Our Story
Meet the Prince George Humane Society: A Mighty Team Dedicated to Animal Welfare in Northern BC
At the Prince George Humane Society, we proudly served Northern BC since 2015 by offering essential animal rescue services and valuable humane education resources. Our mission is to promote better care, connection, and understanding among animals and the people who cherish them.
We extend our reach to outlying communities, often providing their sole access to vital animal welfare resources. As a registered charitable organization, our animal shelter relies on the generous support of our community. We remain steadfast in our always-on fundraising mission to secure the necessary funds, ensuring the most significant impact for the animals and individuals we assist every day.
Our Mission
Committed to Compassion: Providing Forever Homes and Community Support
At the heart of our commitment lies compassion. The Prince George Humane Society is dedicated to providing surrendered animals a safe haven where they can live, rest, and, when necessary, heal before embarking on their journeys to new foster or forever homes.
Our mission extends beyond sheltering animals. We've built a strong network of devoted animal foster families, diligently match adoptive families with our shelter residents, and tirelessly educate on animal welfare and address common behavioral challenges. We offer valuable volunteer opportunities, support individuals of all ages and our animal companions through in-person shelter tours, fundraising efforts, and community events. From birthday parties to humane education initiatives, we leave no stone unturned.
Get to Know Us
OurStaffMembers
Angela McLaren
Founder & Executive Director
Jamie Walsh
Animal Care Coordinator
Kelsey MacWestaway
Animal Behaviour Coordinator
OurBoardMembers
Rachel Cook
President
Sue Bentley
Vice President
Ruth Ayers
Board Member
Adoption Stories
Angus
Angus was a unicorn, a dog that embodied the magic of his breed in the most remarkable way. His gentle temperament and infectious charm captivated everyone who crossed his path. Angus's rescue was a monumental group effort involving Spirit's Mission, HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society,and the Prince George Humane Society. Every individual involved in his journey fell head over heels for this incredible dog and rallied together without hesitation to help him. Angus was eventually transferred to HugAbull Rescue Society, where he found a loving foster home with April Fahr, where he spent seven joyful months. Whenever they attended pet events, people would stop in their tracks, exclaiming, "Is that Angus?!? OMG, can I say hi??" And Angus, always eager for new friendships, would respond with a resounding "YES, PLEASE!!" His happiness was contagious, and he possessed an uncanny ability to connect with people. He never pushed himself onto anyone but would curl up beside those who showed interest, relishing in their touch and companionship. Passersby on walks would find it difficult to resist his charms, often stopping at bus stops just to spend a few moments with him. According to April she had encountered many dogs in her life, many of them friendly, but there was something extraordinary about the way Angus formed connections with people. Perhaps it was because he had experienced loneliness and neglect himself, and he wanted to ensure no one around him ever felt sad or alone. Food was his obsession, likely a result of coming from a neglectful situation where he was a whopping 25 pounds overweight. He adored toys but was wary of squeakers, finding them rather unsettling. April even considered keeping him herself for various reasons. Despite his incredible qualities, he didn't receive much adoption interest and she wanted nothing less than a "perfect" home for him. The bar was set high for his adoption, but when Malone Smith and Matt entered the picture, they shattered that bar. They recognized just how special Angus was, showering him with love and care. Malone even had him certified as a therapy dog, a role that suited him perfectly. Angus went on adventures and vacations with them, and he even had the privilege of hanging out at the local library where Malone worked. As challenging as rescue work can be at times, stories like Angus's are the ones that inspire us to keep going. Everyone had envisioned him growing old, with a head full of gray hair, and being spoiled rotten. If anyone deserved that kind of life, it was him, but cancer had a different plan. A year ago beloved Angus had sadly joined the rainbow bridge and he had taken him away from this world way to soon. Though our hearts ache with his loss, we find solace in knowing that Angus experienced an abundance of love, joy, and adventure during his time with Malone, Matt, and all the incredible people who cared for him. His memory will forever live on, a testament to the power of rescue and the extraordinary impact one dog can have on so many lives.
Alex & Remington
Alex found himself in the midst of a devastating accident involving a car which resulted in a injury to his leg which left him in desperate need of immediate medical attention. However, Alex courageously carried his injured leg for three long and arduous months, silently enduring his suffering until he was rescued. Despite rehabilitation efforts, it became evident that his leg could not be saved, and the difficult decision to amputate had to be made. During the surgery, unexpected complications arose, resulting in a significant loss of blood. In a desperate race against time, a distress call was made to a remarkable woman named Dani. Without hesitation, she dropped everything and hurriedly brought her own dog, Remi (since passed over the rainbow bridge), to the vet to donate blood in case a life-saving transfusion was needed. What makes this part of the story even more poignant is that Remi, the canine blood donor, had previously undergone a front leg amputation himself. With the selfless act of Remi's blood donation, Alex's strength was replenished, and he embarked on a journey of recovery and hope. As he regained his health and adapted to life as a tripod, the time came for him to find a forever home where he would be loved unconditionally. Fate smiled upon Alex, guiding him to a family that was destined to be his own. Remarkably, this family already had another three-legged dog as a cherished member of their household. It was a match made in heaven, a family united by their understanding of the challenges and joys that come with life on three legs. In his new and happy home, Alex embraced the life he deserved, filled with boundless love, playfulness, and the companionship of his canine sibling. This heartwarming story serves as a reminder of the unlikely bonds forged through shared experiences and the capacity of animals to help heal one another.
Lola Bear
Prepare yourselves for an animal rescue tale that will touch your hearts and reaffirm the incredible resilience of a animals will to survive. This is the extraordinary story of Lola Bear, a little warrior who faced unimaginable challenges and found her way to a life filled with love and joy. Lola Bear's journey began with one of the roughest starts we've ever encountered. At the time a compassionate driver made a fateful stop at a rest stop along the highway. As he made his way back to his truck, a faint mewing caught his attention. Curiosity led him to discover a closed box hidden behind one of the outhouses. Inside that box were two precious kittens, fighting against the bitter cold. Sadly, one of the kittens had already succumbed to the harsh conditions, but the remaining little grey girl, Lola Bear, showed an unwavering determination to survive. Without hesitation, the driver scooped her up, cradled her in his truck, and rushed her to our shelter. Our hearts shattered upon learning Lola Bear's tragic past and still Lola Bear's fighting spirit remained unbroken, and we vowed to do everything in our power to provide her with a brighter future. While in our her once fragile and delicate frame transformed into that of a happy and thriving kitten. Lola Bear's fighting spirit and unwavering resilience were nothing short of extraordinary. As fate would have it, one of our dedicated volunteers had formed an unbreakable bond with Lola Bear during her journey of recovery. Their connection grew stronger with each passing day, and it was clear that Lola Bear had found her forever home.
Rupert
Rupert's rescue story wasn't like all the others, as it didn't have a happiest of ending we had hoped for. However, it was a touching tale of love and empathy that made his final days unforgettable. Upon arrival, Rupert, an elderly cat , was in a terrible state. Regrettably, it took several weeks for anyone to realize that Rupert, the cat, was also present after his owners passed away. He had been suffering from ear infections for so long that his ears had become folded with scar tissue, making it impossible for his doctor to see inside them. Additionally, Rupert had severe arthritis in his hind legs that made walking difficult. Despite all this, Rupert remained positive and grateful for every day of life. Determined to give Rupert the best possible end-of-life experience we decided to provide him with the medical attention he needed. They treated his ear infections and prescribed medication to alleviate his arthritis pain, knowing that Rupert would live out the rest of his days under our care. Rupert was placed in a foster hospice where he was pampered and spoiled during his final days, experiencing nothing but comfort and affection by his foster mom. We are grateful to have been able to give him the love and care he deserved in his final days, and we know that he felt that love deeply. Rupert's story is a reminder of the importance of rescue work and of giving every animal, no matter their age or condition, the chance to live their best life.
Major
Major - he was our hunkiest, drooliest, and most expensive (thousands but who's counting because it was worth it!) pup we've ever had the pleasure of rescuing. Major was surrendered to the Prince George Humane Society after he injured his leg and could no longer put weight on it. After being examined by a veterinarian, it was discovered that he had a torn ACL and needed a TPLO surgery to fix it. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Major's access to the surgery was delayed. The veterinary hospital was only performing emergency surgeries, and Major's condition wasn't considered an emergency, so he had to wait for several months until he could finally have the surgery that he desperately needed. It breaks our heart to think about how much pain and discomfort Major had to endure during those long months, yet he still wagged his nubber of a tail and still wiggled with happiness. We are grateful that he got the care that he needed and deserves. And we were even more grateful for the amazing people who rallied around him and made this surgery possible.
You have questions? We have answers for you!
Does the Prince George Humane Society accept owner surrenders?
We understand the challenges pet owners face and do accept owner-surrendered animals, asking for a nominal fee to help offset some of the care costs for the animal. Before making a final decision to surrender, we urge pet owners to explore our "Keeping People Together" program and available behavior resources.
Many behavioral issues arise from miscommunication between pets and owners or unmet needs. For instance, certain responses to a dog jumping, like pushing or yelling, might inadvertently encourage the behavior, and pets without adequate exercise may become hyperactive or destructive.
We're here to offer guidance and resources to potentially help strengthen the bond between you and your pet.
How is the Prince George Humane Society different from the BC SPCA?
The BC SPCA can only legally enforce provisions outlined in animal cruelty legislation, such as the BC Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Animal Cruelty sections of the Criminal Code of Canada. The BCSPCA is contracted to provide Municipal Animal Control Services and is permitted, as an agent of the Municipality, to accept stray animals on behalf of the Municipality.
Although we share a similar mission the Prince George Humane Society does not have any rights to enforcement of legislation or municipal bylaws. In cases where animal cruelty is reported, we will work closely with the RCMP or refer the matter to the BCSPCA for investigation.
Does the Prince George Humane Society accept stray animals?
The Municipal Act is a piece of provincial legislation which mandates municipalities to provide services within their local boundaries. These services encompass Animal Control and By-law Enforcement. Stray animals fall under the authority of the municipality.
Many Municipalities enact animal control by-laws, including pet licensing. The intent is to protect people from animals, to provide for safe, clean communities and to have a system where lost pets can be recovered by their owners. Stray animals in a community fall under the jurisdiction of the Municipality.
The BCSPCA is contracted to provide Municipal Animal Control Services and is permitted, as an agent of the Municipality, to accept stray animals on behalf of the Municipality. In the case of this municipality, the Prince George Humane Society does not provide Animal Control Services, it is not within the legal authority for us to accept stray animals. There are very important reasons why we follow this protocol and why we encourage communities and individuals to follow the appropriate channels when managing stray animals.
Why can't I visit dogs when I come to the shelter?
As a shelter, we are set up to house cats in a feline friendly environment that meets their social and behavioural needs. We unfortunately don't have the space to house dogs in this same manner, therefore all of our dogs are kept in foster homes. Foster homes help us to get to know our canine intakes in a way that gives them optimal care and welfare and helps us to make the best decisions about finding each dog their perfect home once we've gotten to know them.
How and where does the Prince George Humane Society get the funds to operate?
The Prince George Humane Society is a Charitable Organization that relies on the generosity of its supporters, including individuals, associations and corporations. We currently do not receive any government funding. Donations can be made at our location or through our website We are able to provide tax receipts for donations received.
What does the adoption process look like?
Prior to meeting a specific animal you may be interested in, we prefer people to submit an application so that we can have a snapshot of what your home/family life and your lifestyle looks like. The reason we ask this is so that we can ensure the best possible fit for every animal we adopt out. Once an application is reviewed, we will contact you with any further queries we may have, and if approved we can set up a time for you to meet and spend some time getting to know the animal. We may ask you to bring current pets you already have so that we can also allow the resident animals to explore the idea of another pet coming into their home. If after the meet and greet the adoption coordinator and you (and the animal!) think it is a good fit, we can move forward with the process of transitioning the animal into your home.
Due to the pandemic, our home visit process has changed significantly. The adoption coordinator may request video or photos of your home, and depending on the animal, may ask to visit your home to ensure that you have a secure fence. We will not enter your house unless both parties are comfortable with it, and don't worry, are not interested in how large, small, tidy or messy your home is. Making a great human/animal match is our priority and understand that being a great pet owner has nothing to do with your home or economic status.
If the animal is already Spayed/Neutered we can finalize the adoption immediately. You will provide the adoption fee to us and we will provide the 1st vaccine, deworming, sterilization surgery, and permanent ID information to you. If the animal is not yet spayed/neutered you can still take the animal to join your family. The adoption fee will be paid at the time of the adoption and we will arrange their upcoming surgical appointment and provide you with a surgery date.
Do you facilitate long distance adoptions?
We always try to match adoptable animals with the most suitable homes and while geography can be trickier when it comes to adoptions we will consider homes from outside our immediate area, depending on the specific animal and whether you can come and meet them prior to committing to adoption. In certain circumstances, such as required ongoing training, animals will be placed locally to allow us to be able to support that animal and adopter long term.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal from you?
When you adopt an animal from us, the fee includes the following: Physical exam, First vaccine, parasite treatment, spay or neuter surgery, and a form of permanent ID such as a microchip or a tattoo. If there are any health issues noted at the exam, we work with the veterinarian to ensure the animal is brought to a healthy state or is properly managed by medication, etc prior to becoming available for adoption. Full disclosure of any medical or behavioural issues to a potential adopter is very important to us, for the success of the animal and the family.
The fees are as follows:
Adult cat: $350 + PST includes 1st Vaccine
Kitten under 6 months: $350 + PST includes 1st Vaccine
Adult dog: $500 + PST includes 1st Vaccine
Puppy under 6 months: $600 + PST includes 1st Vaccine
Can we come and visit the animals?
Yes! We have now returned to regular hours and visitation. You may visit us at Unit 11- 1839 1st Ave, Prince George, BC. We are open 11am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday. Statutory holidays may affect these hours.
What type of donations do you accept?
Please visit pghumanesociety.ca/donate to see our wish list.
Are there employment opportunities?
On occasion, part-time or casual paid opportunities may arise. If you see a job posting and feel you are the right person for the job, please apply!
I cannot donate money but I would still like to help, what are other ways of contributing?
What are the PGHS Spay and Neuter Protocols?
We are 100% spay and neuter compliant and prioritize spay/ neutering as essential measures in animal welfare. Spay/ Neuters not only mitigate the number of homeless animals that face neglect, disease, or euthanasia, but it is also a cornerstone in managing free-roaming animals and related health concerns.
Spay /Neuter curbs unwanted behaviors driven by hormones, such as roaming and marking. Neutered pets, especially males, are less distracted by mating tendencies, making them more protective and reducing the chances of contracting diseases or getting injured.
Additionally, spayed/ neutered animals are less susceptible to certain fatal health conditions, thereby leading longer, healthier lives. Overall, spay/neuter initiatives are not just humane but also cost-effective, minimizing future pet care expenses and potential vet treatments.