Are there any financial assistance programs for pet care?

Calgary has an extensive network of financial assistance programs designed to support pet owners facing financial hardship. These programs cover a wide range of services, from free spaying and neutering to emergency assistance and pet food, providing families with the opportunity to keep their beloved companions regardless of economic challenges.

City of Calgary municipal programs

No Cost Spay and Neuter Program

The City of Calgary offers a No Cost Spay and Neuter Program for eligible low-income residents. This program provides free spay and neuter surgery for companion cats of eligible Calgary residents.

The program focuses exclusively on cats as an important step in managing the stray cat population, as Calgary continues to experience an increase in their numbers. For dog owners who need immediate spaying or neutering, there are numerous veterinary clinics in the city and surrounding area that offer affordable options for these procedures.

Eligibility requirements include:

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the City of Calgary.
  • You must own the cat at the time of application.
  • The cat must be licensed through the City of Calgary at the time of application.
  • The license must be in the applicant's name.
  • Applicants must be referred through the city's Fair Entry Program.
  • You may apply for the program only once every 12 months.

Fair Entry Program

The Fair Entry Program is a comprehensive system of subsidized services for low-income Calgarians. It includes access to a free spay/neuter program for adult pet owners.

The program allows you to assess your eligibility for income assistance for multiple city programs with one application. To qualify for the Fair Entry program, you must prove that you have a low income.

How to apply for Fair Entry:

  • By mail: City of Calgary, Fair Entry #8064 P.O. Box 2100 Station M Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
  • By fax: 403-268-2596
  • Online: Calgary.ca/fairentry
  • In person: City Hall Address: 800 Macleod Trail S.E., 3rd floor

Calgary Humane Society and pet owner support programs in Calgary

The Calgary Humane Society (CHS) is the leading organization providing financial assistance for animal care in Calgary.

According to Charity Intelligence Canada, in 2024, CHS spent $314,801 to support 966 pets and their families, which would have cost $699,765 if these animals had been returned to shelters.

Rosco's Keep Them Home Program

Rosco's Keep Them Home is a rescue program that helps pets and their families during unforeseen circumstances: accidents, medical crises, or other emergencies.

Eligibility requirements:

  • Animals must have a history of regular veterinary care (exams, vaccinations).
  • The current medical issue must be the result of an emergency that is beyond the owner's control.

Important: The program is not open for direct applications. Participants are identified and approved by the Calgary Humane Society.

Continued Companionship Program for Seniors

In 2024, CHS partnered with Calgary Seniors' Resource Society to launch the Continued Companionship Program. The program aims to support seniors with pets who do not have access to adequate support systems.

The program provides:

  • Financial assistance for spaying and neutering.
  • Dental procedures, vaccinations, and emergency care.
  • Support with essential items (food, bedding, litter).
  • Affordable adoption fees for owners 65+ years old.
  • End-of-life support (euthanasia, cremation).

Contact: Phone: 587-320-3801 Email: [email protected]

Wellness and vaccination clinics

CHS offers:

  • Monthly spay/neuter clinics
  • Quarterly vaccination clinics (for those earning less than $57,909 per year)

In 2025, the organization is expanding its summer clinic hours so more families can get help.

Anna-Lee Fitzsimmons, spokesperson for CHS: “Community clinics are designed to break down financial barriers and keep animals in families.”

PAWWISE Program (2024) — free spaying, neutering, exams, and vaccinations. In 2024, this program helped 49 pets.

Specialized organizations in Calgary

MEOW Foundation

MEOW Foundation is a registered cat-focused charity with a no-kill policy that has been operating since 2000.

Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP subsidizes the cost of spaying and neutering cats for low-income owners. To participate, you must:

  • Be 18+ years old.
  • Be the legal owner of the cat.

How it works:

  1. Complete the online application (online applications only).
  2. A coordinator will review your application (7-10 business days).
  3. You will be referred to a partner veterinary clinic.
  4. On the scheduled day, bring your cat in for surgery.

Cat food assistance program

The MEOW Foundation provides temporary assistance to cat owners experiencing financial difficulties.

How to get help:

Food distribution:

  • Once a month (depending on availability).
  • Address: 35 Skyline Crescent NE (back door).

Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)

AARCS offers a Food Assistance Program to prevent animals from ending up in shelters. Support is provided by appointment.

The program includes:

  • Basic food for healthy living for animals.
  • A limited amount of specialized food.
  • Additional items: toys, beds, blankets, litter (while supplies last).

Important: No delivery is available. To receive assistance, you must complete a request form.

Parachutes for Pets

Parachutes for Pets is a charitable organization (#778351338RR0001) that supports vulnerable populations in Calgary: veterans, seniors, foster children, victims of abuse, and the homeless.

Services provided:

  • Food bank — free or low-cost.
  • Weegz & Wagz storage — boarding and day care.
  • Food baskets — twice a week.
  • Emergency backpacks (food, water, first aid kit, blanket, jacket, bowl).
  • Annual vaccination clinics.
  • Grooming assistance.

Contact information: Phone: (403) 305-9677 Baskets are delivered on Wednesdays (exceptions may be made for emergencies).

Megan's Rescue Efforts Society

Megan's Rescue Efforts Society offers an Affordable Veterinary Care Program for owners facing temporary financial hardship.

What the program covers:

  • Vaccinations for common diseases.
  • Spaying/neutering to prevent unwanted litters.
  • Pest control to protect against parasites.

Important: The program does not cover specialized food, long-term medications, or chronic illnesses.

Provincial support programs

Tails of Help

Tails of Help is a provincial program approved by ABVMA and supported by Alberta SPCA. It provides financial assistance for basic medical care for sick or injured animals.

The program is available to:

  • Low-income pet owners.
  • Persons with disabilities (AISH).
  • Alberta Works recipients.
  • Families in financial crisis.

Important: As of 2024-2025, applications are temporarily suspended.

Task Force Animal Hospital

Task Force Animal Hospital (TFAH) provides veterinary services to individuals and families with low incomes or those receiving social assistance.

Eligibility: When applying, you must confirm that your household income is below the established thresholds.

Financial assistance and support options for pet owners in Calgary

Eligibility criteria

To access financial assistance programs for pet owners in Calgary, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Income below the low income cut-off (LICO) table
  • Recipients of AISH (Assurance Income for Persons with Severe Disabilities)
  • Recipients of social assistance
  • Referral by a social worker or other health care agency
  • Individuals registered in a personal safety program provided by a provincially recognized organization

Proof of eligibility

To confirm eligibility for the programs, you must provide:

  • Proof of government assistance (photo of most recent deposit slip), or
  • A copy of your Notice of Assessment or reassessment from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) (for each adult in the household)

Financing and credit options

Petcard

Petcard is a leading Canadian veterinary financing company that offers affordable ways to pay for treatment or purchase necessary items for your pets.

Many veterinary clinics in Calgary partner with Petcard to provide flexible financial solutions.

Petcard benefits:

  • Up to $40,000 available quickly
  • No down payment — no payment required at the clinic
  • Fast response with high approval rates
  • Open credit — pay off anytime with no fees
  • Competitive and affordable interest rates
  • Easy monthly payments from 12 to 84 months

Partner clinics in Calgary: Auburn Bay Veterinary Clinic, Alberta Veterinary Dentistry, and more.

LendCare and ScratchPay

  • LendCare — partners with VCA Canada and Ranchlands Veterinary Clinic. 100% online applications with instant approval are available.
  • ScratchPay — a flexible financing option offered by several clinics in Calgary, including Elbow River Vet.

A great solution for unexpected expenses or major treatment plans with low monthly payments.

Emergency Assistance and Special Programs

Calgary Food Bank

The Calgary Food Bank provides pet food (while supplies last). Simply indicate on the referral form that you have a pet.

Calgary Seniors' Resource Society

Calgary Seniors' Resource Society supports vulnerable seniors and helps them stay with their pets. The organization may also be able to provide additional resources, including the Pet Assist Program from Gray Animal Foundation.

Pet Assist services include:

  • Assistance with pet care (feeding, walking, medication monitoring)
  • Transportation to and from veterinary clinics
  • Volunteer support for senior pet owners

Pet insurance as an alternative

While pet insurance is not direct financial assistance, it can significantly reduce the cost of treatment.

Popular providers in Canada:

  • Trupanion
  • Pets Plus Us
  • Petsecure

Calgary veterinary clinics recommend considering insurance as a way to reduce financial risk and ensure timely access to care.

Recommendations for accessing programs

To make the most of Calgary's resources, we recommend:

  1. Start with city programs Apply for the Fair Entry Program to access municipal subsidies, including free spaying and neutering for cats.
  2. Contact the Calgary Humane Society For comprehensive support: emergency assistance, clinics, and programs for seniors.
  3. Research specialized organizations
  • MEOW Foundation — assistance for cat owners
  • AARCS — food assistance programs
  • Parachutes for Pets — support for vulnerable populations
  1. Consider private funding options

Use Petcard, LendCare, or ScratchPay to cover treatment costs. 5. Apply early Many programs have waiting lists or limited budgets, so early application is critical.

Conclusion

Calgary offers a wide network of financial support for pet owners facing economic challenges. From municipal programs and charities to private funding, residents have access to resources to help ensure the health and well-being of their pets.