Surrendering an animal must be carefully considered, and the option of leaving it in a shelter should be a last resort. Many surrenders can be avoided. There are solutions that can allow you to keep your pet.
We suggest that you take the time to examine the most common reasons for surrendering an animal, as well as some possible solutions.
- Don't hesitate to contact a veterinary clinic. Nowadays, many clinics offer telephone support when you have concerns about your pet's health.
- Consult a veterinarian. Sometimes, a single consultation is all it takes to solve health problems.
- If you can't afford to pay, there are clinics that offer client assistance programs. There are even some clinics that will accept payments by instalment.
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There are also specialized companies that will offer financing for medical care, such as :
- Plan your move months in advance to find a pet-friendly home. In order to help with your search, consult the following website: appartmap.com/nous-cherchons-un-appartement-avec-animaux Lien plus valide
- Perhaps offer to make a deposit to offset the costs of any damages that may be caused by your pet.
- Draw up a document showing your commitment to respect your neighbours (spaying or neutering your pet, proper training, cleaning up outside after your pet, etc.).
- Ask your current owner, if applicable, or your veterinarian to write you a letter of reference for your pets.
- Vacuum regularly.
- Brush your pet frequently, ideally outdoors.
- Use the services of a professional groomer to reduce your pet's hair loss.
- Use an air purifier in the most frequently used room.
- Prevent pets from sleeping on beds and sofas.
- Wash your hands after touching your pet.
- Get the whole family involved in the necessary tasks.
- There are dog walkers who offer in home services, whether you’re present or away. To help you find a dog walker in your area: pawshake.ca
- A number of dog centers offer day boarding, giving your pet a chance to exercise and socialize. Many even offer half-day boarding.
- The first thing to do is to consult with a veterinarian. Uncleanliness can, among other things, be linked to a urinary problem.
- If it's not a health problem, a consultation with a dog or cat trainer is recommended. Just one single consultation might be all it takes to give you the right tools to solve the problem.
- Behavioural problems can also be caused by a health problem, such as pain, for example. It’s always advisable to rule out any medical issues right from the start.
- Consulting with a professional is the best way to solve a problem and prevent the situation from escalating. It also helps you better understand your pet, establish good communication in order to develop an enjoyable relationship with your pet.
To help you find an educator or behaviourist, in order to have the right tools at hand:
The SPCA Laurentides-Labelle understands, however, that there may be special circumstances which can make it impossible to keep or care for your pet. In these cases, we invite you to try and proactively find a new home for your pet. Taking into consideration that surrendering an animal to a shelter should be a last resort.
Here are a few recommendations for rehoming your pet:
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Ask your entourage: Check with your family, friends or colleagues. Don't hesitate to share your pet's rehoming situation on your social media networks. There are a number of adoption pages, so all you have to do is search out and join some of these groups by using key words such as "adoptions" "animals" "cats" "dogs" "pets to give away in Quebec" or even try using your pet's breed.
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Tips for a successful classified ad: Take several photos and choose the ones that showcase your pet at his/her best. Write a full description, including name, age, breed and weight, health status (spayed/neutered, vaccinated, etc.), temperament (active, excited, fearful, etc.), the type of environment your pet is used to, his/her habits, any behavioural and health problems, if any, and the reason why you need to rehome your pet.
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Don't hesitate to ask questions: You know your pet better than anyone. Ask questions to the people who are interested in your pet, in order to see if their family, lifestyle and environment match your pet's needs and particularities.
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To sell or to give away: It's up to you whether you ask for money or not. Keep in mind, however, that an amount to be paid in exchange for your pet does not necessarily guarantee a better family for your pet.
Surrender
Here are the steps you must follow when surrendering an animal to the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle:
- You must first contact us by telephone in order to verify whether your animal is eligible to be put up for adoption and live temporarily in a shelter. We must also have the necessary space to welcome a new animal, as our space is very limited.
- You will be asked a series of questions about your pet's behaviour and health. You may also be asked to provide medical records. After this, your request will be dealt with in order of priority, depending on the situation.
- Our team will contact you only if the animal's acceptance is confirmed and/or if we have any further questions.
- Once confirmed, an appointment will be scheduled for the animal's admission.
- Entry fees apply.
- We reserve the right to refuse to admit an animal, even if all preconditions have been accepted. This could be the situation, if the animal reacts very badly upon its arrival at the shelter and represents a danger to the staff.
Important
Our spaces are limited, so requests are treated in order of priority, according to the situation.
Despite the fact that your request is being processed, it’s important that you continue your efforts in a search to find a place for your pet. We cannot guarantee that your pet will be taken into care unless you receive confirmation from us.
Placing your pet at the SPCA Laurentides-Labelle is a last resort.
