HSLM Adoption Process

Please Note:
We are now operating at our NEW facility located at 1414 Dundas street.

Process for viewing Adoptable Animals:

 

• Available animals will appear on our website when they are ready for adoption and applications will subsequently open.
• We are not able to accept applications for or discuss details of animals that are not seen on our website and at this time, cannot respond to applicants that submit an application for animals that are not ready for adoption.
• Please visit hslm.ca/adopt to browse our Adoptable animals available at the shelter.
• If you find a pet that you think may be a good match for you, we recommend submitting an application by accessing the fillable form online or coming into the shelter during open hours.

FILLABLE FORM LINKS

NOTE: completed forms can be emailed to adoptions@hslm.ca

○ Dog Adoption Application Form: See here

○ Cat Adoption Application Form: See here

○ Small Animal Adoption Application Form: See here

Why do we require an application first? To help ensure:

• The match would be best suited to the individual animal and family using information gathered about that specific animal.
• The pet would be afforded appropriate veterinary care for any known medical or behavioural conditions.
• The pet's unique social, behavioural and companionship needs would be met.
• The pet would have a livable environment (including appropriate food, water, shelter, etc.)
• The pet would be respected and valued.

When submitting an application please note: 

• Please keep in mind that there are often numerous applications for the one animal. Our goal is to find the best match for the animals in our care based on the animal's needs.
• Please note that a submitted application does not reserve (HOLD) the pet you are interested in for a meet or guarantee an adoption.
• Due to the overwhelming number of applications, we will only be contacting the successful application for meet and greets.
• Approved applicants – All meet and greets must be scheduled within 48 hours of an application being approved. If you are unable to schedule your meet and greet within this time, please note that other applicants may be considered.

Adoption meet-and -greets

Dogs:

Our dog meet and greet appointments are approximately 20 – 30 minutes long and could range from a variety of activities including but not limited to: indoor meetings, outdoor meetings in the dog runs (playing with toys, behaviour/training cues etc.,), and/or going for a walk with the dog. Please remember to dress accordingly, long pants and closed toed shoes are recommended.

It is HSLM Protocol that all family members (including other dogs) living in the home should meet with the HSLM dog before Adoption is finalized and your dog goes home.

The Adoptions Team will confirm whether the dog may require multiple meets before going home (multiple family members, dog meets required, dogs on behaviour modification programs etc,.,)

If your first meet goes well, but you would like or require another meet, we would be happy to accept a deposit (Min. $50 HOLD FOR ADOPTION fee) to schedule another meet or a pickup appointment at a later date. Ideally, a pickup date should be scheduled no more than 48 hours later but exceptions can be made in special circumstances.

Note: If you are meeting an HSLM dog off-site (Example: off-site dog park), the location and any instructions will be communicated with you prior to your appointment time.

Arriving to your appointment:

If your appointment is before 1pm: Please connect with a staff member directly through phone or leave a voicemail @ (519)451-0630 ext. 232 or by email: adoptions@hslm.ca. A staff member will meet you at our main Adoption entrance.

If your appointment is after 1pm: Please come through our main adoption entrance to our customer service desk to connect with a staff member.

If your appointment is off-site: please arrive promptly as these meetings may have a time limit and we want to ensure that you have the best meet and greet with your potential new pal!

Bringing your dog(s)?

Please note that ALL dog to dog meet-and-greets will occur at an off-site location: PLEASE KEEP YOUR PERSONAL DOG(S) IN YOUR VEHICLE and connect with an HSLM staff member. If it is warm weather, please do not leave your dog unattended in the hot vehicle, but connect with a staff member first. Once you have connected with staff, they will direct you and your pups to the appropriate area for the meet and greet, confirming the “game plan" and ensuring a safe and positive introduction for everyone!

One of our Veterinary Technicians will meet with you to discuss and outline the Medical concerns or observations for your specific dog and any recommendations made by the specific Veterinarian(s) who was handling that dog’s medical case. You will be able to ask any questions you may have and will be asked to sign a Recognition of Medical Concerns Agreement before finalizing the adoption.

Please note: RVT Talks are offered and performed on a specific schedule of 1pm to 4pm every Wednesday and every other Friday. If alternate arrangements are needed, please inform an HSLM staff member.

Transporting your new pet to home:

We recommend transporting your pups in the vehicle using a kennel or a harness and seatbelt for safety!

Unable to make your appointment?

Please connect with our Team directly by phone or leave a voicemail @ (519)451-0630 ext. 232 or by email: adoptions@hslm.ca a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to ensure our team can adjust our day as necessary to continue to run smoothly and best support all of the animals in our care.

Cats/Critters

Our meet and greet appointments are approximately 15 – 30 minutes long and are generally indoor meetings in our social rooms.

It is HSLM Protocol that all family members living in the home should meet with the HSLM animal before Adoption is finalized and the pet goes home.

If all goes well during the first meeting, you are welcome to adopt your new forever friend and bring them home the same-day! If your first meet goes well, but you would like or require another meet, we would be happy to accept a deposit (Min. $50 HOLD FOR ADOPTION fee) to schedule another meet or a pickup appointment at a later date. Ideally, a pickup date should be scheduled no more than 48 hours later but exceptions can be made in special circumstances.

Arriving to your appointment:

If your appointment is before 1pm: Please connect with a staff member via call or text through our department phone at @(519)808-6867. A staff member will meet you at our main Adoption entrance.

If your appointment is after 1pm: Please come through our main adoption entrance to our customer service desk to connect with a staff member.

Does your pet have an RVT Talk?

One of our Veterinary Technicians will meet with you to discuss and outline the Medical concerns or observations for your specific animal and any recommendations made by the specific Veterinarian who was handling that animal's medical case. You will be able to ask any questions you may have and will be asked to sign a Recognition of Medical Concerns Agreement before finalizing the adoption.

Potential to adopt the same day?

Please ensure that you bring a valid piece of photo ID (drivers license or residence card) with your current address.

We recommend that you bring a carrier which our Team can help secure your new pet in before going home. Temporary cardboard carriers can also be requested at the time of adoption.

Transporting your new pet to home:

We strongly recommend transporting your new furever friend in the vehicle using a pet carrier for safety!

Unable to make your appointment?

Please connect with our Team by phone or voicemail using (519)451-0630 ext. 232 or by email: adoptions@hslm.ca a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to ensure our team can adjust our day as necessary to continue to run smoothly and best support all of the animals in our care.