Pet Rescue Organizations in Calgary: Where to Adopt & Support

Calgary has a robust network of animal rescue groups. Here are the major players, what they do, and how to engage.

Major Shelters & Rescues

Calgary Humane Society (CHS)

• Since: 1922. Facility: 4455 110 Ave SE (full shelter, vet clinic, behavior center).
• Scope: Dogs, cats, small animals, exotics. Open admission (municipal contract).
• Services: Adoption, fostering, surrender, cruelty investigations, humane education, low-cost spay/neuter, pet food bank.
• Adoption: ~3,000 animals/yr. Fee includes vet exam, vaccines, microchip, spay/neuter, 6-week pet insurance.

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)

• Since: 2006. Facility: 2400 32 Ave NE (adoption center, vet clinic, kennels).
• Focus: Rural/remote intake (Northern AB, reserves), medical/behavioral cases, disaster response.
• Adoption: ~2,500/yr. Strong foster network (500+ homes). "Pawsitive Match" behavioral matching.
• Programs: TNR (trap-neuter-return), community vet clinics, One Health (human/animal).

Cat-Specific

• Purrfect Companions Cat Rescue: Foster-based, 200+ cats/yr. Medical focus (FIV+, ringworm, neonates). Adoption events PetSmart (Shawnessy, North Hill).
• MEOW Foundation: Shelter (1020 9 Ave SE) + foster. 1,000+ cats/yr. No-kill. Senior-to-senior program.
• Calgary Cat Rescue Society: Small, foster-only, special needs.

Dog-Focused / Breed-Specific

• Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation: Foster-based, all breeds, medical/behavior rehab. "Senior Paws" hospice foster.
• Zoe's Animal Rescue Society: All species (dogs, cats, rabbits, exotics). Foster network. Transport from Northern AB.
• Alberta Boxer Rescue, Golden Retriever Rescue, Husky Rescue, Pit Bull Rescue: Breed-specific, foster-based.

Small Animals & Exotics

• Small Animal Rescue Society (SARS): Rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, degus. Foster-based.
• Calgary Reptile & Amphibian Society: Surrender/adoption for herps.

How to Adopt

1. Browse CHS, AARCS, Purrfect, MEOW, Heaven Can Wait, Zoe's.
2. Submit application (home check, references, vet history).
3. Meet & greet (virtual or in-person).
4. Adoption fee ($150–500 typical).
5. Post-adoption support (behavior helpline, trainer referrals).

Other Ways to Help

• Foster: Critical bottleneck. 2 weeks – 3 months. Expenses covered.
• Donate: Money, supplies (kibble, litter, toys), wish lists (Amazon/Chewy).
• Volunteer: Dog walking, cat socialization, transport, events, admin.
• Advocate: Spay/neuter, ID/microchip, responsible breeding laws.

List not exhaustive. Check City of Calgary Animal Services for licensing, bylaws, lost/found.