The SPCA West Island in Vaudreuil may have to shut down due to financial issues.

It opened just over a year ago and is already $55,000 in debt.

Rémi​ Brazeau, the organization's general director, said that's partly because it operates as a no-kill shelter, which leads to added costs that other shelters don`t have.

"We need public support," Bazeau told Daybreak Montreal.

"We've worked so hard. We've invested a lot of money in this project... but without the proper funds we cannot pay the debts."

The shelter has started an online fundraising campaign in the hopes of staying open for at least another year.

Brazeau said with the proper public support, he's confident his organization can reach a balanced budget.