Canine quarantine upgrade underway in Nelson

The canine quarantine facilities in our SPCA Nelson Centre were in desperate need of an upgrade – and thanks to the generosity of the Jack Emms Trust and a legacy gift left for Nelson dogs, the space is being transformed into one which puts animal welfare, public health, and volunteer safety first.

Every year, SPCA Nelson takes in more than a hundred dogs and puppies who are stressed or unvaccinated on arrival.

Until now, our ageing quarantine area has struggled to keep up with modern standards, with grass runs that can’t be disinfected, poor drainage, and limited shelter. These conditions made it harder to prevent disease outbreaks, caused longer stays for dogs, and created challenges for staff and volunteers.

With the upgrade now underway, our Nelson Centre will have:

• Six new fit-for-purpose indoor pens with epoxy flooring that is easy to clean and comfortable for dogs.

• Three covered outdoor runs that allow dogs to exercise and decompress safely - even while in quarantine.

• Improved drainage and walkways, solving long-standing sanitation issues and making the environment safer for everyone.

• Visual privacy screens, reducing stress and aggression by giving dogs calmer spaces

The positive impact that these changes will have cannot be understated.

With cleaner, purpose-built facilities, dogs will be healthier and have faster recoveries when they come into our care – spending less time in the Centre and more time in loving homes. Stronger infection control will mean fewer medical setbacks and less disruption to adoptions.

Our SPCA volunteers and staff will be able to care for animals in a space designed with their wellbeing in mind, while durable materials and best-practice design ensure the facility will meet community needs for years to come.

This project is more than bricks and mortar. It is a legacy of compassion made possible by the vision of the Jack Emms Trust and a supporter who cared so deeply for Nelson’s animals that they remembered them in their will. Their kindness will safeguard countless animals in the future, and we’re so grateful for their generosity.