Animal Protection

2025: A Year of Courage, Compassion and Community

In her message below, Executive Director Leanne Niblock reflects on the milestones, challenges and collective efforts that shaped the past ...

New Look – Renewed Commitment to Animal Protection

In April, the Alberta SPCA took into care 16 shivering and frightened dogs from northern Alberta —the result of an ...

Image of Dog

Improving Animal Protection Through Effective Prohibition Orders

When it comes to protecting animals from ongoing neglect, court-ordered prohibitions are one of the most powerful tools available. Under ...

Peace Officer Luke standing in front of new stock trailer

New Stock Trailer Plays Big Role in Removing Horses from Property

It didn’t take long for our new stock trailer to prove its worth. Thanks to your incredible support during our ...

Nancy, the new director of animal protection services, and her horse Missy.

Alberta SPCA Welcomes New Director of Animal Protection Services

We are excited to introduce Nancy Simmons as our new Director of Animal Protection Services. Nancy has extensive experience working ...

Marking 10 Years Since the Milk River Dogs Seizure

It was one of the largest seizures in Alberta SPCA history — and a case that shocked the province. ...

History of Large Seizures

Alberta SPCA Peace Officers have been involved in a number of large seizures over the past 20 years, most of ...

Back to School for Dogs in our Care

Heading back to school is an exciting, although anxious, time for many. For us, a dozen canines in our care ...

Looks Can Be Deceiving

When our Alberta SPCA Peace Officer first arrived at the suburban home, she thought she was at the wrong address. ...

Poppy’s Path

Seizure of 82 animals from Mountain View County Involved a Large Number of Animals, and One Tiny Dog. Poppy was ...

Numerous Large Seizures Strain Alberta SPCA Resources

Latest seizure brings 82 additional animals into the care of the Alberta SPCA On April 23, 2024, the Alberta SPCA ...

Compassion for Hoarders

When the Alberta SPCA Peace Officer arrives at a property to check on the welfare of animals, she is always ...

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Abused or neglected animal

Under the Animal Protection Act, peace officers have authority to investigate concerns of animal abuse or neglect if there is reason to believe that an animal is:

(a) deprived of adequate shelter, ventilation, space, food, water or veterinary care or reasonable protection from injurious heat or cold,
(b) injured, sick, in pain or suffering, or
(c) abused or subjected to undue hardship, privation or neglect.

Does your concern meet these requirements?

Animal that is in immediate danger
Who to call

In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
403-205-4455
Calgary Humane Society

On a First Nation or Reserve:
Contact Band leadership or the RCMP

Outside Calgary, Edmonton, or First Nations:
1-800-455-9003 or complete online
Alberta SPCA

What you need when you call:
Address, details (must be firsthand), date and time, description of owner and animals

What next

If your concern is regarding intentional cruelty to
an animal, contact your local police or RCMP. If the
animal is in immediate danger, call 911.

If not, start again.

Abandoned animal

Stray animals and abandoned animals are different.
An abandoned animal has been intentionally left behind by their owner or caretaker, without proper care or intention to return.

A stray animal may or may not have an owner or caretaker, and is wandering at large (off the owner or caretaker’s property).

Wildlife

Contact a wildlife organization near you.

Who to call

In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
403-205-4455
Calgary Humane Society

Outside Calgary and Edmonton:
1-800-455-9003
Alberta SPCA or complete online

Is the stray animal injured?
Who to call

Companion Animals
In Edmonton:
311
Edmonton Animal Care & Control Centre

In Calgary:
311
Calgary Animal Services

Outside Calgary and Edmonton: 
Contact municipal enforcement / bylaw office

Livestock
Contact Livestock Identification Services at 1-866-509-2088.
After hours, contact your local non-emergency police line

Short-term pet care during crisis

Review our materials

Surrendering an animal

Contact your local animal shelter.