
RESCUES WE FOLLOW
WANT TO ADOPT?
Start with these organizations.
The following groups are ones we have worked with and heard great things about! We recommend visiting their website and social media pages to get a sense of their philosophies, and see if they may be a fit for you. The organizations below are based in Metro Vancouver unless otherwise indicated.
CATS
CARES (Canadian Animal Rescue & Extended Shelter)
Cat Therapy and Rescue Society
ICAN (Invermere Companion Animal Network) - Columbia Valley
Kitty Cat PALS (Prevent a Litter Society) - Vancouver Island
VOKRA (Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association)
DOGS
A Voice 4 Paws Canine Rescue Society
Woofer Rescue Okanagan - Okanagan
DOGS (specialized)
Elderdog Canada (seniors)
Little Paws Rescue Society (small dogs)
Small Dog Rescue Society (small dogs)
DOGS (breed-specific)
Boston Terrier Rescue of Canada
HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society
DOGS & CATS (and maybe even more!)
Broken Promises Rescue - Vancouver Island
Cross Our Paws
The Farm - Vancouver Island
Heart and Soul Dog & Cat Rescue Society
Kootenay Animal Assistance Program - Kootenays
Northern Animal Rescue Alliance - Northwest BC
North West Animal Shelter - Smithers & area
Prince George Humane Society - Prince George
SAINTS (seniors)
Squamish Neighbourhood Animal Partnership and Protection Society (SNAPPS)
Victoria Humane Society - Vancouver Island
SMALL ANIMALS & BIRDS
Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary
TIPS
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Keep an eye on municipal shelters and SPCA branches! Many animals come through these facilities and may or may not be listed online.
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If you have a specific breed of dog in mind, contact breed clubs to see if they are aware of a rescue program.
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Sites like Petfinder may list a variety of dogs for adoption, but there is no guarantee of transparency or credibility with listing rescues. Do your research and use critical thinking!
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Many of the best shelters and rescues do not operate on volume, so they will not have a ready selection of dogs to browse. Be prepared to take your time and build a relationship with them - being patient will pay off!
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Check out the Animal Welfare Advisory Network of BC. Members of the Network agree to a Code of Ethics, and various resources are available on the website.
RESOURCES
What is Rescue? (No Puppy Mills Canada)
Rescue Red Flags (Justice for Bullies)
The above list should be considered a starting point only! We are not in a position to vouch for or discredit any organization. Please use the resources above to help you in your research. Note that most of these organizations are based in Metro Vancouver as that is where our partner rescues happen to be located. If we have left a great rescue off this list, please let us know!