IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING LOST PETS

 In an effort to limit the transmission of COVID-19 and with our priority on keeping people and pets in our community healthy and safe, the Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has made the decision to close our facility to the general public until further notice. At this time we can only accept a limited number of animals on an emergency basis, including the following:

  • Stray animals found outside of the city who are in distress due to illness or injury
  • Owner surrender animals who are in distress due to illness or injury or who are unable to find any alternative care arrangements
  • Transfers from partner agencies who have limited or no space for housing animals

If you have found an stray pet outside the city that is sick or injured, please call us at 780-491-3522. For animals found inside the City of Edmonton, please call 311.

For tips on helping healthy animals find their way home or for finding your own lost pet, please see below.

Stray and Lost Cats

EHS only accepts all sick and injured stray cats from outside the City of Edmonton limits. We cannot accept healthy stray cats. Confirm the cat really needs rescuing from the community and if it is in distress before calling EHS at 780-491-3522.

  • Contact your local Animal Control about the cat first to see if someone reported it lost, or if they can assist with the stray holding of the cat.
  • Cats must be noticeably injured/in distress for us to accept into care (for example: limping, open wounds, hit by car, underweight).

Different Types of Neighbourhood Cats

  • Short-term cats: Could be recently acquired by someone in the neighbourhood, an indoor cat who has escaped from the home. Use the steps below to reunite it with its family.
  • Long-term “neighbourhood” cats: If the cat is friendly and you do not want to care for the cat, consider rehoming the cat or finding a neighbour to take over the care. Do not allow your property to become desirable if you do not want cats near your home.
  • Kittens without a mother: Keep in mind the mother will likely return. Please don’t immediately intervene.
    • It is critical the kittens remain in the mother’s care for their survival.
    • If the mother returns, let her care for them until 8 weeks of age.
    • If mother cat does not return, consider becoming a kitten co-op foster parent to raise them in your home until they are old enough to enter the shelter. EHS will provide kits and resources to help you care for them.

Facts About Stray Cats

  • Most community cats have access to shelter, food and water and are used to living outdoors.
  • If you see friendly cats in your yard, it’s best to leave them alone as they may belong to someone in the neighbourhood.
  • Only approximately 3% of stray cats brought to animal shelters are reunited with their families. If left outdoors in their neighbourhood, they are 10 times more likely to return home.
  • Do not encourage stray cats onto your property if you find them a nuisance. Ensure there are no food sources, shelters, or options for the cats that make your property desirable.

You can help reunite a stray cat with its family by using one of the following methods: 

  • Place Lost and Found ads online, on Facebook groups, and on posters if you are attempting to find its owner.
  • If you can safely handle the animal, take it to a local veterinary office to be scanned for a microchip.
  • Ask neighbours, friends, and family if they recognize the cat and know the owners.
  • Place a collar on a frequently roaming cat, with a note to let your neighbours know to call you.

Stray Dogs

EHS accepts stray dogs and puppies from outside the City of Edmonton limits. Please call our admissions team at 780-491-3522 before bringing in the dog to our facility so we have time to help you and the animal.

For stray dogs inside the City of Edmonton, please call 3-1-1 to reach Animal Care and Control.

Stray Rabbits

EHS accepts stray domestic rabbits from outside the City of Edmonton limits. Please call our admissions team at 780-491-3522 before bringing in the rabbit to our facility so we have time to help you and the animal.

Wild baby hares are easily misidentified as domestic rabbits and we are unable to accept them into our care. If you find a wild hare, leave it where you have found it. If it is injured, please contact WildNorth for further steps.

Help animals in need.

Help animals in need.