Who We Are
The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society has been serving the community since 1927.
In 2012, we assumed ownership of the long-standing Perth County SPCA,
which was renamed the Stratford Perth Humane Society.
Today, we are known as one organization - The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth. We operate an Animal Centre in Kitchener and a new Animal Centre in Stratford. Together, they service the areas of Kitchener, Waterloo, Wilmot, Woolwich, Wellesley, Stratford and Perth County. From time to time we help animals outside of these areas, as time and resources allow.
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth is self-funded and self-governed. Outside of contracts for animal control services, we receive no government funding. We rely on the generosity of our donors to help animals within our communities and to provide animal welfare focused community education and outreach.
MISSION
We are leaders in animal welfare in our communities and committed to promoting the human-animal bond, while focusing on the responsible treatment of animals through education, collaboration, compliance, advocacy and care.
VISION
Communities that value and respect animals.
VALUES
- Serving communities
- Humane treatment of animals
- Innovation and learning
- Compassion and dedication
- Leadership and collaboration
- Accountability
Statement of commitment to accessibility
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth is committed to ensuring equal access and participation for people with disabilities. We are committed to treating people with disabilities in a way that allows them to maintain their dignity and independence.
We believe in integration, and we are committed to meeting the needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner. We will do so by removing and preventing barriers to accessibility and by meeting our accessibility requirements under Ontario’s accessibility laws.
Our Strategic Priorities: 2022-2024
We are extremely excited to share our new 2022-2024 Strategic Plan with our communities! In 2021, The Humane Society worked closely with stakeholders and Capacity Canada to complete a strategic plan that brought the importance of the human-animal bond to the forefront. This focused direction is shared by many animal welfare groups across North America, as philosophies such as Human Animal Support Services (HASS) and Pets For Life emerge. Our plan includes goals of establishing a strong foundation to keep furry and human family members together, expanding programs and services that support pet owners, and advancing animal welfare strategies, including the potential establishment of an Animal Welfare Academy.
To learn more:
Our History
The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society was founded in 1927 to look after the welfare of animals in Kitchener, Waterloo, and surrounding communities. The Stratford Perth Humane Society was formerly established in 1973 as a branch of the Ontario SPCA. In 2012, we assumed ownership and became one organization, now known as The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth (KWSPHS).
Today, KWSPHS is one of the largest humane societies in Ontario.