Learn the basics of adopting a pet, including what you should consider and common questions you should ask yourself when deciding which pet is right for you and your families lifestyle.
Will you ensure that your pet is spayed or neutered, to decrease the problem of pet overpopulation? Will you provide them with permanent ID (such as a microchip and tattoo?) Will you ensure your pet has access to veterinary care, food, water, shelter, love, exercise, training, grooming, and nail care? Will you abide by city bylaws regarding your pet (licensing, picking up after your dog etc.)?
Do you own your own home or are you renting? Moving frequently can be stressful to pets. If you are renting does your landlord allow pets? Is the space large enough for the pet and breed that you want? Do you have a fenced backyard?
Are you a couch potato? Are you active and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and camping? Do you work late or go out after work? Ensure that the pet, or breed, that you are seeking matches what you like to do.
Animals require varying amounts of time. Depending on the animal, and even the breed, how much time you have to dedicate to walking, training and exercising? Exercising and mental stimulation for your pet will vary.
Are you planning a move? Going back to school or work? Pregnant? Will something in your life affect the introduction of a pet into your home? If so, maybe it is not the right time.
Are you able to afford the costs of pet care? The average cost for dogs annually is $1,550 (not including one time costs such as adoption fee, spaying, microchipping etc.) and the average for cats is $850 annually. Also remember replacement costs of things such as your favourite shoes.
Animals require varying amounts of time. Are you prepared to commit to your pet for its lifetime? Most cats and dogs have a lifespan of 15 years.
Trying to teach responsibility to your children? Understand that a family pet is a family decision and children will not take on all of the duties involving the pet, even though they will be enthusiastic at first! It is recommended for children to be at least seven years old to actively take part in pet care.
All individuals who will reside with, or will be in frequent contact with the adopted pet will need to come down to our facility to meet the pet before the adoption process can commence.
If you currently have dogs in your home, we require you to bring them to the adoption interview so we can conduct a “meet and greet.” This process ensures your new pet will adapt successfully in your home. Please note that this is for dogs only. Cats are not required to be brought into our facility for a “meet and greet.”
Please feel free to browse our available pets. When you see an animal you’d like to meet, please fill out the form below.
Front Desk: Email
Phone: 1-403-342-7722 ext. 0
You can also come down to our location and meet our furry felines that are looking for a furever home.
Note: To minimize the stress on our canine kids, dog visits are by appointment only.
Our Adoption Specialists can help you with any questions about our animals available for adoption. They can also answer any questions you may have about the process of adoption.
It is our goal to ensure you and your new fur family member have a “Happy Tails” ending.
Once you have seen some of the pets available for adoption, our animal care attendants will be able to give you some background information on the pets you are interested in and can assist you in finding the pet that best suits your lifestyle.
Once you have decided on a pet, our adoption counsellors will assist you with the adoption process. You will be asked to first complete a query form (we have provided the forms for you to complete at home and bring along with you if you wish). Take your time, answering each question completely and honestly. If you do not understand a question, please ask one of our staff for assistance. This form allows us to better understand your experience and knowledge, it is not a test, there are no wrong answers.
As soon as you have completed the form, our adoption counsellors will review and discuss your responses to the questions with you. This gives us all a chance to ensure we are on the same page for both the animal and your family.
After the application form questions have been assessed and approved, you will be required to put a mandatory 24 hour hold on the animal, for a cost of $75.00 which will go toward the adoption fee, before completing the adoption process. If after the 24 hour hold you decide that you do not want to adopt, the $75.00 will be considered as a general donation.
After the 24 hours you may come and complete the rest of the adoption process with an adoption counsellor. Your pet will then be microchipped, where a microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) is implanted under the pet’s skin to provide permanent pet identification. The implant is safe and painless.
Please Note: Applicants should allow for some time to complete the entire process. In some cases we may request more than one meeting or visit with your chosen animal before approving the adoption. All dog adoptions require a minimum of one meeting with all family members/other home occupants and any other dogs residing in the adoptive home to ensure compatibility. Please Remember: We want this to be a success for you and your chosen pet.
Taking care of animals the right way in our shelter is a very expensive undertaking. We depend primarily on public donations to fund our shelter, and despite operating as lean as possible with minimal staff, our budgeted expenditures exceed 1 million each year.
Preparing your adoptable pet for its new home costs a great deal more than the adoption fee. Grants and additional donations help us to operate without having to pass on those costs to the adopter. In this case, “money can buy happiness.”
Altered Adult | $125
Altered Kitten | $175
Senior (8+) | $60
Barn Buddies | $25 (minimum donation)
Bonded Pair | $200
Note: From time to time we run adoption specials for senior pets or pets that have had a longer term stay in shelter. If you have any questions regarding adoption fees, please do not hesitate to check with us.
Adoption Fees Also Include:
We feed our animals in care, Hill’s Science Diet
Altered Adult | $375
Altered Puppy | $475
Senior (8+) | $250
Bonded Pair | Adult | $400 | Senior | $300
Note: From time to time we run adoption specials for senior pets or pets that have had a longer term stay in shelter. If you have any questions regarding adoption fees, please do not hesitate to check with us.
Adoption Fees Also Include:
We feed our animals in care, Hill’s Science Diet
Rabbit | $75
Guinea Pig | $20 – $75
Mouse | $20 – $75
Bird | $20
Hamster | $25
Gerbil | $25
Ferret | $75
Reptile | $50 – $100
Note: Most rabbits are unaltered when surrendered to CA Humane, we will spay/neuter before adoption. This is a significant cost saving to you.
Adoptions may include some supplies if available. Please speak to our Animal Care Department for more details.
For more information about our Adoption Process, please contact our
Front Desk: Email
Phone: 1-403-342-7722 ext. 207
Please take your time to browse our selection of pets available for adoption. All of our pets have been given full checkups, are spayed & neutered, have up-to-date vaccinations and are ready to find their forever homes. If you need any help or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help you find the best match for you and your family.
