Animal Rescue Network is a volunteer-run, no-kill cat rescue dedicated to saving abandoned and vulnerable cats across Montréal, providing medical care and placing them in loving foster homes until adoption. We spoke with volunteer Gabriela to learn more about the organization’s impact, growth, and ongoing mission to give every cat a safe and permanent home.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
Animal Rescue Network is a volunteer-run, no-kill cat rescue based in Montréal. We take in abandoned, injured, and vulnerable cats, make sure they receive medical care, and place them in loving foster homes until they find their forever families.
What problem does it aim to solve?
We see firsthand how many cats are abandoned or born outside without food, shelter, or medical care. Our goal is to save cats from these situations. We rescue, feed, heal and love them. We look for their forever families so they never have to fend for their lives ever again. Ultimately, we want fewer cats struggling on the streets and more cats safe in loving homes.
When did you start/join it?
Marie joined the rescue about 12 years ago, when she was just 14 years old. She was actually the youngest volunteer at the time, and she’s been with us ever since.
What made you want to get involved?
She wanted to do something with her free time, and few places accepted volunteers as young as her. She very quickly fell in love with the shelter and made it one of her priorities in life. After just a couple weeks, it was no longer a hobby, but a passion.
What was the situation like when you started?
Back then, the situation was more difficult. We had fewer volunteers, fewer fosters, and very limited resources. It often felt like our shifts were never-ending, and we were constantly trying to keep up with emergencies.
How has it changed since?
It’s grown tremendously. Today, we have a strong network of fosters and over 200 volunteers, and we’re able to help many more cats safely and responsibly. It really feels like a community now. Volunteers are happy to be there. Yes, for the cats, but for the community as well. Shifts are fun! Marie has been part of that growth every step of the way, and what we admire most is that she never gets discouraged, even when things are hard — she just keeps showing up.
What more needs to be done?
There’s still a lot of work ahead. Prevention is the biggest piece — better education and easier access to affordable spay and neuter services would make a huge difference. If fewer kittens are born into unsafe situations, fewer rescues like ours would be overwhelmed. Awareness and prevention really are key.
How can our readers help?
There are so many ways to help — fostering, volunteering, donating, adopting, or simply sharing our posts. Even small actions add up. For a volunteer-run rescue like ours, every extra pair of hands or bit of support truly saves lives.
Do you have any events coming up?
Yes! We’ll be hosting a Spring Market during the second week of April to raise funds and awareness for our cats. It’s a friendly, community event and a great way for people to meet the team and support the rescue.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
We’d love to highlight Le Miaousée, a wonderful local initiative that celebrates cats through art, culture, and education. Their events help raise awareness about feline welfare in such a creative and positive way, and they really bring the community together.
