There are many rescue groups for dogs and cats and most of them post their adoptable animals on Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet or Canada’s Guide to Dogs. You can locate shelters and rescue groups in your area and also narrow down your search to the type of dog, cat or other animal you are interested in. Petfinder and Adopt a Pet also provide a lot of information and resources on pet issues.
We have listed some of the rescue groups for other animals below.
Visit our Adopt a Pet page for tips on how to choose a pet that will fit in with your lifestyle.
General Rescue Groups
British Columbia Humane Society
BC Humane Society is an umbrella organization working to bring together like minded non-profit rescue groups around the province with the common goal of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming as many animals in need as possible.
Critteraid Animal Sanctuary
Summerland, BC
Crooked Leg Ranch
Quesnel, BC
Embrace a Discarded Animal Society
Invermere Companion Animal Network (ICAN)
Columbia Valley, but we also collaborate with our partners in Cranbrook, Creston, and Golden
Kamloops and District Humane Society (KDHS)
Kootenay Animal Assistance Program Society (KAAP)
Langley Animals Protection Society (LAPS)
Lower Mainland Humane Society (formerly Dhana Metta Rescue Society)
Luvs Northern Animal Rescue
Prince George, BC
Northwest Animal Shelter
Located in Smithers, and serving the area from Houston to Kitwanga
Northern Animal Rescue Alliance
Based in Terrace, BC
On Our Way Home Animal Rescue Society – facebook
On Our Way Home Animal Rescue is a volunteer run, foster based organization and a registered not-for profit society that has been operating since 2012 in the Peace Region.
Paws for Hope
We’re an independent charity with no affiliation to the BC SPCA or any other animal welfare organization. We’re also not a shelter or a rescue. Our work focuses on the step before that, which is helping people hold onto their pets so surrender never becomes necessary.
Protecting Animal Life Society (PALS)
Nakusp to Edgewood and Silverton, BC
Regional Animal Protection Society (RAPS)
RAPS operates the RAPS Cat Sanctuary, Adoption & Education Centre, an extensive foster network, social enterprise thrift stores and the full-service, community-owned RAPS Animal Hospital.
Revelstoke And District Humane Society
Straight Outta Rescue
We partner with BC Community Rescuers and provide loving foster homes for at-risk cats and dogs while working to match them with their forever families. Based in Vancouver, BC
S.A.R.A. (Save Animals through Rescue and Adoption)
A no-kill shelter located in Surrey, BC. Rescues dogs, cats and birds.
Squamish Neighbourhood Animal Partnership & Protection Society – facebook
Squamish Neighbourhood Animal Partnership & Protection Society located in North/West Van, BC. A First Nations Rescue run by Squamish First Nation members.
Twin Meadows Animal Rescue Society (TMARS)
Located in the East Kootenays,
Canada’s Guide to Dogs
Rescue Organizations & Shelters in BC
The Pet Rescue Connection of BC including Victoria – facebook
Dog Rescue Groups
About A Dog Rescue Society
Our dogs come from various backgrounds, some as simple as owner surrenders, and others from situations of neglect and abandonment. We work alongside an amazing group of people in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.
AVoice4Paws Canine Rescue Society
With a network of foster homes across the Lower Mainland, BC, we provide care, support, and a second chance to dogs who need it most.
Big and Small Rescue Society
We are not breed specific. For this rescue, there is no hierarchy in the realm of dog breeds. We are not bound by geographical ideologies of origins.
Furever Freed Dog Rescue
Our passion and mission is to rescue dogs that have been abandoned, abused, or neglected. We are devoted to finding responsible and loving forever homes. We want to save as many dogs as we can from high-kill shelters in Mexico, Korea, China and parts of the US and in particular from the Korean dog meat trade, as well as our own local rescues, when needed. Located in Langley, BC
Hope Emergency Adoption, Rescue & Transport – HEART
Removes dogs from neglectful situations in remote communities in Western Canada and finding loving homes in the Kootenays.
Northern Animal Rescue Alliance (NARA)
We are advocates for abused, injured, neglected and abandoned dogs and cats in the community of Terrace and surrounding area.
Northern Hope Dog Rescue Society (NHDRS)
We are committed to finding loving homes for stray or unwanted dogs and puppies from remote Canadian communities.
Okanagan Central Small Dog Rescue Society
Paws It Forward
Located in Kelowna
Thank Dog I am Out
Whistler Animals Galore (WAG)
A non-profit and registered charity that cares for and re-homes many cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens.
North Amity Dog Rescue Society
Foster based rescue in Lake Cowichan but we have foster homes all across the Island.
Dog Bless Rescue Partners
Based in Victoria, BC
Rosier Days Dog Rescue
Based in Victoria, BC
Cat Rescue Groups
Action for Animals in Distress Society
Cats and small animals
Burnaby, BC
Adoptable Cats Vancouver – facebook
AlleyCATS Alliance
Okanagan Valley, BC
Cares Cat Shelter (C.A.R.E.S)
Langley B.C
Cat Therapy & Rescue Society
Lower Mainland & Tricities
Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven Society
Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (PAWS)
Dee’s Orphan Kitten Fund
Victoria, BC
Fraser Valley Humane Society
Mission, BC
Katie’s Place
Maple Ridge, BC
Pacific Animal Foundation- PAF
North Vancouver, BC
Vancouver Orphan Kitten Rescue Association – VOKRA
We rescue, heal, and home cats — first through our compassionate network of foster families, then into carefully matched, loving forever homes.
Pawprints Animal Rescue Foundation
Helping Homeless Cats
Greater Victoria area
CatNap Society
Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island
Horse Rescue Groups
BC Horse Angels
BC Horse Angels saves horses from slaughter and neglect. Horses are rehabbed and given safe sanctuary until they can be placed in loving homes. We’re also working to end the inhumane slaughter of horses in Canada for human consumption, and their live export to slaughter.
Circle F Horse Rescue Society
Abbotsford, BC
Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue Society
An equine rescue where horses can come to decompress, get the health care and rehabilitation they need, receive handling and training, and eventually get paired up with their forever family! Located in Salmon Arm, BC
Greener Pastures – BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society
Abbotsford, BC
Humanity for Horses Foundation
Aiming to save, protect and improve the lives of horses in BC. Working towards saving horses from slaughter in BC & Alberta – we always have horses for adoption. Located in Duncan, BC
J & M Acres
A horse rescue in Maple Ridge, BC that focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming slaughterbound equines.
New Stride Thoroughbred Adoption Society
Dedicated to finding adoptive homes and new careers for former Thoroughbred racehorses
Old Friends Canada Horse Rescue
A non-profit organization horse rescue located in Lake Country, BC. Our mission is to provide a safe place for unwanted, abandoned, abused, and retired horses, donkeys, and mules.
Pipsqueak Paddocks Miniature Horse Haven Society
Located in Chilliwack, BC
Second Chance Cheekye Ranch
SCCR aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses in need. Located in Brackendale, near Squamish BC
Tiny Tales Pony Rescue Society
Located in Delta, BC
Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge Society
Turtle Valley which is south of the TransCanada Highway between Chase and Sorrento
Horse Protection Society of BC
Mission: To promote and support the total well being of horses. The Society actively searches for good homes for horses that have been abused or mistreated, and sometimes sponsor a difficult case as well. While not strictly a “horse rescue”, we often find ourselves unable to turn a horse in need away.
Farm Animals
Hearts on Noses, a Mini-
Located in Mission, BC, Hearts on Noses (HONs) was established in 1999 as a sanctuary for potbellied pigs. “Mini Pigs” were a popular pet in the 1980s, and continue to be bred and sold as companion animals today.
Home for Hooves
Providing a forever home for rescued and abandoned farm animals
Located in Duncan, BC
Kindred Community Farm Sanctuary
Our mission is to provide a sacred space for our rescue animals and deliver healing programs to our communities that focus on the human/animal bond.
Located in Aldergrove, BC
New Beginnings Animal Sanctuary Society
New Beginnings Animal Sanctuary Society is a non-profit organization. Our main office is in Penticton with the sanctuary located in Summerland BC. The Society provides a loving furever home to farm animals in need as well as temporary foster care.
The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary
Located in Langley, B.C., The Happy Herd Farm Sanctuary provides a safe, forever home where rescued animals live out their lives with dignity, kindness, and respect.
Zita’s ARC (Animal Rescue Center)
A privately funded, owned and operated animal shelter located on central Vancouver Island, B.C.
The Farm Rescue
A not for profit all species animal rescue located in Victoria
Small Animals
Amy’s Bunny Barn
A home and foster-based bunny rescue located on Vancouver Island. We take in owner surrenders, transfers from other rescue organizations, and local animal control facilities
We also provide home boarding and grooming services. Located in Sooke, BC.
Bandaids For Bunnies – facebook
Dedicated to helping former pet rabbits abandoned in Richmond, BC receive medical care & find shelter
BC Ferret Rescue Society
Provide care and find homes for surrendered ferrets as well as offer education and support services to the public regarding the treatment and care of ferrets.
Ferrets North Information and Rescue Society
Serving Northern BC – Our team of volunteers rehabilitate, rehome, and care for unwanted, abandoned and abused ferrets.
V I Fluffle
Promoting and exhibiting rabbit guardianship by education, support and advocation.
Hector’s Hedgehog Rescue
Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, BC.
Rabbitats Rescue Society
A charity dedicated to rescuing abandoned and feral rabbits. Located in Richmond and South Surrey
The Responsible Animal Care Society
Rabbits and other animals
Located in Kelowna
Vancouver Island Ferret Education & Rescue Team (The Society of V.I. FERT)
It provides ferrets with safe and loving care through education and by taking in ferrets in need.
Birds
Feathers in BC
Feathers are a unique group of bird lovers that foster the belief that just like people, birds have rights too. Through proper understanding and respect, these life long pets can add tremendously to our life and the lives of our children as well.
Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary
Greyhaven Exotic Bird Sanctuary is a volunteer-run, non-profit society whose purpose is to provide rescue and protection for parrots. Through our adoption program, we strive to place parrots in new loving homes. We provide education and support to parrot guardians and the general public.
Reptiles
The BC Reptile Club (BCRC)
A provincially registered non-profit organization that advocates for exotic pets and their keepers. Since 2008, the club has expanded to meet other needs of the community, including hosting a bi-annual reptile expo, encouraging and pushing for high standards in care and husbandry, and assisting non-profit rescue groups in any way we are able to.
Urban Safari Rescue Society
Mission: To Rescue, care for, and maintain the health of rescued exotic pets and other animals. To Educate children and adults about various animal species and the importance of all animals to our environment, the need for conservation, and the responsibilities that come with exotic animal ownership.
North Island Reptile Rescue Society
Located in Comox, BC
Overseas Rescues
THE MANY WHYS OF OVERSEAS RESCUE – The Paw Pages
Why adopt a rescue pup or dog? Why not buy one from an ad on the internet or from a pet store? Why not buy one from a breeder? Why would I adopt a dog rescued from another Country when there are so many right here in Canada that need homes? Read more
Dog For Life
Dog For Life is a very small non-profit volunteer rescue group who work and live in Puerto Vallarta and have ties in Victoria. Dog For Life differs from other, larger rescue groups in that we personally work with each dog in Mexico and are part of their entire journey from the shelter in Puerto Vallarta to their “furever” homes. We take great care in ensuring they are well and placed in the best possible homes.
Extraordinary Galgos and Podencos Western Canada
EGP was officially launched in the Spring of 2016 by its founder Tania Schmitt. EGP has been dedicated to placing dogs in Quebec and other parts of Canada since then and now the organization officially represents adoptions in Western Canada as of 2022.
Mexican Pups of Vancouver Island
An open group for those who have rescued, adopted, transported in just been involved in the lives of dogs who have moved from Mexico to Vancouver Island.
PVCA Animal Rescue Society
PVCA helps rescued dogs from Mexico find adoptive and foster families in Canada
Soi Dog Foundation
Our work with street animals consists of spaying and neutering to prevent unwanted puppies and kittens being born into short lives of suffering, along with the rescue, vaccination, medical treatment, sheltering, and adoption of those that cannot be returned to their territory.
Yogi Street Dog Rescue
Committed to ending the needless suffering of vulnerable, at risk homeless dogs living on the streets of India through community support and education.
Other Pet related sites
Paws for Hope –
The Pet Rescue Connection of British Columbia – facebook
Big to the Rescue
When an animal in trouble is too far for the road, we fly. Domestic or wild, the sooner we reach them, the sooner they get the care that changes everything.