Adoption Policies, Procedures & Fees
Adoption Policies
The following policies were established based on our principles, beliefs & experiences.
The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Alberta endeavors to ensure that all animals are placed in loving, caring, stable and lifelong homes. Since the animals have little ability to choose their owners, we must act in their best interests.
Adoptions are not done on a "first-come, first-serve" basis. Our goal is to make the best match between potential homes and the animal. If a potential adopter is not successful in their attempt to adopt an animal, this does not mean they aren't eligible for adoption... just that another home better met the needs of that particular dog or cat.
The representatives of ARF assist adopters with the selection of a pet suitable to their lifestyles. Potential adopters must show they are able and willing to adequately care for the chosen animal for its lifetime.
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All animals available for adoption have been spayed or neutered for the health and well-being of the animal and to make a positive impact on the pet population problem.
If a potential adopter has an unaltered animal at home, the reason the animal is unaltered is an important factor that must be considered before that person can adopt an ARF animal.
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ARF provides its dogs and cats with permanent identification in the form of tattoos and/or microchips so that animals can be identified if lost or stolen.
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ARF does not allow its animals to be adopted as gifts. Instead, we encourage people to review the animals available for adoption on ARF's website with family and friends so that the potential adopters can choose their own animal and begin the adoption process. ARF does not issue Gift Certificates; therefore, monetary gifts towards a potential adoption should be made to the potential adopter.
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Potential adopters must be at least 18 years old.
We will not adopt to anyone showing signs of intoxication (alcohol or substance abuse) at the time of adoption or during the adoption process.
Potential adopters must not have a documented history of neglect or abuse of animals.
Potential adopters must not show intolerance or aggressiveness toward the animal or have unreasonable expectations of the animal being adopted.
Potential adopters must demonstrate they have the financial means to care for the animal. References may be required for students and unemployed people.
Potential adopters must provide proof of current address.
People who have returned an adopted animal to ARF for reasons which show a lack of understanding and compassion with respect to the animal's needs and natural behavior will not be allowed to adopt another animal.
Potential adopters who have recently had an animal euthanized for other than severe health reasons, surrendered an animal to any other organization or Humane Society or given an animal away for reasons which show a lack of understanding and compassion with respect to the animal's needs and natural behavior will not be allowed to adopt another animal.
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ARF will not adopt out puppies under the age of 1 year who have been living together for an extensive period of time, to the same home. Research shows that young sibling pups who continue to reside together have increased incidents of behavioural problems as their bond to each other may interfere with the proper hierarchy within the household.
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Recognizing that while certain animals are suited to do certain things by nature or by training, all ARF animals are adopted as family members and companions only, not as working animals, or outside animals.
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Cats may not be adopted to owners who intend to allow the cat outside under any conditions.
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As a rule, ARF does not condone declawing of cats since this surgery involves the amputation of the first digit and is not necessary in most cases. We ask that every attempt be made to modify clawing behavior in cats before declawing is considered.
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ARF dogs are strays by their life experience. In order to ensure their happiness and safety, dogs will be adopted to homes that have a minimum of 4 foot permanent secure fence. A secure fence prevents the dog from being able to move over, under or through the fence and protects them from outside elements. Other secure structures (i.e. a dog run) will be taken into consideration on a case by case basis. ARF Representatives strive to place dogs in safe and secure homes/yards.
ARF does not support or condone leaving dogs outside unsupervised for extended periods of time as all dogs are social animals who thrive in a healthy family setting and who may become bored and problematic (i.e barking, digging etc.) if left unsupervised.
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Adopters of ARF dogs must have a crate, suitable for the size of the dog in place when they adopt the dog. Not only does a crate provide safety when transporting the adopted dog, it is a safe place for the dog to go should it become stressed. All ARF dogs are crated while in foster care and we strongly recommend using the crate until the adopter can trust the dog to be left alone in the home unsupervised.
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Parents must show they are willing to supervise children in the care and handling of an animal. It is unreasonable to expect a child to have full responsibility for the animal. Children and animals must be supervised when together. ARF may discourage the adoption of certain animals, breeds or temperaments to families with young children.
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Potential adopters who live outside of Calgary or its surrounding areas are considered as suitable adopters provided they adhere to all of the Adoption Procedures and the foster home is in full agreement.
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No animal will be adopted to a residence where pets are not allowed. Before the time of adoption, potential adopters who rent are required to provide written proof from the landlord that pets are permitted in the residence (e.g. lease, written permission on letterhead signed by the landlord). Owners of townhouses/condominiums may be required to provide proof that their bylaws allow pets.
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All household members, related or unrelated, including boarders or renters, must be informed and must consent to the adoption of the pet, and must be present during the initial interview by the foster family.
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The time spent at home by the potential adopter or family will be considered, especially when adopting a dog or puppy that is not housebroken.
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Other Pets at Home - Proof of Vaccination
All animals owned by the potential adopter must be up-to-date on vaccinations before the person may adopt another pet. Proof may be requested.
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ARF does not support or condone the use of choke chains. There are many other alternatives to choke chains available that are considered more appropriate. Please ensure you are familiar with and support these alternative training methods.
For more information, please read ARF's Position Statement on Training.
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Adoption fees are non-refundable. Should an adopter become unable to keep an animal, they must contact ARF who will endeavor to remove the animal as soon as possible; however, no refund will be issued.
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All ARF animals are adopted on an "as is" basis. While any animal requiring veterinary attention is treated, we will do our best to make the adopter aware of any known medical conditions. Once adopted, all medical costs (including booster and rabies shots) are the responsibility of the adopter. Please be aware that ARF cannot guarantee the future health or behavior of any animal, regardless of the date of adoption.
Although we do our best to be as accurate as possible, all ages of the animals are estimates unless the animal was born in ARF's care.
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In order to ensure your relationship with your ARF dog or cat is a successful one, an adopter can expect a follow-up email within three to six weeks of adoption. You will be asked to fill out a short, post adoption questionnaire and email it back to us. This email is not meant to interfere or disrupt the new "family", but to offer support to ensure the transition with the new pet is a smooth one.
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The City of Calgary has a number of bylaws pertaining to the control of dogs and cats. Other municipalities may have similar bylaws. Potential adopters must be familiar with these legal requirements and must be prepared to abide by these bylaws.
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Final approval of adoptions is at the sole discretion of the foster homes and is based primarily on the well being of the adopted animal and suitability of the adopter. We ask that all potential adopters respect the foster homes' decision.
Adoption Procedures
At the Animal Rescue Foundation, our animals are our first priority. We take very seriously the responsibility of finding good, permanent homes where the animals in our care can spend the rest of their lives in a loving, nurturing environment. We've rescued them once - we don't want to have to rescue them again.
We go through quite a process to ensure, as best as possible, that each animal will be suitably matched to its new owners and its new home, and that potential adopters are fully aware of the responsibilities involved in owning one of our animals. It can take some time and requires best efforts put through by both the adoption applicant and the foster home, but we think it's in the best interests of everyone involved.
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The dog adoption process includes the following steps:
- Applicant fills out our on-line Adoption Application Form.
- Approved applicants are contacted via email requesting a telephone interview with one of our volunteer Adoption Screeners.
- The telephone interview takes approximately 30 minutes. If the applicant is approved, then the foster home is contacted by ARF Volunteer and if foster home feels it might be a match, then the foster home phone number will be given to the applicant, so that the applicant can contact the foster home to arrange for an interview in the foster family's home (all members of the applicant's family must attend).
- After 24 hours, if the applicant is still interested in pursuing the adoption, the applicant is to contact the foster home to so advise.
- If the foster home determines that the dog and applicant are a potentially suitable match, then a day visit will be arranged for the dog to spend a day (no overnights) in the applicant's home.
- The dog is then returned to the foster home where permanent adoption is discussed.
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The cat adoption process includes the following steps:
- Applicant contacts the adoption line at 403-243-1910 or fills out the on-line adoption application for a telephone interview.
- At the discretion of the adoption line volunteer, the foster home's phone number will be given to the applicant so that the applicant can contact the foster home to arrange for an interview in the foster family's home (all members of the applicant's family must attend).
- After 24 hours, if the applicant is still interested in pursuing the adoption, the applicant is to contact the foster home to discuss permanent placement.
Adoption Fees
The adoption fee for all dogs is $300. This includes the spay/neuter, a tattoo, the first round of vaccinations, de-worming and training sessions.
The adoption fees for cats and kittens are as follows:
Kittens: $120.00
Adult Cats (1 yr +): $60.00
Mature Companions: $30.00 (For adopters 60+ years of age who adopt an adult cat. Proof of adopter's age will be requested at time of adoption.)Fees include the spay/neuter surgery, a tattoo, vaccinations and de-worming.