Acting president brings plight and plea to council meeting
During Woodstock’s Town Council meeting on July 28, Joanne Reid, the acting president of the Carleton County Animal Shelter (CCAS), briefed council on the shelter’s operation.
“Over the past 31 years, we have provided temporary care and shelter for well over 3,000 cats and dogs from all over Carleton County and surrounding areas,” said Reid.
The independently operated, registered charitable organization has been in the region since 1994. It provides temporary care and shelter for dogs and cats in need.
The Debec-based operation covers an area spanning from Keswick to Perth. Reid noted Canterbury as a frequent location for them to rescue pets from and mentioned that they typically see between 35-49 per cent of their intakes originating from within the Woodstock Municipality. It’s not unusual for the shelter to get calls from people outside the Carleton County region, who’ve already tried two or three other shelters for assistance, only to find they’re full.
“We do the best we can,” said Reid.
So far this year, 65 cats and five dogs have found homes through their program. Currently, the CCAS is housing one dog, 13 adult cats (three are believed to be pregnant), 11 kittens, and has many more animals on its waiting list.
In 2026, the shelter had to slow its dog admissions while it repaired the flooring in the indoor and outdoor kennel areas. That work is now nearly complete.
Often, the animals that enter their program are surrenders from owners who are no longer able to care for them, commonly due to age, health, or changes in their living situation, as well as strays.
Once admitted, the shelter ensures that they are up to date on their vaccines, treated for parasites, and any other medical issues.
“In a typical year, over a hundred of the cats and dogs in our care are spayed or neutered, thus helping to reduce the numbers of unwanted or homeless pets in our communities,” explained Reid.
Steadily increasing costs are a challenge for the program. Everything from food and basic supplies like kitty litter to building materials, equipment maintenance and repairs, and medical supplies is on the rise.
In 2025, their total expenses came to $165,000. Over the last nine and a half months, CCAS expenses have already climbed to $135,055.39. Even at a discounted rate, their vet costs alone have already reached $43,000.
Reid noted that $19,000 of this year’s expenses are for three summer students she is grateful to have working at the facility. This amount will be reimbursed through the federal and provincial summer employment programs.
“We rely solely on community support, the generosity of donors, and fundraising activities for our continued operation,” said Reid.
For over 20 years, the CCAS had only one guaranteed source of income through a long-standing arrangement with the town of Woodstock, which previously exercised its own animal control. For a fee of $450 per month, the shelter provided 24/7 access to designated kennels at its facility and would temporarily care for impounded dogs and cats on the town’s behalf. That arrangement lasted until 2021.
“This agreement ended, unfortunately from our perspective, when the town contracted with the New Brunswick SPCA for animal control services,” explained Reid.
Since then, the CCAS has been invited to apply annually for funding through the municipality’s sponsorship program. Reid expressed her appreciation for the town’s ongoing support, noting last year’s $5,000 grant. She hopes the town will continue its sponsorship again this year.
“In these very challenging times, your continuing support is more urgently needed and vital to our continuing operation than ever,” said Reid.
