Impounded animals

We want to help you find your missing pet as quickly as possible. Animals found at large in Calgary may be impounded and cared for by The City while we work to reunite them with their owners. Check the online database to see if your missing pet has been located.

If an animal has been impounded

  • Impounded cats and dogs with ID (licence tag, a legible tattoo, or a readable microchip with current information) are held for ten days.
  • Impounded cats and dogs without ID are held for four days.
  • Any animals not claimed by their owners have health and behavioural assessments to determine if they will be made available for adoption.

Why animals are impounded

Animals found "at large" in our city are taken off the street and impounded because:

Find out if your animal has been impounded

Visit the link to the online list of found animals and input your postal code. 

If you believe the description or location of an impounded cat or dog listed under ‘No Image Available’ could be your pet, please call 311 and ask to speak with an Animal Services representative prior to attending the Animal Services Centre.

​If your animal isn't listed, or if you have other questions or concerns, contact us. Give us a call or come down and visit.

Impounded animal fees

To support the care of animals, fees are charged for impounded cats and dogs.

To encourage you to claim your lost cat and dog as soon as possible, keep fees are not charged until the second day.

**There is always an impoundment fee.

Fee
​Animal impound fee Fee: $48.00 + GST
​Vicious animal impound fee Fee: $315.00 + GST
​Dog keep fee, per day​ Fee: $34.00 + GST
​Cat keep fee, per day​ Fee: $26.00 + GST

If your animal was found on a Sunday

  • If you qualify for the Free Ride Home Program through your pet licence, Community Standards peace officers will coordinate and return your lost pet home.
  • If your pet is impounded while the Animal Services Centre is closed and there are extenuating circumstance such as a medical need, call 311 to connect with peace officers.
  • If there is no urgent need to reclaim your (unlicensed) pet, you may be required to retrieve your pet the following Monday.

What do I need to bring to claim my pet?

To claim a pet, you will need to provide government identification. It is also recommended you bring photos and/or veterinary records to prove ownership, especially if your pet is not licensed. Also bring a leash for a dog, and carrier for your cat to ensure safe transport to your vehicle.

Additional information

  • Responsible pet ownership

    ​Pets and owners, living in harmony.

  • Programs and volunteering

    ​Investing in the community.

Help us reunite impounded pets with their owners in our Animal Services Facebook Group.

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