The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth

What The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth does

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) is a registered Canadian charitable non-profit organization (BIN 11898 3550 RR0001) founded in 1927 and approaching its centennial in 2027. It operates two purpose-built animal centres in Kitchener (250 Riverbend Drive) and Stratford (125 Griffith Road), serving as the sole legal pound keeper for Waterloo Region and Perth County in Ontario. The organization delivers a comprehensive animal welfare portfolio including pet adoption, low-cost spay/neuter surgery (cats only at Stratford, $225-$275), rabies and microchip clinics, dog training, behaviour resources, Pet Pantry food assistance, veterinary outreach to vulnerably housed pet owners, Trap-Neuter-Return for community cats, wildlife triage referrals, cremation and end-of-life services, and humane education from JK through Grade 8.

HSKWSP runs no proprietary technology platform; its operational stack is composed of third-party SaaS tools including Amilia (program registration), Acuity Scheduling (vet appointments), JotForm (intake forms), Constant Contact (email marketing), and SurveyHero (surveys). The Stratford clinic uses a high-volume, high-quality (HVHQSN) surgical model for feline spay/neuter.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix: adoption donations, program and service fees (camps $355-$455, training $115-$150/hr, birthday parties $255+), annual fundraising events (Paws for Laughs, Tails on Trails, Meowmosa, Howl-In-One, Bake for the Animals, Calendar Contest, Holiday Pet Pics), individual donations including a $10/month Give Back Pack recurring program, corporate sponsorship and workplace giving, vehicle donations via Donate A Car Canada, and legacy/estate gifts. The Better Together Capital Campaign, launched Phase One on August 28, 2025, is underwriting a new Community Outreach Centre with pledges of $1,000-$499,000 across five tiers and up to five-year terms. Pack Leader donors include the City of Waterloo and City of Kitchener, alongside major corporate sponsors such as Royal Canin, Bell Media, and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada.

Name

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth

Legal name

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth

Website

https://kwsphumane.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth is a registered Canadian charity operating two animal centres in Kitchener and Stratford, Ontario as the sole legal pound keeper for the region, delivering pet adoption, low-cost veterinary care, Pet Pantry food assistance, training, education programs, and end-of-life services funded by donations, events, and service fees.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare Services

NAICS

Veterinary Services (541940), Veterinary Services (54194), Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Animal Welfare & Advocacy Organizations (AFAEALAC), Animal Boarding (Kennels, Catteries) (AFAEALAA), Veterinary Charity Clinics & Medical Aid (BPAGAIAD)

Keywords

• Animal welfare services
• Pet adoption programs
• Low-cost veterinary care
• Humane education
• Community animal shelter

Headquarters

HQ city

Kitchener

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Adoption fees: Revenue from pet adoptions (dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles). Adoption process is handled at both animal centres.
2. Program and service fees: Fees from animal care and community programs including: spay/neuter surgeries ($225-$275 per cat, including mandatory microchip), rabies vaccinations ($40), microchipping ($40 standalone, $70 bundle), nail trimming clinics ($10-$20), dog training sessions ($115-$150/hour), puppy classes ($300 for 4-week course), summer camp ($355-$455 per child), birthday parties ($255 base, upgrades extra), Vet in Training programs ($149-$220), Yoga with Animals ($20), Paint Nights ($10 per ticket), Centre Tours ($3 per person, $30 minimum), educational presentations ($1 per student). Revenue is supplementary and not the primary funding mechanism, as many services are priced below market to increase accessibility.
3. Events and fundraising: Revenue-generating events including: Paws for Laughs comedy show ($80-$150 per ticket, table $1000), Meowmosa brunch ($49-$55), Tails on Trails run, Howl-In-One golf tournament ($60-$200), Bake for the Animals community fundraiser, Calendar Contest ($10 entry + vote fundraising), Holiday Pet Pics photography sessions ($25-$50). Proceeds support animal care and community programs.
4. Individual donations and monthly giving: One-time and recurring monthly donations from individual supporters. The Give Back Pack monthly donor program allows supporters to choose an area of care (dogs, cats, small animals, or Pet Pantry) for their recurring gift. Monthly donations start at $10/month. Memorial donations in honour of people or pets are accepted directed to either centre or where most needed.
5. Capital campaign fundraising: The Better Together Capital Campaign is raising funds for a new Community Outreach Centre with three phases: Phase One (new Community Outreach Centre construction, starting August), Phase Two (renovations to existing facilities, animal hospital enhancements), Phase Three (maximizing new and existing facility capacity). Pledges accepted at $5,000+ with monthly or annual gift options for up to 5-year terms.
6. Corporate sponsorship and workplace giving: Corporate sponsors for events and campaigns (e.g., Clean & Tidy as presenter of Paws for Laughs and Meowmosa, Pet Valu as presenter of Tails on Trails, Skedaddle as presenter of Paws on Pavement, Fish Lake Road as presenter of Calendar Contest). Corporate group volunteering and workplace giving programs engage employees. Corporate sponsors for Better Together Capital Campaign range from $1,000 to $499,000.
7. Vehicle donation program: Partnered with Donate A Car Canada to accept vehicle donations (cars, trucks, RVs, boats, motorcycles). Vehicles are either recycled or sold at auction depending on condition. Tax receipts issued to donors. Free towing provided in most Canadian areas.
8. Legacy giving and estate gifts: Planned giving program allowing supporters to include the Humane Society in their estate plans. Contact: Jordan Baker, Development Director. Charitable Number: 11898 3550 RR0001.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels10 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

HSKWSP operates two physical animal centres that deliver pet adoption, low-cost veterinary care (including a spay/neuter clinic for cats), behaviour and dog training, a Pet Pantry food assistance program, and end-of-life cremation services. As the only legal pound keeper in Waterloo Region and Perth County, it also fulfils a government-mandated role for stray animal holding and animal control. Beyond direct animal care, the organization runs a broad portfolio of community education programs such as summer and March Break camps, Vets in Training, birthday parties, and humane education presentations for schools.

Product overview

The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth operates as a unified shelter and community service organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of animal welfare programs and services. The core offering centers on pet adoption and veterinary care, supplemented by community support programs including the Pet Pantry for food-insecure pet owners, dog training services, and education programs (summer camps, school presentations, birthday parties, Vets in Training). The organization also provides wildlife services, emergency boarding, and foster placement. Fundraising programs including the Better Together Capital Campaign support facility expansion. The organization does not operate as a software product company.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pet Adoption Services Facilitates adoption of dogs, cats, reptiles, and small animals at both Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth animal centres, with prospective owners guided through an application review and adoption agreement process.
• Spay/Neuter Clinic (Cats Only) Low-cost, high-volume, high-quality spay/neuter surgical clinic for cats at the Stratford Perth Animal Centre. Feline Neuter $225, Feline Spay $275, both including mandatory microchip. Additional fees for hernia repair ($30), retained testicle ($50/testicle), E-collar ($12.50), vaccines ($25 each), and parasite treatment ($15-$45). Prices effective December 1, 2025.
• Rabies & Microchip Clinics Monthly microchip appointments ($40 standalone) and rabies vaccinations at both centres. Combined rabies + microchip bundle priced at $70 ($40 microchip + $40 rabies). Appointments open first business day of each month at 10am.
• Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program Community cat program providing trap-neuter-return services to manage feral and stray cat populations in Waterloo Region and Perth County. Contact: [email protected].
• End-of-Life Care and Cremation Services Sedation, euthanasia, and communal cremation (no urn return) for cats, dogs, and small mammals at the Kitchener Centre. Private cremation with urn return available in weight categories: Cats & Dogs under 30lbs, Dogs 30-80lbs, Dogs over 80lbs, Small Mammals. Columbarium spots at Kitchener $800 per space. Aftercare handled by Gateway Pet Memorial.
• One-on-One Dog Training Private dog training sessions using positive reinforcement. First session $150 (1-1.5 hours); ongoing sessions $115/hour. 25% discount for adopted dogs. Available at both Kitchener and Stratford centres.
• Puppy Classes Group puppy training class for puppies 8 weeks to 5 months. $300 for a 4-week course (1 hour per week). Covers basic obedience, loose leash walking, recall, confidence building, and socialization. Led by certified positive reinforcement trainer at Kitchener and Stratford locations.
• Pet Pantry Program Drop-in pet food and supply assistance at the Kitchener centre (Tuesdays 1-4pm) and Stratford Perth centre (Fridays 10am-1pm). Provides one month supply of dog/cat food, small animal food/hay/bedding, cat litter, and treats. Not a permanent solution; supplementary support. Extended through partner food banks (St John's Kitchen, House of Blessing, Salvation Army, etc.) and the Paws on Patrol Stratford mobile delivery service.
• Veterinary Outreach Program Veterinary outreach clinics providing preventative veterinary care to people experiencing homelessness or vulnerably housed pet owners across Waterloo Region and Perth County.
• Nail Trimming Clinics Drop-in nail trimming service at the Kitchener Centre. Small animals $10, Cats $15, Dogs $20 (cash only). Off-site clinics held at Mitchell AH (July 8) and Pet Valu King St W Kitchener (August 5). Mobile service available via Paws on Patrol Stratford.
• Summer Camp Award-winning summer day camps for children ages 6-11 at both Kitchener and Stratford centres. Summer Camp $355; Vet Camp (ages 9-12) $455; Animal Academy (ages 8-12) $380. Registration opens January 19, 2026 at 10am.
• March Break Camp Award-winning full-week March Break camp at Stratford (ages 6-11) running 9am-4pm with pizza party Friday. Art programs in Kitchener include Pieces and Paws (March 16), Paws Patterns Pictures (March 17), Paint Day (March 19), and Full Day Camp (March 18).
• Vets in Training Program Multi-week veterinary education programs for youth. Jr. Vets in Training (ages 7-10) $220 for 5-week session (2 hours/week). Vets in Training (ages 10-14) runs 6-8pm. Critter Club (ages 6-9) $149 for 3-week session. Vet Club (ages 8-12) planned for fall 2026.
• Birthday Parties at Humane Society Centres 2-hour birthday party hosting for children ages 5+ at both Kitchener and Stratford centres. Base package $255 (up to 10 children including birthday child). Platinum upgrade adds pizza, cake, juice, cutlery. Extra children $20 each (max 5 extra); loot bags $5 each.
• School Education Presentations 45-minute humane education presentations tailored to the Ontario curriculum for JK through Grade 8. Includes meet & greet with an education animal. $1 per student within service areas (Waterloo Region and Perth County); senior and community organizations at nominal fee. Off-site and in-centre options.
• Yoga with the Animals 1-hour yoga class held at the Stratford Perth and Kitchener centres with cats and dogs roaming during the session. $20 per session. Bookable via Amilia.
• Paint Nights Guided step-by-step painting event with optional shelter tour and animal meet & greet. $10 per ticket (donated back to animals). Recommended for ages 12+. Bookable via SocialArt.
• Centre Tours 30-45 minute educational group tours of both centres. $3 per person with a $30 minimum per group. Groups up to 20 people. Available Monday-Friday during opening hours; after-hours tours available (latest start 6pm). Custom programs by arrangement.
• Emergency Boarding Program Emergency pet boarding services for pet owners experiencing unexpected crises such as domestic violence, hospitalization, or housing emergencies, helping keep families and pets together during difficult times.
• Foster Program Places animals in temporary foster homes while they await adoption. Foster families provide care and socialization for animals in need.
• Euthanasia and Cremation Services End-of-life services at the Kitchener Centre covering sedation, euthanasia, communal and private cremation, with Gateway Pet Memorial as exclusive aftercare partner providing urns, paw prints, and grief support resources.
• Legacy Giving Program Planned giving program allowing supporters to include HSKWSP in their estate plans, managed by Jordan Baker, Development Director.
• The Give Back Pack Monthly Donor Program Monthly recurring donation program starting at $10/month. Donors can direct giving to Kitchener Waterloo, Stratford Perth, or Where Most Needed, with options to support dogs, cats, small animals, or the Pet Pantry.
• Better Together Capital Campaign Multi-phase capital campaign to construct a new Community Outreach Centre and renovate existing facilities. Pledges of $5,000 or more accepted with monthly or annual gift options for up to 5-year terms. Donor tiers range from Guardian Angel ($1,000-$4,999) to Pack Leader ($100,000-$499,000). Phase One began August 2025.
• Vehicle Donation Program Vehicle donation program operated in partnership with Donate A Car Canada. Accepts cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles. Free towing provided in most Canadian areas. Vehicles are recycled or sold at auction; tax receipts issued to donors.
• Paws for Laughs Comedy Show Annual fundraising comedy show featuring comedian Drew Lynch (America's Got Talent Season 10, second place). General admission $80; Premium $110; VIP $150 (first row + meet & greet + autographed poster); VIP table $1,000 (Waterloo only). Two-night event at Hampton Inn & Suites Waterloo (Sunday March 8) and Stratford Country Club (Monday March 9). Presented by Clean & Tidy.
• Tails on Trails Run/Walk Event Annual fundraising run/walk with 5K Race, 2.5K Fun Run/Walk, and 200m Pup-Run options. Saturday May 30, 2026 at Bechtel Park, Waterloo. Presented by Pet Valu and partnered with RunWaterloo. Fundraising incentives: $60+ exclusive T-shirt; $120+ swag bag + T-shirt; top 25 fundraisers compete for a $2,500 Expedia travel voucher and Lululemon prize packs.
• Meowmosa Brunch Annual 19+ fundraising brunch. Early bird pricing (until March 31) $49/person or $450/table of 8. Regular pricing (April 1 onward) $55/person or $500/table of 8. Saturday May 9, 10am-1pm at Hampton Inn and Suites St. Jacobs. Presented by Clean & Tidy.
• Howl-In-One Golf Tournament Annual golf tournament fundraiser. $60 per golfer; $200 per foursome. Wednesday September 24 at Badlands Golf Company, Waterloo with shotgun starts at 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm. Hole-in-one prizes, closest to pin, longest putt, and best dressed team awards.
• Holiday Pet Pics Photography Sessions Seasonal holiday pet photography sessions by Victor Rose Photography. $25 for one digital photo or $50 for three digital photos. Sessions at Kitchener (November 8-9, 22-23, December 6-7) and Stratford (November 15-16). Bookable via Amilia.
• 2027 Calendar Contest Annual pet photo contest to be featured in the HSKWSP 2027 calendar. $10 entry fee plus $1 per vote fundraising. Top 8 dogs, top 3 cats, and top 1 other animal receive professional photoshoot with Victor Rose Photography. Contest runs July 1-31. Presented by Fish Lake Road.
• Bake for the Animals Pastry Path Community bake sale campaign in partnership with 16 local bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. Customers collect stamps at participating locations for a chance to win a stand mixer donated by TA Appliances, with portions of proceeds donated to HSKWSP.
• Paws for Parents - A Morning Off Respite program providing parents a morning off while children engage in animal-themed activities at the Humane Society.
• Volunteer Program Community volunteer program requiring minimum 6-month commitment and weekly 2-hour shifts across roles including reception, kennel cleaning, canine/feline care, Pet Pantry, street team, and corporate group volunteering.

Quantifiable outcome

• 1,627 animals adopted and 2,505 animals rescued in 2024
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Royal CanincoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe Cat's Meow donor ($25,000-$99,999) to the Better Together Capital Campaign. Also partner in the Royal Canin Shelter Food Program providing specialized nutrition to shelter animals.
• Skedaddle Humane Wildlife ControlcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerLifesaver donor ($5,000-$9,999) to the Better Together Capital Campaign. Presenting sponsor of Paws on Pavement community event. Recommended by HSKWSP for humane wildlife removal and exclusion services. Co-marketing through blog content on humane wildlife control.
• Victor Rose PhotographycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerProvides professional photography services for Holiday Pet Pics events ($25-$50 sessions) and the annual Calendar Contest winners photoshoot. Featured on website and marketing materials as a key event partner.
• Clean & TidycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Paws for Laughs comedy show and Meowmosa brunch fundraiser. Primary event sponsorship relationship.
• Pet ValucoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor of Tails on Trails run/walk event. Primary event sponsorship for this annual fundraising race.
• RunWaterloosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerEvent partner for Tails on Trails run/walk event. Co-organizes the event at Bechtel Park, Waterloo.
• Badlands Golf CompanysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for the Howl-In-One Invitational golf tournament fundraiser.
• Hampton Inn and Suites WaterloosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Paws for Laughs comedy show (Sunday March 8) and Meowmosa brunch.
• Stratford Country ClubsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue partner for Paws for Laughs comedy show (Monday March 9).
• TA AppliancessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates stand mixer as grand prize for the Bake for the Animals Pastry Path contest.
• Expedia (Fairway Rd, Kitchener)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDonates $2500 travel voucher for top 25 fundraisers at Tails on Trails.
• LululemonsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPrize sponsor for Tails on Trails event, providing Lululemon prize packs for top fundraisers.
• Gateway Pet MemorialcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerExclusive partner for cremation services (communal and private), urns, paw prints, and memorial products. Handles all aftercare arrangements for euthanasia program. Also provides grief support resources and Pet Compassion Careline for HSKWSP clients.
• Donate A Car CanadasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVehicle donation partner accepting cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles on behalf of HSKWSP. Free towing across Canada. Vehicles recycled or sold at auction. Tax receipts issued to donors.
• Farley FoundationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerReferral resource for veterinary care financial assistance. Available through participating veterinary clinics for existing clients only. HSKWSP refers qualifying pet owners to this fund.
• Paws CanadasupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerReferral resource for veterinary care subsidies. Self-application subsidy program. HSKWSP refers qualifying pet owners to this program.
• Toronto Humane SocietysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides virtual feline behaviour consultations, private training, and class training services recommended by HSKWSP for cat owners struggling with unwanted behaviours or behavioural concerns.
• Hobbitstee Wildlife RefugesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed wildlife rescue referred by HSKWSP for sick and injured wildlife in Ontario.
• Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education CentresupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLicensed wildlife rescue referred by HSKWSP for sick and injured wildlife in Ontario.
• Community Food Bank Partners (St John's Kitchen, Healing of the Seven Generations, Wilmot Family Resource Centre, House of Blessing, Salvation Army St Marys, It Takes a Village)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPet food distribution partnerships through Waterloo Region and Perth County food banks. HSKWSP supplies pet food for distribution alongside human food assistance, keeping pets with families in crisis.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Provincial animal welfare charity operating shelters and animal centres across Ontario with adoption, veterinary, and community education services. Directly comparable in mandate, governance structure, and service mix to HSKWSP.
• Toronto Humane Society: Long-established urban animal welfare charity providing adoption, low-cost veterinary care, behaviour training, and youth education in the GTA. HSKWSP explicitly refers clients to THS for feline behaviour consultations, signalling operational similarity.
• Calgary Humane Society: Regional animal welfare charity operating shelter, adoption, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, and humane education programs. Comparable scope of services, fundraising model, and reliance on donations and corporate sponsorships.
• Ottawa Humane Society: Regional Ontario animal welfare charity offering adoption, veterinary services, behaviour programs, and youth education. Closely comparable in mission, geographic scope (single urban-region market), and reliance on individual giving and events.
• Edmonton Humane Society: Prairie-region animal welfare charity with shelter, adoption, low-cost spay/neuter, and humane education. Comparable operating model, accreditation stack, and event-driven fundraising.
• Winnipeg Humane Society: Regional Manitoba animal welfare charity running shelter, adoption, low-cost vet clinic, and community programs. Comparable in service breadth and reliance on donations plus program/service fees.
• Nova Scotia SPCA: Provincial animal welfare organization providing sheltering, adoption, and education across Nova Scotia. Comparable governance (charitable nonprofit), service portfolio, and accreditation-driven operating model.
• Montreal SPCA: Quebec-based animal welfare charity operating shelter, veterinary services, and advocacy programs. Comparable in mission breadth, bilingual community programming, and donor-supported model.

Broad incumbents

• BC SPCA: Largest animal welfare organization in British Columbia operating 40+ branches with sheltering, veterinary, enforcement, and advocacy. Comparable mission and service mix but operates at significantly larger provincial scale.

Others

• Royal Canin (Shelter Food Program): Pet food manufacturer partnering with HSKWSP through the Royal Canin Shelter Food Program to provide nutrition for shelter animals. Not a peer in the animal welfare space but an enabling supplier and capital campaign donor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/StratfordPerthHumaneSociety
• Instagraminstagram.com/kwsphumane
• Xx.com/kwsphumane
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kitchener-waterloo-humane-society

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth