Part of our responsibility as members of the AARCS adoption team is to our rescued dogs and puppies with forever families. We want to ensure that the animal you wish to adopt is well suited for you, your home, and lifestyle and we are looking for the best possible conditions for each canine friend.

Please note that the animals in our care have uncertain pasts. We do our best to guess at age/breed/size, but we can never be certain.

Step 1:

To adopt a DOG, first complete our adoption application form, which can be found here. If you have troubles with the online form please contact adoptions@aarcs.ca.

If you are applying to adopt a CAT, please fill out the attached form and email it to catadoptions@aarcs.ca.

Step 2:

The adoption committee will then review the application and contact the family as quickly as possible (usually within 24-48 hours) to discuss your application and conduct a telephone interview. Please note we do have the right to decline your application for any reason we feel will not match with the needs of our animals.

Step 3:

Once your application is approved we will put the prospective adoptive family in touch with the foster family to arrange a “meet and greet” session.

Step 4:

DOGS: Once you have met the dog/puppy we ask you take a day to think about it. Discuss the adoption openly and fully with all members of the household. Ensure that the dog matches what your family is looking for. If after you have slept on it for a night and still feel it is the right match, please contact the adoption coordinator with your decision.

CATS: We allow same day adoptions for cats. Please come prepared with your adoption fee (cash or certified cheque) and carrier.

Step 5:

DOGS only: In some cases we will require a home visit or pictures of your house and yard. Please be prepared to have an AARCS volunteer visit your home should this be requested.

Step 6:

DOGS only: If all parties are in favor of the adoption (adoption committee, foster family and prospective adoptive family) you can pick up your new family member the next day or arrange a good time.

AARCS Adoption Policies

Adoption fees:

Adoption fees help AARCS cover costs for care and medical attention of your new adoptive animal. All adoption fees are non-refundable.

• $275 dogs over 6 months old
• $325 for dog under 6 months old
• $75 for cats over 6 months old
• $125 for single kitten
• $200 for two kittens

Effective January 2013 ALL adoption fees for dogs must be paid in advance.

Payment Options include email money transfer, pay, calling in with credit card or dropping into the shelter for interact or cash payments.

Cat adoption fees can be paid in advance using the above methods or at the foster home using cash or certified cheque.

We do not accept personal cheques for adoption fees.

Adoptions are not a first come, first serve basis.

We will match our dogs with the most appropriate fit, therefore if there is more than one person interested in the same dog please understand that it may be that you are a good adoptive family, but not the best match for that specific dog.

Vaccinations:

AARCS vaccinates all animals and vaccinations due while in our care will be kept to-to-date. AARCS does not vaccinate for Rabies. The adoptive family is responsible for vaccinations that come due after the adoption is completed, which can include on-going treatment for minor ailments such as worms.

Spay/Neuter Policy:

All of our animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, this cost is included in our adoption fee. The dogs need to stay in their foster homes until they are recovering well from this surgery (usually 2-3 days later). In cases when adoptive families take their new dog home within two weeks after spay / neuter surgery, we ask that the dog be exercised on leash only, and kept relatively calm for a period of two weeks after surgery, to aid the healing process. The surgical incision should also be checked daily during this time, to be sure it is healing well.

Adoption Area:

Our policy is to facilitate adoptions in Alberta. Some exceptions have been made when the applicants are within reasonable driving distance of the Calgary area. We do not do adoptions outside of Canada, and will not ship animals. All applicants are required to visit with the pet prior to adoption – every animal has her own unique personality and we want to see how the animal and applicant interact. This is an important part of our screening process.

Long-Distance Adoptions:

At the discretion of the board, we may agree in the event of a long distance adoption, that the animal can go home the same day, but applicants are asked to leave the foster family for a minimum of 1 hour, then return to the foster home to complete the adoption.

Over nights/Trial Periods:

We do not allow over night or trial periods. We hope that when a family makes a decision to adopt a pet that it will be a life time commitment. There are often many challenges in the first few days and weeks following an adoption. In addition, it is traumatic for a pet to be bounced around from one home to another.

Return Policy:

We at AARCS believe that each dog is special and considered to be a part of the AARCs family. Should you have any issues or concerns, please feel free to contact us for advice and guidance.

Gifts:

Under no circumstances will we adopt an animal for a gift for someone else.

Renters:

All renters must have written permission from their landlord prior to an animal going home.