Alberta’s shelters and rescues are facing a crisis. Resources are stretched thin as rescued, seized, and surrendered dogs continue to place growing pressure on the system. This increases operating costs and reduces capacity to help new animals in need.
Despite this, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition 2025 State of Shelter Pet Adoption report, only 21% of people who acquire a dog choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue. We sat down with Alberta SPCA Director of Education and Strategic Initiatives, Melissa Logan, to dispel some myths surrounding pet adoption.
Q: Let’s start broad; we’ve seen an increase in the number of dogs kept in shelters over the past several years. What is contributing to this strain on the system?
A: There isn’t one single cause — it’s a combination of many factors that are putting pressure on the animal welfare system at the same time. The cost of living is a significant factor. Housing challenges, including rental restrictions, size limitations, and loss of housing are also major contributors to dog relinquishment.
From an enforcement perspective, our peace officers have taken in a significant number of dogs from low-welfare breeding operations. Instead of taking one or two dogs into our care from a single file, we are increasingly seeing dozens of dogs from a single seizure. These large-scale seizures add a lot of pressure to an already overwhelmed system.
Q: There seems to be this idea that dogs adopted from shelters make worse pets than bred dogs due to behavioural or medical issues. Is this true?
A: No. And this is unfortunately a persistent myth about adoption. There is no consistent evidence that dogs adopted from shelters are more aggressive or less trainable than those from breeders. Behaviour is more strongly influenced by socialization, training and their environment. Additionally, many shelters provide behavioural support for folks adopting animals.
Medical concerns are also often misunderstood. There is also no evidence that shelter pets are inherently less healthy overall. In fact, most shelter animals are mixed breeds which can be associated with a lower risk of inherited genetic conditions compared to poorly bred purebred dogs. Shelters also invest in medical exams, vaccinations and care before animals are ready for adoption.
Q: Do certain animals face more difficulty getting adopted?
A: Yes. Larger dogs often stay in shelters longer, even though they can make excellent companions. Older dogs also tend to be overlooked despite being calmer, often trained, and well past the high-energy puppy phase.
Successful adoption is less about breed or background and more about matching a dog’s needs with a person’s lifestyle than about breed or background.
Q: What are some other benefits of adopting an animal?
A: Adoption benefits both animals, caregivers, and the broader community. It gives an animal a second chance in a safe and loving home. It also frees up space and resources so shelters can help more animals in need.
It is typically far less expensive than purchasing from a reputable breeder. Adoption fees often include veterinary care, spay/neuter surgeries, and necessary vaccinations.
According to the Hill’s report, adopters report emotional benefits including happiness (80-87%) and fulfillment (47-57%). Adoption also builds confidence; more than three quarters of people who have adopted from a shelter are more likely to adopt again.
If you aren’t quite sure you are ready to get a dog, you can always try fostering. Rescues and shelters typically provide all the resources you would need and cover food and veterinary care. Fosters are critical to helping animals in need as there aren’t enough spaces in shelters for all the dogs who need homes.
Q: What resources are available for caregivers after they adopt a pet?
A: Support varies by shelter, but many provide post-adoption resources such as training advice, behavioural support, educational resources or discounts for training services. Investing in post-adoption support helps families to be successful and reduces the likelihood of returns or surrenders.
Q: If someone chooses a breeder, what should they be looking for to ensure the breeder is reputable and animals are properly cared for?
A: Anyone working with a breeder should do thorough research and ask plenty of questions. Reputable breeders are transparent and prioritize animal health and welfare.
Prospective caregivers should be able to see the puppy and mother together in the environment they’re raised, learn about the puppy parents’ health and temperament, and be provided and a contract of sale outlining the responsibilities for both the breeder and buyer.
Be cautious of breeders who are willing to sell you an animal without first meeting, are not willing to show you their facility or sell animals without health records, or keep animals in unsanitary, or crowded conditions. The Alberta SPCA has intervened in many low-welfare breeding operations and, as I mentioned at the beginning, this adds significant stress to an already overwhelmed system.
You can make a difference today by considering adoption for your next companion. For a non-exhaustive list of animal shelters and rescues in Alberta visit our website at www.albertaspca.org/animal-shelters