Become their forever home
Adoption is a lifetime commitment to that animal - please make sure you are ready!
WAG’s adoption process:
Questions to think about before you apply:
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Are you prepared for a lifetime commitment?
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Do you have other animals? Are they up to date on their annual vaccinations and wellness and ready to welcome a new friend?
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Do you have, or are you planning on having, children?
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Do you have long-term pet friendly accommodation?
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Does your strata have pet related rules? (e.g breed or weight restrictions)
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What will happen to the animal if you move?
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Who will look after them when you go on vacation?
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If your current relationship changes or if something happens to you, who will look after them?
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What are your plans for training?
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How will you afford vet care?
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Have you considered pet insurance?
1
Learn about the animals
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Explore our website for detailed information about the animals available for adoption.
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For further inquiries on any of our available animals, or to discuss the adoption process, feel free to contact us via telephone or email.
3
Meet & Greet
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Once we receive your application, we will review it and reach out to you for a phone discussion.
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During the call, we will assess the suitability of the match and, if appropriate, schedule a meet and greet appointment.
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Please note that we process applications in the order they are received, and there may be a high volume of applications for certain animals.
2
Apply online
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Complete our application form, ensuring that you provide detailed answers to all questions.
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Submit your application via our online application process indicating the animal you wish to adopt.
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4
Finalize the adoption
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Upon finding the perfect match, we will arrange an adoption finalization appointment. This session is customized to the specific needs of the adopted animal, providing information to facilitate a smooth transition from the shelter to your home.
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In the comfort of your own home please complete the free online "Adoption: Before & After" and elective "Body Language" courses. Learn more
We appreciate your commitment to adopting from WAG, and we look forward to assisting you in welcoming a new furry family member. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us. If you don't hear back within 48-72 hours, email us...
Puppy & kitten adoptions
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Please follow the same process as above and do your best to be patient.
Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, ONCE we have received your application. If you are ready to adopt a puppy or a kitten, we recommend monitoring our website regularly for new arrivals as we are a small team and are unable to run a wait/wish list for potential adopters.
FREE COURSE:
Adoption: Before And After
This course is designed to support guardians through every step of the adoption journey, ensuring both you and your new dog thrive together. It offers guidance on setting realistic expectations and navigating common challenges that arise during the transition. In addition to preparing you for adoption, the course includes training exercises to help you and your dog connect and build a trusting relationship. This course provides the tools and insights needed to create a successful and harmonious partnership.
FREE COURSE:
Body Language Basics
This course is essential for EVERYONE, not just dog guardians. Understanding your dog's body language is key to recognizing their emotions and needs. By learning to interpret subtle signals, you can prevent potential conflicts and create a safer, more harmonious environment for both your dog and others. This knowledge empowers you to respond appropriately to your dog's cues, and dogs in your community. For us to all live harmoniously we must take the time to learn “dog language”.
WAG adoption fees
Puppies
Under 1 year
$475 + PST*
Adult Dogs
Dogs 1-9 year
$375 + PST*
Senior Dogs
10+ year
$200 + PST*
Kittens
Under 1 year
$300 + PST*
Adult Cats
1-9 year
$250 + PST*
Senior Cats
10+ year
$150 + PST*
*PST is British Columbia's Provincial Sales Tax. WAG is required to charge PST on all adoption fees.
Our adoption fees inclusions:
Our adoption fees are comprehensive and cover a range of essential services for every animal.
When you adopt from us, your fee includes:
Full Veterinary Exam
Upon arrival at the shelter, each animal undergoes a thorough veterinary examination conducted by one of our local partner vets.
Up-to-Date Basic Vaccinations
While in our care, dogs receive the Da2PP vaccination, and cats receive the FVRCP vaccination to ensure they are protected against common diseases.
Spay or Neuter Surgery
The adoption fee covers the cost of spaying or neutering, a crucial step in promoting responsible pet ownership. This procedure is performed by our partner vet in Squamish.
Regular Parasite Control
Animals in our care receive ongoing parasite control measures, addressing issues such as intestinal parasites, fleas, lice, and more, to ensure their well-being.
Additional Medical Treatment
If deemed necessary by the veterinarian, your adopted pet may receive any additional medical treatment required for their health and comfort.
Rest assured that our adoption fees are designed to provide your new companion with a comprehensive health package, setting them up for a happy and healthy life in their new home.
Introducing BC Pet Registry Microchipping Service at WAG
We're excited to offer an additional service to our pet guardians: BC Pet Registry Microchipping. For a one-time fee of $45, paid at the time of adoption, your pet will be registered for a lifetime membership with the BC Pet Registry.
This fee covers all future changes, including updates to your address or pet ownership, ensuring that your pet's information remains current without any additional costs.
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Here's how it works:
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During the adoption process, you'll pay the additional $45 registration fee.
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Our partners, PVH and Eagleview Veterinary Hospital, will implant an ISO Microchip with a lifetime registration during your pet's spay/neuter procedure.
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The microchip number will be added to your pet's file and provided to you, along with a brochure on how to register your pet in the BC Pet Registry.
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You'll then complete the registration online, ensuring your pet's details are securely stored in the database.
Additionally, any existing microchip numbers (including international ones), tattoo codes, and city licenses can be registered at no extra cost.
Important:
Information for adopters
01
Timely Adoption
Adopters should be prepared to bring their new dog or cat home shortly after applying, as animals listed on our website are ready for adoption. We regret to inform you that we are unable to reserve or hold animals for any duration.
02
Meet & Greets
Meet and greets take place at our shelter in Whistler, contingent on the availability of our team and the coordination of animals currently in foster homes. We appreciate your understanding, patience, and flexibility as we organize meetings to ensure a suitable match.
03
Application Persistence
If the pet you initially applied for doesn't prove to be a perfect fit, don't worry! Keep an eye on our website for future matches. Your application remains on file for one year and can be applied to any new pet of interest. Simply reach out to us via email when you find another dog or cat you'd like to consider. Unfortunately, we are unable to maintain waitlists or wishlists, so regular checks on our website and social media platforms are recommended.
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Puppy Recommendation
For adopters of puppies, we strongly advise enrolling in a local positive reinforcement training class. This step can significantly contribute to a successful transition for both you and your new pet. Please visit our training resources page to discover approved trainers in your local area.
If you have reviewed our how-to-adopt information above and would like to submit an application, please fill out our online adoption.
What about pet insurance?
Every year there are new advancements made to veterinary care, and more treatments are available than ever before. These treatments can be lifesaving but are also expensive. When the unexpected happens, petsecure lets you focus on what’s important, getting your pet back to their happy healthy selves.
We are a proud partner of Petsecure, a 100% Canadian owned and operated pet insurance company since 1989. Petsecure is dedicated to promoting responsible pet guardianship and caring for your pet’s health and wellness and is pleased to provide a complimentary six-week trial of pet health insurance for your new dog or cat.
Trial details:
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Coverage up to $500 for accidents and illnesses
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80% coverage on eligible vet bills, less a $100 per incident deductible
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48 hour waiting period from the date your new pet goes home
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A welcome package will be sent to you, including a personalized quote
Benefits of converting to a policy before your trial expires:
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Uninterrupted coverage- no additional accident or illness waiting periods
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No exclusions- any claims covered under your trial will continue under your policy
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Coverage for life- for accidents and illness, dental, special coverage, wellness benefits and more
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No older pet tests- for senior pets adopted (cats over 10 and dogs over 8 years of age)
Petsecure believes you should have the freedom to make decisions about your pet’s medical care with your heart, not your wallet. With four plans to choose from, that will fit both your budget and coverage needs.
1-800-268-1169
