Non-profit animal hospital opens in southeast Calgary

A non-profit animal hospital focused on affordable treatment for pets opened Saturday in southeast Calgary. Business is already booming. Task Force Animal Hospital is the first facility in Alberta to offer accessible and affordable veterinary care to people who normally could not afford it. “Truly, this is the first kind of hospital in Alberta right now,” said R.J. Bailot, executive director and co-founder of the Canadian Animal Task Force.

Bailot explained that the program began by working with Indigenous communities on dog management. They operated spay and neuter clinics to prevent overpopulation. Over time, they recognized the need to support more communities and decided to open a permanent hospital in Calgary. “Over the years, we’ve shifted and built programs to now have our own brick-and-mortar space in Calgary, so that we could actually help Calgarians as well,” said Bailot.

Before the official opening, the group tested demand with a soft launch, and it quickly received an overwhelming response. In fact, within a few days, more than 300 applications arrived. “We know we’re going to be slam busy,” said Bailot. Moreover, the new non-profit animal hospital highlights a larger nationwide problem: many pet owners struggle to keep up with rising veterinary costs. A recent study even showed that half of Canadian pet owners are skipping vet visits, with cost as the biggest barrier.

The new facility therefore aims to close this gap by providing affordable services for families, seniors, and individuals who cannot otherwise seek medical help for their animals. In addition, it offers checkups, vaccinations, surgeries, and emergency care. As a result, the goal is to keep pets healthy, prevent unnecessary suffering, and reduce the number of animals surrendered to shelters because their owners cannot afford treatment.

The community has shown overwhelming support. Indeed, within just a few days, hundreds of applications arrived, proving the hospital meets a critical need. Furthermore, volunteers and professional veterinarians stepped up, underlining Calgary’s passion and commitment to animal welfare.

For the Canadian Animal Task Force, the hospital means much more than another clinic. Leaders view it as a way to expand veterinary care across Alberta and strengthen partnerships with Indigenous communities. The organization also plans to grow its spay and neuter programs to control pet overpopulation, which continues to challenge many regions.

The group is finalizing its capital campaign to secure the hospital’s future. A longtime supporter is matching every donation up to $100,000. This boost will help the campaign reach its goal. Bailot noted that community donations and ongoing support will keep the hospital sustainable and growing.

The Task Force Animal Hospital is located at 3610 Burnsland Rd S.E., Calgary. The facility has already shown how important affordable veterinary care is to local families. Demand is high, and a waitlist has formed. Supporters are encouraged to donate or volunteer so pets across the city and province receive care when needed.