Renovating our shelter infrastructure to improve care for vulnerable animals

Every year, the SPA des Montagnes Neuchâteloises takes in numerous abandoned, lost, mistreated or vulnerable animals in need of urgent care. However, its ageing and outdated infrastructure no longer meets current requirements or the growing needs of the region. It limits the shelter’s capacity, makes the teams’ daily work more difficult and prevents the animals from receiving optimal care. To ensure the long-term sustainability of its mission, the SPA is launching a major renovation and modernisation project, representing a total investment of CHF 2,040,000. The project will create a modern, functional and sustainable shelter, better suited to the needs of the animals and the teams caring for them. The SPA is now seeking foundations, companies, institutions and private donors to support this project and strengthen animal protection in the Neuchâtel Mountains region for the long term.

The SPA des Montagnes Neuchâteloises serves a region of over 50,000 inhabitants across nine municipalities, providing year-round care for abandoned, lost, seized and temporarily entrusted animals. However, its ageing infrastructure no longer meets current needs. Limited capacity, particularly for dogs, outdated buildings and unsuitable working spaces constrain both animal care and staff efficiency. With the closure of the Val-de-Travers shelter and limited capacity elsewhere in the canton, alternative solutions are increasingly scarce. As the only shelter in the Neuchâtel Mountains providing comprehensive care for domestic animals in distress, modernising our facilities is essential to ensure the continuity of our mission. This renovation project has already generated strong local support, reflected in increased media attention and donations, demonstrating the community’s commitment to the shelter and animal welfare.

The SPA des Montagnes Neuchâteloises is undertaking a major renovation and modernisation of its facilities, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027. The project will focus on rebuilding the kennels and renovating the existing buildings. The aim is to create a modern, functional and sustainable shelter that provides better conditions for animal welfare, meets current animal housing requirements, improves working conditions for staff and sustainably increases the shelter’s capacity.

The total project cost is CHF 2,040,000, based on a detailed budget prepared from estimates provided by François Willemin Architecte. We are now seeking committed partners - foundations, companies, institutions and private donors - to help create a lasting centre dedicated to animal welfare in the Neuchâtel Mountains. Every contribution will help give vulnerable animals a better future and strengthen a mission that has served the local community for nearly 80 years.

The SPA warmly thanks the Fondation Corthésy and all private donors who are already supporting the renovation project.

The renovation will enable the SPA to continue and develop its mission in facilities adapted to current needs, while strengthening its long-term regional impact. For the animals, the new facilities will provide: - Increased capacity and better-adapted spaces for different species - Improved sanitary and hygiene conditions - Reduced stress and improved animal welfare - More efficient care for animals in emergency situations For the local community, the shelter will continue to: - Take in abandoned, lost and mistreated animals - Support owners facing difficulties - Provide alternatives to abandonment - Raise awareness among younger generations about animal welfare and responsible pet ownership Through this project, the SPA des Montagnes Neuchâteloises will strengthen its role as a key regional centre for animal welfare, working closely with local authorities, veterinarians and community partners.

For nearly 80 years, the SPA des Montagnes Neuchâteloises has been a key organisation for animal welfare in the region, providing care and shelter for abandoned, lost, mistreated and vulnerable animals. Beyond emergency care, it runs prevention and awareness initiatives, supports owners in difficulty, trains future animal care professionals and collaborates with local institutions. The SPA has a strong governance structure, with a nine-member volunteer Board elected by the General Assembly, supported by a four-person operational team and numerous volunteers. Its financial position has also strengthened significantly, moving from a loss of CHF 139,812 in 2024 to a net profit of CHF 103,225 in 2025. This improved financial stability and long-standing regional expertise provide a strong foundation for successfully delivering the renovation project.