What documents do you receive when adopting an animal?

Adopting a pet from a shelter in Calgary is a big deal, and it comes with some legal stuff. Every step of the contract and paperwork is designed to make sure you're covered and your new pet is taken care of. The documents you receive during the adoption process are not just pieces of paper, but facts that confirm the status of your pet, give you access to protection of its rights, and help you organize its care.

Basic set of documents for adoption

1. Adoption Agreement

This is the central document signed between the owner and the shelter. The agreement specifies:

  • the legal status of the transfer of ownership of the animal;

  • detailed identification of the animal (name, breed, age, distinctive marks, health status);

  • the new owner's obligations regarding care, maintenance, and veterinary care;

  • the requirement to immediately notify the shelter in case of loss, illness, or change of residence;

  • the prohibition of uncontrolled transfer of the animal to third parties or subsequent sale;

  • the possibility of returning the animal in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Under Calgary law, the agreement gives rights and guarantees to both parties: the shelter can monitor proper care, and the owner can seek support in the future.

2. Vaccination Certificate

This document contains all information about current vaccinations, parasite treatments, and sterilization/castration history. The passport is important for:

  • registering your pet with the municipal Animal Services department,

  • confirming that your pet is safe for other animals and people,

  • accessing spay/neuter, vaccination, and veterinary care programs.

The passport usually includes a list of recommended future vaccinations and a schedule of checkups.

3. Identification certificate (ID Tag/Certificate of Microchipping)

All shelters in Calgary will provide you with a document certifying that the animal has an official tag (identifier) or microchip. The certificate contains:

  • a unique registration number,

  • the owner's contact information,

  • information about the shelter,

  • the date and place of microchipping, if applicable.

This allows you to quickly find the owner if the animal is lost and avoid administrative fines for not registering it.

4. Sterilization/castration certificate

Most adopted animals in Calgary have already been sterilized or have a referral for future sterilization. If the procedure has been performed, you will be provided with an official certificate of sterilization/castration from the veterinary clinic. This document:

  • is required to obtain a city license;

  • reduces the annual license fee for the animal;

  • certifies responsible attitude towards the animal population in the city.

5. Municipal license (Pet License Tag/Document)

Immediately after completing the adoption, you can obtain a municipal license from the shelter or apply for one. The license is a plastic tag or electronic certificate with a registration number that is assigned to the animal and its owner in the Calgary Animal Services system. The document is required for:

  • legal ownership of a pet,

  • avoiding fines,

  • quick return of the animal if lost.

6. Additional recommendations and information sheet

Shelters provide owners with a set of recommendations:

  • instructions for the initial adaptation of the animal,
  • feeding schedule, hygiene procedures, special care requirements,
  • contact details for the shelter's support service and veterinary clinics,
  • detailed information about the animal's character, habits, possible difficulties, and behavioral aspects.

7. Checks and receipts for payment

Official documents confirm payment of the adoption fee and any additional services (e.g., spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping), which is important for future funding programs for shelters.

What to do with the documents you receive

All documents should be kept in a separate home file and provided in the event of:

  • registering the animal with the City of Calgary,
  • visiting a veterinary clinic,
  • applying for an aggressive or special animal,
  • leaving or moving the animal to another area, city, or to another owner,
  • legal or administrative disputes.

Keeping documents is a guarantee of protecting the rights of the owner and the animal throughout Calgary and Alberta.

Special features for Ukrainian newcomers

For citizens who have recently immigrated from Ukraine, Calgary shelters are ready to provide advice, translation assistance in completing documents, and detailed instructions adapted to local legislation. All legal documents are in English, but some memos/recommendations can be prepared in other languages for the convenience of newcomers.

Conclusion

The procedure for obtaining documents when adopting an animal in Calgary is designed to ensure maximum protection of the rights and interests of both the owner and the pet. The set of documents creates a legal and practical foundation for the responsible living, care, and socialization of the animal in its new family. Keep all papers and regularly update information about your pet — this is the best guarantee of peace of mind, protection, and safety for you and your animal.