Best pet adoption centers in Calgary: find options near you

The facility itself is very welcoming and clean, the animals are all clearly well cared for, and again the faculty and volunteers are just lovely.

Lucy/Mango is doing amazing and has been such an incredible addition to the family. Thank you again CHS!

Very unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for me, for I had in the early morning arrived to my shop to do my regular, day-to-day life, as I got there, I noticed a bird sitting on my dumpster bin lid,shaking and soaking wet, I dropped every single thing I was doing to ensure that this bird made it. The emotion and the bond that I created rescuing this animal, while it fell sleep, shaking on my shoulders, happy that it was in a warm, safe environment, immediately I wanted to make sure that this bird was reunited with its loved ones and family. That was my only priority, so I delivered it to this organization and upon filling out the paperwork I very clearly, and specifically asked to be put at the top of the list for adoption, I bonded with a bird that I rescued it only seems fair, right? well unfortunately the individual that was working that day decided not to put that in the file, so when I left, I went about my night thinking there’s gonna be two options. I have either rescued a bird and was able to reunite it with his family or I was going to become that rescue Bird’s new family, and to take care of it, and to love it as if it was my own. And I really hate to say it, but this organization stripped me of that feeling and stripped me of any emotion that I had toward that bird.

two weeks went by with anticipation and hoping it was reunited so when I called them and left them a voicemail. They got back to me and told me that the bird was going to a foster family, and that the foster family was going to receive first choice of whether or not they wanted to adopt the bird, I questioned the individual on the phone and explain to her that I had asked to be put on the adoption list, they detailed that there was no record of me requesting that on file even though I have two other eyewitnesses there.

A day later they had called me back and told me that they had adopted out the bird to another person, you can understand my confusion when I was under the impression that I had rescued this bird that had saved this bird, and I had bonded with this bird that I had deserve the right to welcome that bird to my family . Because this organization had a wildly massive mess up and did not record my specific requests to be the adopted father, you took away what most people look at in that in the organization as a dream that would never come true, to rescue an animal to be able to call it your family. They took that from me and what I’m feeling is biblical I have no other choice but to express and communicate exactly how I feel.

I expressed my concern and confusion over a voicemail as to which, then the manager called me the next day, and was extremely apologetic and attentive, which to say they never weren’t. They were always great to talk with and great individuals to work with. I have to reiterate that I am not Insulting the integrity of what they do or how they do it this was just one really really unfortunate mess up on their end that needs to be made aware of

These days, she goes by Lucy—though we also call her Lu, Lulu, Lucille, and occasionally Lucifer. She’s turning 16 this year and was diagnosed with diabetes about three years ago, but she takes her daily insulin injections like a champ.

Lucy has been by my side through both the most difficult and most incredible moments of my life, and I’m so grateful for her. She welcomed her human dad into our family when she was around two and has since helped us raise two human babies, who are now 5.5 and 11 years old. She absolutely adores them—especially the 11-year-old.

As for everyone else… well, she still hates all humans and animals outside of our household. Anyone who remembers Unique may recall just how spicy she was; I was actually encouraged to pick out a couple other cats to meet because she was so mean haha. We’re taking her sweet and spicy personality on the road this summer and bringing her trailer camping. I anticipate she may dislike the truck ride but will settle in quickly once we’re parked and set up and she is with all her favourite humans.

Thank you, Meow Foundation, for bringing the best furry friend into our lives. ❤️

Ive had much better experiences with other rescues in the area.

I’d also like to give 5 stars all the fosters who are working with AARCS – you are all doing amazing work and we appreciate you so much for everything you do. You’re helping to give all of these animals a real chance at finding a forever home – it’s a ton of hard work on your part, and you’re helping to change so many lives. You are all amazing!

Through both my own experience and conversations with past volunteers and insiders, including people I trust, it became clear that there is a serious disconnect between the values AARCS promotes publicly and the way people are treated internally.

The culture, particularly among leadership, has driven away many compassionate and dedicated individuals. What should be a space rooted in empathy often feels toxic and dismissive. The carefully curated public image does not reflect what many have experienced behind the scenes.

Here’s the thing. Many of us could easily write detailed negative reviews or share specific examples of what we experienced. But we choose not to, because we still have integrity, something that, unfortunately, seems to be lacking in the leadership. Instead of listening or growing, they have tried to ostracize people who do not fall in line with their egos or question the status quo.

While animals do benefit from the organization’s work, it is also important to consider how the people making that work happen are treated, and how donor dollars are being used. Concerns about transparency, leadership priorities, and accountability continue to surface.

To the AARCS leadership who may read this and feel the urge to respond, I will say this: it is not necessary. Many of us have seen the internal culture for ourselves and understand what is really happening. Our experiences are valid. No carefully crafted message can change that.

I hope AARCS finds its way back to the values it claims to represent. Until meaningful change happens, my support will go to organizations that show compassion not just to animals, but to people as well.

For a while last year I was struggling financially when one of my cats appeared to be sick. I asked AARCS if they could help, and one of their wonderful charities was willing to foot the bill for his vet visit. Luckily for me, he didn’t need to go, but I’ll never forget the compassion they showed me and my senior cat.

Please consider donating to them. They recently had a break in at their Edmonton location, and the robbers took a lot of cash among other things. This is a worthwhile organization doing what they can to help every animal that finds its way to them.

When I got there there was another lady there who was very abrupt, a rude, and not very understanding of where I was coming from,it was to the point when the lady wouldn’t even bother understanding what I was trying to ask when I was trying to clarify a question that was on the paper when filling out the drop-off form. It made me feel really insecure like I was doing the wrong thing and made me question as to what kind of treatment were the animals getting if this is how I was being talked too , like I was not educated or that I didn’t have feelings. I feel like I was being treated as a child or teen ,when I’m a full grown adult in my thirties.
I was not impressed it made me feel like I didn’t want to drop off another rescue animal there in my life, I would rather drive another 20 or 40 minutes to another place.
I hope that the treatment that the little life that I gave them is superb, contrary to my experience.

Melissa and her team provided help at a time when I had no one else to turn to. I am deeply grateful for their compassion, their sacrifice, and the time they took to care for Star when I couldn’t. I understand now that they were balancing many responsibilities and emergencies, and I never intended to come across as demanding. I was just overwhelmed, trying to advocate for my dog the best I could.

I regret any confusion or stress I may have caused. I realize now that there were things I didn’t fully understand, and I’m sorry if any of my actions or messages hurt or offended the team. That was never my intention.

The work this organization does is life-changing. I will always be grateful for the support they gave to both Star and me. I hope others can continue to receive the kind of help and care we were given. From the bottom of my heart thank you.

I truly wish Star could see the team again someday even just for a visit. They were such an important part of his journey, and I only wish they could still be a part of our lives.

With love,
Star & Kristen.

Knowledgeable, respectful and kind staff and management.

Excellent and healthy puppies.

I wanted to thank Emma and all her wonderful coworkers who helped us move forward with this lovely journey!

Thank you all, lovely Top Dog staff! You’re amazing!

Edit:
As I said in my review that they would reply to my review with some dumb excuses to show the public but go take a look at the place yourself and you will see that it’s not ideal. I’ve recently talked to multiple other people who bought their dog from top dog and they all experienced the same issues. Some have even experienced health problems, skin issues, sensitivity issues as well. For them to even say we have no history of your purchasing a dog from this store is a insane I’m not going to go out of my way and write a review if I didn’t buy a dog from you and experience these things myself. We bought our long haired mini dachshund from here.

These people genuinely care about the animals they receive in their care and we are so grateful for them providing us with our pooch for his forever home.

Tapioca, with her playful and adventurous spirit, keeps me on my toes, while Sushi is the perfect balance of sweetness and curiosity. They are not just pets—they are my family, my little shadows, and the light of my life. Despite the challenges, including Tapioca’s recent health issues, I am so grateful to have them, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Megan’s Rescue Efforts Society truly goes above and beyond in ensuring their rescues find the perfect home. The love and care they put into their work is evident in every animal they save. If you are looking to adopt, I highly recommend them—you might just find your perfect little soulmates, just like I did.

Thank you, Megan’s Rescue Efforts Society, for giving me the best companions I could have ever asked for! ❤️