Animal Pound Services

The City of Medicine Hat will operate the Animal Pound Services facility on an interim basis beginning Sunday, June 8, 2025. The City made the move to temporarily assume operations following a May 2025 decision to not renew the contract with its previous service provider, Alberta Pound and Rescue Centres (APARC). The contract will expire as of June 7, 2025.

The City will now issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to determine if other animal welfare organizations have an interest and ability to either operate the full facility or administer adoption and fostering programs, on behalf of the City. The City expects to issue the RFP soon. This transition period is expected to take 90 days.

Transition period

The City of Medicine Hat has hired several front-line staff currently working at the Animal Pound Services facility to assist with the transition of operations from APARC to the City of Medicine Hat, effective June 8, 2025.

Hours of operation

The Animal Pound Services facility will be open to the public from 12 to 4 p.m. daily from June 8 to June 11. Starting June 12, one of the kennel rooms in the facility is set to undergo a planned construction upgrade. This work will enhance sanitation measures in the facility, and will maintain safety and well-being of animals and facility staff. The work is anticipated to last until the end of June. The facility will run by appointment during this construction. The facility will run by appointment in July until staff can determine a schedule of operating hours.

• June 8-11: 12 to 4 p.m.
• June 12-30: By appointment
• July 2025: By appointment (Updated hours TBD)

The City of Medicine Hat thanks residents for their patience and understanding as Animal Pound Services staff work through this transition period.

Contact information and social media

Please note: The Animal Pound Services facility will maintain the phone number currently used by APARC (listed below). As the phone service is transferred over to the Animal Pound Services staff, the line may temporarily provide a busy signal. If you call and get a busy signal starting June 8, please email facility staff (listed below).

Animals available to be reclaimed or adopted will be posted on social media through the following Facebook account: