Kayla Dina is the office manager and treasurer of the ROAR Society, a no-kill animal rescue based in Rocky Mountain House serving Clearwater County. Since joining the organization in August 2025, Kayla has become a vital part of the shelter’s day-to-day operations, fundraising efforts, and community outreach. Living locally, she understands firsthand the scale of the stray and unwanted animal crisis in the area and is driven by a deep love for animals and a desire to make a tangible difference in their lives.
Describe your charity/non-profit/volunteer work in a few sentences.
The ROAR Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of stray and unwanted animals in Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County.
The ROAR Society is a ‘no-kill’ society intent on reducing the use of euthanasia on homeless animals.
We are comprised of dedicated individuals committed to making a difference.
What problem does it aim to solve?
The ROAR Society is focused on helping unwanted and stray animals in Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County find new homes and have a safe shelter while they wait for their fur-ever home. Every animal that is brought into the shelter is also spayed or neutered to help decrease the substantial amount of stray/unwanted animals. Rocky Mountain House has a large stray cat problem and we are almost always full from doing our part to help the animals. We also help lost and/or found animals find their way back home.
When did you start/join it?
I started in August 2025.
What made you want to get involved?
Living in Rocky Mountain House, I understand the problems that the shelter faces due to the large amount of stray and unwanted animals that are around town. I always wanted to help them more, so by being at the shelter, I am able to provide a friendly face and help raise funds and awareness for the adorable animals here. It takes a village to help our furry friends, and it has been very rewarding knowing I am able to help make their lives a little bit better. My love for every animal is what drives me to make each animal’s day a little bit easier and to provide them with comfort and unconditional love.
What was the situation like when you started?
ROAR has always been a busy shelter. When I started, we were quite a full shelter, and still are. Although we have had quite a few adoptions over the last few months, we are constantly trying to help and keep up with the amount of animals that still need our help on a daily basis. This causes the kennels to fill almost instantly after they have been emptied.
How has it changed since?
As mentioned above, we are still full of animals in need. There have been multiple adoptions throughout the last few months, but kennels fill up as soon as they are emptied. With that being said, we have gotten a lot more volunteers to help keep the shelter running. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to operate. Every volunteer that comes in and helps, whether it’s tasks around the shelter, helping fundraise, or even just cat/dog cuddling, they all help keep the shelter a smooth-running machine. We are fur-ever (forever) grateful for them. I would also like to thank everyone who donates to the shelter; every little bit helps, and we also would not be able to function without donations.
What more needs to be done?
We always encourage animal owners to spay and/or neuter their animals; by doing this, it can help reduce the amount of unwanted/stray animals and prevent the population of strays from growing. We also encourage pet owners to microchip their animals so if they get lost, it is easier to find their owners. Even strictly indoor pets can get lost/sneak out; having them microchipped is the best way to find their owners if they are brought into the shelter. We are always open to having more volunteers; as mentioned before, we could not operate without them. Since we are a non-profit organization, we rely heavily on fundraisers and donations. Thankfully, the people of Rocky Mountain House and surrounding areas are very generous and help our shelter out greatly; we can never thank them enough.
How can our readers help?
Readers can help by donating, whether it is items/goods, their own time for volunteering at shelters, or participating in fundraisers to help raise funds – every little bit can help ensure that the animals have food, shelter, and/or medications. If you have your own animals, consider having them spayed/neutered to help prevent the growing population of strays/unwanted animals. Interacting with social media posts can help further spread any information that we may have to share. Adopt, don’t shop; there are always shelters that are full of furry friends that need new homes. Instead of buying animals from breeders, always check your local shelter; there is sure to be a loving animal waiting to go home with you.
Do you have any events coming up?
Starting in December, we will be having a cash raffle. We also will be doing gift wrapping by donation in December. We will also be running a video game fundraiser in February; video game streamers can register for $20; all donations made through the gamer’s stream will be donated to ROAR. Follow our page for updated dates and times.
Where can we follow you?
Website | Facebook | Instagram
PAY IT FORWARD: What is an awesome local charity that you love?
In the small town of Rocky, we have lots of amazing charities. Every charity should be recognized for its dedication to helping their town. Below is just a few of the charities that help make Rocky a better place:
– The Lord’s Food Bank
– Compassionate Care Hospice Society
– Mountain Rose Women’s Shelter
– Asokewin Friendship Centre Society
– Rocky Health Foundation
– Good Samaritan Society
