Year in review of City Operated Animal Pound Services

Animal Pound Services (APS) is proud to celebrate its first anniversary, marking a year of significant accomplishments, meaningful partnerships, and positive outcomes for animals throughout the Medicine Hat community.

In the summer of 2025, the City began operating APS after assuming operations from the previous service provider.In the last year, APS has worked diligently to create a shelter environment focused not only on caring for animals in need but also on finding innovative ways to connect them with loving homes. Through the dedication of staff, volunteers, community partners, and adopters, APS has helped hundreds of animals begin new chapters in their lives while promoting responsible pet ownership throughout the city.

One of APS's proudest achievements has been the successful adoption of 269 cats and 27 dogs in its first year of operation. Every animal adopted through APS receives comprehensive veterinary care before leaving the shelter, including being spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and dewormed. APS has also implemented a new process to ensure all shelter microchips are registered before animals leave for their new homes, providing an extra layer of protection should pets ever become lost.

Recognizing that visibility plays a crucial role in helping animals find families, APS established valuable adoption partnerships with local pet retailers, including Strange Pets & Exotics Inc., Pet Valu Northlands, and PetSmart Medicine Hat. These partnerships allow adoptable cats to be showcased within the community, giving potential adopters the opportunity to meet animals outside of the shelter setting and increasing their chances of finding forever homes.

APS has also placed a strong emphasis on responsible pet ownership through municipal licensing. Every animal adopted from APS and residing within Medicine Hat receives a City of Medicine Hat pet license. During the past year, APS sold 208 cat licences and 159 dog licences, helping ensure pets can be more easily identified and reunited with their families if they become lost.

Collaboration has been another cornerstone of APS's success. The shelter has developed strong working relationships with local rescue organizations, resulting in the successful transfer of 16 cats and 4 dogs to partner rescues where they could access additional resources and adoption opportunities. These partnerships have expanded the support network available to vulnerable animals and strengthened animal welfare efforts across the region.

APS is equally proud of the continued success of its ‘Barn Buddy Program’, which provides safe and appropriate placements for feral and semi-feral cats that may not thrive in traditional homes. Through this program, working cats are given a second chance while providing valuable pest control assistance to local farms and acreages.

The organization has also built strong relationships with local veterinary clinics, partnering with Animal Medical Centre South, Red Rock Ranch Vets and Cypress View Veterinary Clinic to ensure animals receive timely veterinary care. These partnerships have significantly improved turnaround times for medical procedures and appointments, allowing animals to become available for adoption sooner and reducing their length of stay in the shelter.

As APS looks toward the future, exciting developments are already underway. Planning has begun for the construction of an outdoor dog run, a project that will provide shelter dogs with additional opportunities for exercise, enrichment, mental stimulation, and fresh air while they wait for their forever homes.

To meet the animals currently waiting to find their forever homes - and to learn more about APS programs and services - visit medicinehat.ca/aps.