Angel
Eli resting after the operation.
Volunteers after a long day helping deliver food and rescuing dogs.
Volunteers setting up live, humane traps at a local Spay and Neuter Clinic.
Volunteers at a local Calgary and Area Adopt-a-Thon.
The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society is a registered, non-profit charity.
In Alberta, thousands of cats and dogs are homeless, abandoned, abused or living in horrendous conditions. Although we may not see them on the streets of our cities and towns, it is estimated that well over 25,000 small animals are rescued or surrendered in Alberta alone.
Mission
AARCS mission is to improve the lives of animals by rescuing and providing sanctuary to abandoned, surrendered or abused animals; assisting communities to achieve healthy and respectful relationships with animals; promoting responsible and compassionate guardianship and advocating on behalf of all animals.
Vision
We envision AARCS to be the nation’s leading animal welfare organization by spearheading Canada’s efforts to eliminate animal cruelty and homelessness. Through this initiative, AARCS will work to ensure every animal has adequate food, shelter, kindness and companionship.
History
AARCS is a network of individuals and families concerned about the welfare of abandoned, abused and surrendered animals in the province of Alberta. Our volunteers range in age from young children to seniors and all are animal-lovers who are looking to make a difference. We rescue animals throughout Alberta from Cold Lake to Lethbridge and everywhere in between. We have taken in animals from high-kill shelters in the NWT, Saskatchewan and on occasion the USA or Mexico.
AARCS initially started with our Rescue, Rehabilitate & Re-home Program. This program entails rescuing animals and placing them in the safety of our foster home network while awaiting suitable placement in permanent adoptive homes. These animals are provided with all the necessary veterinary care, as well as food, rehabilitation, training, kindness and support. We have further expanded operations to include four additional programs, including Spay/Neuter & Disease Prevention Initiative, Emergency Medical Care Program, Emergency Shelter Care Program and Humane Education Program. For more information on these programs, please visit our programs page.
Animal homelessness and cruelty against animals impacts not just the animals, but people too. The formidable quest to end animal suffering is compounded by the sheer number of animals in our communities. AARCS firmly believes that improving the lives of animals, educating the public about animal care and promoting spay and neutering leads to a happier and healthier society. The communities where AARCS focuses its efforts generally have very limited animal services. We collaborate with communities to regain control of their animal population. These initiatives including facilitation of free pet food, free spay/neuters and education programs.
As a member of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, AARCS strives to promote animal welfare and together we are committed to prevent the suffering and cruelty to animals and instil empathy, compassion and appreciation for all living things.
Our volunteers are out and about in the community on a regular basis, whether it be assisting at spay and neuter clinics, rescuing animals, hosting adopt-a-thons to show-case our adoptable animals, funding raising to support our programs or visiting with the public at the local festivals.
Watch this Short Video dedicated to our volunteers, foster homes and supporters.
If you are interested in volunteering, please check out our volunteering and fostering page.
Our Beliefs
- Spay/neutering is a part of being a responsible pet owner and imperative to reducing the unwanted pet population and to end the suffering which we witness everyday.
- We do not accept euthanasia as a means of population control for animals. We believe each dog is meaningful and deserves a loving home.
- No animal purchased in a pet store comes from a “responsible breeder” nor are you “rescuing” an animal by purchasing it from a pet store, UNLESS the store is a pet-partner with rescue organizations or a shelter with “rescued dogs” available for adoption.
- We take responsibility for each dog rescued and placed through AARCS for the rest of his or her natural life.
- Education is needed to promote an understanding for the proper care, medical treatment, training and costs of pet ownership.
A joyous moment rescuing a puppy after 3 hours of gruelling hard work - it took a team of 6 people 3 hours to rescue this puppy from a garage pile.
Volunteers at a local Calgary and Area Adopt-a-Thon.
Our eldest volunteer Violet, with foster mom Deb following a rescue of 4 young puppies.
Volunteers Diane, Anna and Katie at a fundraising event in Three Hills, Alberta.
Volunteers helping foster mom Rita bath her litter of 9 puppies to rid them of canine lice.
Bark ‘N Bail at the 2010 Sun & Salsa Festival. $500 raised allowed these volunteers a break and when they hit $1000 they were granted bail! A fun way to raise awareness and much needed donations!
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