The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth - Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society
Our Mission
The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth is a passionate leader in animal welfare, dedicated to promoting the human-animal bond through responsible care, education, and advocacy. We believe in building communities that value and respect every animal we serve.
Who We Are
With roots dating back to 1927 in Kitchener and 1973 in Stratford, we have grown into one of Ontario's largest animal welfare charities. While our journey began as a way to support homeless and abandoned pets, we have evolved into a vibrant hub that provides 40+ vital services to pets and their families across Waterloo Region, Perth County, and the Township of Zorra.
How We Care
Operating as a self-funded, independent registered charity, we provide a warm, safe environment for animals while they wait for their forever homes. Our facilities in Kitchener and Stratford are designed with animal well-being in mind, featuring spacious cat condos, comfortable dog runs, and access to enriching outdoor areas. Beyond the shelter, we utilize an extensive foster network and provide specialized outreach programs to keep families and their beloved pets together during challenging times.
Your Adoption Journey
Adopting is a joyful, life-changing partnership, and we are here to support you in finding the perfect match for your family. We carefully consider the unique personality and care needs of every animal to ensure a lasting, loving connection for both you and your new companion. We believe the best outcomes start with a thoughtful, informed introduction.
Start Your Story
Are you ready to welcome a new best friend into your life? We invite you to browse our currently adoptable animals on our website or visit us in person at our Kitchener or Stratford locations. We can't wait to help you begin your journey toward a lifelong friendship.
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 7, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal Partner
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Compassionate and helpful staff
- Efficient animal rescue/surrender process
- Communication friction and tone
Coverage We Reviewed
GH - Potential
Improves Trust
7/30 - Still time to vote for your favourite pet
More than 100 local pet lovers and their animal companions are taking part in the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth's annual online Calendar Photo Contest, raising funds to support animals in need throughout the region.
Recent Videos
10/21 - THERE’S STILL TIME TO GET YOUR TICKETS! 🎃 Join us for Meowmosa: Potions, Paws & Purrs for a Cause on October 30 for a spooky night of fun in support of the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth! Enjoy dinner, drinks, games, entertainment, vendors, and over $2,000 in prizes to be won! 👀 Here's a peek at some of the amazing prizes up for grabs: ✈️ Travel vouchers courtesy of Mike at Rainy Day Travel 🐱 A catio for your feline friends 🎭 A 3-month StratFest @ Home subscription (@stratfest) 🍫 Two Stratford Chocolate Trail passes 💜 A gift basket from Neob Lavender (@neoblavender) 🍽️ Two gift cards to Bentley's Bar & Inn (@bentleysbarinn) 🍷 Two gift cards to Betty's On George (@bettyswinebar) and more! Plus, you could win a $500 travel voucher in our door prize draw! There are so many exciting prizes to look forward to. 📅 Friday, October 30, 2026 🕡 6:30–11 PM (dinner at 7:30 PM) 📍 Stratford Country Club 🎟️ $99 per person or $700 for a table of 8 with early-bird pricing (available until October 18). Gather your favourite people, dress up if you dare, and celebrate Halloween for a cause that matters.
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10/20 - While raising her six little ones, Audrey faced heartworm, Lyme disease, and extensive dental treatment. Now, we're helping her get the care she needs to recover and build a brighter future. We've partnered with Nala&Co. (@nala.coapparel) on a limited-edition collection inspired by Audrey's story, featuring a special moment between Audrey and one of her puppies. A portion of every purchase goes directly toward Audrey's medical care. Shop the collection, support Audrey's recovery, and help give this deserving girl the second chance she deserves.
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10/16 - A little spooky, a lot of fun, and a $500 door prize! Join us for Meowmosa: Potions, Paws & Purrs for a Cause, in support of the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth! Think delicious food and drinks, themed games, prizes, costumes, and a bewitching night out for a great cause. ✨ THE DOOR PRIZE: One lucky guest will win a $500 travel voucher, courtesy of Mike at Rainy Day Travels! The perfect excuse to start planning your next getaway. 📅 Friday, October 30 | 6:30–11 PM 📍 Stratford Country Club 🎟️ $99/person | $700/table of 8 when booked by October 18 Gather your favourite ghouls and goblins for a frightfully fun evening that gives back to animals in need. Limited seating available - get your tickets before they disappear! Link in bio for more information!
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10/10 - Downtown Kitchener was FULL of good pups today! We love to see so many wagging tails! Thanks for bringing your pups out today! The fun continues tomorrow from 11am-6pm at 44 Gaukel St. Cost: FREE! Full schedule of events can be found at www.oktoberfest.ca A few reminders: All dogs must be on leash. Leashes should be no longer than 6 feet. No retractable leashes. Pick up after your dog. Please ask permission before allowing dogs to greet. Please ask permission before offering treats to dogs. You are responsible for your dog at all times. 🐾🐺🦮🐶🐩🐕🐕🦺🦴 #dogtoberfest #kwoktoberfest #kitchener #kitchenerwaterloo #dogsofdtk @dogsofdtk @kwsphumane
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10/8 - AND THE WINNER IS... A huge THANK YOU to TA Appliances (@taappliances) for generously donating the BBQ and helping us make this giveaway possible! Your support means so much. ❤️ And of course, we want to give a big shoutout to all of the amazing restaurants who participated and helped make this giveaway such a success: B55 (@b55_bar_and_grill) Borealis (@borealis_grille) Malt & Barley (@maltandbarley) State & Main (@stateandmain) Boathouse (@boathousedtk) The Civil (@thecivilkitchener) TWB (@twbcoop) 53 North (Stratford Country Club) (@53northrestaurantstratford) Ken’s Fries (@kensfrenchfries) The Common (@commonstratford) Thank you for your generosity, enthusiasm, and for helping us celebrate our incredible community! 🙌 And to everyone who entered, shared, visited, and supported these local businesses - thank you!
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10/7 - Did you know October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month?? 🐶🐾 We stopped by @kwsphumane and met some incredible pups looking for their forever homes. Each dog has a unique story and the staff shared what makes every one so special. ✨ Which adoptable pooch captured your heart? Let us know in the comments! 💙 #RensPets #NationalAdoptAShelterDogMonth #RescueDog #AdoptADog #DogLovers
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10/5 - Still recovering from all the tail wags. 😂🐾 A HUGE thank you to everyone who joined us for the Neighbourhood Dog Party! We loved seeing so many dogs, familiar faces and new friends come together to support our local community. But apparently one dog party wasn’t enough... Next stop: DOGTOBERFEST! 🍂🐶 We’ll be there October 10–11 in Downtown Kitchener. Come find us, say hi and grab something tasty for your pup! #LabradorPet #Dogtoberfest #KWEvents #KitchenerWaterloo #DogParents
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10/3 - A special collection for a special girl! 🐾 Heartworm, Lyme Disease, and some dental trouble. Through it all, she never stopped caring for her babies. This design is inspired by one of those sweet moments! Audrey and one of her pups, nose to nose. A portion of every order is going straight towards her medical care ❤️🩹 Shop the collection, support her recovery, and help write the next chapter of Audrey’s story 💙 ** all items are made-to-order & are fulfilled every 2 weeks. ** Pickup at Kitchener-Waterloo Humane & Stratford Humane Society is available for FREE. An email will be sent once your order is ready for pickup. ** shipping is available at a flat rate of $10.00 ** all apparel is unisex & pre-shrunk! Thank you 💌
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10/2 - Thank you everyone! For such an amazing fundraiser🙌 we raised a total of $138! We couldn't have do it with out you🙌💜❤️💕🧡 #fyp #fundraiser #kwawesome #smallbusiness #hairaccessories
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10/1 - It's time for another Furry Friends in support of the @kwsphumane on Mid Mornings Rock with @billieholidayradio, sponsored by @labradorpet_! Let's help get these adorable animals a forever home! Meet Rosco, an adventure-loving 2-year-old dog who is always ready for his next mission. Whether he's exploring the great outdoors, learning new skills, or spending time with his people, Rosco thrives when he has a job to do and an outlet for his enthusiasm. Rosco would do best in a home without shared entrances and with older children who have experience with large dogs. He would also prefer to be the only dog in the home. With structure, routine, and a patient family committed to helping him succeed, Rosco will reward his adopters with loyalty, fun, and endless companionship. Meet Rosco in-person at our Kitchener Centre or online at www.kwsphumane.ca/adopt/dogs
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9/29 - A mother's love, despite the odds ❤️ When Audrey arrived in our care this summer, she wasn't alone. Just one day before her transfer, she gave birth to six puppies. What we didn't know was that Audrey was also fighting for her own health. In July, she was diagnosed with heartworm, Lyme disease, and fractured teeth. While raising six newborn puppies, she underwent surgery, dental treatment, medications, and ongoing care. Every day, Audrey put her puppies first. In August, she moved into a foster home and her puppies found their forever families. Now it's Audrey's turn. Her medical treatment is expected to wrap up by the end of October, and until then she is soaking up lots of love in her foster home. She is finally getting to be a dog – discovering new toys, lounging around the house, and learning to enjoy cuddling with her foster family. Follow along as we share her story and help this resilient mom get the second chance she deserves. ❤️
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9/29 - @billieholidayradio had such a great time visiting the @kwsphumane today for a little tour! 🐾 It’s amazing to see all the care, love, and dedication that goes into helping animals find their forever homes. Stay tuned for Furry Friends sponsored by @labradorpet_ coming this Thursday—you won’t want to miss it! 🐶🐱 For more information visit www.kwsphumane.ca
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