Adopting a pet in Calgary is easier than you might think. The city has a thriving rescue community with 13+ organizations dedicated to finding homes for dogs in need. From the Calgary Humane Society's modern shelter facility to foster-based rescues like AARCS and Pawsitive Match, there are multiple paths to finding your perfect companion.
PawFinder is a free platform that aggregates adoptable dogs from all major Calgary rescue organizations into one searchable directory. Instead of visiting each rescue's website individually, you can browse all available dogs in one place, filter by the traits that matter to you, and apply directly through the rescue. We currently focus on dogs, with plans to expand to other pets in the future.
Whether you're a first-time pet owner looking for a calm, low-energy companion or an experienced dog person searching for a specific breed, Calgary's rescues have an incredible range of dogs waiting for homes. Adoption fees typically range from $200 to $500 and include spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and a veterinary health check — a fraction of what you would pay a breeder for the same services.
Find Your Perfect Pet
Match Your Lifestyle
Popular Breeds Available
Why Adopt a Pet in Calgary?
Save a Life
Every adoption opens a spot for another animal in need. Calgary's rescues save thousands of dogs annually from overcrowded shelters, owner surrenders, and stray situations across Alberta. Your adoption directly funds the rescue of the next dog.
Know What You're Getting
Unlike buying from a breeder or pet store, rescue dogs have been assessed for temperament, health, and compatibility. Foster-based rescues can tell you exactly how a dog behaves in a home environment — with children, cats, other dogs, and when left alone.
Save Thousands of Dollars
Adoption fees ($200–$500) include spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping, and a vet check. These same services from a vet would cost $1,000+, and breeder puppies in Calgary typically start at $2,000–$4,000 before any veterinary work.
Helpful Resources for New Pet Owners
Pet Adoption Calgary FAQ
Can I adopt cats or other pets through PawFinder?
PawFinder currently focuses exclusively on dogs. We aggregate listings from 13+ Calgary rescue organizations. We plan to expand to include cats and other pets in the future. For cat adoption in Calgary, we recommend checking the Calgary Humane Society and AARCS directly.
How much does it cost to adopt a pet in Calgary?
Dog adoption fees in Calgary typically range from $200 to $500, depending on the rescue and the dog's age. This fee usually covers spay/neuter surgery, core vaccinations, microchipping, and a veterinary health assessment. Puppies sometimes cost slightly more due to additional vaccine rounds needed.
What is the best way to find a pet to adopt in Calgary?
The best approach is to browse multiple rescue organizations at once rather than checking each individually. PawFinder lets you search 324+ dogs from 13+ rescues in one place, filter by size, breed, energy level, or compatibility with kids and cats, and apply directly through the rescue. You can also use our Dog Experience Quiz to find your best match.