The decision to get a pet is one of the most important decisions a family can make. While the idea of welcoming a new four-legged member into your home can be filled with excitement and anticipation, the reality of pet ownership involves significant financial commitments, time investments, lifestyle adjustments, and emotional commitments that last anywhere from ten to twenty years or longer.
In an ideal world, every pet adoption would be a perfect match on the first try, with animals and their new families integrating seamlessly with each other. Unfortunately, the reality is much more complicated. Many adoptions result in animals being returned to shelters due to misunderstandings between the adopters' expectations and the reality of living with a particular animal, unforeseen behavioral problems, changes in personal circumstances, or simply the realization that the time and resources required to properly care for a pet exceed what the adopter is able to provide.
To address this issue and reduce the number of animals returned to shelters, many animal rescue organizations and shelters throughout Edmonton and Alberta have implemented innovative programs that allow potential adopters to take an animal home on a trial or foster basis before making a final commitment to adoption.
These programs, often referred to as “foster-to-adopt” or simply “trial adoptions,” represent a middle ground between traditional fostering and immediate permanent adoption. They provide potential pet owners with an invaluable opportunity to assess whether an animal is truly a good fit for their home, lifestyle, and family before making a long-term commitment. These programs also allow animals to leave the stressful environment of the shelter and have time to show their true personalities in a home setting, which often leads to more successful and long-lasting placements.
Understanding the concept of trial adoption and foster care with the goal of adoption
Before diving into the specific programs available in Edmonton, it is important to understand what “trial adoption” and “foster care with the goal of adoption” actually mean and how they differ from traditional adoption and foster care processes.
In the traditional adoption model, a prospective adopter goes through an application process, may visit the animal once or several times at the shelter or foster home, and then makes a final adoption decision on the spot. After signing the adoption contract and paying the adoption fee, the animal goes home with its new family, and the adoption is considered complete. Although most shelters have a return policy that allows returns under certain circumstances, the adoption decision is made before the animal has ever spent significant time in its potential new environment.
In contrast, traditional foster programs are designed for temporary care. Foster caregivers take in an animal that needs time away from the shelter—perhaps to recover from illness or injury, grow to an age suitable for adoption, undergo behavioral rehabilitation, or simply decompress from the stress of the shelter.
Foster parents understand that the animal they are caring for is not their own and that the ultimate goal is to find a permanent home for the animal with another family. Although so-called “foster fails” — when a foster family falls in love with their foster animal and decides to adopt it permanently — are indeed common and celebrated in the animal rescue community, the primary goal of traditional foster care is not for the foster caregiver to adopt the animal.
Foster-to-adopt and trial adoption programs fill the gap between these two models. In these programs, the potential adopter takes the animal home with the intention of adopting it, but with the clear understanding that there is a designated trial period — usually ranging from a few days to a few weeks — during which the adopter can evaluate whether the animal is a good fit.
During this time, the adopter takes responsibility for the animal's daily care and gets to see how the animal behaves in their home, how it interacts with family members, other pets, and daily routines. If, at the end of the trial period, the adopter feels that it is a good fit, the adoption is finalized. If, however, the adopter determines that it is not the right fit, they can return the animal to the shelter or foster family without penalty, judgment, or, in many cases, financial penalty.
Benefits of the trial approach
The benefits of this approach are numerous and varied for all parties involved. For potential adopters, trial adoption programs eliminate much of the uncertainty that comes with the decision to adopt.
Instead of making a life-changing decision based on one or two brief encounters with an animal in the stressful environment of a shelter, adopters get at least a week—and often more—to see the animal in their actual home environment. This provides a much more accurate picture of what life with this animal will actually be like.
Will the new dog get along with the cat already living in the house? Will the cat suffer from excessive separation anxiety when the family goes to work? Does the dog have an energy level compatible with the family's lifestyle? Will the animal cause allergies in a family member? These are questions that are often impossible to answer during a brief meeting at the shelter, but can be easily answered during a week of living with the animal.
Trial adoptions also offer significant benefits for the animals. The shelter environment, no matter how well managed, is stressful for most animals. Dogs and cats in shelters often show elevated stress levels, which can manifest as changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes.
Studies have shown that 82 percent of shelter cats lose weight during their first week at the shelter, and many dogs show signs of stress and anxiety that do not reflect their true personalities. When an animal is placed in a calm, loving home environment—even if only on a trial basis—stress levels typically decrease quickly and dramatically, allowing the animal's true personality to emerge.
This time in a home environment also provides valuable information to shelter staff or foster families about the animal's behavior, preferences, and needs—information that is impossible to obtain in a shelter setting but is extremely valuable for ensuring the right permanent placement.
For shelters and rescue organizations, trial adoption programs are a powerful tool for reducing one of the most persistent and unpleasant aspects of shelter work: return adoptions.
When an animal is returned after adoption, it represents a significant emotional, logistical, and financial cost. Emotionally, shelter staff and volunteers have put their hearts into finding the perfect home for each animal, and returns often feel like a failure, even when rationally everyone understands that sometimes it's just not the right match.
Logistically, a returned animal takes up space in the shelter that could be used for another animal in need. Financially, the shelter has already invested resources in preparing the animal for adoption—veterinary care, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, parasite treatment, and possibly behavioral rehabilitation—and the returned animal requires additional resources to assess any new behavioral issues that may have developed.
Studies have shown that trial adoption programs significantly reduce return rates. One study conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic found that nearly three-quarters of dogs in foster-to-adopt programs were adopted by their foster caregivers, compared to less than 20 percent of dogs in traditional temporary foster homes.
Even temporary foster care increases the likelihood of a positive outcome for an animal by five to twenty times compared to animals that remain in shelters until adoption. When adopters are given time to truly assess whether the placement is working before committing permanently, the resulting adoptions tend to be significantly more stable and long-term.
Trial Adoption Programs in Edmonton
The landscape of animal shelters and rescue organizations in Edmonton and surrounding Alberta is diverse, with a number of organizations offering different programs and policies regarding trial adoptions and foster care with the goal of adoption. Understanding what is available from each organization will help potential adopters make an informed decision about which approach is best suited to their situation.
Edmonton Humane Society
The Edmonton Humane Society, one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in Alberta, offers a policy that provides a certain level of flexibility for new adopters, although technically it is not a formal trial adoption program.
According to their return policy, if the adoption does not work out within the first thirty days, EHS allows returns without any penalties. This thirty-day grace period recognizes that both pets and their humans need time to adjust, and it reflects EHS's commitment to ensuring that animals are placed in homes where they can thrive.
The approach taken by the Edmonton Humane Society is one of understanding and support, rather than judgment. They recognize that sometimes circumstances change—whether due to personal challenges or unforeseen issues with the animal itself. Their approach emphasizes understanding and support rather than judgment, recognizing that all parties involved share a common goal: to ensure the best possible outcome for the animal.
When an animal is returned during this initial 30-day period, EHS works with the adopter to understand what went wrong and uses that information to better match the animal with its next potential adopter.
It is important to note that while EHS allows returns within the first thirty days, the adoption process itself does not have a structured trial period. Adopters complete the adoption on the day they bring the animal home by signing contracts and paying the adoption fee.
The thirty-day window is essentially a return period, rather than a formal trial adoption program where the adoption is not finalized until the end of the trial period. Nevertheless, for many adopters, this policy provides a similar level of comfort, knowing that if unforeseen issues arise, they have the flexibility to return the animal without financial penalty or stigma.
As of April 2024, the Edmonton Humane Society has also returned to a walk-in adoption process, meaning that potential adopters can come in during business hours, spend time with the animals, and potentially complete the adoption on the same day. This approach contrasts with the appointment-based system that many shelters adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it reflects the EHS's commitment to making the adoption process as efficient and accessible as possible.
AARCS (Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society)
The Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society, widely known as AARCS, is one of the largest and most active animal rescue organizations in the region. AARCS operates primarily through a network of foster homes rather than a centralized shelter facility, which means that animals live in a home environment from the moment they are rescued until they are adopted.
This foster family model provides significant benefits for the socialization and behavioral assessment of animals, as foster caregivers can provide detailed information about how each animal behaves in a home environment, how they interact with other pets and people, and what their specific needs and preferences are.
The AARCS adoption process is thorough and involves several steps designed to ensure the best possible match between animals and their new families. After submitting an application and undergoing an initial screening, potential adopters are scheduled for a meeting where they meet the animal in its foster home.
If the meeting goes well and all parties feel that this could be a good fit, a home visit is conducted, which typically lasts three to four hours. During this visit, the animal spends time in the potential new home, and all members of the household—both humans and other pets—have the opportunity to interact with the animal.
This home visit is a critical step because it allows both the adopters and the foster family to assess how the animal behaves in the new environment and whether the dynamic seems healthy and supportive.
After the home visit, if all parties agree that the placement is a good fit, AARCS implements a 24-hour cooling-off period. This cooling-off period gives potential adopters time to evaluate adding the animal to their families without the pressure of making an immediate decision on the spot.
It also gives the foster family an opportunity to consider whether this is the right match for the animal from their perspective, as AARCS foster families have a significant input into the adoption decision.
If, after the 24-hour period, both the adopter and the foster family agree to move forward, the adoption is finalized. The adopter signs an adoption contract and pays an adoption fee, which is:
- $550 for dogs under seven months old
- $475 for dogs between eight months and five years old
- $375 for dogs over five years old
It is important to note that AARCS explicitly does not offer overnight or trial periods for its animals. Their website clearly states: "We do not offer overnight or trial periods for our animals. Because moving homes can be extremely stressful for animals, we want to ensure that our animals only move once, and that is to their forever home."
This policy reflects AARCS's view that it is best for the welfare of animals to minimize the number of moves and transitions they experience. Instead, AARCS's multi-step adoption process—meeting, home visit, cooling-off period—is designed to gather enough information to make an informed decision without the need for an extended trial period.
Every animal adopted through AARCS also comes with a 30-day free trial of pet insurance through Trupanion with no waiting period and a $250 deductible.
HART (Humane Animal Rescue Team)
HART, also known as the Humane Animal Rescue Team Edmonton, is another prominent rescue organization that operates through a foster care model. Similar to AARCS, HART has a thorough adoption process that includes several points of contact between potential adopters and the organization before the adoption is finalized.
After an application is submitted, a HART volunteer contacts the applicant to conduct a phone screening and review the adoption application. If the phone screening goes well, a meeting is arranged between the prospective adopter and the foster family where the animal lives. This meeting provides an opportunity for the adopter to meet the animal and for the foster family to meet the prospective adopter.If the meeting is positive and the foster family believes the adopter would be a good fit for the animal, the next step is to arrange a home visit, which lasts three to four hours. Visits are conducted during the day, and all members of the household—both human and animal—must be present.After the home visit, HART implements a 24-hour cooling-off period. This cooling-off period gives potential adopters time to evaluate adding the animal to their families and gives foster families an opportunity to consider whether it is the right match for the animal.If both parties agree to move forward after the 24-hour period, the adoption is finalized. The adopter signs an adoption contract and pays the adoption fee, which is currently $475 for dogs.HART's policy on trial adoptions is similar to AARCS's in that they do not offer extended trial periods where the adopter takes the animal home for a week or two before making a final decision. Instead, a multi-step screening process, culminating in a home visit and a twenty-four-hour cooling-off period, is designed to gather sufficient information to make an informed adoption decision.### SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society)The Second Chance Animal Rescue Society, commonly known as SCARS, is one of the most established animal rescue organizations in the Edmonton area. SCARS has a particularly notable and supportive return policy that sets them apart from many other rescue organizations.Their guarantee is simple and unconditional:> Once a SCARS pet, always a SCARS pet. If you adopt from us but are no longer able to keep your pet for any reason, please contact us and we will take the animal back into our care—no questions asked.
This policy applies regardless of how much time has passed since the adoption — whether it's two weeks, two years, or twenty years. SCARS will always take back an animal that was adopted through their organization.
This open-ended return policy provides a significant level of security and support for adopters. Knowing that if circumstances change—job loss, moving to a pet-unfriendly residence, serious illness in the family, or simply realizing that they are unable to meet the animal's needs—the animal can always return to SCARS, where it will be cared for and placed in a new home, provides significant peace of mind.
This eliminates one of the biggest fears many people have about fostering: what if something goes wrong and they can no longer care for the animal?
Although SCARS does not offer a formal trial adoption program, where the adoption is not finalized until the end of the trial period, their return policy effectively provides a similar level of flexibility. Adopters can take the animal home, live with it for as long as they need to see if it's a good fit, and if for any reason it doesn't work out, the animal can be returned.
Alberta Dachshund Rescue
Some rescue organizations that specialize in specific breeds offer more formal trial adoption programs. Alberta Dachshund Rescue is a prime example of this approach.
According to their adoption procedure, after completing the application and approval process, adopters can take their potential “furry forever friend” home for a thirty-day trial period. At any time during this period, the animal can be returned to Alberta Dachshund Rescue, and the adoption fee will be refunded.
This policy provides significant flexibility and reassurance for adopters, especially those who may be new to owning dachshunds or dogs in general. Thirty days is enough time for a family to get a good feel for the animal's personality, energy level, behavioral traits, and how they integrate into the family dynamic.
It is also enough time for any potential health or behavioral issues to emerge that may not have been apparent during the initial meetings.
It is important to note that after the thirty-day trial period, if the adopter is no longer able to keep the animal, the adoption fee is non-refundable. However, returning the animal to Alberta Dachshund Rescue or finding a suitable alternative with the breeder's consent is still an obligation as part of the contract.
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue
Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue, although located slightly outside of Edmonton, is also an option for residents of the region and offers a flexible approach to trial adoptions. According to their adoption FAQ, they can schedule a trial adoption period for most of their adult animals.
If a potential adopter wishes to do so, they can discuss their options with the adoption coordinator at the time their application is approved.
In this model, the adopter is required to complete all adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee up front, but their contract includes a clause that entitles them to a full refund if they return the animal within a certain time frame. This structure provides a level of commitment on the part of the adopter—they are financially invested in the adoption—while providing a safety net if it turns out that it is not the right fit.
Foster care programs as a path to adoption
Although many rescue organizations in Edmonton do not offer formal foster care programs where adoption is explicitly not finalized until the end of the trial period, virtually all of them have robust foster care programs that often serve as an informal path to adoption.
The phenomenon of “foster failure” — where a foster caregiver falls in love with the animal they are caring for and decides to adopt it permanently — is quite common, and many rescue organizations actively encourage it as a positive outcome.
Edmonton Humane Society Foster Care Program
The Edmonton Humane Society's foster care program is robust and well-supported, with over 1,400 animals benefiting from foster care each year.
Foster volunteers play a vital role for EHS, opening their hearts and homes to animals that are not yet ready for adoption. Animals in need of foster care may be too young for adoption, sick or injured, in need of specific behavioral therapy, or perhaps just a quiet place to lay their heads. Some pets suffer greatly from the stress of the shelter and do much better in a home environment, allowing their true personalities to shine through.
Foster volunteers provide temporary care in their homes until the animals are ready for adoption. The length of stay in a foster home can vary from two weeks to two months or even longer, depending on the animal's needs.
EHS provides all supplies and veterinary care; foster parents provide much-needed loving care and attention, as well as basic care such as feeding, exercise, grooming, socialization, and sometimes medication administration.
For foster parents who fall in love with their foster animal and want to adopt it permanently, EHS makes the transition easy. Because foster parents have already spent significant time with the animal and gained a deep understanding of its personality, needs, and behavior, they already know that it is a good fit for their household.
The process of transitioning from foster to adopter is usually straightforward, including signing an adoption contract and paying an adoption fee, but without the need for additional meetings or home visits since the animal is already living with the foster family.
HART Foster Program
The HART Foster Program works on a similar principle. HART can only rescue as many animals as they have foster families.
Foster volunteers provide a temporary home and basic training and socialization experience for their rescued animals. All supplies and medical care are provided by HART, and fostering is free of charge to the foster parent.
Fostering is also flexible thanks to a large network of volunteers—if a foster parent must leave town, HART will arrange temporary stabling for the foster animal.
For foster parents who decide they want to adopt their foster animal permanently, HART welcomes this outcome. The adoption is still processed through HART's formal adoption procedure, including an adoption contract and adoption fee, but the process is simpler since the foster family already knows the animal well and has been vetted as a foster caregiver.
Conclusion
Is it possible to take an animal on a trial basis in Edmonton? The answer is definitely yes.
While most rescue organizations in Edmonton do not offer formal trial adoption programs with clearly structured trial periods, virtually all of them provide levels of flexibility and support that allow potential adopters to have sufficient time and information to make an informed adoption decision.
- Edmonton Humane Society allows returns within the first thirty days
- AARCS offers a twenty-four-hour cooling-off period after a home visit- HART offers a similar cooling-off period
- SCARS has an open-ended return policy
- Alberta Dachshund Rescue offers a thirty-day trial period with a full refund
- Rocky Mountain Animal Rescue offers flexible options for adult animals
Additionally, virtually all organizations offer foster programs that allow potential adopters to live with an animal for an extended period before making a final commitment.
The key to a successful adoption is finding the organization and process that best suits your situation and being prepared to utilize the resources and support available during the adjustment period.