spot for observing wildlife, especially insects. 

Join us 

Since stepping into the role, Lauren has brought steady, compassionate leadership to the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre. Her dedication to animals, her team, and the Sudbury community reflects exactly the kind of leadership that helps animals and the people who love them thrive. 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities dedicated to supporting animal well-being across Ontario. If you’re passionate about making a difference for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/employment to learn more.