The Cochrane & Area Humane Society was founded in 1998 to improve the living conditions for impounded animals in the Cochrane area. An open meeting to gauge interest in forming a humane society was held and there was an overwhelming turnout from local residents, standing room only. And just like that the Cochrane Humane Society was born. The society incorporated on March 10, 1998, received charitable status February 1999 and currently consists of an executive board of directors, a variety of skilled full-time and part-time employees and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

The Cochrane & Area Humane Society staff and volunteers strive to find loving homes for all of the animals that come into their care. We work hard at socializing the shelter animals, offering playtime for our cats on a daily basis and even teaching our dogs basic obedience and manners so that the transition into a new home is easy for everyone. The staff knows that when a well-socialized animal is placed in a good home, the result is a successful and permanent adoption.

Our 2023 results:

Shelter & Care:

• Cared for 1805 animals
• Of the 1805 animals; 45% were dogs, 52% were cats & 3% were small animals/birds
• Zero animals were euthanized for reasons other than severe health or behaviour problems
• 144 animals were reunited with their families through our lost and found program
• 60 animals were spayed or neutered and returned to Morley First Nations in our Preventative Program
• 28 pets and their families were supported through our Emergency Boarding Program
• 1295 animals were adopted
• Over 1360 medical procedures & surgeries were performed

Humane Education

• 96 children celebrated their birthdays at the CAHS
• 4 scholarships of $1000, were presented to grade 12 students to further their education in the health & education field
• 116 children enjoyed our Kids’ Pajama Parties
• Over 300 children and youth attended shelter tours or our school presentations

Volunteering

• 448 Volunteers donated 33,521 hours of their time working in the shelter,  the equivalent of over 16 full-time staff positions
• 73 teens and their parents participated in the Humane Helpers program
• 419 Foster families fostered 1622 animals

Behaviour & Training

• 288 dogs and their families graduated from obedience/agility/specialty classes
• 23 families consulted our experts in a one on one setting about animal behaviour problems
• 28 families attended private obedience training
• 154 puppies and their families attended Puppy Preschool sessions

Volunteer and Foster Program: volunteers are the heart of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society. Donating thousands of hours in virtually every department of the organization, volunteers allow us to continue to provide the services we do. Regardless of the task, all of the work of our dedicated volunteers contributes to our goal of finding loving homes for deserving pets.

Adoption: we find homes for over 1,000 animals every year. Our lifestyle survey and dedicated adoption staff help find the best match for every adopter who comes through our doors.

Lost and Found & Surrender: we are an open door facility with in our service area which means we do not turn any animal away. Our intake staff are trained to assist with reuniting animals with their homes and assist when the difficult decision has been made to bring in a pet to find him/her a new home.

Pet Safekeeping and Emergency Boarding: these are free programs to support those who have fallen on difficult times – domestic violence, sudden hospitalization, natural disasters. Pets are housed either at the shelter or in trained foster homes for up to 21 days to allow people the time to seek the help they need.

Humane Education: humane education is the building block of a humane and ethically responsible society and helps children develop a personal understanding of who they are, a sense of self-worth, and helps them to develop their own beliefs and values based on compassion. At the CAHS, children are able to participate in a variety of educational programming, from classroom presentations, school or group tours of the shelter, birthday parties, and evening PJ parties.

Dog Training and Behaviour Consultations: our staff are certified professional dog trainers having earned their designation through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Our training style is based on humane training practices, mutual respect between dog and the handler, and proven methods using positive reinforcement techniques. We offer various classes, group or one-on-one, that focus on positive learning and having fun with your dog and offer one-on-one sessions for complex behaviour issues.

Positive Approach Canine Education (PACE): this program is designed to give participants a solid knowledge of learning theory and the practical abilities needed to effectively communicate with and handle dogs. We offer two certificates: CAHS Canine Handling Skills and Behaviour Knowledge Certificate and CAHS Canine Behaviour, Handling Skills & Instructor Certificate

Norm’s Nook: this is our on-site pet supply store. Proceeds go directly towards animal care here at the shelter and we carry a lot of different items for your furry family member.

Grooming and Self-Serve Dog Wash: we offer all breed grooming. Our groomers are trained in positive reinforcement and stress free handling techniques that make it the best experience possible for your furry friend. If all you’re looking for is a quick bath for your pooch, our self-serve dog wash is easy to use and each dog wash pays for one vaccine for an animal in our care.Each year the number of animals we care for increases, as do the costs to provide a safe and healthy environment for them. All animals entering our shelter receive basic veterinary care and are spayed or neutered to prevent more unwanted litters. However, in many cases where an animal is sick, abused, or injured, they require extra veterinary care and TLC.

Ways You Can Help

Donate: monetary donations help greatly with keeping the shelter running. There are different ways to assist through our monthly PAWS program, Make My Day Program, Norman’s Cat Fund, memberships, and planned gifts.

Gifts in Kind: you can purchase items on our Wish List to help the animals in our care.

Containers for Critters: we accept your recyclable bottles and cans here at the shelter. If you want to save yourself time from standing in the bottle depot line and help animals at the same time, you can drop off your bags at our location.

Volunteer: volunteers are the backbone to our organization. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities that allow you to develop new skills while making a much-needed contribution to our organization and your community. We strive to ensure that volunteer participation meets expectations and is a rewarding experience.

Host an Event: third party fundraisers are an important resource for raising funds to carry out our work here at the shelter. When you organize a third-party fundraiser, not only are you raising money to support CAHS, you are raising awareness about the CAHS and the important work we do. This increase in awareness is an invaluable component to third party fundraising events.

Participate in our Upcoming Events: we have a variety of events throughout the year including our Book Sales, Gala, Raffles and Christmas Party Open House. All funds raised at our events go directly back to the animals in our care.

Follow us on social media and help spread the word about the work we do and animals we have looking for their forever homes: Facebook and Instagram.