About Kingston Animal Rescue

100% Home Grown

Using a network of foster homes, we take in last chance animals – animals that are at high risk of euthanasia or those that would otherwise be at risk without our help. This includes animals at shelters and stray animals. We also assist in emergency rescues, including small animals removed from neglectful situations.

We regularly take in dogs, cats, and rabbits but also small animals like guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, gerbils, mice, hedgehogs, ferrets, and others, as there is no other rescue group in our community dedicated to these types of animals. Many need special vet care.

As a no-kill rescue, our animals stay in foster homes until they are adopted. We work to educate the public about the proper care and treatment of animals as well as the pet overpopulation crisis and the importance of spaying/neutering and adoption.

In 2012-13 Kingston Animal Rescue championed the creation of a by-law to ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Kingston pet stores. After an intense year of council meetings, petitioning and public outreach, a by-law that restricts the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in Kingston pet stores to shelter and/or rescue animals only came into effect on August 14, 2013. Kingston now has one of the most progressive pet store by-laws in the country. 

Kingston Animal Rescue was created by Jessica Hellard and founded by Jessica Hellard, Kareen Lush and Alison Migneault. Board members are Jessica Hellard, Alison Migneault, and Sandy Oliveira. 

Mission & Goals

MISSION

To end the suffering of animals with rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and education. 

GOALS

1. To rescue, rehabilitate and find suitable adoptive homes for animals in need.
2. To provide emergency animal rescue and disaster response services when possible.
3. To end the euthanasia of adoptable animals in shelters by educating the public and reducing the number of unwanted animals using sterilization and education campaigns
4. To promote and educate the public about the humane and proper care and treatment of animals (including the importance of spay/neuter), and the importance of adoption.
5. To partner, assist and work together with other animal organizations, shelters, individuals and communities to accomplish joint goals to prevent and end the suffering of animals.