A Guide to Dog Adoption in Winnipeg That Makes New Beginnings Simple
My cousin introduced me to his new best buddy, Hearty, and true to his name, my heart melted on the spot. He has big, round eyes, floppy ears, and a soft coat (with a heart-shaped spot on his side) that makes you want to cuddle him forever.
I asked my cousin how he managed to get an adorable dog. He said he was about to go through a lot of hoops when, luckily, a friend tipped him off about a much easier way.
If you’ve ever thought about adopting a dog in Winnipeg without the headaches, stick around. This guide might just be your golden ticket.
How can you adopt a dog in Winnipeg?
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Number of Steps | 5 |
| Time Required | 1 – 2 days, up to 3 weeks |
| Things You Need | Valid ID, completed adoption application, adoption fee, pet carrier, food bowls, collar, leash |
To adopt a dog in Winnipeg, first find a pup that matches your lifestyle, then apply through local shelters or rescues. Once approved, simply follow the shelter’s steps for meet-and-greets, home checks, and adoption fees.
If you’re ready to add four little paws to your life, here’s your quick, friendly roadmap to a seamless dog adoption experience in the city.
1: Figure out what kind of dog fits your life
Before you fall in love with the first set of puppy eyes you see, think about your lifestyle. Are you an active jog-every-morning type or more of a Netflix-and-snacks human?
Bigger dogs like huskies, labs, and shepherds often need lots of exercise, open space, and mental stimulation to stay happy. Smaller breeds or older dogs might be better suited for apartment living or a quieter pace.
If you work long hours, a lower-energy dog or one used to being alone may be a better fit. Also, consider allergies, kids, and other pets in your home; some dogs thrive in bustling households, while others require calm and quiet environments.
Taking the time to assess your lifestyle now will save you from mismatched expectations later, making for a happier life together.
2: Research Winnipeg shelters and rescues
Winnipeg is home to many amazing organizations working hard to match dogs with loving families. We’ll go over some awesome options later on.
Each one has its own adoption process, fees, and types of dogs. Visit their websites regularly or follow them on social media—new dogs can appear daily, and the perfect match for you could be posted while you’re sipping your morning coffee!
Reading their bios is key; they’ll often tell you about a dog’s personality, likes, dislikes, and special needs. Don’t be afraid to call or email with questions—staff and volunteers know the dogs well and can suggest pups that fit your lifestyle.
You might even consider fostering first, which lets you get to know a dog before committing. The more research you do, the smoother the adoption will be.
3: Fill out the application and meet the pup
Most Winnipeg rescues have online applications; you’ll be asked about your lifestyle, home setup, work schedule, and past pet experience. Answer honestly—this isn’t a test, it’s about finding the right fit for both you and the dog.
Once you’re approved, you’ll be invited to meet your potential new family member, either at the shelter, a foster home, or an adoption event.
You should keep the first meeting relaxed—let the dog come to you, offer a few gentle pats, and give them time to sniff you out. Watch their body language, too: a wagging tail, relaxed ears, and curious sniffs are good signs.
Don’t feel pressured to decide instantly; it’s okay to sleep on it and make sure you feel confident about the choice.
4: Prepare your home for arrival
Dogs are curious, especially in a brand-new environment. We recommend tucking away electrical cords, cleaning products, medications, as well as small items they might chew or swallow.
If you have houseplants, check if they’re dog-safe—many common ones, like lilies or sago palms, can be toxic. Baby gates can be useful to block off certain rooms at first.
Then, set up a cozy sleeping spot with a bed or blanket, toys to keep them entertained, plus food and water bowls in a quiet corner. Stock up on quality food that matches what they’ve been eating at the shelter or foster home to prevent tummy trouble.
Preparing ahead not only keeps your dog safe but also makes their transition feel calm and comforting.
5: Bring them home and start bonding
The big day is here! It’s time to welcome your new furry friend home—keep things low-key for the first few days, since too many visitors can overwhelm them.
You should stick to a consistent feeding, walking, and bedtime schedule to help them settle in. Plus, give them their own safe space, like a bed or crate, where they can retreat if they feel unsure.
Use positive reinforcement—lots of praise and treats—to encourage good behavior and build trust. Remember, every dog adjusts at their own pace; some will act like they’ve always lived there, while others need weeks to feel fully comfortable.
Before long, you’ll have a loyal shadow following you around, ready for adventures (and unlimited cuddles!).
Where can I adopt a dog in Winnipeg?
You can adopt a dog in Winnipeg through places like the Winnipeg Humane Society, Animal Services Agency, or a local rescue such as Manitoba Underdogs. Checking their online listings first can help you find a good match.
Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter
– Media credit: winnipegpetrescue
Website: https://petrescueshelter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipegpetrescue/
Address: 2727 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 832-7387
As Manitoba’s first no-kill animal shelter, Winnipeg Pet Rescue has been dedicated to saving lives for over 20 years.
Here, you’ll be welcomed by an adoption counselor who will help you find your perfect match. They’ll ask you questions about your lifestyle and what you’re looking for in a pet, then introduce you to dogs that suit your needs.
Every dog or puppy adopted from the shelter comes with a complete package of vet care. This includes a full health check, a veterinarian’s health certificate, deworming, first vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery, and an ear tattoo at the time of the procedure.
Adoption fees are straightforward—$495 for dogs and puppies, and $399 for dogs that have been spayed or neutered. As a bonus, adopters also receive six weeks of Pet Secure pet health insurance.
Winnipeg Humane Society
– Media credit: whsanimals
Website: http://www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whsanimals/
Address: 45 Hurst Way
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5:30 PM
Contact: (204) 982-2021
The Winnipeg Humane Society, or WHS, has been helping animals for over 131 years, making it Manitoba’s oldest and most trusted animal shelter. Their mission is to protect animals from suffering, and adopting from them means you’re supporting that cause.
You can start your search on their website, where they post up-to-date profiles of adoptable pets. Most dogs are listed online, but a few might not be for medical or privacy reasons, so it’s always worth visiting the shelter in person.
Adoption fees are $260 for adult dogs, $450 for puppies, and $90 for seniors. The inclusions are a health exam, first vaccinations, spay or neuter, ear tattoo, pet license, and an ownership handbook.
As a bonus, you’ll get a free pet insurance trial, as well as a microchip for only $30.
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre
– Media credit: darcys_arc
Website: https://darcysarc.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcys_arc/
Address: 730 Century St B
Hours: Tue – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sat – Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 888-2266
D’Arcy’s Animal Rescue Centre began in 2001, after founder D’Arcy turned a small, home-based animal rescue into a full shelter. Today, the organization runs mainly on donations, thrift store sales, retail proceeds, and boarding services.
At any given time, they have more than 150 animals looking for homes through their shelter, thrift store, satellite adoption sites, and foster families. Their dogs are composed of unclaimed strays from Winnipeg Animal Services and abandoned pets.
To help cover the cost of veterinary care, they impose adoption fees—$350 if under a year old and $300 if over a year. Small breed dogs are $400 for under a year and $350 for over a year.
Planning to donate to their cause? They can issue tax receipts for contributions.
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue
– Media credit: manitobaunderdogsrescue
Website: https://manitobaunderdogs.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manitobaunderdogsrescue
Address: St. Vital Square, 23-845 Dakota St
Hours: Can send a message 24/7 online
Contact: https://manitobaunderdogs.org/contact/get-in-touch/
Manitoba Underdogs Rescue began in 2011, when their first rescue, Annie, was found on a Manitoba highway—a community garage sale was held to cover her heartworm and Lyme disease treatment costs. Since then, they’ve saved over 4500 dogs!
Unlike a traditional shelter, they operate as a foster home-based rescue, meaning every dog lives in a home environment until adoption day.
The process is simple: fill out an application form, meet your chosen pup, and complete a home visit (virtual or in-person). Once approved, you can set the date for your dog to join your family.
Adoption costs range from $300 for seniors to $400 for puppies. This amount covers a health exam, deworming, SNAP 4Dx testing, vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip, tattoo, and six weeks of free accident/illness pet insurance.
Animal Services Agency
– Media credit: winnipeganimalservices
Website: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/cms/animal/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipeganimalservices/
Address: 1057 Logan Ave, Lower Level
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
Sat – Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: +1 877-311-4974
Animal Services Agency is home to a municipal dog shelter where you can meet some amazing pups looking for their forever homes. You can visit them in person or check out the adoptable dogs online before heading down.
Fees vary depending on the dog’s age, starting at $167 for senior dogs and going up to $354 for puppies under four months. Your new dog will be spayed or neutered, have their first license, be microchipped and tattooed, and have their first set of vaccinations.
All adoptions come with six weeks of free pet insurance, plus helpful literature on responsible pet ownership. They also require a specialized collar, harness, and 6-foot leash for select dogs.
To make sure you and your new dog are truly a great fit, the agency offers a 7-day home trial. If things don’t work out during that week, you can return the dog and get your adoption fee refunded (minus a non-refundable deposit).