About Ladybird
The Basics
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a registered Canadian Charity located in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Our official registered charity number is 815911318RR0001.
Please note that we do not currently have a physical sanctuary. Instead, our animals are lovingly cared for in the homes of our dedicated volunteer foster families.
At this time, Ladybird does not accept stray animals or owner surrenders. Our primary focus is on rescuing shelter animals who are at risk of euthanasia. By prioritizing these animals, we aim to save their lives and provide them with the second chance they deserve.
Our Mission
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a compassionate and united force dedicated to advocating for abandoned, abused, and neglected animals. Together, with the collaboration of our incredible network of volunteers, foster homes, educators, animal enthusiasts, and immensely generous individuals, our mission is to put an end to the unnecessary suffering endured by domestic animals in local shelters.
Our organization extends its rescue efforts to cats, dogs, and small animals, focusing on providing a lifeline to seniors, animals with significant medical needs, and those labeled as ‘hard to adopt.’ Through the transformative impact we have witnessed in countless lives touched by Ladybird’s initiatives, we firmly believe that every single life is valuable and deserving of a loving home.
Since 2011, Ladybird has successfully rescued and rehabilitated hundreds of animals from high-volume shelters across Ontario and Quebec. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of these vulnerable creatures.
We remain committed to our cause and invite you to join us in our ongoing efforts to create a brighter future for animals in need. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of animals in need.
A student documentary by Ashley Stennett, Meron Gaudet & Justin Goulet.
Our Story
We are the Ladybirds – Lisa Winn, Melissa McClelland and Janine Stoll; best friends who have spent over a decade sharing in each other’s music. Through recording as the Ladybird Sideshow Project, touring Canada or simply singing three part harmonies in each other’s living rooms over a bottle of wine, our collective passion for music has always been the glue to our friendship. As our music careers veered in different directions over the years, our friendship held strong and our shared ‘other’ passion for animal welfare eventually helped us conceive of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, bonding the three of us even closer.
A Cat Named Oliver
It all started with a cat named Oliver who had been abandoned at a local shelter. After spending a year in a cage, and some time not being able to shake what seemed like a cold, he was diagnosed with feline leukaemia. In some shelters, this is a death sentence, even though FeLV cats can live long, healthy lives, despite the diagnosis. Oliver was snuggly, affectionate, full of life and certainly not deserving of death just because of his diagnoses. Lisa brought him home and spent months trying to find him a suitable home, as she already had her share of rescue animals. It was sweet Oliver who sparked our idea for Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.
With one foster home, one rescue cat, a website design from our extraordinary web genius Janine and some serious word of mouth, we watched Ladybird grow from one simple idea to a registered Canadian charity with a system of 30 plus volunteer foster homes, and hundreds of domestic animals rescued from shelters. Each animal eventually adopted out to a loving forever home, or becoming “Permanent Resident” when they are not suitable for adoption.
Thinking BIG for the Future
We’re very proud of the impact we’ve made as a rescue and foster network, but our longterm goals are much bigger! We are working hard towards our dream of opening a physical sanctuary in the Southern Ontario region. This will be a safe haven for animals, where we can continue with our rescue/foster team, an we can also house permanent resident animals; like seniors, hospice cases, FIV, FeLV and feral cats, and farm animals. This will also be a place for our Ladybird community to gather and grow. We will welcome anyone who is willing to help, learn, engage and celebrate the lives of these wonderful creatures.
We could not, and cannot possibly do this alone, so please join us on our Ladybird journey!
