Calgary Humane Society
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1922
- HeadquartersCalgary, Canada
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Calgary Humane Society does
Calgary Humane Society is Calgary's first and longest-operating animal welfare organization, founded in 1922 and operating as a registered Canadian charity (BN #118823632RR0001) at 4455 110th Avenue SE in Calgary, Alberta. The organization runs an open-admission shelter accepting all animals regardless of medical or behavioural history, and holds exclusive statutory authority under Alberta's Animal Protection Act to investigate animal cruelty within Calgary city limits. In 2025 the organization conducted 993 cruelty investigations resulting in 650 animals removed from unsafe situations, handled 5,000+ animals through intake, and placed 2,475 animals into adoptive homes.
The organization operates an integrated service portfolio spanning animal adoption (with fees from $40 for barn cats to $625 for puppies), community services (pet food bank, wellness clinics for low-income owners, emergency boarding, seniors program, cremation via Gateway Cremations partnership), positive-reinforcement dog training classes, youth education and camps, and a foster program. The platform architecture relies on standard third-party tools: PetPress/Petango for shelter management and adoption listings, ClientVantage for the online pet gear store, Volgistics for volunteer coordination, and EasyApply for HR. Operational innovations include a Remote Adoption Vehicle (Rover), a mobile unit equipped with kennels, A/C, heating, and lighting that brings adoption events directly to communities, and a first-come, first-served Open Adoption Centre accepting both walk-ins and scheduled appointments.
Revenue is generated through a diversified nonprofit model including individual donations and monthly recurring giving (PAWS program), corporate sponsorships (including Rogers Birdies for Kids matching program), annual memberships ($10 senior, $40 general, $250 lifetime), adoption fees, training class tuition, retail sales from the onsite and online Pet Gear Store, cremation service fees, and program fees for education and facility rentals. The organization is governed by a Board of Directors chaired by Andrew Wilson (former Managing Partner at JSS Barristers) and led by Executive Director Carrie Fritz (CGA-CPA, in role since 2014). With 83 employees and 600+ active volunteers, Calgary Humane Society serves the Calgary region exclusively under its enforcement jurisdiction, with no geographic expansion signaled.
Calgary Humane Society firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Calgary Humane Society
- Legal name
- Calgary Humane Society
- Website
- https://calgaryhumane.ca
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1922
- Operating status
- Operating
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Calgary Humane Society industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Animal Welfare Services
- NAICS
- Veterinary Services (54194), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291)
- SIC
- Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Animal Cruelty Prevention, Investigation & Humane Law Enforcement (BPAGAIAG), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK), Companion Animal Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals (AFAEANAA), Low-Cost & Community Veterinary Clinics (HLAMAAAE)
Keywords
Where Calgary Humane Society is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Calgary
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Calgary Humane Society business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Individual donations (single and monthly recurring), corporate sponsorships, event sponsorship, and third-party hosted fundraisers. Matching donation programs such as Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLink are periodically offered.
- Membership Program: Annual memberships ($10 senior, $40 general) and lifetime memberships ($250) providing discounts and perks to drive engagement and recurring revenue.
- Animal Adoptions: Adoption fees ranging from $40 (barn cats) to $625 (puppies) for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and exotic animals. Includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, and wellness exam.
- Pet Gear Store: Retail sales of pet supplies both onsite and online. All proceeds benefit animals at the shelter. Members receive 15% discount.
- Training Classes and Consultations: Group training classes (Puppy Club, Smarty Pups, Polite Pooches, Reactive Rover, etc.) and private consultations for dogs and cats. Also includes off-leash dog park bookings.
- Education Programs: School presentations, field trips, community group tours, day camps (PD day and week-long camps), youth clubs, birthday parties, and facility rentals.
- Planned Giving: Legacy gifts through wills, stock donations, gifts of life insurance, RRSP/RRIF beneficiaries, and real estate donations. Members of Nine Lives Society receive recognition.
- Item Donations: Accepts vehicle donations through donatecar.ca, recyclable donations through SkipTheDepot and Trail Bottle Depot, and gift cards from various retailers.
- Community Services Fees: Various community services including wellness clinics (for low-income pet owners), cremation services through Gateway Cremations partnership, and emergency boarding programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Lifetime Membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Senior Membership (65+) |
| Subscription | Annual | General Membership |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Dog Adoption Fees |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Cat Adoption Fees |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Rabbit/Small Animal Adoption |
| Subscription | Monthly | Training Classes |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Dog Park Access |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Youth Education Programs |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Group Volunteering |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels7 records
Marketing channels12 records
Calgary Humane Society product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Calgary Humane Society operates an open-admission animal shelter providing animal adoption services for dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic animals; statutory animal cruelty investigation and enforcement under Alberta's Animal Protection Act within Calgary; community services including a pet food bank, wellness clinics, emergency boarding, and a seniors program; positive-reinforcement dog training classes and consultations; humane education programs for youth; and a retail Pet Gear Store (on-site and online). Revenue is generated through adoption fees, training fees, retail sales, membership fees, donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.
Product overview
Calgary Humane Society operates as an open-admission animal shelter offering a comprehensive suite of animal welfare services. The core offering includes animal adoption, foster care, and animal protection enforcement under Alberta's Animal Protection Act. Supporting services encompass community support programs (food bank, seniors assistance, wellness clinics, emergency boarding), positive reinforcement-based dog training classes, and humane education for youth. Retail operations include an onsite and online Pet Gear Store with proceeds supporting shelter operations. The organization also operates specialty facilities including an off-leash dog park and mobile Remote Adoption Unit (Rover), while providing spay/neuter clinics and a Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative in partnership with the City of Calgary.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Animal Adoption Services Open adoption centre placing dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and exotic animals into homes. Each adoption includes spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, a wellness exam, a 6-week pet insurance trial via Petsecure, city licensing, and a CHS membership. Adoption fees range from $40 (barn cats) to $625 (puppies).
- Animal Protection Services
- Community Services
- Foster Program
- Training Classes and Private Consultations
- Education & Youth Programs
- Spay/Neuter Clinic
- Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative
- Pet Gear Store
- Off-Leash Dog Park
- Remote Adoption Unit (Rover)
- Membership Program
- Donations and Planned Giving
Quantifiable outcome
- Animals in foster care are 14 times more likely to be adopted
- +1 more outcomes
Companies that use Calgary Humane Society
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Calgary Humane Society technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration6 records
Feature2 records
Calgary Humane Society partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.
- City of CalgarycorePartnership on Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative to address housing insecurity as a leading cause of pet surrender. Includes development of landlord-tenant toolkits, policy advocacy, and emergency boarding support for pet owners facing housing challenges.
- Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltaLinkflagshipMatching donation program running until August 31st where donations are matched up to 50% to amplify fundraising efforts for animal welfare programs.
- Gateway CremationscorePartnership for compassionate cremation services and memorial products for companion animals, providing end-of-life support for grieving pet owners.
- Petsecurecore100% Canadian owned and operated pet insurance company since 1989. Provides complimentary six-week trial of pet health insurance for all adopted dogs and cats, with option to convert to full policy.
- AmazonminorAmazon Wishlist for pet supplies donations, allowing supporters to purchase needed items directly and have them shipped to the shelter.
- SkipTheDepotminorRecyclable container donation program where supporters can donate bottles and containers with proceeds going to Calgary Humane Society.
- Trail Bottle DepotminorAll deposit money from donated bottles is directed to Calgary Humane Society. Donations are tax deductible with annual receipt provided.
- donatecar.caminorVehicle donation program where partners coordinate pickup or drop-off of unwanted vehicles with tax receipts provided for donations.
- Haskayne School of BusinesscoreResearch partnership to study housing barriers and pet surrender trends, providing evidence-based data to support pet-inclusive housing advocacy and policy change.
- Participating Veterinary ClinicscoreNetwork of veterinary clinics providing complimentary wellness exams for adopted animals and ongoing care for community services programs.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Calgary Humane Society competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Edmonton Humane Society: Direct peer operating an open-admission animal shelter in Edmonton with adoption, cruelty investigation, training, and community services comparable to CHS. Closest geographic comparable in Alberta.
- BC SPCA: Provincial-scale animal welfare organization operating shelters, cruelty investigation, and community programs across British Columbia. Comparable in scope, regulatory authority, and service breadth to CHS.
- Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Provincial animal welfare charity operating shelters, enforcement, and community services in Ontario. Directly comparable mission, regulatory role, and integrated service portfolio.
- Toronto Humane Society: Open-admission animal shelter in Toronto providing adoption, veterinary, training, and community programs. Comparable urban shelter operating model with similar revenue diversification.
- Montreal SPCA: Quebec-based animal welfare organization with shelter, enforcement, and advocacy programs. Comparable Canadian non-profit animal welfare peer with similar community-service breadth.
Others
- Humane Canada (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies): National federation representing Canadian humane societies including CHS. Comparable in mission and provides shared advocacy, standards, and operational support across member societies.
Broad incumbents
- ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): Largest US animal welfare organization operating shelters, enforcement, advocacy, and veterinary services. Broader incumbent with overlapping mission and service breadth but US-focused.
Emerging players
- PetSmart Charities of Canada: Major Canadian pet welfare grantmaker funding adoption and spay/neuter programs at shelters including CHS-adjacent organizations. Comparable mission but operates through grants rather than direct shelter services.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks4 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Calgary Humane Society social profiles
Digital presenceCalgary Humane Society financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Calgary Humane Society leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles18 records
Calgary Humane Society funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Calgary Humane Society M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Calgary Humane Society
What does Calgary Humane Society do?
Calgary Humane Society operates an open-admission animal shelter providing animal adoption services for dogs, cats, rabbits, and exotic animals; statutory animal cruelty investigation and enforcement under Alberta's Animal Protection Act within Calgary; community services including a pet food bank, wellness clinics, emergency boarding, and a seniors program; positive-reinforcement dog training classes and consultations; humane education programs for youth; and a retail Pet Gear Store (on-site and online). Revenue is generated through adoption fees, training fees, retail sales, membership fees, donations, corporate sponsorships, and signature fundraising events.
Is Calgary Humane Society a public or private company?
Calgary Humane Society is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Calgary Humane Society founded?
Calgary Humane Society was founded in 1922.
Where is Calgary Humane Society based?
Calgary Humane Society is headquartered in Calgary, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Calgary Humane Society make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are membership Program, animal Adoptions, pet Gear Store, training Classes and Consultations, education Programs, planned Giving, item Donations and community Services Fees.
Who are Calgary Humane Society's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Edmonton Humane Society, BC SPCA, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, Toronto Humane Society and Montreal SPCA. Humane Canada (Canadian Federation of Humane Societies) is listed as an others. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is listed as a broad incumbent. PetSmart Charities of Canada is listed as an emerging player.
Does Calgary Humane Society have an API?
No public API is recorded for Calgary Humane Society.
What industry is Calgary Humane Society in?
Calgary Humane Society's product category is Animal Welfare Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAIAA, Animal Shelters & Adoption Services, with a secondary code of BPAGAIAG, Animal Cruelty Prevention, Investigation & Humane Law Enforcement. Its NAICS code is 54194 and its SIC code is 8600.