Golden Retrievers are loving companions, and for that reason, they’re one of the most popular among Canadians. Unfortunately, thousands of Goldens enter foster homes and shelters. We’ve researched the best Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta.
Some dogs have been abandoned or surrendered by their owners. Others were abused and mistreated. Still, others simply got lost and were not reunited with their owners.
Before you purchase a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, check out our list of the best Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta. You’ll find that many of the dogs in shelters are there through no fault of their own. With a little bit of care and love from your family, these dogs make wonderful fur-ever friends.
1. Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society
First on our list of the top Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta is the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society. This organization does not specialize in Goldens but there are often available dogs and puppies, both purebred Golden Retrievers and mixed breeds.
In addition, AARCS hosts cats and other critters, so you’re sure to find a suitable pet for adoption at this shelter.
Click the “adoptable dogs” link in the top menu bar to view available pups. Pictures appear when animals are available. Choose from the dogs to begin the adoption process; review a biography by clicking on a picture. Note that dogs are located across Alberta, so pay attention to the pup’s location.
You can expect to pay an adoption fee between $100 and $500 CAD — prices are based on the dog’s age. All pets will be vet-checked, vaccinated, wormed, and spayed or neutered prior to going home with a new family. You’ll receive vet records upon the pickup of your dog.
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society Details:
- Location: Calgary
- Phone Number: 403-250-7377
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society
2. St. Paul Animal Shelter
St. Paul Animal Shelter is next on our list of the top Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta. This charity rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes dogs and cats that have lost their way. Most of these animals arrived at the shelter through no fault of their own, and just need a little love from a family like yours.
Others have been abused and will need a bit more TLC. Contact the shelter for more information about your dog’s history.
The price of your dog will range from $400 to 450 CAD, though if you’re adopting a senior dog you can expect to pay less. The adoption fee will be used to offset the cost of care for your dog while he or she was in St. Paul Animal Shelter’s care. View the available dogs under the appropriate link, pick the one you love, and let the shelter team know.
Dogs are matched with their best fit and are not always offered on a first-come, first-served basis. That said, St. Paul Animal Shelter will do its best to set you up with the dog you love the most. Speak to them about your household, your family, your schedule, and your existing pets.
St. Paul Animal Shelter Details:
- Location: Alberta
- Phone Number: 780-645-2262
- Contact: St. Paul Animal Shelter Contact
- Website: St. Paul Animal Shelter
3. Saving Grace Animal Society
Saving Grace Animal Society is another Golden Retriever rescue in Alberta, though they don’t specialize in Goldens, there are frequent Retrievers available to adoptive families and individuals! The SGAS keeps its social media pages updated, so view the team’s Facebook page for the most accurate information.
You will need to complete an application prior to adopting your dog. The volunteers will ask you about your home and your experience with dogs, and you may be required to participate in a meet-and-greet. Assuming all goes well, you’ll be cleared to adopt within a week or two.
Dogs are vaccinated and wormed, and all pups will be spayed or neutered if they’re old enough. The adoption fee for your dog will range between $300 and $580 CAD depending on the dog’s age and health. In some cases, a “dog of the week” will be offered at a slightly lower price.
Saving Grace Animal Society Details:
- Location: Alix, Alberta
- Phone Number: 403-785-7427
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Saving Grace Animal Society
4. The ROAR Society
The ROAR Society is next on our list of the top Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta. Like the other shelters, the volunteers don’t limit themselves to providing homes to Golden Retrievers. Instead, you’ll be able to find both dogs and cats of many breeds, all of which are waiting for someone like you to change their life.
Take a look at the dogs on the ROAR Society website, then choose the pup you’d like to adopt. You’ll pay between $100 and $425 CAD for your dog based on the dog’s age and or health. An application is required; you can adopt a dog if you’re an adult with a fenced-in yard and if you meet certain other requirements.
Your adoption fee covers the medical and other care your dog receives while in The ROAR Society’s system, but donations are welcome. In fact, donations of time are needed; contact the society about volunteering in the shelter or fostering an animal until a forever home is found.
The ROAR Society Details:
- Location: Rocky Mountain House
- Phone Number: 403-844-6024
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: The ROAR Society
5. Craigslist
No matter where you live in Alberta, you can find rescued Golden Retrievers in your area when you use Craigslist. Breeders, shelters, and individual dog owners often post Golden Retrievers for sale.
To find your Golden, locate your closest Craigslist site. Then, use the search function to look for “Golden Retrievers” or a similar search term. A list of all available dogs will populate and you can choose which dog you’d like to bring home with you.
Keep in mind that dog sellers are not screened. You’ll need to do your research before you exchange money with a seller. When possible, meet the seller in person and bring a trusted friend for your safety.
Be certain that you receive all applicable and appropriate paperwork for your dog, too. This could include registration papers, vet records, and more.
Craigslist Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: Craigslist
6. Facebook
Facebook is another unexpected resource for Alberta residents who are looking for a Golden Retriever rescue. This global social media platform is a goldmine for would-be Golden Retriever parents. Whether you’re looking for a rescued puppy, adult, or senior dog you’ll find it here.
If you don’t yet have a Facebook account, it’s free to sign up. Once you’ve joined the platform, use the search box in the upper left of your screen to search for Golden Retrievers. Groups and pages will be shown to you and you can choose which you’d like to join or follow.
Some who sell Goldens on Facebook are breeders, some are shelters, and others are individuals who wish to rehome their own dogs. No matter who you choose to buy from, it’ll be important that you do some research before you buy your dog.
Ensure you receive all your dog’s vet records and registration papers, and bring your dog to a vet as soon as possible after you bring him or her home.
While you’re searching Facebook for adoptable Goldens, be sure to join a few groups. You can exchange information about the breed, share pictures, and just learn what others’ Goldens are up to.
Facebook Details:
- Location: Nationwide
- Website: Facebook
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Golden Retrievers end up in a shelter after they turn eight months. This period can be challenging for owners if they don’t have the time, energy, or patience to keep up.
The average Golden Retriever will live for 10 to 12 years.
Golden Retrievers are particularly at risk of cancers, causing a decline in their life expectancy.
Conclusion for “Best Golden Retriever Rescues in Alberta”
Golden Retrievers are an extremely popular dog breed among Canadians. Unfortunately, many of these dogs find themselves in shelters across the country. Approximately 30,000 dogs are placed in shelters each year in Canada, and many of those dogs are beautiful, loyal Golden Retrievers.
If you’re a resident of the Sunshine Province and you’d like to adopt a Golden Retriever, check out our list of the top Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta.
Dogs that are in shelter care are typically Very Good Dogs that need a second chance at a happy, healthy family. You can make a difference in one of these babies’ lives by adopting a shelter dog today.
For guides similar to this list of Golden Retriever rescues in Alberta, check out:
- 6 Best Golden Retriever Rescues in Canada! (2023)
- 8 Best Golden Retriever Breeders in Ontario! (2023)
- Golden Retriever Puppies in Quebec – Top 5 Breeders! (2023)
Learn more by watching “What It’s Like Owning a Golden Retriever” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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