Supporting Rescues and Saving Lives since 2023.

CARA MEMBERS
AN EXTRAORDINARY AND DIVERSE COMMUNITY

Together, CARA’s members exemplify the heart and grit of Canada’s animal rescue community, united in their commitment to advancing care, compassion, and opportunity for every animal in need.

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CARA GRANTS
A FORCE BEHIND IMPACTFUL ANIMAL WELFARE INITIATIVES

By providing essential funding to groups and community programs, we help expand life saving services, improve animal care standards, and foster innovative solutions to emerging challenges.

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WELCOME TO CARA

The Canadian Animal Rescue Association (CARA) exists to strengthen, support, and unite animal rescues across Canada and around the world.

We believe that when rescues are supported, animals are saved.

CARA was created to provide advocacy, resources, collaboration, and national leadership for the rescue community. Our mission is simple: empower rescues so they can focus on what matters most — saving lives.

THE REALITY OF RESCUE

Animal rescue is essential — and unsustainable without support.

It demands time.
It demands resources.
It demands emotional strength.

For the people doing this work, rescue is not a hobby. It is a calling — one that takes every ounce of energy, compassion, and resilience they have.

Across Canada, rescue organizations operate in crisis mode every day. They absorb the overflow of abandoned, neglected, abused, and vulnerable animals. They step in where systems fall short. They prevent suffering, reduce stray populations, and protect public safety.

But they do so with:

  • Limited funding
  • Volunteer-driven leadership
  • Emotional fatigue
  • Rising veterinary costs
  • Increasing intake numbers
  • Complex legal and operational pressures

Rescue saves lives — but it is exhausting.

And without structural support, even the strongest organizations struggle to continue.

FROM SURVIVING TO THRIVING

CARA brings together the organizations doing this critical work and the resources they need — not only to survive, but to thrive.

We are building:

  • A national network of support
  • A sustainable model of rescue
  • A unified voice for advocacy
  • A future where rescuers are supported, not depleted

Because the people saving animals deserve protection too.

A STRONGER FUTURE FOR ANIMAL RESCUE IN CANADA

CARA is building a collaborative, supportive, national network where rescue organizations have access to the tools, funding, expertise, and emotional support required to continue their lifesaving work.

Because the people saving animals deserve support too.

Rescue is heart work.
It is urgent work.
It is necessary work.

But it should not be sacrificial work.

Together, we will:

  • Create awareness
  • Educate communities
  • Strengthen standards
  • Advocate nationally
  • Support rescue leaders
  • Provide access to meaningful, practical resources

When rescues are supported, animals are protected.
When rescuers are supported, the entire system becomes stronger.

The future of animal welfare in Canada depends on strong, supported rescue organizations. CARA exists to make that future possible.

Supporting Rescues. Protecting Lives.

Strengthening the System Behind the Saving.

GET IN TOUCH

Have a question or want to learn more about CARA? We'd love to hear from you.

info@canadiananimalrescueassociation.ca