Here’s a question our team has for you if you’re searching for the best dog rescues in Alberta. Have you been thinking about getting a new dog in the Alberta area? Owning a dog is such an exciting experience and many people look forward to adopting a furry pal for many years.
When the time finally comes to bring your new puppy home, it can feel a little overwhelming trying to figure out where to look for your new dog and how to get your home ready. Many people already know this, but owning a dog— or any pet requires a lot of effort, time, and money.
Dogs are living creatures that depend on you for everything, so you need to be sure you’re prepared to handle that kind of responsibility. If you know that you’re ready and you’ll make a great pet parent, then it’s time to start looking for the right dog rescue to adopt your new puppy from.
While you might know that dog ownership requires effort and time, you might be surprised that it also takes time and effort to select the right animal rescue to adopt from. To find the right one, you first need to know what you’re looking for in your new dog.
Dogs are all different, and many different rescues focus on specific types of dogs. Therefore it can expedite the process for you to know if you want a certain breed, size, age, or disposition of a dog.
Before scrolling down this list of dog rescues in Alberta, check out these other recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Dog Rescues in Los Angeles and Best Dog Rescues in Northwest.
Find a Dog Rescue Near Me in Alberta
To help make your adoption process as easy as it can be, we took the time to research the best animal rescues in Alberta. All of the rescues on this list are wonderful choices, and many of them are funded by donations, so please consider donating if you are able.
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1. Calgary Animal Rescue Society
Calgary Animal Rescue Society is a wonderful rescue that is dedicated to saving the lives of dogs and cats in Canada. In addition to their efforts in North America, this rescue is also passionate about making a difference in the lives of animals around the world, and their network of volunteers has helped countless animals find the perfect home.
You can find their list of adoptable dogs on their website, as well as more information about the rescue itself. If you’re interested in donating or volunteering they are always eager to add new members to the team, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Calgary Animal Rescue Society Details
- Location: Calgary, AB
- Contact: (403) 816-0759
- Website: Calgary Animal Rescue Society
2. Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue is unlike a lot of other rescues on this list in the sense that they classify themselves as a private sanctuary rather than just a rescue.
This organization also only accepts visitors who have an appointment, so if you’re interested in stopping by we suggest you schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Founded by an animal behavioralist, this sanctuary firmly believes that rehabilitation is possible for every animal, and therefore no animals have turned away.
If you’re interested in finding out if dog ownership is right for you or you simply want to help out, you can volunteer to become a foster parent for dogs at Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue.
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue Details
- Location: Canmore, AB
- Contact: [email protected]
- Website: Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue
3. Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society
Edmonton-based Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society is a wonderful rescue that helps save animals from abusive situations and then find the perfect new home.
To ensure that rescued animals are ready to be adopted, all of the animals that come to their shelter are rehabilitated medically and behaviorally to ensure that they’re healthy in every sense.
This resume is completely run with the help of their dedicated network of volunteers and they are always looking for new people to join the community. To find out more or view their adoptable dogs you can check out their website for more info.
Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society Details
- Location: Edmonton, AB
- Contact: 780-452-2951
- Website: Infinite Woofs Animal Rescue Society
4. Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation
Last on the list of the best dog rescues in Alberta is “Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation.” Heaven Can Wait is an animal rescue located in High River that “provides shelter, care, and nourishment to abandoned, abused, and homeless animals.”
This rescue is dedicated to helping as many animals as they can and they will accept all of the animals that their space and resources will allow them to.
Once an animal comes to Heaven Can Wait they are thoroughly checked over and medically treated, rehabilitated as needed, and then put up for adoption to find the perfect new forever home.
The adoption center is open to the public and is a great way to view and socialize with adoptable dogs and cats housed there.
Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation Details
- Location: High River, AB
- Contact: (403) 601-2520
- Website: Heaven Can Wait Animal Rescue Foundation
Adopting a Dog From a Rescue in Alberta
Dogs are a lot of work and responsibility, so you should only consider adopting one if you truly believe that you’re ready to handle that kind of responsibility.
Your dog will depend on you for everything it needs to survive, and just like with kids, you can’t take a day off from being a pet parent.
If you’ve grown up with pets or owned a pet before, then you’re probably aware of the amount of work involved. If you’re considering adopting your first pet, however, it might come as a shock just how difficult some of the experience can be.
This is especially true if you’re adopting a puppy because puppies tend to be significantly more work and stress than adult dogs (thank goodness they’re so cute).
Puppies are babies, and they are trying to learn how to exist in the world just like human babies would. If you’re adopting a puppy, you should be prepared for a lot of late nights in the beginning (especially if you’re crate training, which is often recommended).
You should also grab some pet cleaning supplies because unless you’re adopting a puppy genius that you can watch around the clock, you’ll probably have to clean up at least one or two accidents.
Don’t get us wrong, puppies are super fun and super adorable, but you have to spend a lot more time watching them than you do with adult dogs.
Puppies will chew up everything they can (and have a knack for honing in on the things that you don’t want them to chew). Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, be ready to take them on lots of walks and spend a few hours a day giving them attention or playtime.
They’ll also need toys, food, accessories, routine medication (heartworm prevention, flea and tick medication), and regular vet visits. These things can add up, so make sure you have enough of a financial cushion to provide for your pet.
We also suggest getting pet insurance or saving up an emergency pet fund, just in case your pet has a medical emergency that requires expensive emergency care.
Get Your Space in Alberta Ready
Although you’re probably eager to get your new puppy home as soon as possible, make sure you take the time to get the space set up and ready. Taking the time to do this can help your new dog have an easy transition into your home and help your dog bond with you more easily.
Moving to a new home is stressful for everyone— dogs included— but this can be especially stressful for them if they’ve had a traumatizing life already. To help your dog ease into your home, you should make sure the environment isn’t too stimulating (not a lot of activity or noise), and keep them primarily in a small space that is cozy in the beginning.
After a bit, you can open up that secluded space and let your dog explore, always leaving their space safe open for them to return to if they feel overwhelmed. Make sure you’re stocked up on all of the items you’ll need for your new dog, including food, treats, toys, leashes and collars, and a cozy bed.
Some dogs prefer certain types of toys over others, so you may want to find out as much as you can about your new dog from the rescue staff before bringing them home. That way you can have your home stocked with all of their favorite stuff. Also, be sure to puppy-proof your home before bringing them in.
This means hiding all cleaning supplies and toxic substances, keeping breakables out of tail wagging height, minimizing the number of exposed power cords, and putting away all reachable human food (especially toxic foods like chocolate or avocado).
Conclusion For The “Best Dog Rescues in Alberta”
It can be so exciting to adopt a new dog, and we are so excited for you, too. All of these rescues in Alberta are fantastic and would make a great place to adopt your new dog from. We hope you found this article helpful and we wish you luck during your pet adoption process.
For more guides similar to this list of dog rescues in Alberta, you can check out:
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue from Alberta, you can learn more by watching “How to Prep For a Rescue Dog” down below:
