Skip to main content

About Humane Canada

  • What is Humane Canada?

    Humane Canada (also known as the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies) is a charitable organization originally founded in 1957 by individual humane societies and SPCAs (Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) across Canada. Today, we remain Canada’s membership-based federation of SPCAs and humane societies, representing municipal and provincial animal welfare organizations. Our role is to end companion animal overpopulation, end intensive confinement and painful practices for farm animals and improve the legal framework for Canada’s animals. We work to unite and strengthen our member societies, helping them save the lives of more animals in their communities

  • What is Humane Canada's mission?

    As Canada’s federation of SPCAs and humane societies, Humane Canada drives positive, progressive change to end animal cruelty, improve animal protection and promote the humane treatment of all animals. As the convener and representative of the largest animal welfare community in Canada, we advance the welfare of animals with a strong national voice, promoting animal welfare interests and concerns to government, policy makers, industry and the public.

  • What kind of donations does Humane Canada accept?

    Humane Canada is very appreciative of the donations made to our organization. We accept one-time gifts, monthly gifts, tribute gifts and legacy gifts. Donate online here.

  • How can I make a donation?

    You can make a donation to Humane Canada in a variety of ways:

  • Does Humane Canada issue tax receipts?

    Yes, Humane Canada issues tax receipts for donations of $10 or more. If you have any further questions about this, please email melissa@humanecanada

  • How do I change my donor contact information?

    Call Humane Canada at 1-888-678-2347 or email us with both your previous and new contact information.

  • What is Humane Canada's charitable registration number?

    Humane Canada’s charitable registration number is 11883 0884 RR0001.

    How can I become a member of Humane Canada?

    Please note that Humane Canada membership is only open to animal welfare organizations; it is not open to individuals. Humane Canada is happy to welcome new member organizations on a continuous basis. If your animal welfare organization is interested in having Humane Canada represent you nationally, then you’re invited to learn more about our membership here.

  • Can I leave my unwanted pet with you? / Can I adopt from your offices?

    No. Humane Canada does not operate an animal care facility. Therefore, we are not equipped to handle pets. Please contact your local humane society or SPCA in order to adopt or surrender an animal. If you don’t have a local facility, please call your provincial animal welfare organization.

Education and School Projects

Cruelty Towards Animals

  • How do I avoid puppy mills?

    A dog can be a wonderful addition to your life, providing companionship, fun and affection for many years. For the sake of your new furry friend, Humane Canada urges you to make a smart, informed choice on what kind of dog would suit your personality and lifestyle and where to find your new pet.

    Puppy mills (also called puppy farms) are horrendous places that churn out as many puppies as possible, in the shortest time and at the lowest expense. That means terrible, filthy, crowded housing, minimal human contact, no veterinary care and unspeakable, heartbreaking animal suffering.

    Avoid puppy mills by recognizing their most common features, including:

    • Animals kept in crowded, filthy barns, sheds, or basements

    • Often, cages are piled in stacks and the waste from the upper levels falls onto the ones beneath

    • Unbearable stench of ammonia from urine and feces build-up

    • Animals are fed the cheapest possible food

    • Breeding dogs are bred continuously from a young age till they can no longer produce enough to make it worth keeping them alive

    • Physical and mental suffering from long-term, extreme confinement and deprivation

    • Animals receive little or no veterinary care

    • No positive human interaction

    • No toys, no exercise, no stimulation

    Additionally, avoid pet store and brokers – who often buy dogs directly from puppy mills. Brokers are the middlemen who gather puppies from various puppy mills and backyard breeders, often getting them far too young (at 5 or 6 weeks old) and trucking them long distances to various stores.

    Puppy mills also sell directly to the public through their own slick websites or ads in internet or newspaper classifieds. They will usually offer to save you the trip of picking up the puppy from them by meeting you in a parking lot or other location to deliver your puppy. This, of course, is so that you don’t see the squalor that the puppy came from. Some will simply ship the puppy to you.

    Amazingly, some mills do invite people to come to their location, claiming to be breeders. They will usually allow them only in their house, not in the barns or outbuildings where the neglected dogs are kept. If you’re considering purchasing a dog from someone claiming to be a breeder, ask to see where the dogs are raised, bred and housed to make sure that they meet the criteria for ethical, responsible breeding.

    If you find or suspect a puppy mill, please report it.

    Call your local humane society or SPCA or the police immediately.

  • What should I do if I witness an act of animal cruelty?

    Report it immediately. If you have witnessed an act of cruelty towards an animal, please contact the investigations or enforcement unit of your local or provincial humane society or SPCA. If you do not have one, contact your local police or the RCMP.

Animal Welfare in Canada