Not everyone is ready or able to adopt a dog, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help one. Animal rescue foundations around Calgary like AARCS and the Calgary Humane Society rely on community support to care for animals before they find their forever homes. Many of these organizations are supported by volunteers, donations and fosters. Without that support it would be challenging to keep up with the number of animals coming into care.
Small actions make a big difference for local rescues and can impact a dog’s journey to finding a home. In a city like Calgary, rescue organizations depend on public involvement. Every contribution helps.
Here are six ways Calgarians can support rescue dogs when adoption isn’t an option.
Donate
Donating financially is one of the easiest ways you can help rescues continue their work. According to the Calgary Humane Society website, donations support veterinary medical care, food, shelter and enrichment for animals.
“You can become a monthly donor, or a one time donor, every little bit helps,” said Sara McKegney manager of community outreach at the Calgary Humane Society.
Money isn’t the only thing rescues need. Foundations also take in used pet supplies and items that are clean and in good condition.
“If you have sheets or towels that sort of thing kicking around your house, we can use all that kind of stuff for our animals,” McKegney said.
Many organizations have wish lists of items like dog harnesses and leashes, pet toys, new unopened animal food and treats that the public can donate.
Volunteer
Volunteers are the backbone of many rescue foundations. At AARCS, volunteers help with everything from walking dogs, cleaning kennels to assisting at adoption events.
Some volunteers work directly with animals, while others help behind the scenes with administrative work, fundraising and transportation.
Alexandra Nagy, an AARCS volunteer, says there are many ways to get involved.
“Most people think about volunteering with the dogs and cats, but there are so many other opportunities,” she says. “Yesterday I drove a dog to a photo shoot and took her for a walk in the park.”
Foster
Fostering gives the animals an opportunity to stay in a home environment while they wait to be adopted.
“Fostering is another way people can support, because animals get really stressed out staying in the shelter,” said Umber Gil, a volunteer at the Calgary Humane Society.
Fostering doesn’t always require a long commitment.
“People typically think you have to foster an animal until its adopted,” McKegney explains. “But we have foster parents that will take on an animal for a weekend, a week or even just a couple of days.”
Fundraiser
Rescues host community events throughout the year to gain visibility and raise money. Some events include adoption days, puppy classes and fundraisers.
Gil says these events are a simple way for people to get involved.
“Usually just coming to events… donating and volunteering,” said Gil. “You can also sign up for their newsletter and be notified about fundraisers.”
Six week old black Labrador puppies at the Calgary Humane Society in Calgary on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. The foundation put on a Puppy Party, where a litter of rescue puppies were adopted into their forever homes. (Photo by Annaka Didrikson/SAIT)
Social Media
Sometimes it is as simple as sharing a post online to help a dog find a forever home.
Rescues often promote adoptable animals on social media platforms. Nagy says many adoptions start with a post online.
“We’ve had an adoption event where all the puppies already had applications because people saw them on social media,” she said.
It just takes the right person seeing it at the right time.
Community Awareness
Starting the conversation can also make a difference. Sharing what you know about rescue organizations with a friend, family members or coworkers is a great place to begin. Many people simply don’t realize how many ways they can help.
“The kindness of the community is what keeps the rescue organization going,” said Astrid Wilm, a staff member at AARCS. “There’s so much need for help, when people step up, even in small ways, it really makes a difference for the animals.”
If you are considering supporting local animal rescues in one of these six ways, be sure to check out specific foundations websites, give them a call or an email. Staff and volunteers will be happy to help you find which way is right for you to support and can give insight into specific protocols.
Thank you for supporting Calgary animal rescues!
