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2024

2024 Annual Report

A year of growth, progress and strengthening of the human-animal bond.

Download Our 2024 Impact Report

Our Vision

To be a model of excellence in the advancement of animal welfare.

Our Mission

Enrich the lives of people and companion animals through animal sheltering, programs and services, and community engagement.

Message From Our Board Chair

As I reflect on my first year serving as Board Chair for the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS), I am filled with pride and gratitude for all that we have accomplished. It’s been an incredible year of growth and impact, during which I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the unwavering dedication of our team, volunteers and supporters.

We underwent a period of thoughtful collaboration and outreach that brought together voices from across our organization and beyond. This process allowed us to listen deeply and gain a clear understanding of our strengths, challenges and opportunities. The result of these efforts is our newly released strategic plan, which will guide our mission-driven work in the years ahead.

What you’ll see in this annual report is more than just words and numbers — it reflects real lives changed, both animal and human. It’s this impact that matters the most. EHS continues to be a trusted voice for animal welfare and education in our community, ensuring we are making a lasting impact for animals in need.

The compassion of our staff, volunteers and supporters continually inspires me. Each day, they pour their time, energy and love into making this all possible.

On behalf of EHS’ Board of Directors, thank you for being part of our journey. Your generosity, dedication and unwavering commitment to animal welfare have been instrumental in driving our mission forward, and I look forward to what we can continue in the years ahead.

– Allison Radford

Our 2024 Board Members

  • Board Chair

    Allison Radford

  • Vice Chair

    Patricia Misutka

  • Secretary

    Sumeet Saroya, CPA

  • Treasurer

    Darren Lunt

  • Director

    Dr. Jocelyn Forseille

  • Director

    Robert Parks

  • Director

    Amanda Pechousek

  • Director

    Dr. Ted Purcell

  • Director

    Sheri Cameron

  • Director

    Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti

  • Director

    Kathleen Garbutt

  • Director

    Gord Gilroy

  • Director

    Karen Leibovici

  • Director

    Lorenzo Pasutto

  • Director

    Dale Wispinski

Board Chair

Allison Radford

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Several years ago, when Allison brought her youngest puppy to EHS for training, she discovered an opportunity to unite with an organization that shared her passion for animal advocacy and desire to help. Bringing her perspective from corporate governance, finance, and operations experience, Allison also has experience from sitting on past audit committees for other boards she has served. With an accounting background and extensive operational experience, her ability to analyze items from both perspectives serve her well in contributing to EHS Board decisions. Outside of work hours, Allison spends her time reading or outdoors with her family including three wonderful Labradors, Zoe, Ansley, and Nacho.

Vice Chair

Patricia Misutka

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As Executive Director of Corporate Communications with the Edmonton Police Service, Patricia brings a wealth of governance, public sector leadership and business capacity to her role with the EHS Board of Directors. Her work experience across both public and private sectors in senior leadership roles has been grounded in a belief about the need to build success based on strong relationships and connections across multiple communities. Her non-profit experience with the Glenrose Hospital Foundation and the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts has given her a strong grounding in the social sector and understanding of strategies that create success. Patricia has always adored animals and currently spends time with Winston, a seven-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, and Fiona, a mixed breed four-year-old rescue from Mexico who had to be rescued a second time. Both are crazy ball hounds. 

Secretary

Sumeet Saroya, CPA

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Sumeet’s love for animals ranges from the tiniest critters to the grandest companions. His passion to assist in the nurturing and caring for animals has drawn him to joining the EHS Board. Sumeet also hopes to honour the memory of his rottweiler Oscar by serving the animals and the community at EHS. With a CPA background and experience in consulting and corporate development, Sumeet is excited to bring a unique blend of financial expertise and strategic insight to the table. In his free time, Sumeet enjoys traveling and trying new eateries in the city.

Treasurer

Darren Lunt

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Becoming a member of the EHS Board brings Darren full circle to where his career began in 1990 when he was hired as the Society’s fundraising manager. The six and a half years working at the shelter offered many rewarding experiences. A personal highlight for Darren was launching the inaugural Pets in Park event that continues to this day. Darren’s professional career continued in the non-profit sector, where his fundraising skills evolved into senior manager responsibilities with both the Royal Tyrrell Museum and Pilgrims Hospice Society. A switch over to the corporate sector in the mid-2000s eventually led him to the President role at Weldco Companies, a large heavy steel fabricator with locations across Canada. In early 2024, Darren transitioned back to the non-profit sector and is currently serving as the President and CEO of the Mental Health Foundation of Alberta. Darren is originally from Edmonton, where his two adult children currently pursue their post-secondary degrees. Free time is spent with his wife and their Bernedoodle, Cleo, at their cabin. It was the recent addition of Cleo to the Lunt family that reignited Darren’s passion for animal welfare and his desire to become involved with the EHS.

Director

Dr. Jocelyn Forseille

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Dr. Forseille recently retired after more than 40 years as a full-time veterinarian. Jocelyn worked in private practice before joining the Animal Health Technology program at NAIT. The last nine years of her career has been with the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. Throughout her career she has championed animal welfare and been involved with meetings and/or initiatives with the Edmonton Humane Society, City of Edmonton Animal Care and Control, Alberta SPCA, WILDNorth and other animal welfare organizations. Her current volunteer positions are Chair of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Veterinary Technology Program Accreditation Committee. Jocelyn has also trained as a site visitor and participated in veterinary college accreditation site visits. She is a volunteer veterinarian for Alberta Helping Animals Society and for the Needs Committee, Animal Cancer Therapy Subsidization Society. In veterinary practice and in volunteer roles, animal welfare has been a constant and Jocelyn looks forward to using her knowledge and experience in joining the EHS Board of Directors. Jocelyn and her family have always had at least one pet – currently Susie, a senior cat. Jocelyn and Glenn have two adult children who live nearby with grand-dog Theo.

Director

Robert Parks

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The welfare of animals has been a personal ethos of Rob’s for as long as he can remember; he believes animals deserve our affection, care, and respect. Throughout his life he has seen and benefited from all that a pet can provide. The opportunity to volunteer with the Edmonton Humane Society was an opportunity he could not bypass. It gives him a platform to marry his skills and experience with his personal beliefs. Rob’s skills and experience in strategic planning, community development, and governance will be leveraged in his work with EHS. As a partner in a consulting firm, Rob is adept at working collaboratively with others in pursuit of common outcomes. He has seen in innumerable communities, the difference a group of dedicated people can make. Outside of work Rob enjoys golfing and getting out on his bike. Between pets at the moment, he relishes his time with the pets of family, friends, and anyone walking their dog.

Director

Amanda Pechousek

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Amanda’s love for animals is what initially drew her to EHS. After learning more about the organization’s goal to not only provide basic food and shelter but their dedication to improve the relationships between companion animals and the community, she proudly joined the Board of Directors.  Participating and helping advise on several other boards since 2014 along with her experience as a Chartered Accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, Amanda brings a unique perspective on risk mitigation. With specializations in forensic investigations, fraud awareness training, anti-fraud/anti-corruption programs and controls, and litigation/dispute services, she desires to help position the organization as the new standard for animal welfare and build upon its great reputation.  Camping since she could crawl, Amanda’s appreciation for animals began at a young age. Currently, the proud pet guardian of one rambunctious Maine Coon cat, Gir, she enjoys spending spare time drawing, kayaking, and on camping trips with her husband and their family’s newest campers – their two young sons.

Director

Dr. Ted Purcell

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Dr. Purcell retired in 2020 after a 38-year career as a veterinarian and co-owner of the Hermitage Veterinary Hospital in Edmonton. His volunteer experience with the Edmonton Humane Society is extensive and began early in his professional career. Over the years, Dr. Purcell has assisted in the areas of humane education and communications. He has a keen interest in animal welfare and education. This has led to invitations to lecture at pre- and post-secondary institutions. Most recently, Dr. Purcell served on the Board of Directors of the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation and the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association. Dr. Purcell is passionate about public education and the stewardship of animals. He looks forward to continuing to share his passion and experience as a member of the EHS Board of Directors. And to support the EHS in advancing its mission, vision, and values. Dr. Purcell enjoys spending his time on long walks with his two dogs, Copper and Mulder. As well as volunteering for a number community organizations in Edmonton.

Director

Sheri Cameron

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In addition to contributing to the important work of animal care and well-being, Sheri joined the EHS to help others create and celebrate the special connections between people and animals. Sheri aims to support the values, mission and goals of the EHS by building relationships and facilitating connections within the community. Currently the Director of People, Culture and Communications at OFX, Sheri provides strategic advice in the areas of employee engagement, cultural development, internal communications and workforce future readiness. Through this, Sheri remains focused on building high performance teams and leading ongoing change initiatives to support business performance. She also has a thorough understanding of governance and collaboration, further enhanced through M&A and integration experience. Being a lifelong Edmontonian, a mother of two, and co-owner of a local Edmonton business with her husband, Sheri has a strong passion for bettering the community in which she lives and works. Outside of work, Sheri enjoys travelling with her husband, their two children, and Hope, the expressive and loyal Labradoodle who is instant friends with everyone she meets.

Director

Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti

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Tom, our adventurous short-haired Tabby, embarked on a six-month escapade this year, only to return a few pounds lighter but no worse for wear. His triumphant homecoming reaffirmed the profound role animals play in our lives. Lou, a seasoned emergency physician at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, witnesses firsthand the hardships that pervade our society. He passionately advocates for the integral role animals—ranging from birds to horses—play in fostering happiness, comfort, and purpose, especially for those in need. As a dedicated member of the EHS Board, Lou embraces the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded individuals and the exemplary staff to weave moments of joy and fulfillment for all involved.

Director

Kathleen Garbutt

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Kathleen is a lawyer who is proud to call Edmonton home. Born and raised in Edmonton, she is proud to give back to the best city in the province. As a lawyer, Kathleen has endeavoured to provide practical advice and ardent advocacy whenever possible. Like her fellow board members, Katheen is a passionate animal lover. Her first cat, Ginger Daisy, was a Christmas gift when she was five; Ginger showed Kathleen the special bond a pet can create and sparked a lifelong commitment to caring for the animals in her life. Currently, she has a standard poodle named Theodore (Teddy for short) and a turtle named Timo. Kathleen has always had a special place in her heart for horses and was a competitive showjumper for 20 years. Currently, she loves watching her daughter ride her pony Twix. Kathleen is excited and honoured to serve the community, and particularly those who cannot speak for themselves, by contributing to the Edmonton Humane Society.

Director

Gord Gilroy

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Born, raised, and educated in Edmonton, Gord graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Business. He is president and co-founder of Vision Creative, a creative and advertising agency in Edmonton that has supported companies and non-profits across Western Canada for 25+ years. As a small business owner Gord wants the best for his city and that includes the positive impact the Humane Society has on animals of all kinds. He understands the importance of good governance to ensure an organization can achieve its goals – both short- and long-term. He welcomes the opportunity to draw upon his candour and experience – in addition to his love and respect for animals of all kinds – to propel the EHS forward. Gord and his wife Angie have two adult kids – Jack and Grace, and two adult cats – Katie and Henry; the only difference is that the latter two have been spoiled since birth. Away from work he enjoys hiking /skiing in the Canadian Rockies, travel abroad and art in its various forms.

Director

Karen Leibovici

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Karen believes that EHS is a pivotal organization in the advancement of animal welfare practices. As a former Edmonton City Councillor she is aware of the positive impact that EHS has in advocating for vulnerable animals. She sees this as an opportunity to share her professional background in labour relations, personnel management and social work as well as her political and extensive board governance experience. She has always loved animals which these days  include the many birds and squirrels in the backyard. Karen, her husband and grandson can sometimes be seen in the neighbourhood walking their two cats, Cooper and Cleo on leashes.

Director

Lorenzo Pasutto

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Since joining the EHS board, Lorenzo remains dedicated to advancing humane education and community engagement while considering supports for the long-term financial viability of the organization. He is drawn by his desire to contribute to a longstanding pillar of the community in an area of personal interest that enriches so many lives. Bringing experience as a management consultant, working collaboratively to identify and solve complex organizational issues across several industries, Lorenzo adds valuable perspective and skills to the collective wealth of the EHS Board of Directors. His ingenuity as the founder of a technology company working with Artificial Intelligence and focus on gauging customer satisfaction provide a unique view of data analytics. Lorenzo believes his love of animals began after seeing “The Velveteen Rabbit” as a child and shortly after adopting a stuffy he lovingly named “Bunny Rubble”. He currently spends as much time as possible saving his yard from his rambunctious and truffle-seeking Lagotto Romagnolo puppy.

Director

Dale Wispinski

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Dale was drawn to join the EHS Board because of their commitment to enriching the lives of people and companion animals, as well as its longstanding contributions to the community. With an education in communications and law, Dale is passionate about helping others and currently holds the position as the CEO and Chief Appeals Commissioner with the Appeals Commission for Alberta Workers’ Compensation. Her extensive legal background is a valuable addition to the EHS Board as is her commitment to supporting the organization in achieving its vision, mission, and strategic goals while playing a part in sharing the exceptional work that the EHS does. Dale grew up with family dogs and has had a soft spot for animals since. When enjoying leisure time, she can be found on long nature walks – exploring the mountains with Stephen, her Australian Labradoodle.

Message From Our CEO

Looking back over the last year, I first want to extend my deepest gratitude to our incredible staff, volunteers, donors and our broader community. Your unwavering support has been instrumental in helping us achieve so much in 2024. It’s because of you that we continue to make a difference in the lives of both animals and people in need.

In 2024, we achieved a significant milestone: the average length of stay for animals in our shelter dropped to its lowest point in five years. This reduction means animals are finding homes more quickly, allowing us to open our doors to even more in need. As a result, we facilitated 3,905 adoptions, surpassing last year’s total and giving thousands of animals a fresh start.

This year, we deepened community support through humane education, outreach and resource sharing—empowering people to build compassionate bonds with animals. We introduced new youth programs like Dog Bite Prevention and The Link, which explores the connection between the treatment of animals and people. We also launched the HELP Tool, an online resource providing support for pet guardians, and continued our Pet Pantry program, which supported over 1,383 families facing challenging times.

We made key investments in animal care, including the addition of a new dental suite to provide advanced care for the animals we serve. And we were honoured to be recognized as a 2024 Non-profit Employer of Choice for the fourth year in a row, a testament to the supportive and positive culture we’ve all worked together to create.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our team and community. As we embark on 2025 and the start of our next strategic plan, I am filled with optimism for the future. We are committed to building on this momentum and making even greater strides towards our new vision: people and pets thriving, together.

– Liza Sunley

Reflecting on 2020-2024 & Looking Ahead

2024 marked the final year of our 2020–2024 Strategic Plan — a period shaped by both unprecedented challenges and significant progress. The COVID-19 pandemic defined the early years of this plan, requiring us to adapt quickly and reimagine how we serve animals and the community. Despite this adversity, we made important strides across each of our five pillars: animals, community, people, supporters and foundation.

Key Achievements

  • Evaluating our practices against the Association of Shelter Veterinarians’ Guidelines to uphold the highest standards of care.
  • Launching our Pet Pantry and emergency boarding programs to support pet guardians in crisis, and piloting options for urgent veterinary assistance.
  • Deploying our Mobile PALS (Prevent Another Litter Subsidy) Unit to increase access to spay/neuter services.
  • Earning COR certification to formalize our commitment to workplace health and safety.
  • Establishing the Animal Ambassador Program to help adopters share their EHS pets’ stories in the community.

  • 4,604

    ANIMALS ADMITTED

    • 3,505

      Shelter Animals Spayed/Neutered

    • 517

      Specialty Surgeries

    • 3,552

      Animals Microchipped

Our efforts are driven by a deep commitment to animal welfare. Last year, we launched a range of initiatives designed to exceed industry best practices, with the well-being of both animals and humans remaining central to everything we do.

Advancing Animal Welfare

  • HELP Tool: Keeping Pets with the Families Who Love Them

    In fall 2024, we launched the HELP (Helping Every Loved Pet) Tool, a new online resource designed to support pet guardians facing challenges that may lead to rehoming. By providing tailored recommendations and access to critical resources — including training, temporary care and financial assistance — the HELP Tool helps keep pets in their homes whenever possible.

    By offering proactive support, the HELP Tool ensures EHS can focus on pets in the most urgent need while strengthening the bond between people and their beloved companions.

  • Proactive Efforts to Reduce Length of Stay

    Last year, the average length of stay for adoptable animals reached a five-year low of 17 days. This achievement was the result of collaborative efforts across teams, with key initiatives led by our Animal Flow Specialist to improve adoption efficiency and animal well-being.

    Some initiatives included updated Canine Behaviour Assessments, the addition of a cat behaviour evaluation and more dynamic adoption profiles, ensuring animals were matched with the right homes faster. Increased media collaborations, along with multiple adoption events throughout the year, further boosted visibility and placement rates of adoptable animals.

    By streamlining processes and enhancing adoption support, more animals found homes faster, reducing stress and improving overall welfare.

  • Providing Stability Through the EHS Pet Pantry

    Since launching in summer 2023, EHS’ Pet Pantry has been a vital resource for pet guardians facing financial hardship. We provided vital assistance to over 1,300 clients through the Pet Pantry food bank last year. Through a monthly pick-up program, clients continued accessing food and supplies using a punch card system valid for up to 12 visits.

    By easing financial strain, the Pet Pantry ensures pets remain with the families who love them, reinforcing EHS’ commitment to supporting both people and animals in our community.

  • Strengthening Behaviour Support for Pets and Guardians

    Last year, EHS restructured and expanded its animal behaviour department to better support both cats and dogs. This included adding cat behaviour evaluations, improving documentation and optimizing pathways to increase adoption success.

    To further assist pet guardians, EHS continued to introduce new free behavioural resources and guides, developed with our behaviour, medical and animal welfare teams. These tools provide practical support to help pets stay in their homes. By refining our approach and expanding resources, EHS is ensuring better outcomes for shelter animals and strengthening the bond between pets and their guardians.

Average Length of Stay

In 2024, the overall average length of stay was 17 days, compared to 20 in 2023 and 23 in 2022.

Intake Methods

*Ancillary intakes include animals born in care, emergency boarding and deceased on arrival.

Did You Know?

We distributed over 52,000 pounds of food with our Pet Pantry program, along with litter and other essential supplies to help families care for their pets.

Lavern the Dog

As the leaves changed, so did Lavern.

Lavern arrived at EHS in the summer of 2024 — nervous, silent and without identification. Found as a stray with another frightened dog, she flinched at overhead movements and avoided touch. Her intake exam had to be slow — built on trust. Our medical team discovered a small mass and signs she’d recently raised a litter. The mass was safely removed—thankfully benign—but emotionally, Lavern still had healing to do.

That healing began with the strength of our community. Our behaviour team built her a socialization plan and made sure she was matched with pups of a similar playstyle during doggy play dates. Our volunteers and staff worked patiently to help her feel safe and cared for. When she injured her paw, our foster team quickly arranged a quiet recovery home. It was there that Lavern’s gentle spirit began to really shine.

She grew more confident with each foster stay — calm on leash, affectionate with those she trusted and always eager to please. By November, she was one of our longest residents, so we fully sponsored her adoption fee. Days later, she met her match!

Today, Lavern is loved and thriving in a home that understands her. Her journey is a reminder of the compassion, expertise and teamwork that power every success story at EHS.

Supporting Animals in Care

  • Improving Canine Behaviour Assessments for Better Outcomes

    In fall 2024, EHS transitioned from the Dog Temperament Assessment (DTA) to an observational model which improved how shelter dogs were assessed. Traditional methods often caused stress and delayed interactions, and research showed they were not always reliable predictors of future behaviour.

    The new approach allows earlier engagement, with dogs interacting with staff within 24 hours through activities like walking and playtime. By reducing waiting periods, this model fostered more positive first interactions, reduced stress and ensured dynamic behaviour profiles that evolve over time.

    With less time spent on structured testing, the behaviour team can focus more on individualized care, helping dogs receive the support they need and increasing successful adoption placements.

  • Investing in Dental Health: A New Suite for a Growing Need

    The demand for dental care among shelter animals has risen steadily, with dental procedures now accounting for approximately 70% of all non-elective surgeries performed at EHS. Over the past two years, the number of procedures has nearly doubled, increasing from 203 in 2022 to 379 in 2024.

    Recognizing the critical role of dental health in overall animal well-being, EHS invested in a dedicated dental suite in 2024. This upgraded space enhances efficiency and ensures animals receive the highest standard of care. Key improvements include a heated surgery table for patient comfort, a ceiling-mounted surgical light for enhanced visibility, and a patient-side dental X-ray and processing system for real-time diagnostics. Additionally, upgraded recovery housing provides a safe and comfortable space for post-procedure monitoring.

  • Expanding Adoption Opportunities

    In 2024, we made the pivotal decision to transition from the online adoption system — originally adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic — back to a walk-in adoption experience. This allowed for quicker matches and more immediate connections between adopters and animals. This change has reduced wait times for animals meeting potential families, helping them find loving homes faster.

    To make the process even more efficient, we introduced QR codes throughout the shelter, giving visitors instant access to adoption forms. With a simple scan, prospective adopters can complete the form on a first-come, first-served basis — no appointments or long waits required.

    We also launched our Meet the Foster program, which invites the public to interact with foster animals in a relaxed outdoor setting. This initiative gives animals a chance to shine outside the shelter environment and provides adopters a better glimpse of each animal’s unique personality.

Connecting Animals with Loving Homes

In 2024, we facilitated 3,905 adoptions, an increase of 434 compared to the previous year. We hosted five adoption events, contributing to the highest number of animals adopted in a year since 2019. Each adoption not only marked a fresh start, but also strengthened the bond between people and animals.

  • 3,905

    ANIMALS ADOPTED

    • 979

      Animals Fostered

    • 308

      Foster Families

In our commitment to inspiring compassionate action, we actively explored new opportunities and collaborated closely with community partners. Through these efforts — paired with a growing focus on humane education — we aimed to extend our impact beyond the walls of our shelter, fostering empathy, responsible pet guardianship and a deeper understanding of animal welfare.

Our Community

  • New Humane Education Programs to Inspire & Connect

    As our community grows, so does the need for meaningful education on animal welfare. In 2024, EHS expanded our humane education team, adding a facilitator position to support program growth and reintroduce Birthday Paw-ties, allowing youth to celebrate their special day helping shelter animals.

    EHS also introduced two new programs for older youth: Dog Bite Prevention, teaching safety around dogs, and The Link, which explores the connection between violence towards both humans and animals.

    Beyond new offerings, our educators hosted Pet-Sitter courses, empowering 29 graduates to provide safe, temporary pet care. Through humane education, we’re fostering a more compassionate future for both people and animals.

  • Helping Guardians When They Needed It Most

    The Edmonton Humane Society’s Outreach programs played a critical role in times of crisis. The team facilitated 62 emergency boardings for guardians in need of temporary pet support.

    We also responded swiftly when wildfires threatened remote communities, including the town of Jasper. EHS provided pallets of wet and dry pet food, cat litter and other essential supplies while also accepting emergency surrenders from guardians who faced the heartbreaking decision to rehome their pets. To further support the community, we loaned our Mobile PALS Unit to the Jasper Veterinary Clinic —the only veterinary clinic in the town of Jasper — which also lost its building in the wildfire. With the clinic destroyed, Jasper was left without local veterinary care. Our mobile unit allowed them to continue serving the community over the winter months, providing essential services such as routine spays and neuters, as well as emergency surgeries

    Between October and December alone, EHS received 421 pet support requests, continuing our commitment to meeting guardians where they were and ensuring both people and pets could thrive together.

  • Inviting Businesses to Take Over the Shelter

    In 2024, EHS launched an exciting new initiative to connect with local businesses and organizations looking for meaningful ways to engage their teams. EHS’ Shelter Takeover program offers a unique team-building experience, allowing groups to “take over” the shelter for a day and actively contribute to animal welfare.

    Participants take part in hands-on activities that directly support shelter operations, such as creating enrichment toys, assisting with cleaning & laundry, landscaping and completing special projects. Teams also enjoy guided tours, animal interactions in the adoption gallery or with ambassador animals, and a memorable team experience — complete with matching shirts, group photos and recognition on EHS’s LinkedIn.

    Beyond fostering teamwork and community involvement, this program generates vital funding for EHS while making a direct impact on the well-being of adoptable animals. By opening our doors to businesses and organizations, we are strengthening community connections and creating lasting change for animals in need.

Together, these initiatives strengthened the human-animal bond.

Did You Know?

In 2024, our Ask the Specialist free hotline received over 900 calls about animal behaviour challenges or questions.

Our Programs

    • 600

      Spay/Neuters Through PALS Program

    • 585

      Animals Microchipped Through PALS Program

    • 745

      Dogs Enrolled in Training Classes at EHS

    • 4,851

      People Reached Through Humane Education

Douglas the Cat

A cat with a determined spirit.

Douglas arrived in the spring of 2024, transferred from another agency. His face was scratched, his tail limp — and yet, he greeted our team with a calm and trusting nature. X-rays confirmed he’d need a full tail amputation, but his gentle spirit never wavered.

After surgery, Douglas surprised our team by removing his sutures — twice — even with a cone and bandage on.

This time, he was sent to a foster home for a quieter recovery — armed with bitter spray to help deter chewing. As he settled in, he focused less on his injury — until the bandage and e-collar came off, and he reopened the wound. Another surgery was needed to give him the best chance at healing.

Undeterred, our team doubled down. With a backup donut collar and constant monitoring, they were ready for every escape attempt Douglas could dream up. Thanks to their persistence — and a little feline stubbornness — his wound finally closed. Just days later, he met his match and went home to start his next chapter.

Douglas’s journey is one of resilience, teamwork and compassion. From medical to foster to behaviour support, his recovery was powered by a village — and made possible by the generosity of our community.

Our team continues to be the driving force behind our mission to enhance the lives of people and their companion animals. Their dedication is essential to the care and support we provide for the animals that depend on us most. We strive to be an employer of choice and a welcoming, inspiring place to volunteer – where every contribution is valued and every moment spent makes a meaningful difference.

Our People

  • Making Time for Fun: Wellness & Social Committee Activities

    At EHS, the work we do can be both rewarding and emotionally challenging. In 2024, the Wellness & Social Committee (WSC) played a vital role in fostering camaraderie and joy among staff, ensuring there were moments of fun and connection to balance the demands of animal welfare.

    Throughout the year, the WSC organized engaging activities, including Valentine’s Day surprises, shelter-wide scavenger hunts, free snack days and complimentary pancake breakfasts. As the committee grew, it also expanded its efforts to include volunteers, recognizing their integral role in our mission and strengthening the collaborative spirit within the organization.

    Last year also marked the return of in-person staff meetings, bringing together team members from different departments to share updates, exchange ideas and shape the future of EHS together. These initiatives reinforced the sense of community and appreciation for the dedicated people who make our work possible.

  • Recognizing the Heart of Our Work: Volunteers & Fosters

    In 2024, EHS strengthened its volunteer programs with enhanced onboarding processes and new online training tools — ensuring every volunteer felt confident, supported and empowered in their roles. To further elevate the volunteer experience, we also introduced a Volunteer Advisory Committee, providing a platform for feedback, collaboration and continued program development.

    This year also marked the expansion of our recognition program to include our community of incredible Foster Guardians — those who provide temporary care to animals awaiting adoption or in emergency boarding. These dedicated individuals now wear EHS Foster hoodies and earn recognition pins, proudly joining our shelter volunteers in representing the compassion behind our mission.

  • Prioritizing People: A Non-Profit Employer of Choice

    The Edmonton Humane Society was proud to be recognized as a Non-Profit Employer of Choice for the fourth consecutive year — a reflection of our continued commitment to cultivating a healthy, inclusive and people-first workplace.

    This year, EHS deepened that commitment by launching new initiatives focused on the mental health and well-being of our team. This included the introduction of Not Myself Today, a Canadian Mental Health Association workplace program designed to build greater awareness, reduce stigma and foster a more supportive environment.

    Recognizing the unique emotional demands of working in animal welfare, EHS also introduced compassion fatigue training tailored specifically for our sector. These sessions provided tools and resources to help staff navigate the challenges of caregiving roles while maintaining their own well-being.

Our Volunteers’ Impact in 2024

Our dedicated volunteers take on roles encompassing everything from dog walking and cat enrichment to kids camps, community outreach with Ambassador animals and vital behind-the-scenes work.

  • 542

    VOLUNTEERS

  • 24,697

    Hours Volunteered

  • 12

    Full-time Staff Equivalency

We couldn’t do this without our incredible supporters and people like you. Their generosity ensures that we can deliver vital programs and services to the community, and also provide compassionate care for the animals who rely on us. That’s why we remain dedicated to building the resources needed to fulfill our mission and bring our vision to life.

Our Supporters

  • Gratitude in Action: Engaging Our Donor Community

    In 2024, EHS deepened its connection with the people who make our work possible — our donors. We hosted an in-person Donor Appreciation Event in the fall, creating a meaningful opportunity to thank supporters face-to-face. Guests received behind-the-scenes tours, engaged with our leadership team and Board of Directors, and heard exclusive updates on upcoming projects and initiatives made possible through their generosity.

  • Cultivating Connection: Sharing the Impact of Giving

    Beyond events, we strengthened our storytelling strategy and grew our fund development team to better cultivate relationships with donors and keep them informed about the impact of their giving. We launched our Tails of Gratitude newsletter, providing stories of adopted animals that were made possible through the generous donations of our community. Whether through personalized outreach, compelling impact stories or ongoing support, our goal is simple: ensure every donor feels valued and connected to the lives they’re changing.

    Because at EHS, every act of giving matters — and every donor plays a part in creating a better future for animals in our care.

Events

Here’s a look back at some of the wonderful events we hosted and attended last year!

  • We were proud to celebrate the 32nd annual Pets in the Park festival in 2024, bringing the community together once again at Buena Vista Park. With thousands of guests — alongside their furry and feathered companions — in attendance, the event highlighted the powerful bond between people and animals while raising vital support for pets in need. Pets in the Park and our Walk/Run raised over $32,000 from peer-to-peer fundraising!

  • Holiday cheer met local creativity at our 2024 MADE for Pets Winter Market! Held in November in partnership with the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre, this family-friendly event spotlighted over 40 talented local vendors. A special highlight this year was local radio personality Lauren Hunter who brought her Ryan Reynolds inspired posters, with proceeds generously supporting EHS.

  • Our friends at Lloyd Sadd hosted the 5th annual Drive, Dine & Dogs event in August, all in support of the Edmonton Humane Society! We had a fantastic evening on the driving range at Puttin’ Fore Paws, and loved seeing all the happy faces and wagging tails. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, vendors, sponsors and attendees for such a fun night!

  • In 2024, we were selected as one of the lucky recipients for the Oilers Foundation Animals of Oil Country 50/50. We sent a team of volunteers to the April 5 Edmonton Oilers home game to help sell 50/50 tickets and had an amazing time! Funding from the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF) allowed us to provide crucial support for our community services.

  • In celebration of National Philanthropy Day 2024, we were proud to recognize a few of our outstanding partners whose support helps drive our mission forward. Each year, EHS selects organizations that go above and beyond in their commitment to improving the lives of companion animals in our community. This year, we were honoured to highlight the incredible contributions of Lauren Hunter, Joel Allan and Runners Light Hauling.

  • Our 2024 Pet Pics with Santa event was a festive hit, selling out within days of launching! Hundreds of animals — including many of our shelter animals — posed with Santa for the perfect holiday photo, creating joyful memories and plenty of wagging tails. This year, we also partnered with Southgate Centre for their own Pet Pics event. Not only did they help spread the holiday cheer, but they generously donated a portion of their proceeds back to EHS.

Our Supporters’ Impact

    • 49,502

      Gifts

    • $7M+

      Total Donations Given

    • $143

      Average Gift Amount

In 2024, we made meaningful improvements behind the scenes to better serve people and pets. From launching our new website to expanding adoption spaces and earning national accreditation, each enhancement strengthened the foundation of our work and deepened our impact in the community.

Our Foundation

  • New Website & Refreshing Our Digital Presence

    With a growing range of programs, services and audiences to reach, 2024 marked a transformative year for EHS’ digital presence. We launched a completely redesigned EHS website — improving site navigation, load times and accessibility to ensure users could find the information they need quickly and intuitively.

    Beyond technical upgrades, the refreshed site introduced more consistent language and vibrant new visuals, reflecting our evolving brand and the heart of our mission. This work was supported by our communications team, who also enhanced the look and feel of key materials across the organization — from training guides and presentations to social media content.

  • Improving Our Facility to Better Serve People & Pets

    Last year, we made impactful upgrades to our facility to enhance comfort, care and efficiency for both people and animals. A new vegetable and herb garden now provides fresh greens for small animals, supporting their health with every bite. To improve the adoption experience, we expanded our meet and greet space into two separate areas, allowing more families to connect with pets at the same time.

    We also completed a full LED retrofit across our facility, improving visibility while reducing our environmental footprint. Our departures area was transformed into a second dental suite to meet the growing demand for specialized care, and a new tankless hot water system was installed to improve energy efficiency.

    Outdoors, the walking paths around our pond received a landscaping refresh and fencing upgrades, creating a more welcoming and secure environment. On the digital front, we enhanced cybersecurity with a new firewall and began developing our internal EHS SharePoint platform, set to launch in 2025, to support better communication and collaboration across teams.

  • Demonstrating Trust Through National Accreditation

    In 2024, the Edmonton Humane Society proudly achieved Imagine Canada Accreditation, joining a select group of charities across the country recognized for excellence in accountability, transparency and governance. This national standard sets a high benchmark for non-profit organizations, assessing policies and practices across five key areas: board governance, financial accountability, fundraising, staff management and volunteer involvement.

    Achieving this designation reaffirms to our donors, members and supporters that EHS operates with integrity and a strong commitment to ethical leadership. It’s a reflection of the trust placed in us — and a promise to uphold that trust through continued transparency and responsible stewardship.

    This milestone not only validates the work happening behind the scenes but also strengthens our foundation as we continue to grow, ensuring every gift and act of support has the greatest possible impact for animals in need.

2024 Financial Overview

$9,863,268

Total Revenue

  • Fundraising & Sponsorships ($3.9M, 40%)
  • Shelter Operations ($2.6M, 27%)
  • Bequests ($1.8M, 18%)
  • Investment Income & Donated Shares ($1.2M, 13%)
  • Other ($0.3M, 2%)

* Other areas of revenue include deferred capital contributions, marketable securities, losses on disposal of property and equipment, government assistance and grants.

Download the 2024 Summary Financial Statements