Occasionally the Pets for Life foundation will rescue an animal that requires exceptional or specific care. These "exceptional cases" may not be found in any of the store locations for various reasons. It should be noted that Pets for Life has a no-kill policy and this includes these exceptional individuals. Every animal, no matter how unique, deserves a chance at a better life. Check back to see postings for any exceptional case adoptions.

The Pets for Life Foundation animals are in all the Calgary Petland stores excluding Market Mall. They also located at the Red Deer Petland location. The Foundation animals are clearly represented by their “profiles” identified on the kennels. If you are unclear whether or not it is a Pets for Life animal, please inquire with a Petland staff member. These profiles are your first introduction to these special animals; most have amazing stories that are sometimes hard to imagine. We will also try to attach a “before” picture whenever possible to give you some perspective on the progress that they have made.

It is very easy to fall in love “through the glass,” but it is mandatory to meet at least once before coming home. All family members, including other pets, must meet as well. Although “true behaviour” may not always show in a bonding room, it gives the animals a chance to meet on “neutral territory.” We are very concerned that our animals end up in the right homes, as we do encounter people who have the best intentions, but do not understand the responsibilities of caring for a rescue animal. Many of these animals have been through a lot, and we do emphasize the fact that when you adopt, it is a commitment for life to the animal.

The next step is the adoption process. We sometimes get asked why there is so much paperwork involved to adopt a Pets for Life animal. While it may seem endless, it is very important. After meeting your potential new family member, a Petland Pet Counsellor will help you through various forms. The first is the Application for Adoption. This form helps ensure that the animal is the “right match.” The Pet Counsellor and a Petland Manager will go through this with you once it is completed. If approved, the Pet Counsellor will go through the Pets for Life Foundation Adoption Waiver . It is the responsibility of the adopting family to read this in full, understand the document, and initial where indicated. If you are unclear about any part, please ask for clarification. There is more paperwork to follow once the application and waiver have been approved.

You will also receive a spay/neuter voucher in your file for the animals that are too young for this surgery at the time of adoption. You must bring the voucher with you to the veterinary clinic for the appointment. The rescue kitten or puppy is spayed/neutered, and microchipped on behalf of the Foundation.

We cannot stress enough that these animals have been through so very much already, and these new homes are to be “for life.” Please feel free to contact us at info@petsforlife.ca or (403) 538-5175 if you have any questions.

Do you have room in your heart for an animal with special needs? We are looking for loving families that are interested in giving homes to animals who have special health and behaviourial needs. If you are interested, please contact us!