Help Centre

Does CATF offer veterinary care to the public?

Yes. The Task Force Animal Hospital (TFAH) is our nonprofit veterinary hospital in Calgary, created to make veterinary care more accessible for people who may otherwise face financial or social barriers to care.

TFAH provides a range of services for cats and dogs, including preventative care, spay/neuter surgery, diagnostics, dental care and medical treatment.

The hospital serves approved clients who meet eligibility requirements, including individuals and families with low income, those receiving AISH or other social assistance, and clients referred through certain social or public health agencies. TFAH is not an emergency hospital and cannot accept emergency cases.

Can anyone make an appointment at the Task Force Animal Hospital?

TFAH is not a general public veterinary clinic. Clients must first apply and meet the hospital’s eligibility requirements before booking an appointment.

If your household income is above the posted guidelines but you are experiencing exceptional circumstances, such as a recent job loss or significant change in financial circumstances, you may include that information with your application for consideration.

Eligibility Requirements + Become a Client

I need to surrender or rehome my animal. Can CATF take them?

CATF is not a public-intake shelter and does not routinely accept animals surrendered directly by the public.

If you need to surrender or rehome an animal, the Animal Welfare Coalition of Alberta (AWC) is a good place to start. Its membership includes reputable animal welfare organizations across Alberta that have agreed to standards for animal care, governance and adoption practices.

Each rescue or shelter has its own intake process and capacity, so we recommend contacting organizations in your area directly.

Find an Animal Welfare Organization through AWC

If you are considering surrender because you are struggling with veterinary costs, food, supplies or another temporary challenge, there may also be support available to help keep you and your animal together. See our Veterinary Care Assistance resources above.

We partner with communities to improve access to veterinary care and create humane, sustainable solutions for companion animals and the people who care for them.

Our work includes large-scale on-site spay/neuter clinics, accessible veterinary care through the Task Force Animal Hospital, community cat programs, dog care and management initiatives, emergency vaccination clinics, disaster response and collaboration with animal welfare organizations across Alberta.

How do you decide where to hold an on-site spay neuter clinic?

Our clinics begin with partnership, not arrival.

CATF works with First Nations communities that invite us to collaborate on companion animal health and population management. Together, we discuss the community’s needs, available resources and long-term goals before determining whether an on-site clinic or another form of support is the right fit.

A successful program requires community involvement and a shared commitment to sustainable, humane companion animal care.

How do I become a volunteer?

Volunteers are at the heart of the Task Force.

Opportunities may include our on-site spay/neuter clinics, Calgary office and warehouse, fundraising events, community programs, transportation, animal care and other roles throughout the year.

You do not need veterinary experience for many of our volunteer positions.

Where does CATF’s funding come from?

CATF is a registered charity, and our work is made possible through a combination of individual donations, grants, corporate and community partners, casinos, fundraising events and other charitable revenue.

Communities hosting on-site programs may also contribute toward the cost of providing services.

Donor support helps us purchase medical supplies, transport equipment across the province, operate community programs and make accessible veterinary care possible through the Task Force Animal Hospital.