Supporting Rescues and Saving Lives since 2023.
Strengthening the System Behind the Saving
Across Canada, animal rescue organizations are performing critical, life-saving work every single day.
They respond to neglect.
They take in abandoned animals.
They support vulnerable communities.
They prevent suffering.
Yet most operate with limited funding, volunteer leadership, rising veterinary costs, and growing emotional strain.
Rescue is essential infrastructure — but it lacks infrastructure of its own.
Without coordinated national support, rescue organizations face burnout, financial instability, and operational risk. When rescues struggle, animals suffer.
The Canadian Animal Rescue Association (CARA) was created to change that.
Animal rescue in Canada is largely decentralized and under-resourced.
Frontline organizations face:
These organizations provide essential services that reduce municipal strain, protect public safety, and prevent animal suffering — yet they often do so without structured support.
Rescue cannot remain sustainable without systemic reinforcement.
The Canadian Animal Rescue Association (CARA) was created to stand behind the people who stand up for animals.
CARA strengthens animal rescue by building the infrastructure that supports it.
We bring together the organizations doing this critical work and the resources they need — not only to survive, but to thrive.
Because rescue organizations should not have to do this alone.
Our members have access to:
By supporting rescues at a structural level, we multiply impact across the country. One strengthened rescue protects hundreds — sometimes thousands — of animals over time.
Animal rescues are often run by passionate volunteers — mostly women — who give their time, homes, and hearts to vulnerable animals. Yet many operate without consistent support, national representation, or shared resources.
CARA exists to change that.
We are here to:
At this time, CARA provides guidance, resources, and collaboration opportunities internationally; however, regulatory and compliance support is focused on Canadian frameworks.
Whether you are a rescue leader, foster, donor, or supporter — you are part of this movement.
Join CARA
Become part of a growing national network committed to ethical, sustainable rescue.
Partner with Us
Collaborate on campaigns, education, or advocacy initiatives.
Support Our Work
Your donation helps build infrastructure that strengthens rescues across Canada.
Rescue is heart work — but it also requires structure, sustainability, and support. CARA is here to stand behind the people who stand up for animals.
Supporting Rescues. Protecting Lives.
Organizations operating for more than 5 years.
Organizations operating for more than 3 years.
Organizations operating for under 3 years.
Organizations outside of Canada.
Have a question or want to learn more about CARA? We'd love to hear from you.
info@canadiananimalrescueassociation.ca