Happy Tails Program

The NBSPCA says its focus on prevention is keeping more pets in safe homes across New Brunswick.

The organization reports that its Happy Tails program supported 1,295 animals with essential veterinary care during its first full year of provincewide operations.

Executive director Lesley Rogers said the program is designed to remove financial barriers that often prevent people from getting help for their pets.

“Thanks to the generous support of our donors and veterinary partners, we have been able to keep hundreds of animals safe at home with their loving families,” Rogers said.

She said the NBSPCA is beginning to see the impact of that support.

“We are starting to see the impact of a greater focus on prevention, as our animal protection officers removed about 100 fewer pets from unsafe situations in 2025 than in the previous year,” she said.

The Happy Tails program has supported 551 spay and neuter surgeries, along with vaccinations and parasite treatments.

Another 744 animals received emergency veterinary assistance for issues such as injuries, infections or sudden health complications.

The organization said the care provided last year totalled $451,000, funded entirely by donations.

Rogers said many families hesitate to seek help because they fear the cost of treatment, and some have limited or no access to credit.

“These animals have good homes,” she said.

“They don’t need to be in a shelter, and it’s certainly not something that we think is appropriate to punish someone for.”

Reaching rural and underserved communities

Rogers said access to veterinary care remains a challenge in many rural and northern regions of the province.

She said some communities have few clinics, and some clinics are not taking new patients.

“It’s not just the cost,” she said.

“It’s about finding a veterinarian taking new patients and being able to schedule in a timely way.”

She said the NBSPCA is exploring ways to bring services closer to families who struggle with distance or availability.

“As we move forward, we’d like to be able to bring community‑based medicine to areas of the community that are chronically underserved,” Rogers said.

She said the organization is looking at options such as community clinics, vaccine events and outreach in First Nations communities.

She also noted requests for support from groups such as 12 Neighbours in Fredericton, and said the NBSPCA hopes to expand these efforts as resources allow.

Support from veterinary partners and donors

The NBSPCA now partners with 56 veterinary clinics across the province.

Rogers said clinics often refer clients directly when cost is a barrier, and some veterinarians reduce fees to help the program’s resources go further.

The organization also received a $100,000 donation from the Blue River Foundation to support the continued expansion of Happy Tails.

“This investment will help ensure more low‑income pet families can access the care their pets need,” Rogers said.

She said the grant will be delivered in $20,000 annual installments over five years, allowing the NBSPCA to help up to 50 additional animals each year.

Rogers said long‑term expansion will take planning and continued donor support, but she emphasized that the need for accessible veterinary care remains high across the province.