Are there any animal shelters in Calgary?

Calgary is one of Canada's most progressive cities when it comes to animal welfare. There are a number of organizations that provide protection, care, temporary shelter, and rehabilitation for abandoned, stray, and lost animals. Animal shelters in Calgary are not just temporary homes for cats and dogs; they are well-developed structures with their own identities, missions, services, and approaches to solving the problem of stray and needy animals.

Main types of shelters and assistance centers

There are several key shelters in the city, the largest of which are the Calgary Humane Society and the municipal Animal Services Centre. In addition, there are private, volunteer, and specialized organizations covering various categories of animals, from cats and dogs to small pets and exotic species.

Calgary Humane Society

The Calgary Humane Society (CHS) is the most well-known non-profit shelter, operating for over a century. It is located at 4455 110 Avenue SE. The shelter provides a safe temporary home for hundreds of abandoned and lost animals every year. The main activities of the CHS include:

  • rescue and shelter for lost, abandoned, and confiscated animals,

  • veterinary care,

  • behavior correction and socialization,

  • adoption programs and public education,

  • lost pet search service.

Special attention is given to animals that have been abused or need long-term medical care. CHS has its own veterinary clinic and works with volunteers, trainers, and care and adoption services.

Animal Services Centre

The municipal Animal Services Centre is an official shelter run by the city authorities. The centre's main focus is on working with lost and found pets and enforcing municipal regulations on responsible pet ownership. The centre is located at 2201 Portland St SE.

Animal Services Centre:

  • takes in stray and lost animals,
  • provides short- and long-term temporary shelter,
  • organizes the return of animals to their owners or finds them new homes,
  • implements population control programs through sterilization and vaccination,
  • cooperates with community organizations by conducting educational campaigns and informational work.

When contacting the center, you must provide a description of the animal and documents confirming ownership or family relationship.

Private and specialized shelters

Calgary also has small private shelters, volunteer organizations, and rescue groups, often specializing in a particular species or category:

  • Dog rescues — for dogs that have fallen on hard times or need rehabilitation,
  • Cat rescues — focus on cats,
  • Exotic animal rescues — help for exotic pets that can no longer be kept by their former owners,
  • Foster-based rescues — programs for temporary placement of animals in foster homes while a permanent home is being sought.

There are active Ukrainian, Jewish, Chinese, Italian, French-speaking, and city-wide volunteer initiatives that support shelters financially, with resources, and with adoption advertising campaigns.

Adoption programs and animal intake

Each shelter operates on an open-access system — anyone who has found or lost a pet is entitled to seek help. All shelters in Calgary support the “Adopt, Don't Shop” policy, encouraging adoption instead of buying animals. The adoption process consists of several stages:

  • a questionnaire and interview with the applicant,
  • an examination of the animal by a veterinarian and behavior consultant,
  • an adjustment period (sometimes in temporary foster homes),
  • the signing of a purchase (adoption) agreement with legal guarantees of care.

Thanks to this system, most animals find homes with responsible and informed owners.

Volunteer activities and support

Animal shelters in Calgary actively collaborate with local volunteers, student groups, veterinary clinics, trainers, and dog clubs. Volunteer programs allow for the involvement of additional human resources for socialization, care, walks, veterinary assistance, and finding adoptive owners.

Anyone can join volunteer programs:

  • take care of animals,
  • foster animals on weekends,
  • support donor initiatives,
  • create advertising and information campaigns.

Donation programs and funding

Most large shelters are funded through a combination of municipal budgets, private donations, grants, corporate partnerships, and joint programs with veterinary clinics. Individual and business donors can make periodic or one-time donations, participate in charity events, or sponsor the treatment or care of a specific animal.

Donors receive regular reports on the use of funds and the results of the shelters' work, and can meet the animals and learn about their rehabilitation process.

Addresses and contacts

  • Calgary Humane Society: 4455 110 Avenue SE, tel. 403-205-4455, calgaryhumane.ca

  • Animal Services Centre: 2201 Portland St SE, tel. 311 (city service)

  • Volunteer organizations: a list of current organizations is available through the Calgary Humane Society and the city portal pets.calgary.ca

How to get help

If you find an animal in need of help or want to adopt a pet, you should:

  • Call the Calgary Humane Society or Animal Services Centre,
  • Fill out the form on the official website,
  • Post information in important local databases (Found Animals Database Calgary, social networks of city shelters),
  • Read the adoption and care conditions.

Conclusion

Animal shelters in Calgary are an extensive support system that includes not only the intake and rehabilitation of animals, but also educational, volunteer, donor, and advocacy programs. They are a key part of the city's infrastructure, enabling it to effectively combat the problem of stray and abandoned animals, ensure responsible pet ownership among city residents, and promote a culture of humane treatment in Calgary. Contacting shelters is a reliable way to save an animal and find a new family member, as well as join a united city community of help and support.