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.
Canada’s Guide to Dogs
Rescue Organizations & Shelters in BC
The Pet Rescue Connection of BC including Victoria – facebook
Dog Rescue Groups
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.
Whistler Animals Galore (WAG)
A non-profit and registered charity that cares for and re-homes many cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens.
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
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.
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
Dee’s Orphan Kitten Fund
Victoria, BC
Helping Homeless Cats
Greater Victoria area.
CatNap Society
Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island
Adoptable Cats Vancouver – facebook
CatSpan Ferals
Nanoose Bay, (Parksville), B.C.
Horse Rescue Groups
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
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.
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
Second Chance Cheekye Ranch
SCCR aims to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome horses in need. Located in Brackendale, near Squamish BC
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.
J & M Acres
A horse rescue in Maple Ridge, BC that focuses on rehabilitating and rehoming slaughterbound equines.
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
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
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.
Small Animals
V I Fluffle
Promoting and exhibiting rabbit guardianship by education, support and advocation.
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.
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.
Rabbitats Rescue Society
A charity dedicated to rescuing abandoned and feral rabbits. Located in Richmond and South Surrey
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Pet related sites
Paws for Hope –
The Pet Rescue Connection of British Columbia – facebook