About MEOW Foundation

The MEOW Story

MEOW Foundation was founded in 2000 by 11 passionate volunteers, brought together by their concern for the welfare of stray and abandoned cats in the City of Calgary. At the time, the majority of cats in Calgary’s shelters faced euthanasia. The MEOW 11 set out to create an alternative model — a model whereby no cat would be killed.

And so, MEOW Foundation was born. We opened a shelter with a no-kill mandate that also became well known for its expertise in cat behaviour as well as its evidence-based humane programs to reduce cat overpopulation. In short, the MEOW 11 laid the groundwork for what is today one of the most respected and effective cat-specialized foundations in Canada.

MEOW Foundation has become a mainstay of the Calgary charitable landscape. Many of the MEOW 11 are still actively involved with the organization, volunteering their time to further our mission.

Playtime for Calgary shelter cat.
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In addition to our Rescue and Adoption Program, MEOW Foundation offers a subsidized Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP), Cat Food Assistance Program and Trap Neuter Return (TNR) Program for cats living in the Calgary community.

MEOW Foundation also offers cat care information and spay/neuter education to the public to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the problem of pet overpopulation.

Our Vision

All communities caring for every cat with respect and compassion.

Our Mission

Champion the well-being of cats through humane programs, advocacy and education.

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Guiding Principles

Respect: We believe all animals are sentient beings. We recognize and respect the inherent rights and needs of cats.

No-Kill Philosophy: We believe in a no-kill model of animal welfare, which means saving every cat who can be saved. It means healing the animals who can be healed, treating behaviours that can be treated, and prioritizing safety and a high quality of life for both cats and people in our communities.*

Standard of Care: We believe every cat, whether young or old, social or shy, in good health or poor, deserves a good life. Every cat is to be provided with the medical care, support and love necessary to thrive.

Happy Homes: We are committed to ensuring every cat finds its perfect match in a family or community home.

Cats & People: We strive to strengthen the relationship between cats and humans, recognizing the value of pet companionship for people.

Collaboration: We will collaborate with community partners to achieve our mission.

Our People: We believe our supporters, employees and volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

*Adapted from Best Friends Animal Society

Our Goals

  • Work with the public to care for and provide shelter to stray, abandoned and feral cats in Calgary;
  • Provide the highest level of care to every cat who enters our programs and immediate veterinary treatment to sick or injured cats;
  • Match adoptable cats with loving families who will provide them with care and attention for the rest of their natural lives;
  • Promote responsible pet ownership, including the spaying/neutering of all cats and kittens; provision of nutritious food, water, shelter, love, regular health care and permanent identification such as a microchip or tattoo; licensing; and prevention from becoming a nuisance;
  • Reduce feline overpopulation and suffering;
  • Promote humane treatment, compassion and respect for all animals.
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How We Help

Did you know that thousands of cats and kittens are killed in Canadian animal shelters each year and thousands more are starving on the streets? Statistics show that of the estimated 1.1 million cats brought to Canadian shelters in 2011, nearly half were euthanized due to a lack of space or resources to care for them, or illness (CFHS Cats in Canada Report 2012).

MEOW Foundation’s unique multi-faceted approach offers an effective, humane and sustainable solution to the problem.

Each year, through public donations, grants and fundraising, we help approximately 3,000 cats and kittens.

Since the year 2000, MEOW Foundation has helped more than 41,383 cats and kittens through Adoption, TNR, SNAP and food assistance. Read about our programs and services. MEOW was also the first Calgary-based animal welfare organization to promote the adoption (not euthanization) of cats with special needs.

Our Funding

MEOW receives its funding from public donations, grants and fundraising activities. Our supporters are people just like you, people who care about the homeless cats of Calgary and want to make a difference in their lives. With your help, we can make a difference for these cats and kittens. Learn more about how you can help.

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