News and Stories

Two dogs, Ruby and Badger, sitting together in a grassy field

Ruby and Badger’s Story

Some rescued animals adjust quickly to their new lives. Others, like Ruby, need time, patience, and a little help from ...

Two horses standing in a green field with trees in the background.

Resources for Horse Owners

Interested in getting a horse, but don’t know how to care for one? Or have you recently acquired one and ...
Young horse and foal standing near a wooden fence in a grassy paddock, with trees in the background.

Parasite Control in Horses

Effective parasite control is a critical part of responsible horse care. Horses are susceptible to a variety of internal and ...
A healthy adult horse and foal grazing in a lush green pasture with trees in the background.

Senior Horse Quality of Life Scale

Determining if and when to euthanize a beloved horse is a difficult decision. Having the courage to make the decision ...
A horse and foal grazing peacefully in a green field with yellow flowers, surrounded by trees

Laminitis & Founder

With the onset of summer and pastures growing lush, some horses are at risk of pasture-induced laminitis. Laminitis is an ...
A healthy horse standing in a grassy field during autumn with colorful fall foliage in the background.

Hoof Care for Horses

Hoof care is essential for the welfare, comfort, and performance of livestock, including horses, cattle, sheep and goats. Without proper ...
Close-up of a Foxy the horse with a shiny coat and a bridle, standing in a stable with a blurred background.

Basic Horse Care

Ensuring the health and well-being of horses involves following some essential guidelines. Learn about some of the key aspects of ...

Cat Play

The Importance of Play for Indoor Cats The Alberta SPCA strongly encourages cat guardians to keep their cats indoors for ...

Reducing Stress in Cats

Why Reducing Stress Matters Domestic cats may live in our homes, but their instincts and behaviours are very similar to ...

Orange Cat Sitting under a table, poking his head out

Indoor vs Outdoor

Indoor vs Outdoor Cats Many people let their cat outdoors to explore, but the outside world can be a dangerous ...

Cat Training Basics

Many people recognize that training a dog is a key part of responsible pet care – it helps ensure they ...

Importing Dogs into Canada

The Government of Canada has a number of safeguards in place to ensure dogs being brought into the country are ...

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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.