Giving animals a second chance since 1998
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society provides food, shelter, medical care, and the opportunity for adoption to unwanted, surrendered, lost and unclaimed animals while promoting responsible pet ownership through its educational programs, rural spay/neuter programs, and public fundraising events.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society was founded in 1998 as a collaboration between Tracy Keith, a volunteer at the time with Animal Services, and Charlene Ruttle, an Animal Control Officer. They worked together to improve the living conditions for impounded animals and recognized a need in the community for better animal sheltering. They organized an open meeting to gauge interest in forming a humane society and were pleasantly surprised at the turnout from residents, standing room only.
And just like that, the Cochrane Humane Society was born. Charlene remained with Animal Services, and Tracy headed up the new society. The society incorporated on March 10, 1998, received charitable status in February 1999, and now consists of an executive board of directors, a variety of skilled full-time and part-time employees, and many dedicated volunteers.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society has been serving the City of Airdrie since 2016, when our staff and volunteers began making daily trips to the city to rescue stray and homeless cats. The shelter also serves Rocky View County West of Highway 2, MD of Big Horn, MountainView County, Redwood Meadows, Stoney Nation, and Tsuut’ina Nation.
The Cochrane & Area Humane Society staff and volunteers strive to find loving homes for all of the animals that come into their care. They work hard at socializing the shelter animals, offering playtime for the cats on a daily basis and even teach the dogs basic obedience and manners so that the transition into a new home is easy for everyone. The staff knows that when a well-socialized animal is placed in a good home, the result is a successful and permanent adoption. Learn more about how we work in our Philosophy Statement.
The Cochrane community continues to demonstrate their strong support of the Society through volunteerism, sponsorship, memberships and donations of cash, food and supplies. Our 2021 annual report and our 2021 audited financial statements show how donor dollars support our organization. On behalf of the animals, the shelter staff, and the volunteers, we want to extend a warm thank-you to all who have supported the Society over the years.
Our vision
Be a regional leader participating in initiatives that reduce indifference towards, suffering, and overpopulation of animals and inspire communities to value and treat animals with compassion and respect.
Our mission
Leading and educating communities in animal welfare by providing pets in need with shelter, rehabilitation, training and opportunity, and supporting people in responsible pet care—saving and changing lives.
Governance
The CAHS Board strives to maintain strong governance principles that enable CAHS management to provide high-quality care for animals in need and to increase public awareness and confidence in the Cochrane & Area Humane Society.
CAHS leadership team
Tracy Keith Harvie
Tracy Keith Harvie, Executive Director of the Cochrane & Area Humane Society (CAHS), has been working in non-profit leadership for 26 years. Tracy co-founded the CAHS in 1998 and in her tenure as Executive Director, has developed the organization from grass roots to an integral part of the Cochrane and area communities. Tracy holds certifications with the Mount Royal Voluntary and Non-Profit Sector Management,University of Calgary Haskayne School of Business, Leadership and Management Business Essentials, and the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, as a Canine Behavior Consultant, specializing in canine fear and aggression.
Passionate about animal welfare and driven to make meaningful, lasting change and opportunities for animals in Cochrane & the surrounding area in 2008, Tracy was awarded the Citizen of Vision by the Cochrane Chamber of Commerce and in 2005, received the Centennial Medal from the Province of Alberta.
Animals and volunteerism have always been Tracy’s passion, and she has a sincere desire to see pets remain in good homes and ensure that homeless pets are successfully rehabilitated and placed in forever homes. For fun, Tracy thoroughly enjoys spending time with family and friends,gardening, reading, and she keeps active with her four rescue dogs and her cat.