Who: The Calgary Humane Society
What: Provides shelter to more than 8,500 animals, averages 4,500 adoptions, reunites 750 lost pets with their owners and more by relying on 580-plus volunteers, and with a budget of approximately $5 million in donations to make it all happen every year.
Why: With a bookstore full of pet owner resources, daily training classes for dog owners, clubs and summer camps for kids, and anti-bullying and empathy workshops for teens, the Calgary Humane Society is much more than just an animal shelter.
Over the last 87 years, the Calgary Humane Society (CHS) has grown into a huge professional facility built upon a foundation of compassion and constant communal support. With the support of almost 600 volunteers, CHS has yet to turn away even one cat, dog or rabbit in need.
“If it wasn’t for the incredible support of this community, the 8,500 animals we care for every year would not find a loving home,” says CHS executive director Patricia Cameron. “Calgary is a pet-friendly city and deserves to give itself a giant pat on the back.”
CHS is responsible for more than 4,000 pet adoptions each year. The shelter’s main concern is matching the personality and lifestyle of each animal to those of an ideal owner. The adoption process is stressful for animals, especially for those who fled a life of violence.
“My imagination is blown away every day by the strength and determination of these animals,” says Cameron. “Most of them have been through so much suffering and neglect, and yet they all seem to get past it and live happy lives. I like to think we have something to do with that.”
CHS also runs Pet Safekeeping, a program dedicated to boarding and caring for pets of people in emergency situations, including domestic violence, fire, flood or hospitalization. Animals are given behaviour-assessment and modification classes, and stress-reduction programs to help rebuild their confidence and regain a happy disposition.
All of the animals cared for by CHS are spayed and neutered, given vaccinations and any medical attention they may need. The facility’s Behaviour Helpline (403-723-6057) offers constant support to all pets and their owners.
What can you do?
The Calgary Humane Society hosts fun-for-all Paws Port events every month, including pet-owner belly dancing and line-dancing classes, improv comedy nights, and pet spa days. To participate or to make a donation, call 403-205-4455 or visit calgaryhumane.ca.
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CHS Adoption Process
Submitted 2 years 34 weeks ago
Thanks for the profile. Our 8500 + animals need all the support and help they can get. Just to clarify on a point in the story -- the Adoption Process at Calgary Humane is very positive and smooth. For the animals, stress is really caused by the process of losing their home, whether through surrender, getting lost, being abandoned, or being seized by our Peace Officers due to neglect or abuse. It is so wonderful to see how the love of an adopter can heal the emotional wounds of an animal in need.
Patricia Cameron
Executive Director
Calgary Humane Society
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