Operating in Calgary under the acronym CARS, Calgary Animal Rescue Society has built a strong reputation for its foster-to-adopt model, with reviews describing a genuinely thoughtful, well-supported process distinct from organizations that simply place animals as quickly as possible. One reviewer describes fostering a seven-month-old puppy named Draco starting in May and formally adopting him by July, specifically praising CARS for not being the kind of organization that rushes to place animals without proper matching and support throughout that transition period.
Unplanned but ultimately joyful adoptions feature in more than one review: one couple describes adopting a puppy from a litter surrendered to CARS despite not initially being in the market for a new pet, with the wife’s history growing up with Great Danes ultimately drawing them toward the specific litter, suggesting CARS successfully communicates individual animal and breed-specific information that can turn a casual inquiry into a genuine match. Staff support throughout the fostering process draws specific, named praise as well, with one reviewer crediting a coordinator named Jill with guiding them incredibly helpfully from start to finish during their foster experience.
Reviewers consistently emphasize the organization’s evident prioritization of animal welfare throughout the entire process, from co-foster coordination through paperwork and veterinary appointments, with one describing feeling fortunate to have fostered through to adoption with CARS given how exceptional the organization proved at every step.
Worth reporting honestly: at least one detailed, strongly negative review describes a significantly different experience, specifically criticizing what the reviewer characterizes as bizarre behaviour, inaccurate statements, and a lack of cooperation from a specific volunteer foster coordinator, stating they would give no stars if that option were available. Given this stands in sharp contrast to the otherwise consistently positive experience described with coordinator Jill specifically, this suggests experience may vary considerably depending on which specific volunteer coordinator a prospective foster or adopter works with.
For Doggy Deets users, Calgary Animal Rescue Society generally offers a thoughtful, well-supported foster-to-adopt process, though the sharply negative experience described with a specific coordinator suggests it may be worth confirming who your primary contact will be early in the process.
