Building a Brighter Future for Pets and People Campaign
In support of the new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic – OPENING IN 2027.
See info about
-Our New Animal Centre -The First Ontario SPCA Veterinary Clinic in the Region -Donor Recognition and Naming Opportunities -A Community Effort -FAQs
The New Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic
The Building a Brighter Future for Pets and People Campaign is about more than a new building – it’s about transforming animal care in the region.
Together, we can build a modern, welcoming Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic – designed to meet today’s growing needs and serve our community for generations to come.
This new centre will mean:
- More animals receiving life-saving care
- Faster recoveries in low-stress environments
- More pets finding loving homes sooner
- More families able to keep the animals they love
Your support will make this possible.
A New Animal Centre
A Space Designed for Healing, Care, and Second Chances
Right now, more animals in our community need help than ever before – but our current facility can’t keep up.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s animal centre on Boundary Rd was built more than 30 years ago. Today, it no longer meets the needs of the animals who rely on us. Without proper quarantine spaces, safe and sanitary outdoor areas, and adequate sound control, animals face increased stress, illness, and longer stays before finding homes.
The new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre will feature larger, brighter, and thoughtfully designed indoor and outdoor spaces that put animal well-being first.
Every detail is guided by veterinary expertise and best practices in animal welfare – ensuring the highest standard of care for every animal who comes through our doors.
This means:
- Safe quarantine areas to prevent the spread of illness
- Calm, quiet spaces that reduce stress and support recovery
- Purpose-built environments that help animals heal and thrive
- More space to care for more animals, more efficiently and humanely
You can help make this possible. Donate today to build a brighter future for animals in Cornwall and the surrounding region.
Learn more by hovering over each section of the map!
Caregiver Wellness Area
Space for staff and volunteers to enjoy group and individual activities that support our animal care mission. Overall, a brighter and more professional facility boosts happiness.
Animal Care Operations
300% more space including 57 animal housing spaces. Quarantine areas to isolate ill animals and reduce the spread of disease and the need for Centre closures.
Dog Adoption Area
The dog adoption wing is a corridor where visitors can view dogs and puppies looking for their forever homes. The dog suites have access to the outdoor and are designed to provide care and wellness to dogs and puppies who are being prepared for adoption.
Reception & General Office
A large, bright area to welcome visitors. It is the gateway to a dedicated cat adoption wing, dog adoption wing, and small animal adoption suite, and a meet and greet room to facilitate the important introductions between adoptive families and the animals available for adoption.
Cat & Small Animal Adoption Area
Along this corridor visitors can view cats, kittens and small animals in our care, all looking for their forever homes. These areas are outfitted to meet the unique needs of the animals.
The First Ontario SPCA Veterinary Clinic in the Region
Expanding Access to Veterinary Care
The new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Veterinary Clinic will make life-changing care accessible for animals and the people who love them.
From vaccinations to spay/neuter services, this clinic will:
- Help keep pets healthy and in their homes
- Reduce the number of animals entering the shelter system
- Provide timely, on-site care for animals in our shelter
- Support a healthier, more compassionate community
This isn’t just about treating animals – it’s about keeping families together.
Your support will help bring this critical service to life.
Learn more by hovering over each section of the map!
Dog & Cat Recovery Areas
Areas for animals post-surgery to recover from anesthesia while being closely monitored by caregivers.
Medical Treatment, Surgery & Dental & Xray Suites
Equipped with state-of-the-art surgical, dental and x-ray equipment to effectively support animal care and welfare, these spaces will make possible spay/neuter surgeries, dental and x-ray procedures, vaccinations clinics to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
Veterinary Clinic Lobby
A welcoming area with seating for pet families to drop off and pick up their pet.
Flip through the campaign brochure
Leave a Lasting Legacy
This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on animals in our community.
Through meaningful naming opportunities within the new Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, your gift will be recognized in a visible and lasting way – honouring your compassion while helping thousands of animals each year.
Whether you’re celebrating a loved one or creating a legacy of care, your support will be part of something truly transformative.
A Community Effort
The Building a Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign was officially launched June 10 during a community event held at the future site of the facility at 2151 Second St. W. in Cornwall. The transformational $8 million project aims to address critical needs for affordable, accessible animal care in the region.
Building a better tomorrow is never easy. Our volunteers have worked tirelessly across the region, meeting with people, sharing the vision, and inviting them to join us. Thankfully, so many have said yes.
$5.8 million or 73% of the goal has already been raised.
“Today’s announcement showcases the receptivity of the community to get on board and help meet the critical need this project is addressing. There are so many animal lovers among us, and getting this new facility up and running has already resonated with so many.”
–Christina Morgan, Campaign Cabinet Member
“We are incredibly grateful to the donors who have already stepped forward to support this important project, and to the members of our campaign cabinet and advisors for their leadership, dedication and belief in this vision.”
–Bonnie Bishop, Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
Behind every donation is a person. And behind every person is a story – stories of love for animals, and stories of people who believe deeply in building stronger, more compassionate communities for pets and the people who love them.
It’s a community effort, and we need everyone’s help to raise the remaining $2.2 million.
And the great news is – there are many ways to help.
The most direct way to support the campaign is through a financial gift. Every donation, no matter the amount, goes directly toward building this new animal centre and clinic. You can give as a one-time donation or pledge your support over up to 5 years – giving you the flexibility to contribute in a way that works for you.
Every donation received – no matter the size – is a statement of belief. A belief that the welfare of animals in our community is worth investing in, and that keeping pets and people together matters. A belief that animals in our care deserve compassion. And a belief that, together, we can build something that will serve Cornwall and the surrounding region for generations to come.
Campaign Cabinet Members
This campaign is powered by a dedicated group of community leaders – our Campaign Cabinet and Advisors – who are helping to champion this vision and inspire support across the region.
Together, we are building something that will serve animals, families, and our community for generations to come.
Campaign Cabinet Members
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Gordon Campbell
Senior Barrister, Aubry Campbell MacLean, Alexandria, ON
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Cathy Grant
Secretary/Treasurer and Office Manager, Cornwall Gravel, Cornwall, ON
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Janet Lalonde
DVM, Alexandria, ON
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Christina Morgan
CPA, Welch LLP, Cornwall, ON
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Natalie Rowe
Bee Meadow Farm Owner, Apple Hill, ON
Campaign Advisors
Fallon David, District Chief of Kana:takon, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne
John Hope, President, Hope Holdings (Alexandria) Ltd.
Andre Pommier, Pommier Jewellers
Rick Shaver, Kinsmen Club and former Seaway News Publisher
Construction Gallery
FAQs
Why do we need a new Animal Centre?
Our current animal centre, designed over 30 years ago, lacks essential infrastructure elements. It does not have quarantine spaces, separate outdoor runs that can be sanitized, or proper sound control. Additionally, its limited size means it no longer meets the community’s needs.
- Due to the absence of quarantine areas and challenges in maintaining proper sanitation protocols, our current Animal Centre frequently must close to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. As a result, we are unable to provide services to meet the community’s needs.
- The need for accessible and affordable animal care and shelter exceeds our current capacity. These animals often must be transported to shelters outside the area, further straining a system that is already at its limit.
- Limited resources often stretch our dedicated volunteers and staff emotionally and physically as they provide essential, labour-intensive care.
- As the population in our region continues to grow, we recognize that with more people, there will also be an increase in the number of animals. Consequently, the challenges we face today will only intensify.
A new Animal Centre will mean safer shelter, better care, and brighter futures for more animals in the region. It will give us the space and resources to respond with compassion, work alongside our partners to address the growing animal crisis and be there for pets and the people who love them when they need us most.
How can I help? Are there other ways to support the construction of the new animal centre and veterinary clinic?
This is a once-in-50-year project, and the best way to help make it a reality is by donating toward the cost of building and equipping the new facility.
Other ways to get involved include:
Participate in any of the many fundraising events planned throughout the area.
Spread the word about the project among your friends, workmates, and families and encourage everyone to donate.
You can host a third-party event and choose the Ontario OSPCA Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic to be the beneficiary.
Learn more about the building project?
- The land at 2151 Second Street West, Cornwall, was purchased in spring 2024.
- Deimling Architecture designed the new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic. Its design is informed by veterinary professionals, with decisions guided by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Guidelines for Standard of Care.
- It is being built with durable materials chosen to maximize the longevity of the building and its contents.
- Grant-Marion Construction is the contractor managing the project.
- A calm and accommodating entrance lobby for visitors and pet families.
- Separate entrances for cats, dogs and pocket pets will allow a smoother arrival and intake sequence, reducing stress that can lead to ill health and the risk of infectious disease transmission.
- Dedicated quarantine spaces will help stop the spread of infectious diseases.
- Stress-reducing visual and auditory separation of species throughout the facility, from kennels to outdoor runs and adoption spaces.
- Pocket pets like hamsters and gerbils will enjoy a dedicated area.
- A meet and greet room to facilitate visits between animals and prospective families.
- Caregiver spaces for group and solitary activities are critical to our animal care mission.
- A large, outdoor, fenced, enrichment area, where dogs can run, play and socialize together and which includes a winding walking path for adoptive families and wellness caregivers to enjoy.
Learn More
Stephanie Miller, CFRE
Vice President, Development
[email protected]
(613) 907-3021
