Where to adopt your new best friend in Calgary

November 04, 2021

We are lucky to live in a place where pet ownership is celebrated! Yet somehow thousands of animals across the country are in need of finding their forever homes — particularly as our lives shift in the fourth wave of COVID. 

In this article, one well-known animal rescue organization ( Saving Grace Animal Society) said that puppy adoptions during the pandemic have slowed down and they’ve seen an increasingly high number of pet surrenders as people predictably try to get back to normal life. Sadly, for a number of reasons, ‘normal life’ sometimes doesn’t always leave room for those pandemic pets we’ve grown to know and love during our time at home.  

For this reason, if you are looking to invest in a new furry (or non-furry) family member, it’s important to consider adoption or get some first-hand experience by test out a foster animal first. We know adoption is dependent on your circumstance, but if you have the means, why not give an animal a second chance at having a family filled with love and companionship. 

Here are a few spots in and around the Calgary area that we hope you check out when looking at adopting a new pet.

The Calgary Humane Society shelters almost 4500 homeless animals each year and hopes to lead, inspire, and educate the ethical treatment for all animals. Recently they had to do a call out for foster families and adoptions, as the facility was completely filled with pups and dogs of all sizes. They always have a large array of a variety of animals including dogs, cats, and many types of critters. 

Where: 4455 110 Avenue SE 

Focusing on dogs, this family-run kennel offers both boarding and adoption services for their shelter pups. Head to their website and read their profiles to get a sense of what four-legged friends they have available, and if they might be a fit for you and your family. 

Where: Range Road 235 

Their vision to “rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome any animal in need” is a simple concept that they execute brilliantly. Their animals are always in high demand and they are excellent at pairing them with the best families to make a perfect match. If you can’t commit to adoption right away, they are always looking for volunteers and donations to help keep their 24-hour emergency services and rescue running round the clock. 

Where: 4932 Main Street, Alix 

With services to adopt, foster and even volunteer, AARCS has many opportunities for the community to learn and donate to the shelter as they carefully choose their new best friend. They teamed up with the City of Calgary in March 2021 to lead a three-month pilot project to enhance the medical and dental care of shelter animals, while minimizing the time adoptable pets spend in a shelter altogether. 

Where: 5060 74 Avenue SE 

Solely dedicated to the adoption of senior cats and dogs, ARTS is the perfect place to give these gentle animals a second chance and help them feel loved once more. Check out their selection and see if one of these wonderful animals is the addition your family is looking for. 

This volunteer group focuses their efforts on rescuing and re-homing unwanted or abandoned pit bulls from shelters, First Nation free-roaming dog communities, and animal controls. Head to their website to see how you can support or find your next cute pitty.

Founded in 2000 this cat-focused charity and humane society helps relocate abandoned stray cats into suitable and loving homes. If you’re a cat-loving human this is the rescue shelter is likely where you need to look for your future, cuddly, boundary-loving friend. 

Where: 35 Skyline Crescent NE 

ARF is a volunteer-based organization and non-profit charity that provides home placement for unwanted dogs and cats in communities and rural settings. If you’re not ready to adopt, they have many loving foster animals looking for temporary homes.

Where: 3548 27 Street NE 

Did we miss one? Send us an email and let us know! 

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