PawFinder (LocalPetFinder.ca) is Calgary's independent pet adoption aggregator. We pull dog and cat listings from 13+ local rescues every 2 hours, normalize them into a single searchable platform, and publish editorial guides that answer the questions Calgary adopters actually ask.
We are not a shelter. We don't handle adoptions, take surrenders, or own any animals. Every adoption application is processed directly by the rescue listed on the dog or cat's page. We're an aggregator and an editorial resource — not a middleman.
What We Do
Aggregate listings from 13+ Calgary rescues
Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, BARCS, Pawsitive Match, Calgary Animal Rescue, Cochrane & Area Humane Society, ARF Alberta, CB Rescue, Furball Force, Heaven Can Wait, MEOW Foundation, Feline Rescue Foundation of Alberta, Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, and others. New rescues added regularly.
Update every 2 hours
Automated scrapers refresh every 2 hours so listings reflect what's actually available right now — not last month's inventory. Adopted dogs are detected and removed automatically.
Publish Calgary-specific editorial guides
60+ resource articles covering Calgary dog and cat adoption topics: bylaws, costs, fostering, rehoming, breed guides, emergency vet, coyote safety, fireworks anxiety, rental rules, daycare, boarding, and more. Every article is written for Calgary specifically — not generic content.
Connect adopters and rescues at zero cost
PawFinder is free to use for adopters and free for rescues to be listed. We don't charge listing fees, take a cut of adoption fees, or sell adopter data. The platform is funded by the founder.
Our Editorial Methodology
Every PawFinder editorial guide is built from these sources:
- Direct rescue data. Adoption fees, intake policies, foster requirements, and process timelines are sourced from each rescue's own published information and verified periodically.
- Calgary-specific input. City of Calgary bylaws, Animal Services contact info, off-leash park rules, coyote reporting protocols, license fees — all sourced from calgary.ca and verified against current city publications.
- Veterinary references where applicable. Medical content (emergency triage, tick prevention, pet medication options) cites veterinary toxicologist resources (Pet Poison Helpline, ASPCA Animal Poison Control) and reflects current veterinary practice.
- Local community input. Pain points and recurring questions surfaced from r/Calgary and the major Calgary lost-pet and adoption Facebook groups.
- Honest limitations. Where we can't verify, we say so. Where information varies (intake capacity, prices, hours), we recommend calling the rescue or facility directly.
We update existing articles when underlying facts change — bylaws, pricing, intake policies, scraper changes, etc. Each article shows its “Updated” date so you know how current the information is.
What We Don't Do
- We don't process adoption applications. Click through to the rescue's site and apply directly.
- We don't accept owner surrenders. If you need to rehome your dog, see our rehoming portal.
- We don't handle medical, behavioural, or legal advice cases. Editorial content is general guidance — consult your vet, trainer, or lawyer for individual situations.
- We don't list dogs or cats “for sale.” Every animal on PawFinder is being adopted from a rescue or rehomed by an owner. We don't accept breeder listings.
- We don't take a cut of any adoption. Rescues collect their own fees directly from adopters.
Corrections, Feedback, Partnerships
If you spot a factual error on any PawFinder page, please tell us — we update articles when underlying facts change. Rescues that want to be added to the platform, foster organizations looking to share resources, or anyone with a Calgary-specific data correction can reach out via the platform's contact form or social channels.
For adopters
Browse adoptable dogs in Calgary or adoptable cats in Calgary. Read our dog resource library or cat resource library.
For rescues
Free listing for any Calgary-area dog or cat rescue. We pull from your existing website — no portal upload required. Get in touch through the contact form to be added.
For owners needing to rehome
Use our free rehoming portal. Your dog or cat appears alongside rescue listings, you screen adopters yourself, and your contact info stays private.
Editorial Team
PawFinder Editorial Team
Calgary Pet Adoption Editorial Team · LocalPetFinder
The editorial team behind PawFinder's adoption guides. Calgary-focused, data-driven, sourced from local rescues, veterinary references, City of Calgary bylaws, and direct community input from r/Calgary and Calgary lost-pet networks.