Adoptable Animals in Lethbridge

Written by Lauryn Evans

The holiday season is quickly approaching. Many of these animals are happy to be inside and somewhere warm, being cared for by lovely staff and remaining safe. These animals are looking for their forever homes, and with that being said, it is important to say that animals are not just gifts and certainly are not disposable or refundable. They are a commitment and not just momentary happiness. If you are adopting an animal, you must reflect on if you can provide them with the home, love, and necessities they will need for their whole life.

Lethbridge has seen a rise in stray animals over the past few years. Whether that means they were born as a stray or dumped on the side of the road by humans. Just recently, as of November 22nd, 2022, Community Animal Services released that they are over their capacity for care levels. They have had to suspend all animal surrenders and develop a managed intake system for strays. Animals in overcrowded care and housing environments can lead to extra stress and an increased chance of illness. Many shelters in Lethbridge are experiencing the same thing. However, the measures they are taking are for the health and safety of the animals within their care. This is a polite reminder to adopt, not shop. If you are an animal lover or even considering getting your first pet, I implore you to stop by one of the many shelters in Lethbridge. 

I had the pleasure of meeting with James Thorne, an executive board member with PAWs and met three cats he is currently fostering: Horace, Hector, and Zofia. James’ love and passion for what he does stood out right away, and I was promptly introduced to some of the cats currently up for adoption through PAWs. The other cats and dogs included in this article are from Community Animal Services, where I got to spend time with some of the animals (and talk myself out of bringing a cat home). Community Animal Services strives to create and maintain communities that are safe, happy, and healthy for people and pets. If one of these adorable animals catches your eye, make sure to check the end of this article for more information on the adoption process!

If one of these animals caught your eye, I’m sure you are not alone. One of the ways we can help support our shelters is to adopt rather than shop. Give a home and love to an animal that is waiting to learn what a forever home and human is. There are many more animals in these shelters than what has been included in this article, so I encourage you to explore and meet them, or visit their online profiles on the PAW website or on the Community Animals Services website. There are also volunteer opportunities with some shelters if you are looking to get involved. 

 If you are interested in adopting from PAW:

  • Visit pawsociety.com and fill out their online adoption inquiry found in the section ‘Adoption Cats’
  • You must be 21 years old or older 
  • If renting, you must have your landlord’s permission
  • Inquire online by visiting the pet’s profile you are interested in 
  • Adoption fee of $250, which includes either spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, deworming, microchipping, and other health care the cat may have needed. Kittens will be spayed or neutered at around five and a half months of age (surgery included in the adoption fee)

Contact PAW: 

Email: pawsociety@shaw.ca

Phone: (403) 328-6700

If you are interested in adopting from Community Animal Services:

  • Visit communityanimalservices.ca to view their adoptable animals online 
  • Contact Community Animal Services to book an appointment with either the cat or dog you would like to meet 
  • You must be 18 years old or older
  • If you rent, you must have your landlord’s permission
  • Adoption for cats is on a first-come, first-serve basis 
  • Adoption for dogs is done through an application process. The most suitable applicant will be chosen, and it may take up to seven days until applications are reviewed
  • Adoption fee for cats: $180 
  • Adoption fee for dogs: $220 
  • All animals have been spayed or neutered and have had a general health assessment. They will have their initial set of vaccinations, including rabies. Your new pet will also be microchipped and registered with you 
  • If your new pet is too young to have been spayed or neutered, you will receive a voucher to have their surgery at a later date

Contact Community Animal Services

Address: 2405 41 St. N 

Phone: (403) 320-4099

Email: info@communityanimalservices.ca

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