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Our Story

About the Organization background

About the Organization

For 125 years, the Guelph Humane Society has been dedicated to protecting and caring for the many animals with whom we share our community and our lives, and to fostering the important bonds with animals that enrich us as individuals, families and communities. Founded in 1893, the Guelph Humane Society provides care and shelter for approximately 3,000 homeless, stray, injured, orphaned, abandoned and abused animals each year, throughout Guelph and Wellington County.

Our programs are delivered by an enthusiastic team of staff with many years of experience in animal care and welfare. In addition to paid staff, we are lucky to have nearly 300 active volunteers, who provide thousands of hours of service each year and generously share their skills and ideas with the humane society.

The Guelph Humane Society has a strong working relationship with local, provincial, and national animal welfare organizations; local school boards; the City of Guelph; Township of Centre Wellington; Township of Guelph-Eramosa; local veterinarians; the Ontario Veterinary College Health Sciences Centre at the University of Guelph; and Guelph Police Services and the Provincial Crown Attorney’s Office. We are a proud member of the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (CFHS).

Our organization is guided by a Board of Directors made up of volunteers with a wide range of skills and business experience. The Board also convenes several ad hoc committees, which work to address specific issues. Day-to-day operations of the shelter are managed by the Executive Director and senior staff with the Board’s general guidance.

We are a registered charitable, non-profit organization that does not receive government funding. As such, we depend on your donations and private funding to support our important work. The Guelph Humane Society charitable registration number is 119236305RR0001.

What We Do background

What We Do

The Guelph Humane Society envisions a world where all animals are treated humanely, with respect and compassion. Our mission is to advocate for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives we can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership. To achieve those goals, we provide animal sheltering, pet rehoming, adoption services, veterinary care, pet identification, a progressive spay/neuter program, and return of lost pets. We actively participate in innovative programs like Cat Healthy, Capacity for Care and Cats & Birds. We also provide care and assistance with sick, orphaned and injured wildlife.

The Guelph Humane Society also boasts strong education programs that impact thousands of children and youth annually. Through weekly school visits in Guelph and Wellington County, children have the opportunity to participate in welfare and animal safety-based curriculum delivered by our Humane Educator. We also offer a weekday Junior Humane Club, a March Break Camp and summer camp programs.

The Guelph Humane Society is contracted by the City of Guelph, the Township of Centre Wellington and the Township of Guelph-Eramosa to provide animal services. Our staff enforce animal related by-laws, help stray domestic animals, respond to citizens with animal concerns, and provide emergency response to stray animals or animals (including wildlife) that are sick or injured.

Our New Home background

Our New Home

As of March 8, 2021, the Guelph Humane Society has moved into a brand new home!

The 18,000 sq. ft. facility is bright, spacious, and reflects the work that GHS has been doing in the community. With the larger space, GHS is looking forward to expanding services and programs, and helping more animals than ever before.

To learn more about the new GHS facility at 190 Hanlon Creek Blvd, click here.

Vision, Mission, and Values background

Vision, Mission, and Values

Our Vision

The Guelph Humane Society envisions a world where all animals are treated humanely, with respect and compassion.

Our Mission

The Guelph Humane Society’s mission is ‘to advocate for all animals, and in particular those animals whose lives we can influence, through care, education, community support, protection, and leadership.’

Our Values

We value the interconnectedness that we share with all animals in our community.

We value the humane treatment of all animals and strive to ensure their well-being and safety.

We value innovation and advancement, utilizing evidence-based approaches to guide improvements and best practices.

We value compassion and respect, demonstrating these values with each other and those we serve, including animals.

We value being leaders in our community in the promotion of animal welfare, by actively demonstrating knowledge and advocacy.

We value active engagement with our partners, supporters, and community, through programs, services, humane education and outreach.

We value integrity and transparency in all our communications and relationships.

We value fiscal responsibility and the careful stewardship of our resources, reputation and assets.