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Adopt a Dog in Vancouver

If you live in Vancouver--the most dog-friendly city in Canada--and are thinking about adopting a dog, here are a few things to consider. Also, see the directory of dog shelters and rescues below.
Access to Green Spaces and Off-Leash Areas
Vancouver is known for having many parks and outdoor spaces, making it a great city for dog owners. Popular off-leash areas include Spanish Banks, Hinge Park, and Trout Lake. However, if you live in a high-rise apartment downtown, you may need to travel to find suitable green spaces for your dog to exercise. Consider your proximity to these areas and whether you have the time to provide your dog with regular outdoor activity.
Apartment or Condo Rules
Many Vancouver residents live in apartments or condos, and not all buildings allow dogs. Strata bylaws may impose restrictions on dog ownership, including size, breed, and the number of pets allowed. Some buildings also have noise regulations, which could be an issue if your dog is prone to barking. Before adopting, check your building’s pet policies to ensure you can provide a stable home for your new companion.
Rainy Weather Considerations
Vancouver is famous for its rainy climate, with long stretches of wet weather during the fall and winter months. If you’re adopting a dog, especially one that dislikes the rain, be prepared with rain-resistant dog coats and towels for drying off after walks. Consider how you’ll keep up with exercise routines despite the rain, as some dogs may refuse to go outside in wet conditions.
Availability of Veterinary Clinics and Pet Services
Vancouver has a range of veterinary clinics, pet stores, and grooming services, but their availability and costs can vary. Some areas, such as Kitsilano and Mount Pleasant, have more pet-friendly services, while others may have fewer options. Be sure to budget for veterinary care, including vaccinations, spaying/neutering, flea prevention, and potential emergencies. Having a trusted vet nearby will ensure your pet stays healthy.
Public Transportation and Travel Rules
If you don’t own a car, consider how you’ll transport your dog around the city. TransLink allows dogs on buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus, but they must be in a carrier. Larger dogs that don’t fit in carriers may require alternative transport options. Think about whether you live within walking distance of essential services or if you’ll need to rely on pet-friendly ride-sharing or taxi services.
Cost of Dog Ownership in Vancouver
The cost of living in Vancouver is high, and pet ownership comes with additional expenses. Beyond the initial adoption fee, you’ll need to budget for food, grooming, vet visits, pet insurance, and pet-sitting or daycare services if you work long hours. Research the financial commitment required to ensure you can provide for your dog’s long-term needs.
Pet Licensing and Local Regulations
In Vancouver, all dogs over three months old must be licensed with the City of Vancouver. A license helps reunite lost pets with their owners and supports animal welfare services. Additionally, dog owners must follow local bylaws, including leash laws in public spaces and proper waste disposal. Understanding these regulations will help you be a responsible pet owner.
Work and Lifestyle Considerations
If you work long hours or travel frequently, think about how your dog will fit into your routine. Many Vancouver residents work from home, which can be ideal for a new pet. However, if your job requires you to be away often, you may need to consider dog walkers, daycare, or pet-sitting services. Ensuring your dog has enough social interaction and exercise is crucial for their well-being.
Adopting a dog in Vancouver is a rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning. By considering these factors, you can ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend.

Acre Dog

Acre Dogs assists dogs in peril from the streets of Los Cabos, Mexico. Rescued from impossible situations, they are matched with forever families. Most of their dogs fly out of the country to their new homes. They have adopted dogs all over North America

A Dog's New Life

A Dog's New Life is a dog rescue and shelter in Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico (near Puerto Vallarta). They save and rehabilitate abused, neglected, sick and injured street dogs and find them the loving homes in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Chai Angeles Rescue

Chi Angeles Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization working to rescue Chihuahua's out of the Los Angeles California city high kill shelters. They transport their rescues to all of the United States and Canada for a small transport fee.

City of Vancouver Animal Services

Chi Angeles Rescue is an all-volunteer 501(c)3 non-profit rescue organization working to rescue Chihuahua's out of the Los Angeles California city high kill shelters. They transport their rescues to all of the United States and Canada for a small transport fee.

Doxie & Friends Rescue

Doxie & Friends Rescue believes that compassion has no borders. Although local dogs come first, they are primarily focused on working with overcrowded high kill shelters in the U.S. They are based in Abbotsford in the beautiful Fraser Valley, BC.

Endless Pawsibilities Rescue Society

Endless Pawsabilities Rescue Society is a registered not for profit organization dedicated to Animal Welfare focused on the adoption and fostering of dogs. They do not adopt our animals out of province.

Fur Bae Rescue

FUR BAE was created to help relocate dogs from Qatar to the Pacific Northwest, where they can live out the rest of their days safely and happily.

Furever Freed Dog Rescue

Furever Freed Dog Rescue is a nonprofit based in Langley, BC, devoted to finding responsible and loving forever homes. The save dogs from high-kill shelters in Mexico, Korea, and parts of the US, as well as local rescues. 

Homeless Pets Canada Society 

Homeless Pets Canada Society takes animals that most regard as unadoptable and invests the time and training needed to rehabilitate and re-home these dogs. Dogs are located in Chile but will fly to Vancouver if adopted.

HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society

 HugABull Advocacy & Rescue Society is a community of volunteers committed to rescue, advocacy, and outreach for block-headed dogs.  They partner with local shelters and rescue organizations to take in dogs who would benefit from our foster program, and ultimately match them with loving, forever homes. They are headquartered in Vancouver, BC.

Langley Animal Protection Society


The Langley Animal Protection Society is a registered non-profit charitable organization that aims to ensure that pets can be with the people who love them and if faced with the need for a new family are supported with their emotional, physical and physiological needs during the transition of their life.

Loved at Last Dog Rescue

Loved at Last Dog Rescue is a Vancouver-based, registered non-profit organization that focuses on finding homes for dogs in need. Each year they approve over 400 homes for their overseas or local dogs.

RainCoast Dog Rescue Society

RainCoast Dog Rescue Society rescues and rehabilitates unwanted, neglected, stray, misplaced, abused dogs and cats of all breeds, sizes, and ages across Canada.

Straight Outta Rescue

Straight Outta Rescue Society is a volunteer-run animal rescue and registered charity based in Vancouver, BC. We partner with BC Community Rescuers and provide loving foster homes for at-risk cats and dogs while working to match them with their forever families.

Stray Dog Support

Stray Dog Support is a non-profit dedicated to helping save and improve the lives of street dogs around the world. In addition to working with partner rescues in the United States and Canada to place dogs in care once, they also facilitate a direct adoptions program. 

West Coast Paws Dog Rescue

West Coast Paws Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization. Its goal is to find adopters on the West Coast of Canada for dogs who are in desperate need of loving homes. Currently, they adopt from Mexico to Canada.