The HSLM team provides a safe and judgement-free environment for pet owners. Surrendering a pet is the right thing to do when an individual or family can no longer provide them with the care they need.
“Surrendering" refers to the process of a pet owner transferring ownership of their animal to HSLM when they can no longer keep them.
HSLM is here for the community. We understand that life changes and are here to help you and your pet through this transition.
You can be comforted in knowing that your pet will be provided with the highest quality of care by trained, professional staff. HSLM keeps all healthy and adoptable pets as long as it takes to find them a home. We never euthanize for space.
When a pet is ready for adoption, potential adopters are carefully selected to ensure the best possible match.
Prior to contacting HSLM about surrendering your pet, please review the following:
- We ask that you schedule an appointment before bringing your pet to the shelter to surrender. The Adoptions Department can be contacted by phone: 519-451-0630 x232 or x233.
- HSLM has the right to accept your pet based on our discretion.
- Once an animal is surrendered to HSLM we cannot provide updates or release outcomes of the animal to you or your family members.
When you contact the HSLM Adoptions Department to arrange a time to surrender your pet, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- Age
- Breed
- Gender
- Is your pet spayed or neutered?
- Is your pet up-to-date on vaccinations/medications?
- Behaviour – does the animal get along with other pets/children? Does the pet tolerate being bathed? This information is vital in finding the right home and ensuring a successful adoption for the animal.
When you bring your pet for your scheduled surrender appointment at HSLM, you will be asked to bring the following:
- One cup of your pet’s food and mention of any potential dietary restrictions – we want to avoid an upset stomach when feeding the animal at the shelter.
- Favourite toys or blanket – these items ensure that the animal is happy and comfortable while at the shelter.
- Your pet’s medical records (or the name of your pet’s veterinarian clinic).
- A piece of photo identification for yourself.
- Proof that you are the owner of the pet – such documentation or receipt from your veterinary clinic.
With an overview of medical and behavioural history of each animal upon the time of surrender, we are able to ensure that the pets become available for adoption and find their new homes within a much faster time frame.
If you are considering re-homing your pet to HSLM because of allergies, behavioural issues, house soiling, etc, please first visit: www.hslm.ca/yourpet/ to download and review our helpful pdf brochures.
If you have any further questions, or need to make an appointment, please call 519-451-0630 x232 or x233 or email using the form below.
We are currently experiencing a wait list of 3-6 months for dogs needing to be surrendered into our care. Urgent cases are prioritized as our capacity allows. Should you be considering surrendering your dog, we ask that you only contact our team at this time if your situation is urgent.
Urgent surrender requests for dogs include situations such as:
– Pet owners who have been evicted and/or pet owners going into a shelter with no one to care for their pet.
– Pet owners who are unable to afford medical treatment for ongoing medical conditions their pet requires.
Community members facing financial hardship and unable to provide food for their pets are encouraged to access our pet food pantry, No Empty Bowls.