For 70 years the Central California SPCA has had the same mission: to provide protection, placement, and education to ensure responsible animal care. In those 70 years, the CCSPCA staff and board members have nurtured this organization from a humble telephone service into the respected and well known organization it is today. The growth of the CCSPCA is due in large part by the hard work of CCSPCA employees and volunteers, determination, and the support of our generous community.
The organization was incorporated in 1946 as the Fresno County Humane Society (FCHS) and immediately turned their attention to the welfare of animals in Fresno County. In 1950, contracts were signed with Fresno County and Fresno City for FCHS to take over the pound obligations and become the area’s animal shelter at the current Hughes Avenue address. The shelter operations began in a barn that was on the property, but were soon moved into a reconstructed barracks from World War II. Later that year, another reconstructed barracks was acquired to provide a cattery section of the shelter.
Several years passed with many ups and downs, but the FCHS stayed strong – providing alternative options to homeless animals in Fresno City and County. The organization steadily grew, adding more buildings to the property, acquiring vehicles for Animal Control Officers to respond to calls, reaching out to the community via newsletter, and other needed shelter equipment. In 1958, the City of Fresno found it advisable to sell the property to the SPCA for $25,000. The board of directors found that very reasonable and purchased the property. They had many plans for expansion and growth. It was at that point where Fresno County Humane Society changed its name to the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a title more fitting to its mission and the area it served.
Since then, the CCSPCA has been growing, adding all the buildings that are currently on the property – the stray animal building, adoption center (which includes adoptions east, the exotic room, spay/neuter services department, foster and rescue departments, and the cattery), Ruthelaine’s Gift Shop/Grooming Salon, CCSPCA Small Animal Hospital, “Gib” Rambo Education building, administration building, and barn. We’ve also developed our community outreach by expanding our education department and embracing the social media age. Our organization will never stop growing and has many plans for the future.
However, the one thing that will forever go unchanged is our commitment to the betterment of animal welfare in Fresno County.