Who We Are
At ARF, our mission has always been clear: to protect dogs and cats from homelessness, hunger, and neglect. We took in our first animal as a registered charity in 1995 and haven’t looked back since. Our efforts are organized around a volunteer, not-for-profit framework, allowing us the freedom to focus on doing good and giving back to the areas we serve.
ARF is for animals. ARF is for community. ARF is for all of Alberta—and we couldn’t be happier to do what we do.
Our Story
The Animal Rescue Foundation of Alberta began in 1992 as
a passion project of Calgary chiropractor Dr. Laurie Flavin. Laurie
had been working with Calgary Animal Services to coordinate the placement of stray and abandoned dogs into suitable homes.
Laurie’s reputation led to a pivotal meeting with a Siksika Nation Animal Control Officer in 1994 where she became aware of the dog and cat over-population problem that existed not just within in the confines of the city, but across many communities spanning southern Alberta. She decided to take on the monumental task of rescuing and finding homes for these animals—but she knew it’d be too much for
her to manage on her own.
There was only one thing to do. With the help of two friends, Laurie formed an officially recognized charitable organization in July of 1995, and ARF was born.
In the years since, ARF has found forever homes for more than 10,000 Dogs and Cats; not bad for a non-profit that started out with
just three volunteers to its name.
Driven by Volunteers
Nothing we do would be possible without the time and commitment of our dedicated team of volunteers. Join ARF and make a difference in your community today.
Training & Enrichment
Take part in dog-friendly training practices that pivot around positive reinforcement.
Community Events
Join us in raising funds for ARF and spreading awareness of our mission by working as an event volunteer.
Adoption Support
Help our animals find forever homes by facilitating meetings between the public and adoptable dogs and cats.
Foster Support
Give an animal the second chance they deserve by taking part in our life-changing foster program.
Feeding the Community
The ARF Pet Food Bank donates more than 70,000 lbs of food annually to Food Banks Alberta, Indigenous community food banks, and other animal welfare agencies to ensure pets receive the nutrition they need.
If you’re an organization in need of support, please contact us or find a pet food bank near you.
