Question 1

How does LocalPetFinder work?

Accepted Answer

We aggregate live adoption listings from real shelters and foster networks across Canada into one searchable place. Each dog and cat profile links directly to the rescue, where you apply. We never run breeder ads and never charge adopters.

Question 2

Is LocalPetFinder free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely free for adopters and shelters. We aggregate listings from local rescues, and shelters are not charged for inclusion. The site is funded by the broader brand, not by adoption fees, so there are no commissions and no premium tier.

Question 3

How often are the listings updated?

Accepted Answer

Listings refresh on a regular cadence per shelter. Most rescues are re-scraped regularly, and individual dogs and cats appear on the site soon after a rescue posts them. Adopted animals are removed from search results on the same refresh cycle.

Question 4

Which provinces do you cover?

Accepted Answer

9 provinces are live. Alberta covers Calgary, Edmonton, Grande Prairie, Red Deer and Lethbridge. British Columbia covers Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Kamloops and Abbotsford. Saskatchewan covers Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, North Battleford and Humboldt (plus 6 more). Manitoba covers Winnipeg, Brandon, Swan River, Boissevain and Morden. Ontario covers Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener and Windsor (plus 17 more). Nova Scotia covers Halifax. Newfoundland and Labrador covers St. John's. New Brunswick covers Moncton, Saint John and Fredericton. Quebec covers Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivieres and Boucherville. More provinces will follow as we add the local rescue partnerships needed to cover them well.

Question 5

Can I list my own dog for adoption?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you need to rehome your dog, the rehoming page lets you submit a free listing that appears alongside rescue dogs. Your contact email stays private; potential adopters reach you through the platform. A reviewer publishes the listing within 24 to 48 hours.

Question 6

How is this different from Petfinder?

Accepted Answer

Petfinder is US-centric and many Canadian rescues are not listed there. LocalPetFinder focuses on Canadian rescues specifically, including the smaller foster-based rescues that rarely show up on US-first aggregators. Owner rehoming sits alongside rescue listings rather than on a separate classifieds-style site.

Adopt a local rescue
dog or cat in Canada.

Recently added.

Adopting directly from owners.

Dogs

Cats

Popular rescue dog breeds.

Popular rescue cat breeds.

Need to rehome your dog?

Common questions.

Adopt a local rescuedog or cat in Canada.