Type non-profit charity Location Cochrane, Alberta Founded 1998 | Focus Animal welfare Revenue $1 million in 2013 Number of employees 3 | |
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Area served Cochrane and surrounding area Key people Tracy Keith, Executive Director Motto "Pets deserve loving homes Loving homes deserve pets" Similar Nova Scotia Society fo, Second Chance Animal R, Ottawa Humane Society | ||
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society is a no kill animal welfare organization in Cochrane, Alberta, which holds the contract for animal services for the town of Cochrane and surrounding communities.
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History
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society was founded in 1998 as a collaboration between Charlene Ruttle, the Town of Cochrane Animal Control Officer, and Tracy Keith, the society's Executive Director. The Society incorporated on March 10, 1998, and received charitable status in February 1999.
In 2014, the society was selected as "Best Charitable Organization" in the ‘Best of Cochrane’ contest held by a local newspaper, the Cochrane Eagle.
No kill animal sheltering
The organization provides animal sheltering to the town of Cochrane, Alberta and the surrounding communities. It is an open door shelter, in that no animal is turned away. The organization's policy is to euthanize only as a last resort for humane or public safety reasons. The organization stated in 2011 that it has been able to save more than 90% of the animals entering the shelter since its founding in 1998. Statistics reported for 2013 indicated save rates of 90.3% for dogs and 91.8% for cats.
Humane education programs
The organization provides humane education programs and day camps "where children learn about the humane treatment of animals and have fun doing it." A Humane Helpers Teen Club provides an opportunity for young teens aged 13–15 to learn how to work with animals; accompanied by a parent or other designated person over 18, who is also given training, "Activities may include grooming animals, making pet toys, walking dogs, helping with easier cleaning jobs and socializing animals."
The organization awards up to three $1,000 scholarships annually to community-minded local grade 12 students planning to pursue a career in a field related to human or animal care, health, medicine or education; who have also "completed meaningful volunteer hours at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society".
Canine behaviour programs
The organization's "Positive Approach Canine Education" (PACE) program provides certificates in canine behaviour, handling and instruction for potential dog trainers or other workers in dog-related fields. Dog training and behaviour consultations are available to help strengthen the bond between a dog and the dog's family.
Trap-neuter-return program
The organization conducts trap-neuter-return for community cats (free-ranging stray and feral cats not belonging to individuals). A Barn Buddies program is offered for feral cats needing relocation. One of the first cats trapped by the program in 1989 became the shelter cat, Norman, who died in 2014.
Outreach to Morley First Nation
Since 1998, a group of volunteers visits the Morley First Nation every week, where they "facilitate our low cost spay/neuter program, drop off food bank donations, pick up surrenders and assist animals in need". The organization reports that the "impact has been incredible since the Morley program began in 1998 with a huge improvement in animal care and a waiting list for spay/neuter surgeries."
Norm's Nook pet supply store
Norm's Nook, the organization's pet supply store, offers toys, training tools, treats, food and other items for pets. The store is named after Norman, the shelter cat for 15 years. Proceeds from sales help to fund shelter activities.