London, ON (August 25, 2020) – Humane Society London & Middlesex (HSLM) has eliminated the fee for owners to surrender their pet to the shelter. Surrender fees have always been voluntary. However, with the ongoing challenges of today’s world, the decision to remove this fee altogether was made to help alleviate the financial concern of an already difficult decision.
“HSLM is here for the community,” says Steve Ryall, HSLM Executive Director. “We understand that life changes which may result in pet owners being unable to continue to care for their animals. We provide these individuals and families with a safe and judgement-free environment where they can bring their pets to be cared for and re-homed.”
Historically, HSLM asked pet owners to provide a minimal fee upon surrendering their animal. This fee helped to cover a small portion of the medical care and shelter their pet would receive during their stay at HSLM.
As a charitable organization who receives no government funding, HSLM will gladly accept voluntary donations upon the surrender of a pet going forward. On average, the cost to HSLM in providing medical care and shelter to each surrendered animal within the shelter is $600.00.
When an individual or family surrenders their pet to HSLM, they can be assured that the animal will receive 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; never euthanizing for space.
HSLM pet surrenders are scheduled by appointment only. Prior to scheduling the appointment, the HSLM Adoption team speaks with the pet owner to offer advice and suggestions that may assist them in keeping their animal. Additionally, informational brochures focused on pet house soiling, crate training, etc. are available on the HSLM website: www.hslm.ca/yourpet/