At Winnipeg Animal Services, we begin every day with the same goal: helping animals and the people who care for them. This Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day, we’re recognizing the dedicated team behind the scenes who show up every day with skill, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals in our city.
Winnipeg Animal Services is more than a shelter. As the only City-run facility dedicated to domestic animal care, we are here to support residents and animals in many different situations.
“People still think of Animal Services as ‘the pound,’ but our work goes far beyond that,” said Zoe Austin, General Manager of Animal Services. “We’re there when animals are lost, when they’re pulled from fires, or when an owner has a medical emergency and no one else can step in.”
In those moments, the team ensures animals are safe, cared for, and given a path back home.
“I am so proud of our dedicated staff who bring a high level of professionalism and compassion to everything they do,” said Austin.
Caring for lost dogs
When we find a dog that is alone and scared, we bring them to our facility at 1057 Logan Ave.
We spend time getting to know each animal, learning their personalities, and building trust. We focus on creating moments of calm and connection in what can be a stressful environment. Enrichment, routine, and care help the animals feel safe while they wait to go home.
“The heart of our work isn’t just our professional staff,” said Jennifer Medlicott, Community Relations Coordinator. “It’s also the volunteers who give their time willingly to care for the animals. It really feels like a family here. Our compassionate staff and volunteers do everything they can to make a difference in the lives of the animals we all care so deeply about.”
If we find a pet that is licensed, they often don’t even need to come to our facility. We can easily find out where they live and reunite them with you quickly. When you license your pet, you give them the best chance to come home.
Prevention, education, and responsible pet ownership
Beyond the shelter, our staff plays an important role in the community. We are focused on prevention, education, and helping people keep their pets safe and at home. We work to:
- Support responsible pet ownership
- Provide access to resources like licensing and spay/neuter services to reduce the number of animals that end up in care
- Help neighbours navigate and resolve animal-related concerns
Thank you to all staff and volunteers
On Animal Shelter and Rescue Awareness Day, please join us and thank those who create a safer, more compassionate city.
If you would like to adopt from Animal Services, view the adoptable pets on our website and then visit us to meet them in person.
Interested in volunteering? Keep an eye on Animal Services’ Facebook and Instagram accounts for upcoming opportunities.
Originally published April 10, 2025