calgary, alberta
Pet Owner Resources
Caring for a pet comes with a lot of questions, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. This Pet Owner Resources page brings together trusted pet information to support dogs, cats, and their people across Calgary and the surrounding communities.
Trusted Pet Health & Behaviour Information
These veterinarian-approved resources offer reliable, easy-to-understand information on everyday pet care, health, and behaviour.
- Alberta Animal Health Source: A veterinarian-approved resource from the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association with articles on vaccinations, spay/neuter, preventative care, and the true cost of pet ownership.
- Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA): National pet information on health, responsible ownership, and species-specific advice, including detailed sections for dogs and cats
- Alberta SPCA – Animal Care Resources: Guides on caring for pets and other animals, welfare issues, and practical tips for keeping animals safe and well in Alberta.
- Indoor Pet Initiative: Behaviour and enrichment ideas to help indoor pets live happier, lower-stress lives, including tips for cats and small animals.
Remember: online resources are helpful, but they don’t replace a proper veterinary exam. If you’re ever unsure, please contact our team at Creekside Veterinary Hospital.
Local Animal Services & Support in Calgary
These local organisations help with licensing, lost-and-found pets, adoptions, and broader animal welfare support.
- City of Calgary Animal Services: Licensing, impounded pet care, bylaw enforcement, lost-and-found support, and adoption services for cats and dogs in Calgary.
- Calgary Humane Society: Calgary’s first-established animal welfare organisation, offering adoptions, education, and support for thousands of animals every year.
- Alberta SPCA: Provincial organisation focused on animal protection and welfare, offering education, support programs (including pet safekeeping), and resources for pet owners across Alberta.
These services can be especially helpful if you’ve found a stray, lost your own pet, or are considering adopting a new companion.
Emergency & After-Hours Help
If your pet is experiencing a sudden emergency outside our normal hours, immediate care is crucial. In addition to contacting our clinic during business hours, pet owners may find these emergency resources helpful:
24/7 Emergency Veterinary Hospitals (Calgary)
- VCA Canada CARE Centre: A 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital providing advanced diagnostics and critical care support for pets.
- Trinity Hills 24 Hour Pet Hospital: A Calgary-owned emergency hospital open 24/7 for urgent cases and walk-ins.
Always call ahead for guidance before travelling so the hospital can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Poison & Toxin Helplines
If you think your pet has eaten or been exposed to something potentially toxic, contact:
- Pet Poison Helpline: A 24/7 animal poison control centre providing guidance for pet owners and veterinary teams.
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: A 24/7 pet poison helpline offering support in cases of suspected toxicity; a consultation fee may apply.
In any poisoning emergency, you should also contact a local veterinarian or emergency hospital as soon as possible.
Adoption, Rescue & Community
Thinking of adding a new furry family member or supporting animals in need? These local organisations can help:
- Calgary Humane Society: Adoption services and community education, helping connect thousands of animals with new homes each year.
- City of Calgary Pet Adoption: Dogs and cats available for adoption through the City’s Animal Services Centre and partner agencies.
Adopting from shelters and rescues not only changes an animal’s life, it supports the wider pet community in Calgary.