One Family Welfare
Safety For Animals & People In Crisis
Please Note:
Due to capacity issues within the animal welfare sector in our province, the Alberta SPCA has been forced to stop the intake of pets into our Pet Safekeeping Program on a temporary basis. Unfortunately, this move does include pets whose owners are fleeing domestic violence situations and is expected to be in place for a majority of the summer.
There are a number of other Pet Safekeeping Programs in the province that can still assist pet owners who require a safe place for their animals while they enter a safe shelter.
- Edmonton area: GEARS Guardian Angel Program
- Calgary area: Calgary Humane Society Pet Safekeeping Program
- Central Alberta: Central Alberta Humane Society Emergency Boarding Program
Animal welfare is directly linked to human welfare. When a life crisis affects a pet owner, their companion animal is likely to feel the effects too. Extending compassion to both humans and animals is integral in ensuring that all members of the family stay safe in times of crisis.
What is One Family Welfare?
By helping pet owners navigate crisis situations, the Alberta SPCA’s One Family Welfare department strives to fill the service gap between human social services and animal welfare in Alberta. This helps us fulfill the Alberta SPCA’s Mission to protect, promote, and enhance the well-being of animals in Alberta.
The One Family Welfare department provides various services to pet owners in crisis, including but not limited to:
- Pet Safekeeping Program
- Safety planning
- Crisis intervention
- Community resources and referrals
- Animal Protection Service collaboration
- Community outreach education
- Confidential support
We provide services to anyone affected by crisis regardless gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or culture.
If you need help or information, contact us:
Phone: 780-447-3600 ext 3750
Email: petsafekeeping@albertaspca.org
Fleeing Family Violence or Facing Another Crisis Situation?
Learn More About our Program by Watching Kierstyn's Story.
How to
Get Help
Pet Safekeeping Program
If you are a pet owner fleeing an abusive home situation and you are concerned about leaving pets behind, or if you face a crisis situation preventing you from caring for your pets, please contact us.
Referrals & Resources
Family violence can take many forms including physical, sexual, emotional and financial abuse.
Learn More
Find a shelter in the Province of Alberta in your area.
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.