In 1964, Margaret Borland placed a short advertisement in the Regina Leader Post calling for anyone interested in forming an organization to care for lost and abandoned animals in the city to contact her. Five people responded and sitting around Margaret's kitchen table, Jack and Evelyn Wise, Al Juno, and Jim and Winifred Ramsay gathered to discuss the need to create a Society to care for homeless, abused and neglected animals.

Margaret's efforts to establish the Society continued through work such as drafting a constitution.

Once plans were in place, the founders moved forward to formalize the Society through development of bylaws, needed registrations and the creation of its first Board of Directors. Knowing a permanent Shelter was desperately needed, they also started fundraising and seeking like-minded donors who wanted to help animals.

Supporters of the proposed Society wrote letters of support to the Regina Leader Post urging action.

Once formed, the first Board of Directors continued to focus on building the first dedicated animal shelter in Regina through fundraising and seeking municipal support.

An art auction was held at the Royal Saskatchewan Museum after an anonymous donor gifted the Society with a large collection of valuable art. With its success, enough money was raised to start construction of the first Shelter.

Mayor Henry Baker points to the proposed new site for the Regina Society for the Humane Care of Animals. At left is city police Insp. J. A. Juno, President of the Society, and at right are Margaret Borland, Treasurer and Dr. John Turner, Director.

A year after being established, work started on the first animal shelter for Regina. "Shown above is a model for the Regina Society for the Humane Care of Animals' shelter building, to be built at Albert and Armour Rd., across from IPSCO. Tenders for the construction of the steel building being modified to meet special conditions of an animal shelter are being taken. Construction is expected to start next month with completion schedule for early summer. Architect is Arthur Allen, 2724 Victoria." From the Regina Leader Post, April 27, 1965

As progress was made on the construction of the first Shelter, the Society also sought out an employee to serve as an Inspector and Caretaker of the animals.

Thanks to the efforts of a Board Historian position at the time, the RHS has a vast collection of records and artifacts including a section of the groundbreaking ribbon from 1965.

Once open, considerable effort was necessary to keep the Shelter operating including care of the animals, adoptions and raising money.

Fundraising efforts continued to keep the new Shelter operational including the establishment of an annual Gala.

One of the earliest vehicles used by the RHS for the protection of animals.

In 1970, following an additional fundraising campaign, an addition was added to the existing Shelter. This building is still in use by the Regina Humane Society today.

Whether it was the 1970's or today, RHS employees always welcome animals into their workspaces!

Young in its existence, the Society struggled in its early years. In 1973 the community stepped forward to support the animals at the Shelter and continue to do so today.

A month's worth of typical revenues and expenses in 1973.

In 1975 discussions were started for the Society to assume operations of the "pound". Today the RHS continues to serve as the impound facility for the City of Regina.

By 1979 humane education and programming were established with the goal to teach the proper care and treatment of animals to youth in the community.

As the Society grew, so did public awareness about animal welfare. The Regina Humane Society's logo was developed and based off this image which appeared on a Christmas card sent to the Society by a kind donor.

As times changed, so did the vehicles at the Shelter. This van was donated to the Regina Humane Society in 1981 for use as a Pet Ambulance by the Shelter's Ladies Auxiliary.

In 1982, a Capital Campaign was launched to build a much-needed extension to the two quonsets that had been used for almost twenty years.

Gainer the Gopher served as the Honourary Chair for the Campaign and is pictured here attending the Kick-Off event.

The Society has always depended on the support of the community and donors to improve facilities for the animals in its care. This was true in 1964, 1970, 1982 and now in 2022.

Following the completion of the successful Capital Campaign in 1982, work started on the Shelter expansion.

The original two quonsets, still in use by the RHS today, can be seen as work begins on the 1982 expansion.

Completed in 1983, the building expansion is still in use by the Shelter, but it does not meet current standards in animal welfare. Its inaccessible location and limited capacity do not support the ever-increasing demand for delivery of the Society’s vital community programs and services.

Fashion tastes may have changed, but the commitment of the Society's staff to helping homeless animals is still the same.

Participating in community activities has always been a part of the Regina Humane Society, including entering a yearly float into the Queen City Ex Parade.

For over forty years, generous members of the community have attended the annual RHS Holiday Party and donated items for the homeless animals at the Shelter. This tradition will continue in the new Animal Community Centre.

Pictured here in 1986, Morris Shumiatcher was a longtime Society board member and supporter. This support continued when his wife, Jacqui agreed to serve as an Honourary Chair for the Almost Home Campaign before her passing in 2021.

Volunteers have always been an essential part of the Shelter. Pictured here in 1987 is Bernice Bates helping at a bazaar book table to raise funds for animals at the RHS. The Vince & Bernice Bates Veterinary Care Centre within the new Animal Community Centre is being named in their honour to recognize the tremendous gift they left to the Shelter through their will.

For over forty years, generous members of the community have attended the annual RHS Holiday Party and donated items for the homeless animals at the Shelter. This tradition will continue in the new Animal Community Centre.

Humane education programs have always been central to the services provided by the RHS. Here in 1988, a grooming demonstration is underway.

In 1990, the Faith Fund was established at the Shelter to help animals in need of significant veterinary care. Generous donors continue to give to the fund to help animals who are traumatically injured.

Since being founded the RHS has served as the voice of animals who do not have their own. Whether advocating for stronger animal protection laws or rescuing animals from desperate situations, the Shelter is only able to undertake this work because of kind donors.

In 2002 long-time Shelter Executive Director, Cathy Lauritsen passed away. Cathy was instrumental in establishing many programs and services at the RHS and her legacy lives on.

From newspapers to social media, the Society is always looking at new and innovative ways to promote animals in need of adoption.

For over 34 years, the Annual Regina Humane Society Telethon, presented by Access Communications Co-operative has been an important way to raise funds for the ongoing care of the animals at the Shelter.

A longtime volunteer, Rory Allen, along with so many others, have donated their time and talent to help animals in need.

In 2004 the RHS celebrated 40 years of service to animals in our community.

Whether it's helping with the animals or volunteering at events, the Society could not do what it does without the support of many volunteers. Shown here in 2007, volunteer Sydney Chow would return to the RHS several years later as a staff Veterinarian.

Today many of the core programs of the RHS remain the same as in 1964, while others have been developed and expanded since the Society's founding.

Creating families through adoption programs is at the heart of the RHS' work.

Losing a beloved pet is a scary experience. The RHS works to reunite hundreds of lost pets a year with their worried families.

Outreach activities such as educational and community programming are integral to the Society's mission of promoting humane values.

Outreach activities such as educational and community programming are integral to the Society's mission of promoting humane values.

Outreach activities such as educational and community programming are integral to the Society's mission of promoting humane values.

The Society’s Pet Assisted Therapy program recognizes the special connection between animals and people. Through this program, RHS volunteers and Shelter pets visit senior residences, schools, care homes and rehabilitation centres, bringing the power of purrs and cuddles to residents.

In 2010, the Regina Humane Society purchased the first Mobile Spay and Neuter Clinic in Canada, made possible by a generous legacy gift. Today it provides subsidized pet spay and neuter surgeries to financially disadvantaged households as well as animal rescue organizations in Regina through a partnership with the City of Regina.

At the same time, the RHS established the only Saskatchewan Veterinary Medical Association licensed Shelter Veterinary Clinic in Saskatchewan to provide services to animals in need.

Sometimes this includes an extra snuggle before surgery.

RHS Veterinarians complete a wide range of services for Shelter animals from check-ups to surgeries.

With nowhere else to turn, homeless, abused and abandoned animals in need of veterinary care receive treatment thanks to generous donors who support the RHS.

As in 1964, animals benefit greatly from RHS volunteers. From walks and cuddles...

to grooming...

to sharing a special book together, volunteers improve the lives of the animals in so many ways.

Whether an animal needs companionship...

Some food (and love)...

A snuggle or two...

A hug...

Or just a helping hand, the Regina Humane Society and its staff, volunteers and donors have been there for them for over six decades.

As the Society looks forward, the new Animal Community Centre is the most significant project undertaken since the construction of the first shelter in 1965. But we need your help.

We know Regina's animals can count on you. Please make your gift in support of the new Animal Community Centre today.