Thinking about adopting a dog? It’s certainly a more fantastic decision if you adopt rather than buy a puppy from a breeder. Like any other pet, a dog comes with a serious responsibility, but it’s rewarding nonetheless.
This is why I’ve come up with a helpful guide that lists all the best dog rescues in British Columbia. Living in this city isn’t complete without having a Fido with whom you can share life’s experiences.
Get to know the animal charities and organizations where you can donate, volunteer, or adopt. Learn as well the reasons that make them stick out from the rest.
10 Best Dog Rescues in British Columbia
1. Prince George Animal Rescue
Prince George Animal Rescue is the first dog rescue that’s worth visiting if you’re planning to adopt a dog. It’s primarily established to rehabilitate and rehome domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, and horses.
They have a home-based facility where every rescued animal gets a humane standard of care, so they become ready for their future homes. Alongside this, PGAR also informs the public on how to take care of their pets properly.
So far, they’ve rescued around 431 dogs, 647 cats, and 397 horses. Feel free to look at their adoptable dogs and read what’s written on their profiles. Aside from adopting, you can also make a difference through donations or volunteer efforts.
How to contact them:
Website: Prince George Animal Rescue
Address: 9095 Bendixon Road, Prince George, BC V2N 5V8
Phone: 250-981-8458
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
2. Broken Promises Rescue
It’s indeed a sort of a broken promise made for every dog rescue if their owners end up not becoming capable of taking care of them. This is why some end up on the streets while others experience maltreatment and neglect.
Broken Promises Rescue is dedicated to lending a helping hand to these dogs and giving them the possibility to live their lives to the fullest again. It’s been functioning for over 25 years now, and they provide service to all helpless animals across Vancouver Island and other places in British Columbia.
With this being run for volunteers, BPR encourages the community to help save a life through adopting, donating, or showing support in their events and activities.
Families looking for a pet companion can find just about anything here, from dogs to cats and other small animals. The adoption process starts by filling in all the needed information in their application form.
How to contact them:
Website: Broken Promises Rescue
Address: Victoria, BC, Canada
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Twitter
3. Paws it Forward
Paws it Forward started rescuing dogs in November 2011. Two friends who work in a pet shop were driven to do more for the welfare of dogs when they realized how significant the number is in euthanizing dogs in high-kill shelters in California.
They remarkably began saving around 50 dogs and had them placed in loving homes. This effort would’ve been impossible without the help of friends and families.
Even now, more and more dog rescues are given a second chance to live as volunteers and foster parents take the initiative to take care of these four-legged buddies.
Since this is volunteer-based, all funds go directly to vet care, dog supplies, transportation, and food. There are many ways to help aside from bringing home a Fido. Donate or shop to save more dogs in need.
How to contact them:
Website: Paws it Forward
Address: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter
4. Senior Animals in Need Today Society
It’s heartbreaking to know that several dogs that end up in dog rescue centers are old. Two of the common reasons this happens are their elderly owners passing away or their previous families moving to a new home where dogs aren’t allowed.
Though fragile and not as active as they were during their prime, senior dogs are affectionate and deserving of love. Help an old dog rescue live the rest of their life with remarkable experiences through adopting one from Senior Animals in Need Today Society.
This is a sanctuary for all different species that need human help. Since 2004, more than 950 animals have received care, basic needs, and placement efforts. There’s more waiting to be loved by a committed and responsible family. Do check what dogs are still available.
How to contact them:
Website: Senior Animals in Need Today Society
Address: 33860 Dlugosh Ave, Mission, BC V2V 6B2
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, and Twitter
5. Our Last Hope Animal Rescue Society
Believe it or not but some furry buddies do find their last hope in dog rescues or shelters. A number of them end up becoming euthanized due to lack of space or due to incurable diseases.
This is why it’s a must to take action in situations like this one. Our Last Hope Animal Rescue Society is another go-to adoption center if you want to adopt, sponsor, or donate.
They have various adoptable dogs that were thoroughly rehabilitated and socialized. You’ll find many mixed dogs and purebred ones here, including cats. Rest assured that they’re all in their best state as OLHARS only wants the matching to end up in success.
How to contact them:
Website: Our Last Hope Animal Rescue Society
Address: Princeton, BC V0X 1W0, Canada
Phone: 604-749-7150
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
6. Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society
The Pet Adoption and Welfare Society is your go-to dog rescue site if you live around Creston Valley. It’s a volunteer-based, no-kill shelter that rescues abandoned, abused, neglected, and homeless dogs.
On top of that, they are one of the best adoption centers due to their commitment to educating the public on responsible ownership and humane treatment of animals.
They also provide veterinary care, rehabilitation, socialization, and sterilization surgeries to help with pet overpopulation. Though it’s indeed an immeasurable act of kindness to adopt one of their dogs, continuously supporting them through donations will help more dogs in the future.
They wouldn’t be able to do this noble deed without the help of the community, hence why it’s encouraged to join in the effort of saving dog lives.
How to contact them:
Website: Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society
Address: 2805 Lower Wynndel Rd, Creston, BC V0B 1G8
Phone: 250-428-7297
Email: [email protected]
7. Save Animals through Rescue and Adoption Society
Founded in 1998, the SARA Society has housed over 4,000 animals. It’s a no-kill dog rescue shelter that provides surrendered pets a fresh start to life with loving families.
Due to their adoption program, many dog-loving individuals are experiencing a positive transformation. Since some dogs may become unfit for adoption, SARA Society also provides permanent housing so they’d be adequately taken care of by their team.
Their dedication to advocating for the lives of dogs and other animals sprouts through their other activities, such as donating dry food to other local support groups.
How to contact them:
Website: Save Animals through Rescue and Adoption Society
Address: Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: 604-580-8254
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
8. Langley Animal Protection Society
Langley Animal Protection Society joins our list of best dog rescues in British Columbia. They’re a not-for-profit charitable society that a group of volunteers founded.
Their focus is aimed at creating a positive change in the treatment of stray, lost, and unwanted animals in the Langley area. Every year, this group expects to take care of around 1,400 animals, and they all experience environmental enrichment, exercise, medical care, and good food.
Concerning their adoptable dogs, the site refreshes the list regularly. If you think one dog resonates well with you, don’t hesitate to apply immediately while the Fido is still available. They house Mastiffs, German Shepherds, and other mixed breeds, so there’s a big chance that one of them is your perfect match.
How to contact them:
Website: Langley Animal Protection Society
Address: 26220 – 56th Avenue, Langley, BC V4W 1J7
Phone: 604-857-5055
Email: [email protected]
9. PB and Chi Dog Rescue Society
Though PB and Chi Dog Rescue Society is primarily based in Canada, this 2012-established animal welfare group also works with various organizations in the US.
They have a foster-to-adopt program that helps prospective owners determine if a dog is a perfect match for their family. Every dog rescue that ends up in their care receives proper vet care, training, and other support to get them fully rehabilitated.
They also try to inform the community about the misjudged breeds. After all, how dogs become is often the result of how their owners treat them. Scan through their available adoptable pooches and get to know them by simply clicking on their profiles.
How to contact them:
Website: PB and Chi Dog Rescue Society
Phone: 604-805-3086
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook
10. Dhana Metta Rescue Society
It’s certainly not easy to decide what dog to adopt. Thankfully, you’ll meet dogs of different breeds at Dhana Metta Rescue Society. This non-profit society in Surrey helps all dogs regardless of age, breed, or size.
They’re laser-focused on providing each rescue dog the help they need and eventually placing them in furever homes. They also aid communities and dog-loving families by imparting their knowledge on the importance of getting their Fidos spayed or neutered.
Along with this is the education regarding the negative effects of puppy mills and the importance of getting their pets trained, which the RSPCA also recommends.
How to contact them:
Website: Dhana Metta Rescue Society
Address: 10886 160 St #10862, Surrey, BC V4N 1J5, Canada
Phone: 604-585-7575
You may also reach out through their social media: YouTube
How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in British Columbia?
The cost to adopt a dog in British Columbia usually starts at $200 to over $600. This is factored by the dog’s age, mostly. If you’re getting a puppy, they would require several veterinary services such as sterilization, deworming, vaccinations, and other preventive health care treatments.
Since these all can be expensive, the high adoption fee on puppies is just reasonable, primarily because the charities and organizations mainly rely on donations.
Adult dogs and seniors are put up on lower adoption costs since they no longer need most basic veterinary treatments. Carefully weigh your options in budgeting, but don’t decide based only on this factor.
You also have to take into consideration the following:
- Your schedule
- The dog’s history
- Your living space
- Your energy level
- The breed you can handle
Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From British Columbia?
It’s worth adopting a dog from British Columbia as they’re just as loving, loyal, and fun as the dogs you’ll get from a breeder. They also cost less, but the experience of having them remains unmatched.
By deciding to adopt, you’re making room for another dog rescue. It’s undeniably a fact that there are more homeless and abused dogs that need help. The shelters and adoption centers can only do so much, and they need help from the community.
According to the ASPCA, around 6.3 million dogs annually enter animal welfare charities and groups. This will remarkably be reduced if more and more individuals and families like you turn to dog rescues instead of opting for breeders.
So, if you’re living in British Columbia, give a thought about adopting instead of shopping for your four-legged pooch. I guarantee you that life is nothing better than having it shared with a dog from any of our listed dog rescue centers.
