Featured Stories

Left Behind: Max and Molly’s Story

Earlier this year, our peace officers were called out to a vacant home in central Alberta. Due to a complex ...

Protecting Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking

During times of crisis, people need peace of mind knowing their animals are safe. That’s why The Alberta SPCA is ...
Collage on drawings and thank you letters done by students, to the Alberta SPCA

Humane Education: A Year In Review

Schools are out across the province. Students have stowed away their backpacks and teachers have put away their lesson plans ...
Woman named Joy Ripley holding a small goat with a joyful expression.

A Legacy of Compassion

For more than two decades, Joy Ripley helped shape the future of animal welfare in Alberta. As a dedicated board ...
brown calf with a white spot on its forehead resting on straw bedding in a barn.

What Happens After a Rescue?

As the front line of animal protection, the Alberta SPCA has the unique role of rescuing animals in distress in ...
Image of an Alberta SPCA Peace officer driving a vehicle, on the way to an investigation.

WATCH | Our Peace Officers’ Role

https://youtu.be/rmzEKnc2XJk Join us as we sit down with Rachel Vandenkroonenberg, peace officer and field training officer at the Alberta SPCA. ...

Alberta SPCA Full Logo

Official Statement on the Opening of the APA

The Alberta SPCA is encouraged to see the Government of Alberta demonstrating its commitment to animal welfare by reviewing the ...
The image shows an adult horse and a foal standing outdoors in a natural setting, with the adult horse gently resting its head on the foal.

Spirit’s Story

Sometimes, hope can come from the most unexpected places. Spirit’s story showcases the of these amazing animals — and the ...
Black and brown dog standing outside in the snow.

Using New Legal Strategies to Close Gaps and Protect Animals

When urgent intervention is needed to rescue animals in need, sometimes traditional methods don’t provide enough protection. That’s where we’re ...
Black and White Dog in a fall background looking at the camera.

The Importance of Modern Animal Bylaws

A Shared Responsibility Animal welfare in Alberta is a shared responsibility, and municipalities of all sizes play a vital role. ...

Close of image of a peace officer outside looking out at a field of cattle. The focus of the image is the Alberta SPCA Logo.

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 ...

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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

Outside Calgary and Edmonton:

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.