What We Do

Protecting Alberta's Animals

Protecting animals takes action, compassion and community — and we do it best when we do it together.

Our Mandate

As the only organization dedicated to enforcing animal protection laws across the entire province, preventing distress is at the heart of our work. We take a proactive approach — advocating, educating and working alongside government, partners and Albertans to ensure animals receive the care and compassion they deserve. By standing up for Alberta’s animals and supporting their caregivers, we’re building healthier, safer communities for everyone.

Alberta SPCA peace officer interacts with a brown horse in a snowy outdoor setting, promoting animal welfare and rescue efforts.

Animal Enforcement

The Alberta SPCA receives thousands of calls each year from people concerned they’ve witnessed some form neglect or abuse, leading to distress for the animal.  Our team investigates animal welfare issues involving all domestic animals, including companion pets and livestock.

Animal Welfare Leadership

Our organization invests in community and caregiver resources and programs to lead animal welfare in Alberta.

Education Resources

Humane education is an approach to teaching that inspires compassion to animals, people and the environment – every living thing. It incorporates students’ relationships with other species and the Earth we share, providing a unique perspective for reflecting on one’s place in the world.

A website for teachers who aim to inspire compassion for animals, people and the environment.

Un site Web pour les enseignants qui souhaitent inspirer la compassion envers les animaux, les personnes et l’environnement.

Resources for several animal-related Career and Technology Studies (CTS) high school courses.

Pet Safekeeping Program

The Pet Safekeeping Program is dedicated to helping people impacted by family violence leave abusive situations by providing temporary care for their pets. The Pet Safekeeping Program bridges the gap between animal services and human services to maximize the effectiveness of family violence prevention.

Black and white image of a girl with her arm around a dog, looking out a window together.
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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.