News and Stories

Sheep standing outside while nursing lambs.

Livestock and Hot Weather

As temperatures rise during the summer months, hot weather can become a serious concern for livestock. Taking proactive steps during ...
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 ...
Alberta SPCA Full Logo

Alberta SPCA Seeking Information in Suspected Animal Cruelty Case

The Alberta SPCA and Chestermere RCMP are seeking information as part of an ongoing investigation into a suspected animal cruelty ...
Energetic dog running through shallow water with a stick in its mouth.

5 Tips for Pet Caregivers This Summer

Summer is upon is and Alberta is starting to heat up. Across the province people and pets are gearing up ...
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 ...
Cat lying down, looking into the camera.

Supporting Caregivers and Animals: A Cat Rescue Story

When people are struggling with mental health issues, animals often bear the brunt of their pain. ...
Group of three goats, including a white and black adult and two kids, standing on gravel with a wooden fence in the background.

New Toolkit Aims to Support People’s Well-being Along With Animal Welfare

A new toolkit will help Alberta SPCA peace officers aid not only animals in distress, but also their owners, through ...
Peace Officer holding cat with the Peace officers flash being shown

Bill 22: The Animal Protection Amendment Act

For the first time in two decades, Alberta is strengthening its animal protection laws. Here's what's changing. ...
Two dogs in unsafe conditions, in a messy house.

Hazel’s Story

Hazel needed help. Your donations fueled her rescue. Now, you can help save more animals like her. ...
Donkey outside in a grassy field with a fence in the back.

Six Animal Tips for Emergency Preparedness Week

May 4–10 is National Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. From wildfires to snowstorms – and even floods, Alberta has no ...
grey and white cat with a light-colored coat and striking eyes, peering through a circular opening in a shelter environment.

Tips for Finding the Right Shelter or Rescue

Adopting an animal is an exciting and meaningful decision, and finding the right shelter or rescue is just as important ...

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. ...

Scroll to Top
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.