FAQs
About the organization
- What is the CFHS?
- What is CFHS’s mission?
- Where does the CFHS operate?
- Can I volunteer for the CFHS?
- What kind of donations does the CFHS accept?
- How can I make a donation?
- Does the CFHS issue tax receipts?
- How do I change my donor contact information?
- What is the CFHS’ charitable registration number?
- How can I become a member of the CFHS?
- What is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights?
- Can I leave my unwanted pet with you? / Can I adopt from your offices?
Cruelty Towards Animals
- What should I do if I witness an act of animal cruelty?
- I think there is a puppy/kitten mill in my area, what should I do?
Animal Welfare in Canada
- Is there one organization that oversees all the humane societies or SPCAs in Canada?
- Do you have any statistics on animal shelters in Canada?
- Is there a low-cost spay/neuter clinic near me?
Education and school projects
- Which post-secondary education institutions in Canada offer animal care programs?
- I am working on a school project, what sort of information can the CFHS provide?
About the CFHS
- What is the CFHS?
Based in Ottawa, ON, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is a not-for-profit organization originally founded in 1957 by individuals who worked on behalf of local humane societies and SPCAs (Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) across Canada. Today, we remain a membership-based federation representing dozens of local animal welfare organizations, as well as several provincial humane societies and SPCAs. Our role is to educate Canadians about responsible pet ownership and other animal welfare issues; to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals (in communities, on farms, in research labs and in the wild); and to unite & strengthen our member societies, helping them save the lives of more animals in their communities. Read more about the CFHS here.
- What is the CFHS’s mission?
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS) is the only national voice of humane societies and SPCAs. We work collaboratively with our member societies and Canadians coast to coast to promote respect and humane treatment toward all animals.
Read more about the CFHS here.
- Where does the CFHS operate?
The CFHS works at a national level in Canada, from our office in Ottawa, Ontario. Click here for our mailing address.
- Can I volunteer for the CFHS?
The CFHS is pleased to welcome volunteers who wish to assist our work in animal welfare. Please note the CFHS is an administrative office, we do not operate an animal care or adoption facility nor do we operate any animal cruelty investigations. Should any volunteer opportunities arise, they will be posted on our website in the Careers section.
- What kind of donations does the CFHS accept?
The CFHS is very appreciative of the donations made to our organization. We accept one-time gifts, tribute gifts and legacy gifts. We also have a monthly giving program. Click here for more information.
- How can I make a donation?
We have a variety of ways you can donate:- Call us at 1-888-678-2347 ext. 17
- Email us at donate@cfhs.ca
- Donate online
- Mail a cheque to: CFHS, 102-30 Concourse Gate, Ottawa, ON K2E 7V7
- Does the CFHS issue tax receipts?
Yes, the CFHS issues tax receipts for donations of $10 or more. If you have any further questions about this, please email donate@cfhs.ca.
- How do I change my donor contact information?
Your donor contact information can be changed on our website by using our online form. Click here to access the form at the bottom of the page. You may also call 1-888-678-2347 ext. 17 or email us with your previous and new contact information.
- What is the CFHS’ charitable registration number?
The CFHS’ charitable registration number is 11883 0884 RR0001.
- How can I become a member of the CFHS?
Please note CFHS membership is only open to animal welfare organizations; it is not open to individuals. The CFHS is happy to welcome new member organizations on a continuous basis. If your animal welfare organization is interested in having the CFHS represent you nationally, then you’re invited to apply for membership. To learn more and obtain your application form, click here.
- What is the difference between animal welfare and animal rights?
There are many differences between animal welfare and animal rights groups. It is primarily the philosophies and views regarding the use and treatment of animals that differentiates the two. Regardless of the label, the majority of these groups have the best interest of animals at heart. To read more about the differences, click here.
- Can I leave my unwanted pet with you? / Can I adopt from your offices?
No. The CFHS 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.
Cruelty towards animals (animal abuse)
- What should I do if I witness an act of animal cruelty?
If you see it, report it. If you have witnessed an act of cruelty towards an animal, please contact the investigations unit of your local or provincial humane society or SPCA.
Click here for more information.
- I think there is a puppy/kitten mill in my area, what should I do?
If there is enough evidence to suggest that the operation is in fact a puppy or kitten mill, please report your suspicion to your local or provincial humane society or SPCA’s cruelty inspection department. Click here to learn more.
To learn more about puppy mills, click here.
Animal Welfare in Canada
- Is there one organization that oversees all the humane societies or SPCAs in Canada?
There is no such thing as an organization that oversees all animal shelters in Canada. However, there are national organizations who work with many shelters and provincial organizations who do have local branches. The CFHS does not oversee the policy or operations of its member organizations.
- Do you have any statistics on animal shelters in Canada?
The CFHS does survey humane societies and SPCA across Canada from time to time and this information is available online. To view the statistics we have collected, click here.
- Is there a low-cost spay/neuter clinic near me?
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies doesn’t operate any spay or neuter clinics in Canada. There are a number of spay/neuter clinics across the country that offer these services, usually at a reduced cost and they are usually run by provincial animal welfare organizations, local animal shelters, rescue groups or by municipalities. Please contact you municipal government and local humane society or SPCA to find out if there is such a clinic in your area.
The following is a list of clinics – some low-cost – that are known to the CFHS. The following should not be considered a comprehensive list — many new ones open up each year!
- British Columbia:
- Alberta:
- Saskatchewan:
- Ontario:
- Prince Edward Island:
If you have some links to add, please submit them here.
Education and school projects
- Which post-secondary education institutions in Canada offer animal care programs?
Many universities and colleges across Canada offer programs related to animal care. Here are a few examples:- Animal Health Technology
- Veterinary Technician
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Welfare
- I am working on a school project, what sort of information can the CFHS provide?
The CFHS has a great wealth of animal welfare information to share with students researching topics related to animals. In an effort to help educate the public and help student research, a good portion of our information is posted on our website. This information can be found by navigating through the various sections or searching key words.
