Can I take an animal on a trial basis?

Choosing a pet is an important and long-term decision, so it's natural for many people to ask, “Can I take an animal home on a trial basis to see if we're compatible?” In Calgary and the surrounding area, this practice is becoming increasingly available, especially at shelters, rescue organizations, and through volunteer programs. However, it has its own peculiarities and legal restrictions.

Trial period: how it works in Calgary

The Calgary Humane Society's “sleepover” program

One of the most progressive models in Calgary is the Calgary Humane Society's “sleepover” program (in other words, a trial week or week-long test period). The program was introduced in response to overcrowded shelters and a desire to give prospective owners the opportunity to not only see the animal in a new environment, but also to understand whether it is suitable for their family, home, and lifestyle. The principle is simple: — A potential owner can take a dog home for up to one week without paying any money, signing a formal contract, or making any other commitments.

— During this period, the shelter provides all necessary care: food, accessories, support, and advice.

— If the family decides that the animal is not a good fit, it can be returned without any negative consequences or additional costs. If the experience is positive, the owner signs a permanent contract and pays the standard adoption fee.

Who is eligible for the sleepover program?

Historically, the sleepover program was only available to dogs that had been in the shelter for more than 30 days. However, due to high demand, it is now available to most dogs available for adoption. The sleepover experience has proven valuable not only for future owners but also for shelter staff, as it helps prevent unexpected returns, adjust behavior programs, and better adapt dogs to their new homes.

Foster to Adopt

Many rescue organizations in Calgary and the province are implementing a foster to adopt model, which involves temporarily placing an animal with a family without any immediate obligation to adopt it. — The family takes in the animal, cares for it, and helps it adapt to its new lifestyle.

— If everything works out, the voluntary temporary care agreement is transformed into a standard adoption, and the family pays the appropriate fee. — If the experience proves unsuccessful, the animal is returned, and another potential family can go through the same process.

Foster programs are available at:

  • Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (AARCS)
  • Calgary Animal Rescue Society
  • Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF)
  • Fur-Ever Homes Rescue
  • Low-key communities of enthusiasts and independent shelters

Note: Formally, most of these programs are not intended to provide a “test drive” before purchase, but to rescue animals and provide them with proper care. However, many organizations understand that the best “fosters” are potential owners, so if a family wants to keep the animal permanently, in many cases the adoption process becomes a priority for the caregiver.

Returning an animal: conditions and restrictions

Returning an animal after adoption from a regional shelter is a completely possible and regulated step if there is a compatibility issue, allergies arise, or unexpected difficulties occur.

— Calgary Humane Society allows animals to be returned within 6 weeks of adoption with a full refund of the adoption fee under standard circumstances. — Bow Valley SPCA accepts returns within 10 days in case of medical problems or allergies. After that, the decision to return the animal is made on a case-by-case basis, and an additional fee may be charged.

Legal and ethical considerations

Shelters and rescue organizations emphasize that a trial period is not a way to “play around” with an animal. It is important to be prepared for a responsible decision, to realistically assess your resources, lifestyle, and attitude toward your future pet. Sleepover programs and foster to adopt are not tools for experimentation, but for making an informed choice. Organizations are required to ensure the welfare of animals, verify their legal status, monitor their living conditions, and track every return.

Conclusion: how to use a trial period for the well-being of both humans and animals

A trial period, sleepover, or foster to adopt is a chance for everyone to evaluate themselves and the animal and find the optimal model of coexistence. In Calgary shelters, such opportunities are becoming the norm, especially in overcrowded conditions and with the growing focus on ethical adoption. As a result, the system has become more flexible, responsive to the needs of people and animals, and, most importantly, promotes happy stories in which a found pet becomes a true member of the family.

Contacts and useful links

Conclusion

Calgary is one of Canada's most progressive cities when it comes to ethical pet adoption with a trial period. If it is important to you to ensure compatibility with your future pet, contact official shelters, inquire about sleepover programs and foster options — this is not only a guarantee of a happy life for the animal, but also a chance to make your decision responsible and informed.