PAACT (PET & ANIMAL ADVOCACY CARE TEAM) IS A REGISTERED NON-PROFIT SOCIETY!
🐾 Mission:
PAACT (Pet & Animal Advocacy Care Team) is committed to strengthening the bond between pets and their people through compassionate, community-driven support. We empower pet owners with the education, resources, and advocacy needed to promote responsible, sustainable pet care by prioritizing early intervention a
nd direct home-to-home rehoming solutions to reduce shelter intake. Through transparency, collaboration, and a deep respect for the unique connection between animals and the people who love them, we work to create a more connected, inclusive, and compassionate community where both pets and people can thrive.
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🐾 Our Objective:
PAACT’s objective is to strengthen the human-animal bond by empowering pet owners with the tools, knowledge, and compassionate support they need to provide responsible, sustainable care. Through proactive intervention, direct rehoming support, and community-driven initiatives, we aim to prevent unnecessary shelter surrenders, reduce pet overpopulation, and promote animal welfare across Southern Alberta.
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🐾 Why It Matters: The Human-Animal Bond:
The human-animal bond is a powerful force that supports emotional, psychological, and physical well-being. Studies consistently show that pet companionship improves mental health, eases emotional stress, and fosters a sense of purpose—especially during difficult times. According to HABRI and Zoetis (2023), 74% of pet owners report better mental health due to their pets, while 69% say their pets help them cope with emotional challenges. Secure bonds with animals are also linked to lower levels of depression and anxiety (Lass-Hennemann et al., 2022). This connection is especially impactful for older adults: 80% of seniors in one study felt their pet’s reduced loneliness and gave renewed purpose (Tkatch et al., 2020). Physically, pet interactions are proven to lower cortisol and blood pressure and even reduce cardiovascular mortality by 24% (NIH, 2019; American Heart Association, 2020). Veterinary professionals agree—over 75%, cite the human-animal bond as a motivator for entering the field, and the majority acknowledge its scientifically validated health benefits (HABRI, 2022). At PAACT, this research drives our work. We recognize that while pet ownership brings immense joy, it also comes with challenges—emotional, financial, and behavioural. Many owners face these obstacles without sufficient support. By bridging these gaps, we help keep pets in homes where they are loved and strengthen communities by nurturing the vital bonds that connect us. Together, we can create a lasting imPAACT—one paw at a time.
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🐾 Who We Are:
At PAACT, we are a passionate team of volunteers dedicated to strengthening the bond between pets and their owners. We believe every animal deserves a loving home, and every pet owner should have access to the resources, education, and support they need to thrive. As a community-centred organization, we strive to foster lasting relationships between pet owners and the resources they need. Our goal is to ensure that no pet owner feels alone in their journey by offering ongoing assistance and promoting a preventative approach to pet welfare. As of April 2025, PAACT officially became a registered nonprofit society, solidifying our commitment to creating a lasting positive imPAACT in our community. Our work is carried out through a range of community programs, including resource support, direct rehoming assistance, proactive crisis intervention, and grief support initiatives. Operating entirely on a volunteer basis, we focus solely on our mission of supporting animals and their families without generating income from our activities.
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🐾 Team Qualities & Community Commitments:
At PAACT, our work is guided by a clear and compassionate foundation, one rooted in the belief that meaningful change happens when people and pets are supported together. Everything we do is driven by empathy, empowerment, and the profound impact of the human-animal bond. We know that true advocacy requires more than temporary aid: it demands knowledge, collaboration, and long-term support. These guiding values shape how we show up in our community: with compassion, with integrity, and with the unwavering goal of keeping pets where they are safe, healthy, and at home. The following principles define who we are and how we serve. They reflect our commitment to proactive care, inclusive community building, and a future where no pet owner feels alone. These are the pillars of PAACT’s mission—informing every decision, every conversation, and every imPAACT we make.
💥 Comprehensive Knowledge of Animal Welfare:
Our team’s foundation is built on a comprehensive understanding of pet welfare, spanning physical health, emotional needs, and behavioural well-being. With professional backgrounds in psychology, animal care, rescue, and community service, PAACT volunteers bring a multidisciplinary perspective to every situation. We recognize the intricate interplay between an animal's environment, health, and behaviour and tailor our support to address the whole picture—not just the symptom. This depth of knowledge allows us to guide pet owners in ways that are compassionate, practical, and sustainable, ensuring that both pets and their people experience the highest standard of care and dignity.
💥 Comprehensive & Compassionate Approach to Rehoming:
PAACT is committed to reducing shelter intake and preventing unnecessary rehoming through early intervention, education, and owner support. When rehoming becomes necessary, we approach it with comprehensive, compassionate care designed to minimize trauma for both pets and owners. Our direct home-to-home model prioritizes maintaining stability and continuity for the animal, reducing the stress and risk associated with shelter admissions. We work closely with owners to assess needs, support transition planning, and advocate for responsible, thoughtful matches. Our goal is to protect the emotional welfare of the pet while honouring the difficult emotions often experienced by the human family, fostering kindness and understanding at every stage of the journey.
💥 Empathy and Compassion:
Empathy and compassion are at the heart of everything we do at PAACT. We understand that every pet owner’s journey is uniquely marked by profound love, occasional hardship, and sometimes heartbreaking decisions. Whether navigating behavioural challenges, financial barriers, or emotional struggles, we meet individuals where they are, offering nonjudgmental support rooted in empathy, education, and advocacy. Our goal is not only to intervene during crises but to foster long-term resilience, confidence, and healing. By listening without judgment and walking alongside pet owners through both joyful milestones and difficult transitions, we work to preserve the bond between pets and their people. Every interaction is a chance to affirm that their efforts, emotions, and experiences are seen, supported, and valued.
💥 Community Engagement and Education:
True change begins with education and empowerment. PAACT actively engages with the community to foster a culture of responsible, informed pet ownership. We provide guidance on a variety of topics, from preventative veterinary care and behaviour management to emotional wellness and the human-animal bond. By making information accessible and compassionate, we aim to build a proactive, knowledgeable community that understands the responsibilities and rewards of pet guardianship. In doing so, we reduce preventable crises, strengthen relationships, and build a network of support that benefits pets, owners, and the broader community.
💥 Collaboration, Transparency, and Advocacy:
PAACT stands on the principles of collaboration, transparency, and advocacy. We work together with local organizations, veterinary professionals, rescues, and community groups to maximize the reach and imPAACT of our services. Transparency is embedded in all our practices, ensuring that our board members, volunteers, and the community understand how and why decisions are made. We advocate relentlessly for responsible pet care, for the recognition of the human-animal bond, and for the support systems that families need to thrive. By prioritizing transparency and advocacy, we aim to bridge the gap in animal welfare, offering guidance, resources, and unwavering support to those in need. Together, we strive to create a compassionate and sustainable future for pets and their families, fostering a stronger, more united community.
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PAACT is a dynamic, community-driven nonprofit society committed to growth and ongoing reflection. We actively welcome respectful feedback and continuously refine our values and initiatives to better serve pets, their people, and the broader community—one paw at a time.
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💥Contact Information:
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PAACTAB
WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/PAACT_AB
[email protected]
587-333-1782
PAACTS.WIXSITE.COM/ALBERTA
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**Please note that our society operates on a volunteer basis and does not generate any income from our activities.**
