ADOPTING AN ANIMAL THROUGH AARCS
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
AARCS believes in the Open Adoptions Methods. We have very few policies for adopters, but look to find great matches for both our pets and potential adopters. We have removed blanket adoption restrictions and believe in treating each adopter and adoption on an individual basis.
*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. We also cannot guarantee health or temperament.
ADOPTION FEES
Adoption fees are used to help cover the cost of care (food, training, supplies) and veterinary care of each animal. In almost all cases, they do not cover our costs. Adoption fees are non-refundable as adoption returns take time and resources to process, care for, and adopt again.
ANIMALS IN CARE
Animals in Care are on short or long-term medical or behavioural hold and will become available for adoption soon. You can apply for these animals and we may consider a foster-to-adopt or we may hold the animal for you until he/she has been cleared medically or behaviorally. Animal in-care adoptions are at the sole discretion of the organization.
SPAY/NEUTER POLICY
All of AARCS animals are spayed or neutered prior to adoption. This cost is included in our adoption fee.
VACCINATIONS AND DEWORMING
AARCS provides vaccinations for all animals due while in our care. The adoptive family is responsible for vaccinations and continued deworming that come due after the adoption is completed, which can include on-going treatment for minor ailments such as worms.
RETURN POLICY
AARCS accepts all adoption returns barring any unusual circumstances. Returns cannot be dropped off at the shelter unannounced and need to be coordinated through a member of our team. Please note that sometimes the placement of a returning animal can take up to a couple of weeks to accommodate depending on shelter/foster space and the individual needs of a returning animal. We understand that adoptions do not always work out. We encourage adopters to reach out for help if they are having any issues with their newly adopted pet as we can often assist by providing resources for training and advice.
RENTERS
Renters/Condo Owners need to confirm with their landlord/condo board that they are allowed a pet and check if there are any restrictions including size, specific dog breeds and pet-related damage deposits.GIFTSWe do not adopt animals as gifts for someone else.
ADOPTION AREA
Our policy is to facilitate adoptions in Alberta. Some exceptions have been made when the applicants are within reasonable driving distance. We do not do adoptions outside of Canada, and will not ship animals.
LONG DISTANCE ADOPTION (DOGS)
At the discretion of the adoption committee, we may agree in the event of a long-distance adoption, that a dog can go home the same day, but applicants are asked to leave the foster family for a minimum of one hour, then return to the foster home to complete the adoption. All parties must still be in favour of the adoption, including the adoptions committee, foster family, and the prospective adoptive family. We allow for same-day adoption for cats.
OVERNIGHT/TRIAL PERIODS
We do not do overnight or trial periods for our animals. As moving homes can be extremely stressful we do not feel this is fair for our animals. As there are often many challenges in the first few days and weeks following an adoption and we hope our adopters would be committed to this process. We on occasion will allow for short visits in the new home depending on the circumstances.
IF YOU HAVE DOGS AND/OR CATS
All canine members must be present at the “meet and greet” for adoptable dogs. Cats do not need to attend meet and greets and dogs do not need to attend for adoptable cats. However, we strongly suggest slow introductions if you choose to welcome your new cat into your home.
Calgary Cats · Adoption Steps The majority of our cats in Calgary are located in foster homes or pet stores. If the cat you are interested in is located in a Pet store, please see below for the Adoption Procedures for Pet Store cats.
We ask that you apply only when you are ready to take home a new pet within one week. We do not hold animals. Please be prepared for your new pet, with food, a bed, toys, and bowls, before he/she comes home.
STEP 1 · Adoption Application
To adopt, first complete our adoption application form, which you access through the “Adopt Me!” button in their profile. If you have any issues with our online forms, please contact our Adoption Team at catadoptions@aarcs.ca
STEP 2 · Application Review
An adoption coordinator will review your application and email you within 24-48 hours to arrange an over-the-phone adoption call before meeting the animal. The team will review the history of the animal as well as any medical care that has been provided. *Please check your spam folder if you haven’t heard from us – we will always reply!
STEP 3 · Application Approval
Following the adoption phone call, we will have the foster family contact you within 48 hours to arrange a meet and greet with the cat. We ask that these meetings be arranged as soon as possible, and no later than the upcoming next weekend.
STEP 4 · Finalizing Adoption
We encourage you to take a day to think about and discuss the adoption. However, we allow same-day adoptions for cats and critters. Please come prepared with an appropriate pet carrier if you wish to complete a same-day adoption. The adoption agreement and adoption fees must be paid before the foster home releases the cat or critter and are available online. If you wish to take a day to think about it, you can arrange to pick up your new family member the following day or at a mutually beneficial time within one week.
At the time of adoption, you will be provided with an adoption package, including a small bag of Hills Science Diet food that we feed while in care.