5 Things You Might Not Know About EHS

When you think of the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), animal adoptions probably come to mind. And while finding loving homes is a big part of our mission, there’s so much more happening behind the scenes to support both animals and the people who care for them.

In 2024, we reached thousands of people and pets in ways that may surprise you. Here are five things you might not know about EHS — and the difference supporters like you made last year.

#1: We’re Helping Pets Stay with Their Families — Not Just Finding Them New Ones

Life can throw unexpected challenges at any of us — like illness, job loss or housing insecurity — that make caring for a beloved animal incredibly difficult. But with the right support, many of these families can stay together.

That’s why we launched the HELP (Helping Every Loved Pet) Tool in October 2024. By simply selecting the type of pet and the challenge they’re facing, guardians are matched with tailored resources — from behaviour support and financial aid to emergency boarding.

We also provide hands-on help through our Pet Pantry and Emergency Boarding programs, offering short-term care for pets while their families navigate life’s challenges.

In 2024, 4,544 families accessed the HELP Tool after its launch, while 1,383 animals were supported through our Pet Pantry and 62 animals received temporary care through Emergency Boarding.

#2: We Spay and Neuter Animals in Our Care — and in the Community

Every cat, dog and rabbit adopted from EHS is spayed or neutered before heading to their new home — it’s part of our commitment to responsible pet guardianship.

But our impact extends beyond our shelter. Through the PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) program, we provide affordable spay and neuter surgeries for pets belonging to families experiencing financial hardship. During warmer months, our PALS Mobile Unit brings these services directly to communities that need support most.

In 2024, we spayed or neutered 3,505 adoptable animals and 600 pets in the community, including 226 surgeries performed through our PALS Mobile Unit.

Following the wildfires that devastated Jasper in 2023, we proudly lent our mobile unit to Jasper Veterinary Clinic over the winter so they could continue providing essential veterinary services after their clinic was lost in the fire.

Photo provided by the Jasper Veterinary Clinic.

#3: Our Veterinary Team Performs Life-Changing Surgeries Every Day

Animals arrive at EHS in all kinds of conditions. Some need urgent medical care to recover from injury, illness or neglect — and that’s where our veterinary team steps in.

In addition to routine spay/neuter procedures, our team performs complex and often life-saving surgeries — including amputations, dental work, eye procedures and wound repair — all in our fully equipped shelter veterinary clinic. These surgeries give animals the chance to live healthy, pain-free lives.

In 2024, our team completed 517 specialty surgeries to help animals heal, recover and thrive.

#4: We’re Educating the Next Generation of Animal Advocates

Empathy. Responsibility. Compassion. These are the values we share through our Humane Education programs, which reach children, teens and families through school presentations, camps, birthday paw-ties and more.

Our goal? To build a kinder future for people and pets — starting with the next generation.

In 2024, 4,851 people took part in our Humane Education programming.

#5: We’re Committed to Treating Every Animal as an Individual

We’re often asked: how long can an animal stay with you? Our answer: as long as they need.

While our goal is always to help animals find loving homes as quickly as possible, we never euthanize animals for time or space. Every animal in our care receives individual attention and support, and when humane euthanasia is the most compassionate choice, it’s guided by our expert team and based on health, safety and quality of life.

In 2024, we achieved a 95% live release rate, exceeding the 90% benchmark recommended for animal shelters.