About Us
The Alberta SPCA is a registered charity dedicated to the welfare of animals.
The Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Alberta SPCA) is a registered charity dedicated to the welfare of animals. We encourage the humane treatment of animals through enforcement of animal protection legislation, through community education and by extending compassion to both humans and animals ensuring all members of the family stay together in times of crisis. The Alberta SPCA uses transparent, fair, consistent and effective processes based on respect, accountability, integrity and excellence.
The Alberta SPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare advances since being established in 1959. We were instrumental in establishing the Animal Protection Act of Alberta in 1967, which is among the best animal protection legislation in Canada. We work closely with other agencies in animal welfare, agriculture, education, violence prevention and other areas to provide the best level of protection for animals.
The Alberta SPCA is a charitable organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. We operate with the support of our members, donors, volunteers and the public who report suspected animal abuse and neglect. All donations to the Alberta SPCA are used to support our programs in Alberta.
Vision and Mission
The vision of the Alberta SPCA is that every animal in Alberta be treated humanely.
Our mission is to protect, promote and enhance the well-being of animals in Alberta. To accomplish this, there must be acceptance that humans are responsible for the welfare of animals, and there must be an understanding of the physical and behavioural needs of animals.
Guiding Principles
Animals are sentient beings that can experience distress, including pain, sickness and stress. The Alberta SPCA believes humans have a duty to
- accept responsibility for the welfare of animals in their control or custody
- protect animals from distress and ensure their welfare
- relieve or minimize distress to any animal whenever it occurs
- use animals only in ways that protect them from distress
- keep, maintain and transport animals safely, in a manner appropriate to the species, and protected from distress
- ensure that, if animals must be killed, the method of killing produces a humane death and is appropriate to the species
These guiding principles are further elaborated in our position statements. In all instances, the position of the Alberta SPCA focuses on responsible animal ownership, the quality of life and a humane death afforded to animals by humans.
Charitable Registration #122554488RR0001
Alberta SPCA News
Executive Director’s Message
We were cleaning out a file cabinet the other day and came across several old copies of logos and other graphics this organization has used
Marking 10 Years Since the Milk River Dogs Seizure
It was one of the largest seizures in Alberta SPCA history — and a case that shocked the province. Images from the Milk River dogs
Animal Heroes Lottery
Alberta SPCA Launches New Cash Lottery & 50/50 Raffle The Animal Heroes Lottery acknowledges the role our supporters play in saving animals, including with the
Land Acknowledgment
The Alberta SPCA respects the deep foundational connection Indigenous Peoples have had to animals and this land, now known as Alberta, for thousands of years. We are grateful to continue to work towards the humane treatment of all animals in all areas of the province on the traditional territories encompassed by Treaties 6, 7, 8, 4, & 10 and the Métis Homeland.
We are inspired by how many Indigenous Peoples recognize animals, people and the environment are interconnected and that respecting these relationships is fundamental to the well-being of all living things and the Earth that we share. As treaty people, we also strive to listen, respect, care for, and live in harmony with one another, animals and the natural world.