Caring for & re-homing cats & dogs in need
Established in 1982, Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) was born from the vision of two compassionate individuals who recognized the urgent need for an animal rescue service in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Over the years, WAG has evolved into a cornerstone of our community, offering a wide range of services and unique programs aimed at improving the lives of animals in need.
We are dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. Our shelter provides a safe haven for rescue animals, where they receive the care and attention they deserve while they await their forever home through our adoption process.
Our mission
Whistler Animals Galore is a not for profit animal shelter and rehabilitation center.
Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to homeless and lost dogs and cats in our community and to be advocates in finding their forever homes.
We place a strong emphasis on rehabilitation, critical, and compassionate care.
Our vision
Through education and awareness, create a safe and loving community for dogs, cats and people to enjoy together.
Our values
Leadership
Promote Animal Welfare
WAG is a leader in the community for promoting animal welfare through education, awareness and advocacy.
WAG is reaching out to our community and those around us to help find ways to make animal welfare possible for everyone. Through our assistance programs and volunteer programs, we strive to educate people how to be the best possible pet owners. For all dogs within the sled dog industry, we promote the Sled Dog Code of Practice.
Community Perception
WAG is a cherished community asset that would not be possible without the unwavering support of its residents. We proudly share this asset with residents and visitors alike.
Sustaining the Organization
Our high standards of care for our animals does not come for free. In order to maintain these standards and achieve financial stability, fundraisers, community awareness and participation is a must. The pride with which our community takes in the shelter experience offers us the ability to sustain this unique shelter.
Integrity
WAG is transparent and honest in its actions and communications to give our stakeholders a high level of confidence.
Animal welfare
WAG strives to maintain an extremely high standard of care for our animals. We place a strong focus on providing training, a safe and decompressing environment, enrichment, and medical care to our animals while they wait to find their Forever Homes. We are advocates of Positive Reinforcement Training techniques and strive to educate the public about animal welfare.
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Enrichment
Enrichment and decompression play a critical role in supporting the lives of our animals. Shelter environments can be stressful. Many of the animals that come into our care have experienced trauma, whether physical, emotional, or simply the distress of homelessness. It is of utmost importance to us to assist our animals in adjusting at their own pace and to help them find joy, love, and peace in their daily routines.
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Critical Care
This program provides medical treatment to those animals that have no one else to care for them. This medical treatment includes anything above and beyond the routine medical care that all WAG animals receive, such as vaccines, parasite control, and spay/neuter surgeries.
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Rehabilitation
At WAG, we often encounter animals that require some extra care before they're ready for adoption. This care might involve recovering from injuries or surgeries, or undergoing behaviour modification to build their confidence. Our primary focus has always been on the physical and emotional rehabilitation of these animals, many of whom have experienced trauma in their lives.
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Compassionate Care
WAG welcomes all animals at all stages of life. Our Compassionate Care animals often have long-term health issues, behavioural issues, are seniors, or palliative care cases. WAG provides them with the care, training, and love that they need.
WAG funding
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) provides the building that Whistler Animals Galore currently occupies, as well as funding grants. In exchange, WAG provides animal bylaw services for the municipality, which includes taking care of impounded dogs, identifying owners and contacting them, recording the input and release of the animal, and taking payment.
For this service, the RMOW provides partial funding WAG needs to perform its animal rescue mandate.
The remaining funding needs to be raised through donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, campaigns, merchandise, and more.
WAG is incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Resort Municipality of Whistler. With the fee for service funding that the RMOW generously provides to WAG we are able to offer animal welfare education and resources to our community, help homeless animals find their forever homes and help reunite lost and found animals in our community.
PLEASE NOTE: WAG and the RMOW are separate identities. WAG does not control the Whistler bylaws - our staff is there to give your pet love while they stay safe at WAG. Please remember to treat us with respect when you come to claim your animal, and all comments or complaints can be made to Whistler Bylaw at 604-935-8280.
WAG staff do not have the power to change or reduce impound or license fees.
Please follow the Whistler By-laws! Keep your dog on a leash on municipal property and make sure all your pets have proper ID so they can be immediately identified if found.
Whistler Animal Galore Annual Reports:
Board of directors
Welcome to the heart of WAG, where our Board of Directors stands as a united team of devoted community members. Each member shares a passion to provide a safe and nurturing environment to homeless and lost dogs and cats in our community and to be advocates in finding their forever homes.
Our responsibilities
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Committed to the mission and values of WAG.
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Knowledge and understanding of WAG policies, procedures, and programs.
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Active participant in WAG's fundraisers, events and campaigns as well as other volunteer opportunities at WAG.
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Awareness and ability to refrain from conflicts of interest.
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Act as an ambassador for WAG to the community.
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Foster teamwork and positive working relationships among board members and staff.
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In conjunction with all board members, monitor the effectiveness of WAG.
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Accountable to donors and members for services provided and funds expended.
Meet the team
Meet our passionate team dedicated to providing a safe and caring haven for homeless dogs and cats in our community. As advocates, we work tirelessly to ensure these animals find their forever homes. Get to know the personalities shaping WAG's future.
Executive Director
Naomi Holliday
Naomi is excited to lead WAG as Executive Director. She combines her experience in the non-profit sector with a deep love for animals and the local community, helping WAG continue to grow and support those who need it most. Naomi brings a strong background in communications, operations, and technology to the WAG team. After a long career with Apple, she made the leap from England to Canada in 2017, in search of real seasons and famously friendly people. A lifelong animal lover, Naomi spends every day convincing her husband that they need to adopt all the animals in WAG’s care. Outside the shelter, you can find her cooking, drinking coffee, surfing, snowboarding, and telling terrible jokes. Certifications: - Fear Free Shelter Certificate naomi@whistlerwag.com
Animal Behaviour and Welfare Services
Lindsay Suckling
Lindsay began with WAG in 2009 as a dog walking volunteer. She fell in love with rescue work and advocating for animal welfare. Over time, she moved into various roles, eventually landing her dream job as Director of Animal Behavior and Welfare. During her time with WAG Lindsay has gained valuable experience addressing a range of behavioural and healthcare needs, from aggression and anxiety to feral animal rehabilitation. She finds fostering and rehabilitating animals to be the most rewarding and joyful experiences! Lindsay has adopted many of her four-legged family members from WAG and feels incredibly fortunate to have had so many special souls enter her life through adoption and fostering. She is happiest when hiking in the woods with her dogs. Certifications: - Graduate of the Academy for Dog Trainers - Karen Pryor Academy Shelter Training & Enrichment Certificate - Consulting for Reactivity Cases Mentorship - Certificate - Pet First Aid Certified, Walks 'N' Wags - BA - Brock University Community Health - Fear Free Shelter Certificate - Vancouver Humane Society:Trauma-Informed & Culturally Safe Leadership - VHS: Caring For Yourself & Others: Preventing - Compassion Fatigue & Burnout - VHS: Implementing a Culturally Safe & Trauma-Informed Approach lindsay@whistlerwag.com
Manager
Corinne
Originally from Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in Ireland, Corinne was always passionate about animal welfare. With a nursing background, she came to Whistler for a winter season five years ago and never left. She began volunteering for WAG which quickly evolved into a fulfilling career. Corinne enjoys combining her passion for photography with her love of animals to capture compelling portraits to help animals on their adoption journey. Beyond work, she enjoys hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and eating delicious vegan food. Certifications: - Karen Pryor Academy Shelter Training & Enrichment Certificate - Fear Free Shelter Certificate - VHS: Implementing a Culturally Safe and Trauma Informed Approach - VHS: Caring For Yourself & Others: Preventing Compassion Fatigue & Burnout - Bachelors of Science, Intellectual Disability Nursing. corinne@whistlerwag.com
Shelter Assistant
Seren
Originally from Wales, UK, Seren has always had a passion for animals. Growing up, she cared for dogs, cats, and horses, which inspired her to study Animal Health and Welfare at university, focusing on animals’ well-being. After moving to Whistler, she began volunteering at WAG, a rewarding experience that ultimately led her to join our team as a part-time employee. When she’s not working, you can find Seren enjoying the great outdoors—she loves snowboarding, biking, hiking, and horse riding.
Shelter Assistant
Makayla
Makayla has called Whistler home for the past three years and brings a strong background in veterinary science to the WAG team. With four years of experience working in a veterinary clinic as both a veterinary assistant and office administrator, she’s passionate about animal care and wellbeing. Her love for animals began early—growing up with a variety of pets—and has only deepened with time. In addition to her work at WAG, Makayla also offers pet sitting services, giving her the chance to connect with animals in a one-on-one setting. Whether providing hands-on support or simply creating a calm, safe environment, she’s dedicated to helping animals feel cared for and secure. Certifications: - Fear Free Shelter Certificate
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Shelter Assistant
Annie
Annie grew up in the Greater Toronto Area and came out to Whistler for placement in 2018. Once Annie graduated from her Hospitality program, she moved to Whistler in the spring of 2019 and never looked back. Annie started as a volunteer for WAG. She has a huge love for all animals, back home she always wanted to volunteer at the shelter at her home town and was excited to join the team at WAG. Outside of work she enjoys snowboarding,skiing, playing hockey, hiking, and giving back to the community.
Shelter Assistant
Ruth
Originally from rural England, Ruth grew up around animals on her grandparents farm and has a huge love for them. Having lived in BC previously, she fell in love with the area and moved back, joining WAG in March 2026. Outside of work you can find her cooking, hiking, skiing, or in the sunshine showing her partner all the animals from WAG they should adopt.
DOUBLE BLACK DIAMOND: $10,000+
BLACK DIAMOND: $5,000+
BLUE SQUARE: $1,000+
RESORT PARTNERS
VETERINARY PARTNERS
RESCUE PARTNER
