Animal shelters in Edmonton

The question of whether there are animal shelters in Edmonton not only has a clear affirmative answer, but also reveals a whole ecosystem of organizations, programs, and initiatives aimed at protecting and ensuring the welfare of animals in this Canadian city. Edmonton boasts a well-developed network of shelters, rescue organizations, and support programs that help thousands of animals find safety, receive medical care, and find new homes every year. This article will take a detailed look at the full range of options available to animals and their owners in the capital of Alberta.

Historical context: over a century of animal welfare

The animal welfare movement in Edmonton has deep roots dating back to the early 20th century. Alberta's history of humane treatment of animals began with the prominent figure of Louise McKinney, one of the “Famous Five” women who fought for equal rights and the prevention of violence. At the first convention of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, held in Edmonton in 1904, Louise successfully pushed through a resolution calling on members of the organization to “encourage the formation of humane societies and mercy groups.” This was the first step toward an organized animal protection movement in the province.

Three years after this resolution, in 1907, the Alberta Humane Society was founded, which became the predecessor of both the Alberta SPCA and the Edmonton Humane Society. This was a turning point in the history of animal protection in Alberta. The Edmonton Humane Society, founded in the same year, 1907, became one of the oldest charitable organizations not only in Alberta but in the entire animal protection sector in Canada.

The founder of the Edmonton Humane Society was Rosetta Graydon, who became Edmonton's first humane educator. The organization was originally known as the Edmonton SPCA and was officially registered as a non-profit animal welfare society in 1910, receiving its charter in 1912. For over 110 years, the Edmonton Humane Society has dedicated its efforts to providing shelter for homeless, neglected, and abandoned pets, offering services to support animals and their caregivers in Edmonton and surrounding communities.

Edmonton's Major Shelters and Rescue Organizations

Edmonton has a multi-layered animal shelter system, with each organization playing a unique role in animal protection and welfare. This system can be broadly divided into municipal facilities and private charitable organizations, each specializing in specific aspects of animal care.

Edmonton Humane Society: The City's Flagship Shelter

The Edmonton Humane Society remains the largest and most well-known animal shelter in the city. Located at 13620 163 Street NW, this shelter is much more than just a shelter and plays a key role in the Edmonton region, enriching the lives of people and their companion animals not only through the shelter, but also through its programs, services, and community engagement.

Every day, the Edmonton Humane Society strives to be a model of excellence in promoting animal welfare and to lead the movement toward a more humane world. Thousands of homeless, neglected, and abandoned companion animals from Edmonton and surrounding communities come to the Edmonton Humane Society each year. In 2022, the organization took in 3,625 animals and was able to find new homes for 3,091 animals, the highest adoption rate the agency has seen since 2019.

These animals receive veterinary care, behavioral rehabilitation, grooming, and enrichment from the Edmonton Humane Society staff and a large network of volunteers and foster families, numbering over 1,000 people. The dedication and commitment to these animals gives them a second chance at finding a forever home that they might not otherwise have. As a registered charity, the Edmonton Humane Society does not receive government funding and relies on the generosity of the community to do its work.

The shelter has an open-concept design that creates a welcoming atmosphere for both visitors and animals. Visitors are free to walk around the shelter, interact with cats in special rooms, watch dogs in play areas, and even meet rabbits and other small animals. The entire adoption process has been modernized: potential adopters can now scan a QR code on an animal's enclosure card to start the adoption process through the Adopets system, making the process faster and more efficient.

Hours and contact information

The Edmonton Humane Society is open to visitors during the following hours:

Monday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

On public holidays, adoptions are available by appointment only; all other services are closed.

Contact Information:

Phone: 780-491-3522 (reception)
Phone (adoption): 780-491-3500
Adoption email: [email protected]
Phone (volunteers): 780-491-3513
Volunteer email: [email protected]
Website: edmontonhumanesociety.com

Adoption Fees

The Edmonton Humane Society has established a transparent adoption fee structure that reflects the age and type of animal:

Dogs:

Puppies (up to 6 months): $455
Adults (6 months to 7 years): $360
Seniors (7+ years): $155

Cats:

Kittens (under 6 months): $240
Adults (6 months to 7 years): $195
Seniors (7+ years): $130

Rabbits and other small animals:

Prices vary depending on the species

These fees cover the significant costs incurred by the shelter to prepare the animal for adoption, including spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, deworming, and any necessary veterinary treatment. Essentially, adopters receive an animal that has undergone a complete veterinary examination and is ready to integrate into a new home.

City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre (ACCC)

In addition to private charitable shelters, the City of Edmonton operates its own Animal Care & Control Centre, located at 13550 163 Street NW. This facility serves a critical municipal function as a safe haven for lost, stray, and captured animals within the City of Edmonton.

The Animal Care & Control Centre is the primary destination for stray animals found within the city of Edmonton. The centre enforces the city's Animal Licensing and Control Bylaw, which includes dog and cat licensing and lost and found animal services. The centre is also responsible for animal protection in accordance with the provincial Animal Protection Act.

When an animal is brought to the Animal Care & Control Centre, it undergoes a mandatory holding period for stray animals, during which owners can locate and retrieve their lost animals. If the owner does not come forward during this period, the animal is transferred to partner adoption organizations, such as the Edmonton Humane Society and other rescue organizations, to find a new home.

It is important to understand that the Animal Care & Control Centre is not an adoption facility in the traditional sense. The centre does not conduct public adoptions directly, but instead works in close partnership with the Edmonton Humane Society and several other rescue organizations, especially for animals that do not meet the Edmonton Humane Society's adoptability criteria.

Capacity and Services

The Animal Care & Control Centre has the capacity to house approximately 116 cats and 50 dogs, although this capacity can be increased in the event of a sudden influx of animals, such as in cases of animal hoarding. Animals receive significant attention and care during their stay at the centre, including feeding, exercise in numerous dog runs (indoor and outdoor), and even access to an indoor dog treadmill.

The center has implemented a scheduled intake system for cats to combat overcrowding, which has become a problem in recent years. When there are too many cats at the shelter, staff cannot provide the level of care they need. Overcrowding leads to increased illness, greater stress for cats and staff, higher euthanasia rates, and fewer animals being adopted.

The intake model, which is a best practice adopted by shelters across North America, improves cats' chances of finding permanent homes, ensures that every cat receives proper care, and gives each cat in their care adequate space to live comfortably at the shelter.

Priority Intake

Although regular cat intake is now by appointment only, the Animal Care & Control Center still accepts priority intake cats that meet the following criteria:

Obviously sick (thin, weak, immobile)
Injured
Kittens still feeding milk
Any situation where you believe a cat is in distress

If you have found an animal that meets the priority intake description, call 311 to speak with an animal care representative.

Contact Information

Phone (within Edmonton): 311
Phone (outside Edmonton): 780-442-5311
Email: [email protected]
Website: edmonton.ca/pets
Address: 13550 163 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5V 0B2

Hours of operation:

Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Service 311 is open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday–Saturday, and closed on public holidays. To pick up a lost pet without an appointment, please arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. on weekends) to allow sufficient time for processing before closing.

Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society (GEARS)

The Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society, better known as GEARS, is another important organization in Edmonton's rescue ecosystem. Founded as a non-profit charitable organization (registration number 822791430RR0001), GEARS operates on a very different model than traditional shelters.

GEARS does not have a physical shelter in the traditional sense. Instead, the organization operates on a network of foster homes that provide loving temporary homes with proper care, socialization, and training for all of their adoptable dogs and cats. This foster-based approach has several advantages: the animals live in a home environment rather than in cages, allowing their true personalities to shine through; the organization can help animals with special needs that may not thrive in a traditional shelter; and foster parents can provide detailed information about the animal's behavior and personality to potential adopters.

GEARS is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations to cover all veterinary expenses, food, supplies, and other costs associated with caring for the animals. The organization provides all necessary supplies and veterinary care; foster parents provide much-needed care, love, and basic care such as feeding, exercise, grooming, socialization, and periodic medication administration.

Guardian Angel Program

One of the most unique programs offered by GEARS is the Guardian Angel Program. Since 2014, nearly 500 animals have received temporary shelter during life transitions through this program, originally launched by the Companion Animal Welfare Society (CAWS) and now operated in partnership with GEARS.

The Guardian Angel Program is unique in animal rescue in that it is a “port in the storm,” providing temporary animal care solutions for people whose lives are in transition. Whether they are fleeing domestic violence, entering addiction treatment programs, seeking medical treatment, or dealing with a natural disaster, the Guardian Angel Program supports their animals until they are able to care for them again on their own.

The program operates under several categories:

Domestic violence: A referral from a social worker or counselor is required. GEARS has a strict privacy policy, and there will be no posts or photos of you or your animal on social media.

Addiction treatment: A referral form from the treatment facility confirming attendance and length of stay is required.

Medical leave: When our medical needs take precedence over our desire to care for our animals due to treatment, surgery, or for those who have been admitted to the emergency room. A referral form completed by your doctor or nurse is required.

Natural disaster assistance: When a natural disaster strikes, GEARS is here to provide temporary care until you and your family are able to bring your pets back into your lives.

Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donors and the hard work of volunteers, the Guardian Angel Program is a free service to applicants. When animals are reunited with their owners, there is no bill. This also includes all veterinary care, food, supplies, and training they received during their stay in our care.

The maximum length of stay is two months, except for military members who may need longer-term assistance due to deployment. All animals that are not spayed or neutered at the time of placement will be altered during their stay in foster care, and this expense will be covered by GEARS, not the owner.

Sheltered Paws Program

GEARS also operates the Sheltered Paws program in partnership with Strathcona County. The Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society serves as a foster home for cats in need found within Strathcona County. According to the Animal Protection Act, a cat is considered to be in distress if it is deprived of adequate shelter, ventilation, space, food, water, veterinary care, or reasonable protection from extreme temperatures; is injured, sick, suffering from pain; or is being abused or subjected to excessive hardship, deprivation, or neglect.

GEARS encourages citizens to try to find the cat's owner before contacting GEARS. Healthy cats are more likely to return to their owners if they remain in the community; therefore, only cats found in distress are accepted.

The Sheltered Paws program now has a new location in southeast Edmonton. As always, the organization accepts cats by appointment only. The program also includes the Sheltered Paws Community Cat Project, which focuses on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) for feral cats.

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, widely known as AARCS, is another important animal rescue organization that has expanded to Edmonton. Although AARCS's headquarters and main facility are located in Calgary, the organization has opened a presence in Edmonton to help even more animals by providing space in the North for their rescued animals and an operations center for Edmonton volunteers.

Each year, up to 4,000 animals pass through AARCS programs. The organization has exceptional adoption and community support programs with some of the highest standards of care in the industry. This enables them to provide second chances to thousands of homeless animals.

Similar to its existing facility in Calgary, AARCS has created a home in Edmonton for its rescued animals, where they can rest temporarily before moving to foster homes, a home base for volunteers, and a place to collect and store donated supplies for the growing base of foster homes in the area. In addition, the organization places 50-80 adoptable cats and facilitates on-site adoptions.

AARCS also accepts “critters,” including rabbits, guinea pigs, and skinnies (hairless guinea pigs). Adoption fees for critters range from $15 to $250. The organization has a “Critter of the Week” program, where selected critters have their adoption fees reduced by 50% for one week.

Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society

Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society is an animal rescue organization located in Edmonton, Alberta, which began operations in March 2013. The organization is a 100% volunteer rescue service that works with foster homes to help rescue and rehabilitate unwanted, neglected, and abused animals and find them their forever homes.

Infinite Woofs differs from other animal rescue organizations in that they will try to help not only cats and dogs, but any pet, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, etc., that has been unwanted, neglected, or abandoned, provided that suitable foster homes and donations are available.

The organization's address is 11519 160 Street, Edmonton, AB T5M 3V9. It should be noted that there are no walk-in hours at the facility, as it is a volunteer organization. Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue relies 100% on donations to help rescue hungry, neglected, abused, and homeless animals in the Alberta area.

It is important to note that due to capacity limitations, Infinite Woofs stopped accepting donations from the public about a year ago. Treasurer Lori White said the rescue receives about 30 calls a day from people wanting to surrender their animals, indicating the tremendous demand for rescue services in the region.

Zoe's Animal Rescue

Zoe's Animal Rescue is a volunteer-run, no-kill rescue organization in Edmonton, Alberta. As a no-kill rescue, the organization relies solely on a network of foster homes to care for animals while they await adoption.

The organization offers several opportunities for those who want to put their big hearts to work: adopt a new family member, become a foster parent for a dog or cat, volunteer your talents, or make a donation to the cause. Zoe's Animal Rescue is one of the previous recipients of donations from the Edmonton International Cat Festival, which raises funds for local cat rescue organizations.

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS)

Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) is a non-profit charitable organization registered in the Athabasca and Edmonton area, run by a small group of staff and a large team of volunteers under the supervision of a volunteer board of directors. The organization relies on money raised through donations, sponsorships, grants, membership fees, and other fundraising efforts. SCARS celebrated its 20th year of operation in 2022.

SCARS' mission is to make a positive impact on animals and people by working with others to rescue and care for animals in need, share knowledge, and provide access to services and resources. The organization finds loving homes for more than 2,000 animals each year.

SCARS takes in animals that are homeless, unwanted, or slated for euthanasia. Many of the animals they help come from remote dog pounds and veterinary clinics that act as shelters. Each animal receives a veterinary evaluation, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and any medical care or rehabilitation it needs.

SCARS' main intake facility is located north of Athabasca. The organization uses Athabasca Second Chance Country Refuge, its rescue center in Morinville, and a network of foster homes to care for rescued animals until they are adopted.

SCARS Rescue Center in Morinville

Located 15 minutes north of St. Albert, the SCARS Rescue Center is adjacent to the Morinville Veterinary Clinic at 9804 – 90 Avenue in Morinville, Alberta. The SCARS Rescue Centre in Morinville opened to receive animals in early October 2022. The facility is open to the public by appointment only as a meeting and introduction place for those applying to adopt an animal.

This 3,800-square-foot facility assists SCARS in many ways, such as providing shelter for animals when foster homes are not currently available (e.g., overnight intakes that do not require urgent veterinary care), a quiet place for animals to recover after surgery (e.g., our animals from the spay-neuter-return community program), and new opportunities for volunteers to interact with animals.

SCARS operates within northern Alberta, partnering with communities that lack access to animal services. The organization's Spay-Neuter-Return program provides free spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping for owned animals, and the Walls for Winter program provides insulated shelters for animals. The organization also has a Sanctuary Animals program for animals with special needs that are not very adoptable, and a Working Cat program to rehome undersocialized cats to pantries or workshops.

SCARS currently has more than 500 animals in its care at its shelter facility in Morinville, which is more than double its normal capacity and the largest number of animals the agency has ever housed. Staff receive an average of 10 requests per day to surrender animals, which is 300% more than before the pandemic.

Specialized rescue organizations

In addition to large multi-species shelters, Edmonton is also home to several specialized rescue organizations that focus on specific breeds or species of animals.

Cat rescue organizations

Little Cats Lost (Trap-Neuter-Return) Society is an organization that focuses on cat rescue, rehabilitation, and relocation. The organization specializes in Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs and has a reputation for helping “underappreciated cats” — many cats who have never known a loving touch or a gentle voice. The organization documents their journey to success.

Little Cats Lost is one of the previous recipients of donations from the Edmonton International Cat Festival. Since 2014, the festival has raised $187,000 for local rescue organizations, including Little Cats Lost, Edmonton Humane Society, SAFE Team Rescue, Zoe's Animal Rescue, Community Cats Edmonton, Furget Me Not Animal Rescue, A Pet's Pantry, and Enoch Animal Services.

SAFE Team Rescue is a non-profit, 100% volunteer animal rescue group based in Edmonton, Alberta. The organization focuses primarily on rescuing cats and is another previous recipient of donations from the Edmonton International Cat Festival.

Community Cats Edmonton is an organization with a mandate to improve the lives of stray and community cats and support the compassionate people who care for them in the city of Edmonton. The organization focuses on three main goals: to reduce the number of feral and community cats through TNR and accessible spay/neuter clinics; to educate and build awareness among cat owners and colony caregivers about the resources available to them; to support the ongoing well-being of Edmonton's colonies and the compassionate people who care for them.

According to Community Cats Edmonton, there are approximately 70,000 stray community cats in Edmonton. With fewer than 100 cats undergoing TNR through the City of Edmonton each year, the stray cat population continues to grow exponentially. The organization advocates for a collaborative approach between the city and its citizens to implement a high-intensity TNR program to dramatically and humanely reduce the stray cat population.

Breed-specific rescue organizations

Edmonton is also home to several breed-specific rescue organizations that attendees can meet at events such as the Edmonton Pet Expo:

Adopt-A-Dobe Rescue: Focuses on rescuing and rehoming Doberman Pinschers
Beagle Paws Edmonton & Northern Alberta: Specializes in rescuing beagles
Alberta Bulldog Rescue: Dedicated to rescuing bulldogs
Alberta Dachshund Rescue: Focuses on rescuing dachshunds
American Brittany Rescue Inc.: Specializes in rescuing Brittany Spaniels

These specialized rescue organizations play a critical role in ensuring that specific breeds, which may have unique needs or challenges, receive specialized care and find suitable homes with owners who understand the breed's characteristics.

Rescue organizations for small animals and exotic animals

Rabbit Rescue (primarily based in Toronto but with a network in Alberta) helps rabbits in need. The organization aims to rescue rabbits and find them loving forever homes. Since 2001, Rabbit Rescue has been helping rabbits in need, whether it's a rabbit on the euthanasia list, an abandoned rabbit with nowhere to go, or a rabbit from a case of cruelty/neglect.

Meika's Safehouse Bird Rehabilitation & Re-home Centre specializes in bird rehabilitation and rehoming, providing critical services for birds in need of rescue in the Edmonton area.

Paws in Need Animal Rescue

Paws in Need Animal Rescue Society is a small, non-profit animal rescue organization in the Edmonton area. Like many other smaller rescue organizations, it relies on volunteers and foster homes to care for animals while they await adoption.

Barrhead Animal Rescue Society

Although technically located outside of Edmonton, the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society serves the greater Edmonton area and offers dogs and cats for adoption into loving forever homes. The organization actively seeks foster homes and provides email addresses for inquiries about cats ([email protected]) and dogs ([email protected]).

Programs and services that support pet owners

In addition to directly rescuing and adopting animals, Edmonton shelters and rescue organizations offer a wide range of programs and services designed to support pet owners and prevent animals from being surrendered in the first place.

Pet food assistance programs

One of the main reasons people surrender their pets is financial hardship, particularly the inability to afford pet food. Recognizing this reality, several organizations in Edmonton have created pet food bank programs to help keep pets and families together during difficult times.

Edmonton Humane Society Pet Pantry

The Edmonton Humane Society's Pet Pantry program helps pet caregivers facing financial barriers access food and supplies for their companion animals. The program operates with a no-questions-asked application process. Applicants can receive food and supplies once a month by appointment, with morning and afternoon slots available at the shelter.

To apply or ask questions about the program, call 780-229-2945 or email the team. The program is part of the Edmonton Humane Society's broader Resources for Pet Owners, which also includes information on other food bank options.

Other Pet Food Banks in Edmonton

Boyle Street Pet Food Bank: Located in the Bissell East Building at 10527 96 Street NW, this food bank is open every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is a walk-in service. Contact: 587-357-2184.
Edmonton Food Bank: Food baskets may include pet food. Contact to request and schedule a pickup. Phone: 780-425-4190.
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew North Haven: Contact to request and schedule pickup. Phone: 587-498-0813.
Alberta SPCA Help for Animals: Serves Edmonton and Alberta (outside of Calgary). See website for contact form.
AARCS Food Assistance Program: Serves Calgary and Edmonton. Request online.
Parachutes for Pets Edmonton: Located at 8108 Coronet Road. Call 587-598-7723 or email [email protected] to schedule a time to pick up food.

The Parachutes for Pets Edmonton program is affectionately named “Harley's Hampers” in honor of the founder's beloved dog, Harley, whose legacy continues to help animals in need. The program operates Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. When you visit during food bank hours with valid proof of income, you can receive a Harley's Hamper. Each household can receive up to 3 hampers per year, support for up to 2 animals per household, and a one-time supply of veterinary food or cat litter (when available).

To encourage responsible pet ownership, this program is only available for pets that have been in the home for at least one year. Pets must be spayed or neutered, or the owner must be open to low-cost options that the program can help recommend.

Affordable Spay and Neuter Programs

Animal overpopulation is a critical issue that contributes to the number of animals in shelters. To address this issue, several organizations in Edmonton offer affordable or subsidized spay and neuter programs.

PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) from the Edmonton Humane Society

The Prevent Another Litter Subsidy (PALS) program, offered by the Edmonton Humane Society, helps reduce the population of stray animals in the community by assisting people who cannot afford to spay or neuter their animals. Edmonton and surrounding community residents with low incomes can apply to have their dogs and/or cats spayed/neutered through PALS and pay only an administrative fee.

This program is available to low-income individuals living in Edmonton and surrounding communities (within 200 km) who have a cat or dog between 4 months and 6 years of age that is healthy and in need of spaying/neutering. During the summer, the organization also offers this program off-site at various locations in Edmonton using the Mobile PALS Unit.

The administrative fee for this program is $40 per animal (cats or dogs) and is non-refundable. The program fee has recently changed to better support the program. Payment is required when you apply and does not guarantee your appointment.

The wait time between approval and appointment can be significant—potentially up to two months in advance. If your animal is in heat, you must indicate this when you apply. For the safety of the animal, the organization may need to adjust the appointment time.

It is mandatory that every animal that goes through the PALS program be microchipped. The only time a microchip is not inserted is if the animal already has one. Microchipping is included in the administrative fee and does not cost extra.

Every cat or dog that goes through the PALS program is eligible to receive a rabies vaccine and combination vaccine (if needed), also included in the administrative fee at no additional cost.

Mobile PALS Unit

The Mobile PALS Unit makes the spay and neuter program more accessible by traveling to communities throughout Edmonton during the summer months. The Mobile PALS season runs from the first week of May to the first week of September. The application portal opens on the second Monday of each month to begin filling appointments for the following month. The application portal automatically closes once appointments for the Mobile Unit are filled.

Different locations are available on the application each month, so check back next month if the locations listed on the current application portal do not work for you. Please note: Mobile PALS can only serve cats and small breed dogs (up to 25 pounds).

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Programs

For feral or community cats, both the Edmonton Humane Society and the City of Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre offer Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.

Edmonton Humane Society TNR Program: The program typically runs from May to September, depending on the weather. There are a limited number of TNR clinics, and information about the colony must be submitted in advance for consideration. Edmonton Humane Society staff may visit colonies and will require access to the property to assist with the trapping process. Cats are returned to their original colony after recovering from surgery.

The program includes spay/neuter surgery, ear tipping/tattooing, vaccinations, and parasite treatment. Ear tipping is a universal symbol that identifies a community cat that has been spayed or neutered and has resources or caregivers nearby.

Colony caregivers are responsible for providing ongoing care, including food, water, shelter, and monitoring for new unneutered cats or signs of illness or injury. TNR is an effective and humane method of managing community cat populations, improving their quality of life, reducing community problems, and minimizing euthanasia.

City of Edmonton Public Trap Neuter Return (PTNR) Program: Operates from April 1 to October 31. PTNR program participants bring feral cats to the ACCC for spaying/neutering and vaccination. Participants then return the cat(s) to where they were found and act as their initial “caretakers.” The benefit to the community is extremely positive, as these cats have been spayed/neutered, preventing further breeding.

Low-cost veterinary clinics

The Spay Clinic: For over 35 years, The Original Spay Clinic has been providing affordable spaying and neutering for dogs and cats throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. Their ongoing mission is to provide the community with professional and affordable spay and neuter services using only the latest technology. Neutering costs $120 and spaying costs $220.

Website: spayclinic.ca

Edmonton Spay and Neuter Clinic: Offers low-cost spay and neuter veterinary services to help pet owners spay or neuter their animals, which can help reduce the number of unwanted animals and ease the burden on animal shelters and rescue organizations. Spay and neuter services are available, and the organization also offers other veterinary services at affordable prices.

Website: spayneuterclinic.ca

Training and Education Programs

The Edmonton Humane Society offers a wide range of training programs for dogs and educational programs for people of all ages.

Dog Training Classes

The Edmonton Humane Society offers a variety of dog training classes, from puppy kindergarten to advanced obedience. The organization also offers specialized classes for specific behavioral issues. These classes help ensure that dogs are well-behaved and less likely to be surrendered due to behavioral problems.

To register, call 780-491-3500.

Humane Education Programs

The Edmonton Humane Society offers humane education programs for youth, adults, educators, and groups. These programs enrich and expand the minds of young people through humane education classes, inspire people of all ages to grow by engaging them in educational programs, and offer classes for adults to explore various topics related to animal care and welfare.

Special Adoption Programs

The Edmonton Humane Society has developed several special adoption programs to help animals with special needs or behavioral considerations find loving homes.

Double the Love Program

Adopt two adult cats (over 6 months and under 7 years old) or two rabbits from the Edmonton Humane Society at the same time, and you'll save 50% on the second adoption fee. It's the organization's way of helping you bring twice the furry fun into your home while saving a little extra on treats and toys.

Barn Buddies Program

These spayed/neutered cats are well suited for life on an acre or outdoors. These cats are not suitable for indoor living as they do not use a litter box and/or do not like to be around people due to being feral/semi-feral. To help these Barn Buddies find the right home for them, these cats are available for a fee of your choice, rather than the standard adoption fees. Adopters must be able to provide food, water, and shelter for their Barn Buddy.

Farm Friends Program

These spayed/neutered dogs are well suited to living on an acre or farm outdoors! These dogs are not suitable for indoor living because they have a known history of living outdoors and/or behaviors observed at the shelter indicate that the dog will experience a decline in quality of life if they live in a completely enclosed home. To help these Farm Friends find the right home for them, these dogs are available at a reduced fee rather than the standard adoption fees.

Cattitude Cats Program

Some of the cats in our care may take a little longer to warm up to people, but with patience and love, they can become wonderful companions in the right home. These special cats are often more independent and may prefer a calm, quiet environment. To support their journey to finding the perfect family, the organization offers these cats for adoption for a fee of your choice.

Senior-for-Senior Program

Cats can make wonderful companions for seniors, and pet ownership has many health and stress-relieving benefits! To help senior cats find suitable homes, the adoption fee for senior cats (age 7 and older) when adopted by seniors (age 65 and older) is a fee of your choice instead of the standard adoption fees.

Volunteer and Fostering Opportunities

Edmonton shelters and rescue organizations rely on an army of dedicated volunteers and foster parents to carry out their mission. These opportunities allow community members to directly contribute to animal welfare, even if they are not ready for permanent adoption.

Edmonton Humane Society Volunteer Program

The Edmonton Humane Society's team of volunteers is an integral part of all aspects of the organization's work, from animal care and enrichment to fundraising and more. Whether it's walking dogs, cuddling cats, interacting with rabbits, washing dishes, doing laundry, counting coins, providing administrative and event support, or even mowing the lawn, volunteers can help animals in need at the Edmonton Humane Society.

The organization fosters a volunteer culture that is inclusive and positive, where new people are welcomed and experienced veterans are happy to mentor. The organization asks for a minimum six-month commitment to help keep the team strong and provide the best possible support to their animals and community.

To apply, volunteers must create an online volunteer account and apply for their chosen role. The team takes approximately 1 week to review and process applications. The organization provides onboarding and training tailored to the chosen volunteer path. Online training must be completed within 1 week of approval.

Special Volunteer Roles:

Animal Ambassador: This volunteer role is an opportunity for Edmonton Humane Society adopters and their animals to represent the organization at various events and local community engagement opportunities. Volunteer ambassadors greet members of the public, introduce their furry companion, share their unique adoption story, and encourage others to help support the organization's mission and vision.
Shelter Takeover Program: The Edmonton Humane Society's Shelter Takeover Program invites organizations to “take over” the shelter for a day. This is an opportunity for teams to work together on a meaningful cause, interacting with animals and supporting the work of the shelter.

Edmonton Humane Society Foster Program

Foster volunteers play a vital role for the Edmonton Humane Society. These volunteers open their hearts and homes to animals that are not yet ready for adoption. Animals in need of foster care may be too young to be adopted, sick or injured, in need of specific behavioral therapy, or simply in need of a quiet place to rest. Some animals are very stressed in the shelter and feel much better in a home environment, allowing their true personalities to shine through.

The foster parent program also frees up space at the shelter, freeing up cages to house and care for even more animals. Over 1,400 animals benefit from foster care each year; spending time in a loving home environment sets them up for success in their future adoptive homes.

The Edmonton Humane Society provides all supplies and veterinary care; foster parents provide much-needed care, love, and basic care such as feeding, exercise, grooming, socialization, and occasional medication administration (full instructions are provided).

Requirements for foster parents:

Must be 18 years of age or older
Resident pets must be up to date on vaccinations and spayed/neutered
Must have a separate room for isolating foster animals (with surfaces that can be disinfected with bleach)
Must live within 100 km of their facility, as travel is regularly required to obtain supplies and medical appointments for foster animals
Must have the time and lifestyle to support foster care plans
All Edmonton Humane Society foster volunteers are required to take in a minimum of ONE foster placement per calendar year to maintain their active status

You will be asked to complete a criminal record check as the final step in the selection process. Once approved, all foster volunteers must complete the orientation steps, including general foster volunteer orientation, foster family illness and emergency training, plus additional training based on your foster preferences (e.g., foster care for dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, orphaned kittens, small animals).

Volunteer Opportunities at Other Organizations

GEARS Volunteer Opportunities: Greater Edmonton Animal Rescue Society is always looking for dedicated individuals to join their team. Areas include event planning, fundraising, marketing, graphic design, medical care, and more. If you have unique skills or a great fundraising idea, they would love to hear about it.
SCARS Volunteer Opportunities: Second Chance Animal Rescue Society needs volunteers in a variety of areas, including administrative or IT, special events, adoption events, promotions, doggy railroads (transporting dogs), and more creative aspects.
Zoe's Animal Rescue: Offers volunteers opportunities to use their talents to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome vulnerable animals in the Edmonton area.
AARCS Volunteer Opportunities: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society offers volunteer positions as event and fundraising volunteers, transport volunteers, dog foster parents, and cat foster parents.

Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

In addition to domestic animals, Edmonton is also home to organizations that specialize in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

WILDNorth (Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation)

WILDNorth is the northernmost wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility in Alberta, covering an incredibly vast area. The organization's mission is to serve the people of Northern Alberta with wildlife-related issues by providing compassionate care to injured and orphaned wildlife and educating communities about humane coexistence with wildlife.

WILDNorth provides rescue, emergency, and critical care to injured wild birds and small mammals. The organization is a non-profit, registered charity and an accredited limited rehabilitation facility.

Contact Information:

Wildlife Hotline: 780-914-4118
Email: [email protected]
Website: wildnorth.ca
Address (Edmonton): 12515 128 Street NW, Edmonton
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre: 53327 Range Road 271, Spruce Grove

The organization offers corporate sponsorship opportunities through their Wild 100 membership, as well as animal sponsorship programs where people can sponsor a bird, mammal, waterfowl, or raptor. Raptor sponsorship includes the unique experience of attending the release of your sponsored bird back into the wild.

Collaboration with Veterinary Clinics

South Side Animal Hospital proudly supports wildlife rescue and has worked closely with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton for nearly 10 years. They provide surgical and medical care for wildlife patients for the Wildlife Rehabilitation Society of Edmonton as needed. Dr. Heather Steele is one of the shelter's veterinarians and makes routine visits to the shelter to help develop treatment plans for wildlife patients. Wildlife patients can be brought to their hospital for an initial assessment and then transferred to the wildlife shelter.

If you have questions about injured or abandoned wild animals, you can contact the wildlife hotline at 780-914-4118.

Crisis circumstances and current challenges

Although Edmonton has a well-developed network of shelters and rescue organizations, the system faces significant challenges, especially in recent years.

Overcrowding Crisis

Animal shelters across Alberta, including in Edmonton, are operating at or above maximum capacity. The Edmonton Humane Society shelter has been operating at full capacity since the end of the COVID-19 lockdowns. An unprecedented surge in the number of cats and dogs being surrendered by their owners is creating a capacity crisis for pet rescue facilities across Alberta.

The increase in unwanted animals is putting pressure on shelters, affecting rescue workers, and raising concerns that unwanted animals may face neglect. People on the front lines warn that with capacity stretched thin, some owners are abandoning their animals rather than finding shelters that can take them in.

According to statistics, an animal rescue organization in Edmonton has seen a 300% increase in requests to surrender animals. Second Chance Animal Rescue Society receives an average of 10 requests per day to surrender animals — a 300% increase from pre-pandemic levels. The organization currently has more than 500 animals in its care at its shelter in Morinville, which is more than double its normal capacity and the largest number of animals the agency has ever housed.

Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue stopped accepting surrenders from the public about a year ago due to capacity constraints. Treasurer Lori White said the rescue receives about 30 calls a day from people wanting to surrender their animals.

Erin Deems, executive director of Saving Grace Animal Rescue Society in Aliki, 55 kilometers northeast of Red Deer, said that with so many animals being surrendered, there is no longer room to house them all. “We are over capacity any given day,” she said. “And unfortunately, people are just taking desperate measures now, literally dumping them on our doorsteps.”

Factors contributing to the crisis

Several factors are contributing to the current crisis in animal shelters:

Economic challenges: Against a backdrop of rising inflation, the problem has only gotten worse. Some people can no longer afford their pets or find pet-friendly housing within their budget. The rising cost of living means people are making difficult choices, and sometimes their pets are the ones who suffer.

Post-pandemic realities: The trend began when COVID restrictions eased and continued to grow alongside the cost of living. Many people adopted pets during lockdowns when they were home all day, but now find they cannot care for them when they return to the office.

Housing issues: Finding pet-friendly housing, especially for renters on a budget, is a significant challenge. Many landlords have breed or size restrictions or do not allow pets at all, forcing people to give up their pets.

Insufficient spaying/neutering: Despite the availability of low-cost spay and neuter programs, many animals are still not spayed or neutered, contributing to overpopulation.

Responses to the crisis

Shelters and rescue organizations are responding to the crisis in different ways:

Triage system: Many organizations are now operating on a triage system, prioritizing the most vulnerable animals. “We're doing a triage system,” said Erin Dims. “But we can't take anything that's not in a critical situation because we don't have the resources to care for them. There's just no room.”

Expanding foster programs: Organizations are actively seeking more foster volunteers to help care for animals outside of physical shelters.

Community support programs: Programs such as pet food banks, low-cost veterinary care, and TNR programs are designed to keep animals with their families rather than allowing them to enter the shelter system.

Scheduled intake: The Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre has implemented scheduled intake for cats to better manage capacity and ensure each animal receives adequate care.

Public education: Organizations have increased their efforts to educate the public about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying/neutering, and resources available to owners facing financial hardship.

How you can help

There are many ways community members can support animal shelters and rescue organizations in Edmonton:

Adopt, don't shop

The most direct way to help is to adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue organization. Thousands of wonderful animals are waiting for their forever homes in Edmonton. By adopting instead of buying from a breeder or pet store, you are saving a life and freeing up space for another animal in need.

Become a foster parent

If you're not ready for the permanent commitment of adoption, fostering is a perfect way to make a difference. Foster homes are critical to foster-based organizations like GEARS and Zoe's Animal Rescue, and they help shelters like the Edmonton Humane Society care for animals with special needs.

Become a volunteer

Shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of volunteers. Whether it's walking dogs, cuddling cats, helping at events, doing administrative work, or using specialized skills (graphic design, marketing, IT), there's a role for everyone.

Make a donation

Financial donations are vital to supporting shelters and rescue organizations. As registered charities, most of these organizations can issue tax receipts for donations of $20 or more. Donations help cover veterinary expenses, food, supplies, and operating costs.

You can also make in-kind donations, including pet food, blankets, toys, litter boxes, cleaning supplies, and other necessary supplies. Most organizations have wish lists on their websites or social media pages.

Spread the word

Share information about adoptable animals on your social media accounts. Tell your friends and family about available resources, such as pet food banks and low-cost spay/neuter programs. The more people who know about these resources, the more animals can be saved.

Spay/neuter your pet

If you have an unspayed/unneutered pet, contact PALS or one of the low-cost veterinary clinics. Spaying and neutering are the most effective ways to reduce animal overpopulation.

Be a responsible owner

License your pet, keep their vaccinations up to date, provide appropriate training and socialization, and plan ahead if you are facing financial difficulties or housing changes. Reach out to available resources, such as pet food banks, before the situation becomes critical.

Support TNR programs

If you see community or feral cats in your neighborhood, contact the Edmonton Humane Society, GEARS, or Community Cats Edmonton about TNR programs. TNR is a humane and effective way to manage community cat populations.

Conclusion

Edmonton not only has animal shelters—the city boasts a comprehensive, multi-layered ecosystem of organizations, programs, and resources dedicated to animal welfare. From the historic Edmonton Humane Society, founded in 1907, to the municipal Animal Care & Control Centre, volunteer rescue organizations, breed-specific rescue groups, community support programs, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities, Edmonton offers a multitude of options for animals in need and people who want to make a difference.

However, this system faces significant challenges. Shelters are operating at or above capacity, rescue organizations receive hundreds of surrender requests each week, and economic pressures are forcing more people to make difficult decisions about their pets. The situation calls for community action—more foster parents, more adopters, more volunteers, and more support for programs that keep animals with their families.

The good news is that Edmonton has the infrastructure, experience, and dedication to meet these challenges. With over a century of experience in animal protection, a strong network of organizations, and a compassionate community, Edmonton is well positioned to continue to be a leader in humane animal care. But this requires the ongoing support and participation of the entire community. Every adoption, every foster placement, every volunteer hour, every donation makes a difference in an animal's life.

Are there animal shelters in Edmonton?