The contract for the Airdrie chapter of Alberta Pound and Rescue Centres (APARC) expires on March 31, 2025, and the City has yet to secure a permanent replacement. In the interim, Tails to Tell Animal Rescue in Crossfield confirmed that the City of Airdrie is financially assisting in housing stray cats. According to Colleen Holden, a Tails to Tell’s Board of Directors member, the arrangement may last six to 18 months.
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Dogs will be housed separately in a non-public facility, but whether the six- to 18-month arrangement applies to them is unclear. DiscoverAirdrie requested comment from Airdrie city officials but did not receive a response before publication.
To accommodate the expected influx of stray cats, Tails to Tell has expanded its facility, renting an additional portion of its building. While Holden said financial assistance was provided, no specifics on the amount were provided.
"We have rented the other portion of our building, and they are helping us with that," Holden said. "We've set up the kennels and are prepared to take the stray cats in."
Airdrie city officials say a 24-hour complaint line (403-948-8888) will remain available for residents who find stray animals.
However, before the City formally addressed the transition last week, concerns spread online about the potential loss of Airdrie’s pound services. This led to the creating a petition titled "Prevent APARC from Closure—Airdrie’s Only Pound,"
The petition has gathered 602 online signatures. The City has previously underlined that it expects minimal disruptions during the transition. In a previous statement, Airdrie city officials acknowledged APARC’s contributions, stating:
"We greatly appreciate all the efforts and value APARC has brought to our community by providing this important service for our residents."
Holden said the shelter has sufficient space and a network of foster homes, particularly for pregnant or young cats.
"We have a lot of foster homes that we can put cats into," she said. "As far as pregnant females or kittens, they are not at our shelter but placed in foster care."
Residents bringing in stray cats must contact the shelter first.
"They would have to contact us. Our phone number would be available to them, and we will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to drop the cats off. If it's an emergency, they just have to leave their name on the recording, and one of us will get back to them and try to collect the cat that day."
Holden reiterated that the arrangement is not permanent.
"We are only temporary," she said, adding that the agreement is expected to last six to 18 months for cats.
Despite concerns over APARC’s closure, Holden assured residents that Tails to Tell is committed to caring for stray cats.
"We have wonderful volunteers, and we will try to make it the best solution for the cats," she said. "We have a great adoption record. We spay and neuter all animals that leave our shelter."
Holden confirmed that the expansion impacts the shelter financially but noted the City's assistance.
"Yes, it does impact us, but the City is making up for that portion of the building."
City officials said the decision not to renew APARC’s contract is part of transitioning to a new service model.
"We have decided not to renew our service agreement with APARC," said Brad Tomlinson, team leader of Municipal Enforcement. "As the city continues to grow, we are focused on moving towards a new model that continues to be sustainable with our growth and provides the best possible services to our residents."
The City confirmed:
- APARC’s contract expires on March 31, 2025, and the City chose not to renew it.
- Cost was not a deciding factor.
- The City has worked collaboratively with APARC throughout this process.
- Public consultation was not required, as vendor contracts follow municipal procurement policies.
- The City has not yet announced a long-term pound and rescue service provider but plans to release details soon.
APARC has provided impound and rescue services for the City of Airdrie since April 2020.
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