For those who dream of a four-legged friend but are concerned about the financial costs of keeping a pet, Calgary offers a uniquely developed network of assistance programs. From reduced adoption fees to long-term support with food, veterinary care, and even temporary housing, the city demonstrates a comprehensive approach to promoting responsible pet ownership among all segments of the population.

Reduced adoption fee programs: access to happiness for everyone

Hidden Gems program — special attention to patient animals

One of the most appealing initiatives in Calgary is the Hidden Gems program, which operates through both Calgary Animal Services and the Calgary Humane Society. This program targets animals that have spent more time than usual in shelters and need extra attention to find a home.

Through the Hidden Gems program, the cost of adoption is significantly reduced: cats are available for $84.52 + GST instead of the standard $169 + GST, and dogs are available for $100 + GST instead of the usual $225 + GST. All services remain the same: spaying or neutering, microchipping, vaccinations, deworming, city licensing, a starter food kit, and an adjustment package.

Patient Paws Program at the Calgary Humane Society

The Calgary Humane Society has launched the Patient Paws program for animals that have been in the shelter longer than the standard term. These animals receive special markings (yellow paws on their online photos and yellow tags at the shelter) and are offered at reduced prices: dogs from $135, cats, rabbits, and other animals from $30 to $75.

The uniqueness of the Patient Paws program lies in the “sleepover” option, which allows potential owners to take a dog home for a week for a trial period with all the necessary equipment and support from the shelter.

Special programs for seniors: comprehensive support

The Continued Companionship program — a revolutionary approach to supporting seniors

At the end of 2023, the Calgary Humane Society, in partnership with the Calgary Seniors' Resource Society, launched the Continued Companionship program, one of the most comprehensive initiatives to support seniors with pets in North America.

The program includes:

• Medical support: vaccinations, spaying/neutering, emergency care, dental care
• Nutritional support: including special diets prescribed by veterinarians
• End-of-life services: euthanasia and cremation with the option of owner attendance
• Reduced adoption fees for individuals 65+
• Transportation assistance for veterinary visits
• Volunteer opportunities for social interaction

To receive support, simply call 587-320-3801 or send an email to [email protected]. The program is funded through public donations.

Membership for seniors with additional benefits

The Calgary Humane Society offers a special annual membership for individuals 65+ for only $10 (vs. $40 for regular membership), which provides a 15% discount on future adoptions, behavior classes, shelter store purchases, and children's programs.

Seniors for Seniors Program at Calgary Animal Services

Calgary Animal Services offers a special Seniors for Seniors program with special pricing options for seniors who want to adopt senior animals (dogs over 7 years old). These dogs are usually house-trained, calmer, and ideal for senior owners.

Financial Assistance Programs for Food and Care

Calgary Humane Society Food Bank — Vital Support

The Calgary Humane Society Food Bank is one of the most accessible programs for pet owners experiencing financial hardship. The program is donation-based and provides access to food and supplies. To receive assistance, call 403-205-4455 or email [email protected].

AARCS Pet Food Assistance Program

The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS) has launched a pet food assistance program to prevent animals from being surrendered to shelters due to their owners' financial difficulties. The program provides food for dogs and cats, as well as additional supplies such as litter, toys, blankets, and bedding.

The program operates by appointment only in Calgary and surrounding areas. AARCS also distributes thousands of pounds of food annually to remote Indigenous communities and collaborates with other animal welfare organizations.

MEOW Foundation Cat Food Assistance

The MEOW Foundation offers a cat food assistance program for owners who are experiencing hardship. The organization accepts donations of food, including open packages, to support this program.

Calgary Food Bank for Animals

The Calgary Food Bank also provides pet food when it is available. Owners simply need to indicate on the referral form that they have a pet.

Free spay/neuter and veterinary care programs

No Cost Spay/Neuter Program in Calgary

The City of Calgary, through its Fair Entry program, provides free spay/neuter services for low-income residents. The program aims to reduce the stray cat population and is available to residents who meet the Fair Entry Program criteria.

Eligibility requirements:

• Applicant must be 18+ years of age and reside in Calgary
• Ownership of the cat at the time of application
• Must have a Calgary city license in the applicant's name
• Referral through the Fair Entry Program
• Eligible to participate once every 12 months
• Cat must be healthy (cats in heat and pregnant cats are accepted)

Services include spaying or neutering and microchipping or tattooing for permanent identification.

MEOW Foundation SNAP Program

The MEOW Foundation offers the SNAP (Spay Neuter Assistance Program), a subsidized spay/neuter program for low-income cat owners in Calgary. The program works with partner veterinary clinics throughout the city.

How to apply:

1. Submit an online application
2. Application review by SNAP coordinator (7-10 business days)
3. If approved, referral to a partner clinic
4. Schedule an appointment at the clinic
5. Microchipping or tattooing procedure

Low-cost programs from other organizations

• Megan's Rescue Efforts Society offers a Low Cost Vet Program for dog and cat owners in Calgary who are experiencing temporary financial difficulties. The program covers basic services: vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and parasite treatment.

• Parachutes for Pets provides comprehensive support to low-income pet owners, including a Pet Food Bank, a Safekeeping program (emergency pet care), and grooming assistance.

Emergency assistance and crisis support programs

Emergency Boarding Program

The Calgary Humane Society offers an emergency animal boarding program for families who are temporarily unable to care for their pets due to crisis circumstances:

• Loss of housing due to fire, flood, or other natural disasters
• Sudden hospitalization
• Admission to a rehabilitation center

The program is available to those who cannot obtain support from family, friends, or commercial boarding services. A referral from a recognized service agency or professional is required. Boarding is provided for 10 days.

Pet Safekeeping Program — assistance for victims of domestic violence

The Pet Safekeeping Program provides confidential placement for pets of domestic violence victims while they seek safety. Placement is provided for 21 days with a referral from a recognized professional.

Rosco's Keep Them Home Program

The program provides assistance to animals in medical emergencies when owners are unable to control the circumstances. To participate, animals must have a history of regular veterinary care. The program does not accept direct applications — participants are identified and approved by the Calgary Humane Society.

Housing and behavioral support programs

Pets and Renters Program

The Calgary Humane Society has created a program to address the housing crisis among pet owners who are unable to find pet-friendly housing. The program provides free behavior support and training so that pets can thrive in rental housing and property owners have confidence in the animals' behavior.

Regional and national financial assistance programs

Tails of Help — provincial support

Tails of Help provides financial assistance to pet owners across Alberta who cannot afford basic veterinary care. The program covers treatment that is necessary to prevent the death of an animal or the need for euthanasia.

Note: As of August 2025, applications are temporarily suspended due to limited funds, but the board of directors is working to raise funds to resume the program in 2025.

National Pet Care Fund

The National Pet Care Fund is a national charitable organization that provides grants of up to $500 (50% of the cost, up to a maximum of $250 from the fund plus up to $250 from partner veterinary clinics) to cover emergency medical expenses for low-income pet owners.

The organization uses Statistics Canada Low-Income Cut-off (LICOs) tables to determine eligibility.

How to access programs: step-by-step instructions

For Calgary Humane Society programs

1. Call 403-205-4455

2. Describe your situation and needs

3. Receive advice on available programs

4. Provide income documentation if necessary

For Calgary programs (Fair Entry)

1. Gather the necessary documents: Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency

2. Apply through the Fair Entry Program

3. Wait for review and approval

4. Gain access to specific programs

For AARCS and other organizations

1. Visit the organizations' official websites
2. Complete the online application forms
3. Wait to be contacted by program coordinators
4. Make an appointment (where required)

Conclusion: A comprehensive support system for responsible pet ownership

Calgary sets a high standard for supporting pet owners through an extensive network of programs that cover the entire spectrum of needs, from initial adoption to long-term care, crisis support, and special needs for vulnerable populations. The system is built on the principles of accessibility, dignity, and an understanding that the human-animal bond is valuable to both individual and community well-being.

For the Ukrainian-speaking community, which often faces challenges related to adaptation and finances, these programs represent a real opportunity not only to fulfill their dream of having a pet, but also to receive long-term support for responsible pet ownership. It is important to remember that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of responsibility towards a future friend and society as a whole.