Adoption Policies

1. Health History and Guarantee
   Every animal in our care receives a veterinary assessment and any necessary treatments prior to adoption; however, because rescue animals often arrive without a complete medical history, it is not possible to test for every potential condition. We treat any symptoms or illnesses that arise while the animal is with us, but we cannot guarantee their future health or be held responsible for medical conditions or illnesses discovered after adoption.
2. Vaccinations and Veterinary Care
   To ensure the health and wellbeing of all animals, we strongly encourage that all resident pets remain up to date on their core vaccinations. Every animal in our care is examined by a partner veterinarian, spayed or neutered, and provided with age-appropriate vaccinations before adoption. Animals are only made available for adoption once a veterinarian has confirmed they are in good health. After adoption, it becomes the responsibility of the adoptive family to maintain regular veterinary care, including regular checkups, ongoing vaccinations and preventive treatments.
3. Application Process
   Fosters are always given the first opportunity to adopt the animals in their care. Once a foster has decided not to adopt, applications are then reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis and added to the queue in that order.
   
4. Right to Refuse
   We reserve the right to decline adoption applications at our discretion.
   
5. Rental or Condo Approval
   If you rent your home or live in a condo governed by a condo board, written approval from your landlord or condo board is required before adoption. To avoid delays, please have the Landlord Pet Approval form completed and emailed to: adopt@pawsitivematch.org  as soon as possible.  Download the pet approval form here:  Landlord Pet Approval Form
6. Home Insurance
   Some insurance companies restrict coverage for certain dog breeds. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm coverage with their insurer before adoption. PMRF cannot guarantee the breed of any dog and adoption fees will not be refunded if an animal is returned due to insurance restrictions.
   
7. No Trial Periods or Overnight Stays
   We do not allow trial adoptions or overnight stays. Applicants are expected to take the time to meet the pet, speak with the foster, and ask questions before deciding. Moving animals back and forth is stressful and not in their best interest.
   
8. Dog–Cat Introductions
   When a dog and cat will be living together, we generally require a supervised meet to ensure the dog shows no aggressive or prey-drive behavior. Exceptions may be made if the dog currently lives with cats.
   
9. Cat-to-Cat Introductions
   Resident cats and adoptable cats will not be introduced to one another prior to adoption.
   
10. Household Agreement
    All members of the household must meet the dog or cat and agree to the adoption. This applies to both local and out-of-town applicants.
11. No Gift or Surprise Adoptions
    We do not adopt animals out as gifts or surprises for third parties.
12. No Holds
    Because our animals’ availability can change quickly, we are not able to place holds. If you are not ready to adopt within the week, we encourage you to wait before applying to help prevent disappointment if the animal you had hoped for is no longer available.
13. Kitten Policy
    Kittens under 6 months have high energy and important social needs, which is why they are typically adopted in pairs or placed in homes with a playful, friendly cat companion. To help ensure a good match, the resident cat should be younger or close in age, as senior cats are often less able to tolerate the constant play and energy of a kitten. Our goal is to set both the kitten and the resident cat up for success, creating a happy and balanced home for everyone.
14. Indoor Family Pets
    All PMRF animals are adopted as family pets and must live indoors.
15. No Same-Day Adoptions
    Adoptions are not finalized on the spot. After meeting a dog or cat, please go home and take time to discuss as a family to ensure the pet is the right fit before moving forward.
16. Adoption Radius
    We generally only adopt to applicants within 350 km of Calgary. Exceptions may be considered in special circumstances.
17. Transport Responsibility
    Applicants are responsible for safely transporting their new pet from the foster home. For cats, a secure carrier is required. For dogs, a properly fitted collar, harness, and leash are required.
18. Adoption Fees
    Adoption fees are due in full at the time of adoption, and payment plans are not available. Please note that adoption fees are not considered donations, and therefore tax receipts cannot be issued.

Adjustment and Training Guidelines

All rescue animals come from different backgrounds, and it is normal for them to need time to adjust to a new home. Adopters are expected to be patient during this transition period and to allow their new pet to settle in at their own pace.

• Cats: Provide a designated safe space and gradually introduce your cat to the rest of the home once they are comfortable. If your cat is shy and spending time in hiding, limit interactions and allow them the time and space they need to decompress. Speak softly, move slowly, and spend quiet time sitting nearby so they can get used to your presence without feeling pressured. Offering treats, gentle play, or simply letting them observe from a safe spot can help build trust. This adjustment period may take several days to several weeks, depending on the individual cat.
• Dogs: Provide a designated safe space and allow your dog to explore the home at their own pace. Limit interactions at first and give them time to decompress, especially if they are shy or nervous. Keep initial leashed walks short for the first few days until you understand how your dog responds to new surroundings. If you have resident dogs, start with separate walks and gradually transition to walking them together once both dogs are comfortable. Speak softly, move calmly, and offer gentle encouragement, treats, or play to help build trust. Adjustment periods vary by individual, and your dog may need several days to several weeks to feel fully settled.

We strongly recommend enrolling puppies and dogs in force-free obedience training as early as possible. Training and consistent reinforcement of good manners should begin immediately. Most behaviours can be modified with proper guidance; however, it is the adopter’s responsibility to seek professional support before challenges escalate. A well-trained dog is more likely to remain a valued family member rather than risk becoming one of the many unwanted pets in shelters across Canada.

As an adopter, you may qualify for discounts with trainers partnered with PMRF. Additionally, our internal behavior teams may be available to provide guidance and support. Please reach out to your adoption processor for more information and assistance.