Contact Us Newsletter

2025

2025 Annual Report

Helping people and pets thrive, together.

Explore Our 2025 Impact Report

Our Vision

People and pets thriving, together.

Our Mission

Enrich the lives of people and companion animals through sheltering animals in need, supporting pet guardians, engaging with our community and inspiring compassion.

Message From Our Board Chair

As we celebrate another impactful 12 months at the Edmonton Humane Society, I find myself thinking back to my first year as Board Chair. The amount we have been able to achieve just within this timeframe speaks volumes about the commitment and dedication of everyone who contributes to our vision and mission — team members, volunteers and supporters across our communities.

Our new 2025-2029 strategic plan, which officially launched this year, has laid a framework that guides us toward a society where people and pets can thrive, together, thanks to five key pillars: Prevent, Shelter, Inspire, Grow and Engage.

Throughout this annual report, you’ll see first-hand how each pillar has informed the important work we do and the steps we have been able to take to ensure a brighter future for pets and the people who love them.

To all our passionate team members, volunteers, donors and community supporters — thank you. For your dedication, your tireless work and your unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of animals in need.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, it has been our absolute pleasure to work alongside you in achieving our shared mission, and we look forward to continuing this important work into the future.

– Allison Radford

Our 2025 Board Members

  • Vice-Chair

    Dr. Jocelyn Forseille

  • Secretary

    Amanda Pechousek

  • Director

    Dr. Louis Hugo Francescutti

  • Director

    Gord Gilroy

  • Director

    Sandra Marin

  • Director

    Dale Wispinski

  • Board Chair

    Allison Radford

  • Treasurer

    Sumeet Saroya

  • Director

    Sheri Cameron

  • Director

    David Cameron

  • Director

    Kathleen Garbutt

  • Director

    Karen Leibovici

  • Director

    Darren Lunt

  • Director

    Lorenzo Pasutto

  • Director

    Michael Paull

Vice-Chair

Dr. Jocelyn Forseille

Connect with Me on:

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 Canadian Representative from the National Examining Board to the American Veterinary Medical Association Educational Commission for Veterinary Foreign Graduates; site visitor for veterinary college accreditation. She is a volunteer veterinarian for Alberta Helping Animals Society. Jocelyn and her husband have two adult children who live nearby with grand-dog Theo.

Secretary

Amanda Pechousek

Connect with Me on:

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, tabby-point kitten, Peepo, 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. Louis Hugo Francescutti

Connect with Me on:

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

Gord Gilroy

Connect with Me on:

Born, raised, and educated in Edmonton, Gord graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Business. He is retired, having served as president and co-founder of Vision Creative, a creative and advertising agency in Edmonton that supported companies and non-profits across Western Canada for 35+ years. Gord has always wanted the best for his city, and that includes the positive impact the Edmonton Humane Society has on animals of all kinds. Having served on a number of community boards Gord 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 commitment and experience – in addition to his love and respect for all animals – to help propel 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. He and Angie enjoy cycling, hiking and skiing in the Canadian Rockies, travel abroad and art in all its various forms.

Director

Sandra Marin

Connect with Me on:

There has never been a time in Sandra’s life where animals were not part of it, beginning with her hamster Teeny up to and including current family members Squirrel, River and Rōnin. Some of her most memorable vacations are those where she was surrounded by nature and animals, in particular back country horse trips in Wilmore Wilderness Park and Waterton Lakes National Park. Sandra’s experience as a volunteer foster parent with EHS lit her desire to contribute in additional ways such as joining the Board. She will bring her significant Board experience including with Edmonton Public Library, SkirtsAFire Festival and the Golden Retriever Club of Canada to the role. In addition to a focus on governance, Sandra brings more than 20 years of professional experience in sales management, human resources and enterprise-wide change management. Sandra is especially interested in the areas of animal welfare, public education and pet policies and tenant rights. She is honoured to serve and support the Edmonton Humane Society and the communities it serves.

Director

Dale Wispinski

Connect with Me on:

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.

Board Chair

Allison Radford

Connect with Me on:

Several years ago, when Allison brought her puppy to the Edmonton Humane Society for training, she discovered an opportunity to become more deeply involved with an organization that aligned closely with her passion for animal welfare and community impact. Since then, she has contributed her expertise in corporate governance, finance, and operations. As a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chief Financial Officer, Allison brings a strong financial perspective and practical operational insight, helping her thoughtfully assess strategic initiatives and support effective Board decision-making. Outside of her professional and board commitments, Allison enjoys golfing, playing pickleball and spending time outdoors with her family and their dogs, Ansley and Luna.

Treasurer

Sumeet Saroya

Connect with Me on:

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.

Director

Sheri Cameron

Connect with Me on:

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

David Cameron

Connect with Me on:

David looks forward to serving on the Edmonton Humane Society Board of Directors, bringing over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and advisory. As a Vice President at Sequeira Partners, he works closely with business owners to navigate important decisions and career milestones, with a focus on solutions-oriented outcomes. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Business Valuator (CBV), David combines a strong financial foundation with a passion for strategy. David has a lifelong love for animals and a deep commitment to animal welfare. His connection to EHS is personal – his beloved late dog, Duke, was adopted from the organization. David is excited to give back to a cause that means a lot to him and to support EHS in its continued impact across the community. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find David spending time with his family, staying active, or out on the golf course.

Director

Kathleen Garbutt

Connect with Me on:

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

Karen Leibovici

Connect with Me on:

Karen believes that the Edmonton Humane Society 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 grandsons can sometimes be seen in the neighbourhood walking their two cats on leashes.

Director

Darren Lunt

Connect with Me on:

Becoming a member of the Edmonton Humane Society's Board brings Darren full circle to where his career began in 1990 when he was hired as EHS' 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

Lorenzo Pasutto

Connect with Me on:

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

Michael Paull

Connect with Me on:

Michael is a financial advisor specializing in insurance and retirement planning. Born and raised in Edmonton, he has been involved on many boards and committees including the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, Fort Edmonton Park, Glenora Community and RAH Ethics. He currently volunteers at the Pilgrims Hospice. As Michael is reaching closer to a full retirement, he is looking for ways to continue giving back to his community. He looks forward to working alongside other professionals for the betterment of the Edmonton Humane Society, after all, “No one loves you as unconditionally as your beloved pet.”

Message from Our CEO

This past year has been filled with so many wonderful achievements, all made possible by the support and dedication of our beloved staff, volunteers, donors and broader community, who share our overarching vision: people and pets thriving, together.

This new vision, introduced in March with our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, is informing everything we do. We’ve made so many great strides already with this in mind.

One particularly notable milestone was our accreditation with Humane Canada – a distinction that reflects the high-quality, compassionate care our staff and volunteers provide every day, for both animals and the people who love them. The Edmonton Humane Society is one of only three shelters nationally – and the first in Western Canada – to accomplish this, achieving a score of 99 per cent and far exceeding the minimum requirement for this prestigious recognition.

As part of our new strategic plan, we also expanded our advocacy efforts. Guided by a newly established advocacy strategy, we strengthened relationships with all orders of government and helped inform key discussions on animal welfare, from provincial legislation to municipal bylaws and community cat management. This work is grounded in what we hear from our community and what we see every day in our shelter, and reflects our commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change for animals and the people who care for them.

This year, we also received the Non-profit Employer of Choice Award for the fifth year in a row, showcasing just how much our employees’ well-being and positive organizational culture continues to mean to us.

We have accomplished so much in 2025, and this is only a snapshot of the amazing progress we have made in fulfilling our strategic plan. We have so many more great achievements on the horizon, and when I look to the future, I can’t help feeling immense excitement and hope. Thank you for being part of this exciting time.

– Liza Sunley

A New Vision: Reflecting on the First Year of Our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan

As the first year of our newly launched 2025-2029 Strategic Plan comes to a close, this Annual Report tells the story of the important work we do day in and day out, informed by our new vision: People and pets thriving, together.

This vision is realized thanks to five key pillars — Prevent, Shelter, Inspire, Grow and Engage — that guide us in enriching the lives of companion animals and creating a brighter future for the people who love them.

To see more of what we plan to achieve over the next four years, explore our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.

A yellow and green bird.

  • 4,513

    ANIMALS ADMITTED

    • 3,640

      Shelter Animals Spayed/Neutered

    • 521

      Specialty Surgeries

    • 3,498

      Animals Microchipped

Prevent

  • Keeping Community Animals Healthy and Safe

    Providing quality care, food and shelter to companion animals is a top priority at EHS — and this extends to animals within our community as well.

    Through our own Pet Pantry program, we facilitated 1,423 supplies pick-ups – a total of 49,570 pounds of food for people needing a little extra support, helping keep pets with the people who love them.

    Beyond keeping furry family members fed, we were also able to provide 19 cold weather shelters to the public for community cats looking for a safe place to lay their heads at night. These shelters give community cats a place to rest free from the winter conditions they face.

  • Helping People And Pets Continue Thriving, Together

    For many, accessing crucial medical services to keep companion animals healthy can be a barrier to pet guardianship. Keeping people and pets together is one of our main goals, and thanks to the Keep Them Home pilot program launch this past year, EHS has been able to provide veterinary care to six companion animals whose guardians were facing financial hardships, allowing them to stay where they belong – with their loving families. Medical procedures covered under this program include hernia repair, lump removal, dental extractions and pyometra spay.

  • Setting Animals Up for Success in the Home

    Helping pets thrive in their environment can include a multitude of factors – food, water, shelter and enrichment are among the most important, but behavioural health also plays a major role in quality conditions for cats and dogs, and for the people who care for them.

    With the help of our behaviour, animal welfare and medical teams, EHS continues to create a variety of free guides and resources to help people navigate life with their pet. This past year, we created eight new behavioural guides to address common pet-related issues in our community, such as inter-cat tension, how to properly hold a leash, managing pet obesity and more. In 2025, 2,795 people accessed our detailed guides and resources for companion animals.

    Our Ask the Specialist Hotline, a free service for pet guardians experiencing behavioural difficulties with their cat or dog, continues to take in a high number of calls, assisting 772 people in 2025.

Squirt the Kitten

The little kitten that could.

In May 2025, at just over a month old, Squirt made his way into the care of EHS. Alone, frightened and in rough shape, he was found by a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) caregiver in Two Hills, Alberta – and not a moment too soon.

With mom nowhere in sight, this frail kitten needed help. But Squirt’s condition wasn’t so straightforward – he had hypothermia, hypoglycemia, conjunctivitis and an upper respiratory infection.

With swollen eyes, an empty belly and a runny nose, Squirt found the strength to persevere – and he did it all thanks to a supportive team by his side. Over the next couple of days, his foster reported continued improvement. He started eating on his own. He was regularly using his litter box. Just like any other kitten, he was active and playing. With encouragement and nurturing from his loving caretaker, and guidance from dedicated EHS medical staff, he gained enough weight to be neutered and officially be available for adoption.

And today? Squirt is living his best life in his perfect home. Happy, playful and loved. From a rough beginning to a happy new chapter, stories like Squirt’s remind us of the importance of quality care, vital medical services, and above all, a community that stands with animals who need us most.

A kitten named Squirt.

Shelter

  • Leading in Animal Welfare Practice

    At the end of 2025, EHS proudly achieved Humane Canada Accreditation – the first shelter in Western Canada to do so, and one of only three in the entire country. This prestigious recognition affirms that we are meeting rigorous standards in animal welfare, quality care and impactful governance. Receiving this accreditation reflects the work our staff and volunteers do every day to provide safe and compassionate care for animals and the people connected to them.

  • Providing Elevated Dental Care for Shelter Animals

    This year, we saw full operation of our dedicated dental suite, which began construction in 2024, to meet the growing demand for emergent dental procedures among shelter animals. The need for dental surgeries has risen since 2024, now accounting for over 80 percent of all non-elective surgeries performed in shelter.

    In 2025, medical staff performed 432 dental-related surgeries, a 15 percent increase from 379 in 2024. State-of-the-art equipment and upgraded recovery spaces ensure animals receive the highest standard of care so they can get back to feeling their best before finding loving homes.

  • Making Connections Between People and Pets

    To promote better opportunities for matching potential adopters with animals in our care, we hosted several adoption events for the public throughout the year, highlighting cats, small animals and dogs. These events included reduced adoption fees and a discount on canine training classes, helping to remove the financial barrier to pet guardianship some people can face.

    These special adoption days also helped increase visibility for animals in our care and connect more people with the companionship and support pets can provide.

  • Providing Compassionate, Individualized Care

    In 2025, EHS maintained a live release rate of 95 per cent, exceeding the 90 per cent benchmark commonly recognized in animal welfare. At the same time, animals in our care experienced one of our lowest average lengths of stay in recent years, at 18.5 days amongst cats, dogs and rabbits.

    These results reflect our commitment to compassionate, individualized care for every animal who comes through our doors. Because EHS accepts animals from a wide range of circumstances, including abandonment, abuse and neglect, some animals require complex medical or behavioural support. Every decision regarding an animal’s care is made with their welfare, quality of life and ability to safely integrate into the community at the forefront.

  • Creating Comfortable Spaces for Animals with Special Needs

    Over the past year, the shelter has seen an increase in requests for re-homing cats with a history of house soiling. These felines often require special spaces equipped to manage these issues. To help create better outcomes for surrendered cats in these situations, we created a protocol for converting shelter spaces into temporary housing. This adjustment better supports pet guardians, increases our ability to accept intakes for cats with house soiling issues and reduces their length of stay.

Average Length of Stay

Bar graph showing the years 2023, 2024 and 2025 and the breakdowns for each year of the length of stay for each animal type.

In 2025, the overall average length of stay was 18.5 days, compared to 17 days in 2024 and 20 in 2023.

Intake Methods

Pie chart diagram showing the breakdown of intake methods.

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

  • 3,847

    ANIMALS ADOPTED

    • 1,827

      Animals Fostered

    • 258

      Active Foster Families

    • 95%

      Live Release Rate

Other Outcomes

Pie chart showing the breakdown of other outcomes that are non-adoption related.

*Ancillary outcomes include humane euthanasia, unassisted deaths and cremation services.

Inspire

  • Inspiring the Next Generation of Animal Lovers

    In 2025, EHS continued to focus on improving Humane Education offerings to the community through a new addition of the shelter’s first-ever Pawp-Up Camps, created to support families during a time of unexpected school closure. In total, 131 children attended EHS Pawp-Up Camps throughout September and October. We also brought on a new Team Lead for Camps & Clubs, in preparation for the expansion of our educational programming, which also includes our popular Spring and Summer Bark Camps, Pet-Sitters Course and Birthday Paw-ties.

  • Providing Expert Knowledge on Animal Welfare

    We were honoured to have three staff members present at the 2025 Humane Canada Summit for Animals. These presentations included crisis management, donor stewardship and humane education.

    To further demonstrate our leadership in the field, we were also chosen to provide expert animal welfare knowledge as a new member of the Humane Canada Learning and Resource Centre Taskforce. In addition, our CEO was elected as Chair of the Board of Directors for Humane Canada, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies.

  • Advancing Animal Welfare Through Advocacy

    Aligned with our 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, EHS developed a new advocacy strategy in 2025, identifying four key priorities: reducing and preventing neglect and harm towards animals, increasing access to affordable veterinary care, addressing cat overpopulation and management, and expanding pet-inclusive housing. This work was informed by community feedback and our front-line experience and will guide our efforts moving forward.

    Throughout the year, we engaged with all orders of government, including welcoming newly elected federal and municipal representatives to the shelter to see our work firsthand. In spring, we participated in Government of Alberta engagement sessions on proposed updates to the Animal Protection Act. At the municipal level, we contributed to discussions on community cat management, emphasizing evidence-based, humane approaches, and spoke to Edmonton’s City Council on the new Animal Care and Control bylaw. As a member of Humane Canada, we also supported national advocacy efforts calling for a coordinated animal emergency response strategy.

  • Collectively Improving the Lives of Companion Animals in Alberta

    At the end of October, EHS was one of 16 partner organizations that opened its doors to some of the nearly 300 animals seized from two related properties in Northern Alberta, one of the largest-scale rescue operations in the province to-date, bringing renewed attention to the importance of animal welfare in the province.

    As a member of the Animal Welfare Coalition of Alberta, EHS actively works to improve the lives of animals through collaboration, education and the upmost adherence to the minimum standards of care alongside our rescue partner agencies. Following the large Northern Alberta seizure, EHS led the development of a statement from coalition members on how to determine if an organization uses adequate animal welfare standards, helping to ensure the ongoing safety and quality care of companion animals in community rescues and shelters.

Our Programs

    • 694

      Spays/Neuters Through PALS Program

    • 682

      Animals Microchipped Through PALS Program

    • 2,371

      Dogs Enrolled in Training Classes at EHS

    • 3,903

      People Reached Through Humane Education

Peekaboo the Puppy

From a rough start to rich in love.

At just four months old, Peekaboo was found by a member of the community and brought to our partners at the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care & Control Centre after being abandoned near a dog park in April 2025. Scared, tired and in need of medical attention, her happy spirit and love for people remained.

Upon examination, Peekaboo was found to have a large hematoma on her neck about the size of a tennis ball. Confirmed to be a benign mass that would shrink on its own, it was now time for the sweet pup to start her healing journey – both physically and emotionally. The staff at EHS knew she needed a soft place to land, somewhere quiet and calm while she regained her health. They lined up a recovery home where she could receive an abundance of TLC.

During her time in foster, she soaked up all the affection she could. Her hematoma shrank as her heart filled with love from the amazing community who stood behind her. Once healed, it was time for Peekaboo to find her family.

Within days of being available for adoption, Peekaboo went home, fully ready for her next chapter – one filled with warmth, care and lots of puppy playtime.

When we think of Peekaboo’s story, we remember how a village came together in support of a little puppy who needed them. And how their support nurtured her to become the wonderful companion she is today.

A puppy named Peekaboo.

Grow

  • Providing Community Supporters with an Immersive Experience

    Our Shelter Takeover program continued to see an increase in interest from organizations volunteering their time at EHS for a day. This offering allows for a unique hands-on experience where corporate teams get the chance to engage in shelter initiatives and activities that support the overall function and mission of EHS. In 2025, 21 organizations and a total of 249 participants joined us for a Shelter Takeover, pledging a minimum $2,500 donation with each visit.

  • Taking Fundraising to the Next Level

    To help raise vital funds that support animals in care, outreach programs for the community and educational programming, EHS holds several lotteries throughout the year, including our Spring and Fall Lotteries.

    This year’s Fall Lottery was our most successful to-date, with the 50/50 hitting just over $107,000.

  • Improving Outcomes for Dogs Through Education

    This year, our popular Dog Behaviour and Training Methodology (DBTM) Certificate course underwent a comprehensive update to reflect the latest industry standards and evidence-based practices, allowing us to provide the highest quality instruction to participants.

    The six-week course is designed for individuals looking to build a strong foundation in canine behaviour and training, including dog trainers and shelter staff from local organizations. EHS provides a unique learning environment where students gain hands-on experience with a wide range of behavioural challenges. As many dogs are surrendered due to manageable behaviour concerns, our program equips students with the tools and knowledge needed to apply to real-life scenarios.

    In 2025, revenue brought in by our DBTM course and other dog training classes was invested back into our programs and services that directly benefit people and pets within our community.

Did You Know?

Our volunteers spent 14,235 hours walking and socializing dogs in our care. They also spent 4,643 hours providing cuddles and enrichment to cats.

Our Volunteers’ Impact

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.

  • 682

    Shelter & Event Volunteers

  • 406

    Foster Volunteers

  • 30,299

    Shelter & Event Hours Volunteered

  • 15

    Full-time Staff Equivalency

Engage

  • Promoting a Happy, Healthy Workplace

    We were honoured to receive the Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award for the fifth consecutive year. This national award recognizes employers who demonstrate strong leadership, especially in building trust, fostering respect and engaging with employees. Recognition like this showcases just how important organizational culture and employee well-being truly is to us. It’s also a testament to the dedication and commitment of our wonderful staff members who continue to advance our vision of people and pets thriving, together.

  • Recognizing Our Volunteers and Fosters

    This year, we expanded our recognition program further to include our wonderful community of junior fosters. The Junior Foster Recognition Program is designed to show appreciation for children aged 3-12 who are active participants in helping their parents with foster animals for at least one year.

    In 2025, we had eight children who received their acknowledgements.

  • Attracting and Retaining the Best Talent

    To ensure we are offering a workplace that employs highly skilled and knowledgeable individuals, we completed our Compensation Philosophy and Structure along with correlating compensation adjustments. This review was completed through careful analysis of market data, organizational values and staff feedback. It also reflects our continued commitment to fairness, equity and transparency, recognizing the important contributions our employees make every day.

Events

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

  • In 2025, we were one of the lucky organizations chosen as a recipient of the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation (EOCF)’s Pets of Oil Country 50/50. On February 7, volunteers and staff attended the Edmonton Oilers home game to help sell 50/50 tickets. This generosity from EOCF provided vital medical care, safe shelter and outreach programming for animals in our community.

    EHS team photo at Pets of Oil Country.

  • We were proud to be a part of Coventry Homes’ 14th annual Paws & Claws Gala, an elegant evening filled with gourmet fare, great company, a silent auction and live music – all in support of the Edmonton Humane Society. In total, Coventry Homes has raised over $1.85 million for animals in our care, helping us realize our vision of people and pets thriving, together.

    2025 Paws & Claws Gala.

  • Our friends at Navacord (formerly Lloyd Sadd) hosted their 13th Annual Open Charity Golf Tournament in August in support of all the work we do here at the Edmonton Humane Society. We had a fantastic day on the course, alongside all our supporters. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, vendors, sponsors and attendees for such a fun night.

    EHS booth at the Annual Open Charity Golf Tournament.

  • Our 33rd annual Pets in the Park festival brought together thousands of animal lovers and their cherished feathered and furry family members at Buena Vista Park. A day packed with fun events and local vendors, attendees made the most of the sunny day celebrating the bond between people and pets. Overall, Pets in the Park and our Walk/Run for Pets raised nearly $40,000 from peer-to-peer fundraising for animals in need.

  • This year was our 40th Anniversary of our beloved Pet Pics with Santa. As we celebrated this milestone year, we took it back to where it all began: 1985. Participants were able to choose photo slots for a regular Pet Pic or an 80’s-themed Pet Pic, complete with neon Christmas trees and nostalgic props. Hundreds of participants dressed up in their best to snap a holiday card-worthy memory with their furry companions.

    A photo of a couple with their cat during Pet Pics with Santa.

  • Each year, EHS recognizes the outstanding contributions to our mission and vision by organizations and individuals in our community. In celebration of 2025’s National Philanthropy Day, we were proud to highlight the incredible contributions of three dedicated supporters: Navacord, Jonathan Lesyk and Stan Mah. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of animals in need.

    2025 National Philanthropy Day EHS award recipients.

  • This year, we introduced a new signature event: our first annual Howl-O-Ween spooktacular on October 25 in partnership with the City of Edmonton’s Animal Care and Control Centre. Complete with vendor booths, a costume contest, a pet psychic, behind-the-scenes tours and more, this family-friendly day saw hundreds of people and pets come out and celebrate the joy animals bring to our lives.

    2025 Howl-O-Ween event costumes.

Our Supporters’ Impact

    • 47,938

      Gifts

    • $8.2M+

      Total Donations Given

    • $173

      Average Gift Amount

2025 Financial Overview

$11,895,519

Total Revenue

  • Fundraising & Sponsorships ($4.3M, 37%)
  • Bequests ($3.7M, 32%)
  • Shelter Operations ($2.7M, 23%)
  • Investment Income & Donated Shares ($0.7M, 6%)
  • Other ($0.2M, 2%)

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

Download the 2025 Summary Financial Statements