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In the Community

Recognized by the community for life-saving care, rescue partnerships, and meaningful initiatives.

Since the end of 2025, SAVE has received extensive positive media coverage highlighting our incredible staff and the life-saving, community-driven work happening inside our hospital. These features showcase not only our emergency medicine capabilities, but our commitment to rescue partnerships, reunification efforts, and proactive community programs.

At SAVE, emergency medicine is only part of what we do. We are deeply embedded in our community — creating second chances, building trusted partnerships, and strengthening the human-animal bond every day.

Canine Blood Donor Clinics

SAVE proudly launched recurring Canine Blood Donor Clinics in partnership with the Canadian Animal Blood Bank. These clinics help ensure life-saving blood products are available for critically ill pets across Alberta and have quickly become community-centered events.

Media Coverage:

Western Wheel - SAVE Hosts Canine Blood Donation Drive in Okotoks

CTV News - Canine Blood Donor Clinic in Okotoks

Okotoks Online - Local Canine Heroes Make Blood Donation Clinic a Life-Saving Success

Rescue & Community Impact

Since September 2025, through the Raiya Hope Fund (formerly the Oscar Fund), collaboration with the ASPCA, our rescue partners, and countless Good Samaritans, we have helped 56 pets in unfortunate circumstances find safety and loving homes.

We are proud to work alongside:

  • Pound Rescue
  • Pause 4 Change
  • BARC’s Rescue
  • Moe Dog Rescue Mission
  • Megan’s Rescue Efforts
  • Pawsitive Match
  • AARCS
  • Furball Force
  • Heaven Can Wait
  • Alberta Bulldog Rescue
  • CB Rescue
  • Rescue Friends Animal Foundation
  • Meow Foundation
  • Heart Mountain Rescue

These partnerships allow us to stabilize, treat, and advocate for vulnerable animals while connecting them with trusted rescue networks.

Raiya’s Story

Raiya, the Golden Retriever abandoned at a local dog park, became a powerful example of the growing pressures facing Alberta’s rescue system. Her story captured widespread attention and sparked meaningful community dialogue.

Media Coverage:

Daily Hive - Alberta dog abandoned at dog park ready for adoption

Western Wheel - Retriever found abandoned in Okotoks ready for new home

CTV News Calgary - Abandoned dog in Okotoks highlights crisis in Alberta's animal rescue system

Katherine’s Story – Missing 8 Years

One of our most emotional reunifications involved Katherine, a cat missing for over eight years.

Her microchip was not registered, but our team traced it back to where it was implanted. With the help of Calgary Humane Society, we located the original adopters — leading to an unforgettable reunion that gained national and international attention.

Media Coverage:

Okotoks Online - Cat missing for 8 years reunites with owner

Western Wheel - Cat missing for eight years reunited with owner at Okotoks vet clinic

Daily Hive - 'Stray' Alberta cat missing for eight years found and reunited with owner

CTV News Calgary - The cat came back! Calgary family’s missing feline returned after 8 years

The Dodo - Woman in tears after reuniting with cat who went missing 8 years earlier

Town & Country Today - Cat missing for eight years reunited with owner at Okotoks vet clinic

Katherine’s Instagram and Facebook post alone generated:

  • Over 11.1 million views
  • 71.3K likes
  • 4,778 shares

The story resonated globally and highlighted the importance of microchips, persistence, and compassionate veterinary care.

Inclusive Community Engagement

SAVE is also committed to inclusion. Through our partnership with Inclusion Alberta, we provide meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities. Kayla, who works with us three days per week maintaining clinic cleanliness, is an incredibly valued member of our team and a wonderful example of community integration in action.