Over the past few months the GSPCA team have been preparing and getting use to the new multi purpose animal welfare building.
It has already had a baptism of extraordinary use after 25 Slovakian puppies were isolated in its facilities when they were detained in August.
Over the past few weeks the GSPCA team especially Yvonne Chauvel, Helen Sharman, Anna Paint and Kim Marsh have been preparing sections for the BIG MOVE.
Yesterday GSPCA team members Steve Byrne, Helen Holmes, Sue Le Goff and Inez Rowcliffe worked together to move the 50 cats and kittens from the three buildings where they have been housed over many decades into the wonderful new facility.
The team started shortly after 8am and the last cat was finally bedded in just before 3pm.
From the intake rooms to the rehoming area the many cats are now housed in a fantastic facility.
Other animals will be housed in the new build that are looking for homes and it will soon be fully operational.
Earlier today two cats were reserved 'Gucci' and 'Spooky' which were the first since the big move and as they are two adult cats in separate pens the new interlinking cat flaps were used so they could get use to each other.
Also this morning GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne took the team of staff and volunteers over for a training session and talk about the facilities.
With over 50 cats within the new build the team are excited to see how the cats enjoy the facility.
Helen Holmes GSPCA staff member said "It took a lot of team work to get all of the cats in the new build but they all seem very happy in their new pens."
"We've had our first full cleaning morning today in the new build and we are still getting to know how best to do things in the new GSPCA building."
Anna Paint Senior Animal Care assistant said "Over the past few weeks we have been preparing the new building at the GSPCA and we have had some amazing donations through our Amazon Wish List of equipment, beds, litter trays and much more."
"We have had a number of animals in the new build over the last few months and it has taken a lot of work to prepare for the move."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "The new multi purpose animal welfare building is the biggest rebuild we have undertaken at the GSPCA in our 142 year history and our 86 years at our site in St Andrews."
"It has been a real team effort and we are still ferrying equipment into the new build and getting to grips with the wonderful new facility."
"Over the last 3 months I have been caring for many of the animals in the new build and it has even housed the 25 Slovakian puppies which is a huge test for any building and it has been a joy to work in."
"Once we have settled everyone into the new facility our plan is that a section and area where animals are looking for homes will be open to the public and as soon as we are close to this we will of course spread the news."
"We are still fund raising for the new facility and appealing for equipment to help within it, much of which can be seen on our Amazon Wish List."
"A huge thank you to our wonderful team with the smooth move and also to all that have supported us in getting to this momentous moment."
"Earlier today Helen and I showed a few of the cats in for a home and had our first reserve on two cats with the build in full use and the new owners have chosen two cats 'Gucci' and 'Spooky' who needed to get to know one another and with the new design we have interlinking cat flaps which we were able to use and proved a success."
"There are many cats in need of homes, especially adults and please do get in touch if you could help a feline friend."
Here is a video of the last two cats going into their new pen -
THE BIG MOVE - out with old and in to the newhttp://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/big-move-out-old-and-new
The new build is the first phase of our 10 year Rebuild and Redevelopment Plan. We have launched our wish list for equipment for the new build some of which you can already see on our AmazonWish List and we continue to fund raise for the new build and other rebuild projects.
With over 140 years of helping animals in Guernsey and being based at our current location since 1929, the GSPCA provides around the clock care and rescue at the Animal Shelter in St. Andrews.
The Shelter has had many developments over the years moving with the times to help the varied species that come through the door. Some of the structures date back to the 1950s and are becoming difficult to run and maintain. The team at the GSPCA and its Managing Committee have been working hard planning for the future.
The new welfare building will help provide a safe haven for animals like Daisy, a cat brought into the GSPCA by our Welfare Officer with multiple eye problems only a few weeks ago. Daisy has now had an operation on her eyes, and with the care of the team at the GSPCA she will soon be in a loving new home.
When complete the new building will comprise of a two storey structure that will have multi-purpose use including welfare cattery, quarantine, isolation, animal reception, laundry, electrical substation and more.
It is without doubt the biggest project we have undertaken at the GSPCA. It is an essential but costly undertaking and to go hand in hand with this project we are launching our exclusive Build Partner programme.
What is the objective of the GSPCA Build Partner programme?
The Build Partner programme is designed to meet the building costs associated with our new £1.3 million multi-purpose animal welfare building. The building is to replace five existing structures that have become unusable with age.
Our new building will incorporate a welfare cattery, quarantine and isolation facilities, and a secure transfer location while also providing logistical and organisational spaces and facilities for the day-to-day running of the GSPCA.
How does the GSPCA Build Partner programme work?
it is a simple partnership designed to meet the funding requirements for the new welfare building
500 individuals or corporate partners
join for a 5 year partnership donating £520 annually (options of multiple partnerships, a one off payment or donating monthly are available)
What benefits do I gain as a GSPCA Build Partner?
the knowledge that you are actively supporting animal welfare and the community
V.I.P. invitation to the opening of the new facilities
exclusive rights to use the GSPCA Build Partner logo
updates on the progress of the new building
should you wish, a personal / corporate profile on the GSPCA website
recognition of your support within the new building if desired
How to I become a GSPCA Build Partner?
Complete a simple Deed of Covenant and Standing Order form that are available on our website at www.gspca.org.gg or by calling the Shelter on 257261 or by emailing [email protected]
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager said “We are extremely excited at the GSPCA as this new build will replace five structures at the Animal Shelter, some of which date back to the 1950’s.”
“The staff and volunteers ensure all the animals get excellent care at the GSPCA despite the age of many of the buildings, and the New Build is a way we can look to the future of animal care in Guernsey and continue to lead by example.”
“The GSPCA exclusive Build Partner programme is a way that an individual or company can be part of the GSPCA’s future and contribute to something that will stand and make a big difference to animals’ lives and support the community for years to come.”
“Every year thousands of animals are rescued, rehabilitated, rehomed, reunified with their owners, or released back into the wild through the GSPCA: from Monkey a cat with a number of health problems and has diabetes, Jessie the stray beagle to the seal pups Trinity and Eden who were released from Jethou last year.”
“Every day at the GSPCA we make a difference to animals and the community. We are extremely proud of the work that goes on 24 hours a day 7 days a week and with our wonderful history we hope you can join us in looking to the future.”
"We are all looking forward to the Build Handover Ceremony on Friday and we are busy preparing the Animal Shelter for our visitors."
"We have invited key supporters and Build Partners of the new multi purpose animal welfare building to the Build Handover Ceremony and once we are fully in and working the new build we will organise an official opening."
"We must say a special thank you to Bucktrouts who have kindly donating drinks for the event."
"Our Build Partners are joining us in a vital and essential project and we are extremely grateful to each and every one."
John Knight GSPCA President said “The GSPCA has played a major role in the community for the past 142 years, continually evolving and adapting to ensure that it maintains its work for animal welfare, through thick and thin.”
“Some of our welfare buildings and structures are now inefficient and have become difficult to maintain.”
“This new building will replace five aged structures at the Shelter and is a major step in the redevelopment of the Shelter.”
“This new build is a major investment in our future and we need help from the community to aid us in this redevelopment programme.”
“I urge our business leaders and supporters to get behind us, and support this necessary project through our new Build Partner Programme, a scheme designed to fund our new welfare building at an affordable cost.”
To visit the GSPCA Build Partner programme page and download a Deed of Covenant and Standing Order form please click here.
Help us to continue to keep them safe!
Thankfully the incidents of animals being injured by fireworks & bonfires in Guernsey are few and far between; but we mustn’t get too complacent. Below are some basic guidelines that will enable you to help all of our furry and feathered friends to stay calm and safe on and around Bonfire night.
To notify us of your event please email the team at the GSPCA and we can add your firework display to our calendar. Please let us know the location, date and times it is planned for and also if it is public or a private event.
To help please cut and paste the following and input the details -
Location of event:Date of firework event:Time planned to start:Time planned to end:Is the event public or private:Any other helpful details:
Thank you for helping us help pet owners in Guernsey.
GSPCA Firework Advice
Fireworks are exciting and pretty to look at and it is fun to celebrate Guy Fawkes with a bang, but for our furry and feathered friends this time of year can be a nightmare. Many animals domestic and wild suffer needlessly every year.
The GSPCA would like to urge everyone follow our animal friendly firework code and protect your pets and the local wildlife.
Please make sure that your pets are wearing a collar with an identity tag in case they manage to escape from your home. We would also strongly advise that you have your pets microchipped as this enables us to reunite them with you much more easily should they run away. Please call the GSPCA for further details on having your animal microchipped.
Walk your dog during the day.
As soon as it gets dark keep your dog or cat inside. Ensure all of the windows and doors are locked including dog and cat flaps.
Go to an organised display if you can. If you are having a private firework display then build you bonfire as late as possible to reduce the likelihood of any wildlife taking up residence. Before lighting the fire check the area thoroughly for hedgehogs. We are always saddened by the number of hedgehogs we receive that have suffered severe burns.
Please notify your neighbours of your intentions. Especially the elderly and those who have pets.
When horses are startled they are likely to bolt and can suffer serious injuries. Ensure that all horses, ponies and donkeys are securely stabled with the doors closed.
Remember to bring guinea pigs and rabbits inside or place under cover in an out building.
Don’t take your dog to a firework display. If you are going out then draw your curtains, put the television or radio on and provide you pet with a safe hiding place so they feel secure.
If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises such as fireworks or has an existing heart condition please contact your vet for advice. They may suggest you try an Appeasing Pheromone such as ADAPTIL or Feliway diffusers or may discuss the use of sedatives; depending on your pet’s needs.
Please clean up after firework parties. Litter is hazardous to domestic and wild animals.
Remember NEVER let fireworks off near animals.
Note: ADAPTIL and Feliway products are on sale at the Shelter and have proven to be very effective in calming anxious pets. You should purchase the product as soon as you can for maximum effectiveness on and around Fireworks night. The GSPCA is keen to help owners reduce their pet’s anxieties and now offers these products for almost 50% less than other outlets.
Here is some additional information and videos to help you through the next few weeks with your dog and cat:
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Sell out tours at the GSPCA and plans for 2016http://www.gspca.org.gg/blog/sell-out-tours-gspca-and-plans-2016
Have you got a GSPCA Hoody, Polo Shirt, Sweat Shirt or T-shirt? If not get yours by clicking here.
To find out about our Events, how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, , our New Build & Redevelopment Appeal and much more please click here.
There are many ways to support the work of the GSPCA and you can even donate online by clicking the paypal link below.
By post cheques payable to 'GSPCA' - GSPCA, Rue des Truchots, St Andrews, Guernsey, GY6 8UD
Or by phone 01481 257261.
To find out more regarding our Angel Sponsorship Scheme please click here.
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our Welfare Officer with multiple eye problems only a few weeks ago. Daisy has now had an operation on her eyes, and with the care of the team at the GSPCA she will soon be in a loving new home.
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