Did you know that in a span of seven years ONE female dog and her off-spring can produce 67,000 puppies!?

With the generosity of the public, and hopefully in the near future some corporate funding, we aim to help our First Nations Communities in Alberta reduce the amount of unwanted animals through our Spay/Neuter Program.

Our goal is to end the suffering caused by over-population by getting to the root of the problem, which is a lack of spayed and neutered animals. Hundreds of unwanted puppies and kittens are born each day in Alberta. Although we may not see them roaming the streets of our cities, they are out there. Despite attempting to rescue as many of these unwanted animals as possible we regretfully cannot rescue them all and many end up dieing of starvation, disease or are killed - many die by gun shot and the lucky ones are euthanized in our shelters.

Through working with other organizations, such as the Alberta Spay Neuter Task Force, AARCS is gaining the knowledge and support we need to make a difference in these communities. In 2008, we did our first spay/neuter return. During our routine visits we often come across many dogs that are in loving homes but they are not spayed/neutered and the families do not have the means to have it done. AARCS helps these families by taking these dogs into our care, having them spayed, vaccinated, dewormed and then returning them to their owners. Below are three dogs that will lead a much happier and healthier life now that they were spayed. It was with the generosity of Dr. Abid at Trochu Valley Vet Clinic that we were able to have these dogs spayed.

Click here to watch a video titled "IN HOPE: AN ANIMAL SHELTER STORY".
It is a first hand look into one of thousands of shelters across North America about the effects of irresponsible pet ownership and the results of failure to spay and neuter our pets.

*Remember – Although we may direct many of our resources toward helping our First Nation Communities, ALL pet owners should take the responsible step and have their animals spayed and neutered.

How can you help?

• Sponsor a dog through our Spay/Neuter Program.
• Never buy a dog from a pet store, this only promotes irresponsible breeding and often supports puppy mills.
• If you must have a pure-breed dog, purchase from a responsible breeder or better yet, look for a breed specific rescue in your area.
• Spay/Neuter ALL of your animals and encourage everyone you know to do the same.

Some Common Myths Surrounding Spaying and Neutering:

• It’s better for a female dog to have at least one litter before spaying her. Medical evidence shows that female dogs are healthier if spayed before their first heat.
• My dog will get fat after it has been spayed and neutered. The truth, owners over-feed their animals and do not provide enough exercise.
• My dog’s personality will change completely if I get them spayed and neutered. Dogs will be just as playful, friendly, happy, silly, affectionate, or gentle as before being fixed. It may, however, make them less aggressive, mark less, and reduce the urge to wander in search of a mate, which are all great benefits.
• But I will find loving homes for all my puppies. You may find loving homes for each one of your puppies, but that is one less home for the animals in the shelters and rescue organization. Rescues have an application and screening process that checks to make sure that each home will be that animals “forever home”. We also have a policy that states if the new owners are unable to keep the pet for ANY reason it is to be returned to be re-homed. We also ensure that each pet is spayed or neutered so it does not contribute to the over-population. This guarantees that none of these pets or their off-spring will end up in the shelters. Are you going to do all of this to ensure not to contribute to the over-population and the safety of the pets you are giving away/selling?

This is Willow; we rescued her and a week later she had 10 puppies. It was her 3rd litter in less than one year.

This is China; she had 8 litters before being rescued with her last litter of 6. We believe she is around 4 years old.

We picked up Sydney who was homeless and half dead after having her foot blown off by a shot gun. She was caring for 9 puppies. Sydney was only 9 months old at the time.

This is Lady Black; she was rescued at 9 months old with a shot gun wound to her shoulder. She later gave birth to 7 puppies.

This is Winter; she gave birth shortly after coming into care. It was her 3rd litter in less than 2 years.