Airdrie’s Pound and Rescue Centre to close at the end of the month

Airdrie pet owners have a reason to be concerned as the southern Alberta city's only animal shelter is set to close down at the end of this month.

The Alberta Pound and Rescue Centres (APARC-Airdrie) is set to close at the end of the month, according to its Facebook page.

In a post shared Feb. 6, the shelter said, “The City of Airdrie has confirmed that Alberta Pound and Rescue Centres (APARC-Airdrie) will no longer provide impound and rescue services for the city after its contract expires on March 31, 2025.”

Amanda Forman, an Airdrie resident who fostered her cat Charlotte through APARC before adopting her, is concerned about the centre closing.

“APARC isn’t just a place that reunites cats and dogs with their families. They also take in sick and injured animals that need veterinary care. If that’s not available, then what are the animals going to do in the meantime?” said Forman.

According to APARC, temporary measures are in place.

“Stray cats can be taken to Tails to Tell animal shelter in Crossfield. Residents unable to travel there can contact Municipal Enforcement for assistance. Stray dogs can be picked up by Municipal Enforcement or dropped off at the Municipal Enforcement building,” the post read.

APARC’s contract is set to expire March 31, 2025, and the city has chosen not to renew it.

The post goes on to state the decision to end the contract is part of a new service model.

A petition has been launched to prevent APARC from closing.

Forman has signed the petition.

“Airdrie doesn’t have any other animal facilities where you can bring an animal that you find, either to reunite them with their family or if they need any type of medical care,” said Forman.

The closure is weeks away, which has the centre pushing to have many of its animals adopted.