The Edmonton Humane Society (EHS) has been awarded national accreditation from Humane Canada, making it the first animal shelter in western Canada to do so. In order to qualify for the accreditation, EHS had to meet rigorous third-party standards for animal welfare, care and governance. “This accreditation reflects the work our staff and volunteers do every day to provide safe, compassionate, high-quality care for animals and the people connected to them,” EHS CEO Liza Sunley said in a news release. “We are proud to have independent verification that EHS operates ethically and with an ongoing dedication to raising the bar. Clear standards grounded in best practices are essential to ensure confidence in the care and treatment of shelter animals -- especially in a province without specific legislated requirements for animal welfare organizations.” The program evaluates shelters on five freedoms of animal welfare, which are internationally recognized, and eight quality descriptors – accountable, best practice, community oriented, effective, humane, leadership, progressive and transparent. Receiving the accreditation status involves peer review and an on-site evaluation of policies, programs, the facility, and daily operations. “Humane Canada accreditation reflects a deep commitment to accountability, transparency and continuous improvement in animal welfare,” Humane Canada CEO Barbara Cartwright said. “The Edmonton Humane Society has demonstrated that it meets rigorous, evidence-based standards for care and governance. As the first shelter in Western Canada to achieve this distinction, EHS is helping lead the way in strengthening animal welfare practices across the region.” Sunley says EHS will continue to strengthen its programs and commitment to transparency to help improve the lives of its animals and the people who care for them.
