Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
We couldn’t be more excited for you! Our team at the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton are here to guide you through the process. Let’s get started!
Animal shelters are full of loving pets waiting for a second chance. When you adopt from an animal shelter, you’re not just saving a life; you’re gaining a loyal companion, helping to reduce pet overpopulation and providing a space for another animal in need. Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, a gentle senior cat, or anything in between, your perfect match could be waiting.
We want the process to feel supportive and exciting. Here’s how to get started:
Step 01
Explore available pets from dogs and cats, to bunnies and barn buddies. Each one is full of heart and ready to meet you.
Step 02
Found a furry (or feathery!) friend you’d love to adopt? Submit an adoption application.
Step 03
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by our team to determine if it’s a good fit. We’ll reach out to you with any questions and details about the next steps.
Step 04
Step 05
If it’s a match, we’ll guide you through the final steps, and then it’s time to bring your new family member home.
Our adoption fees offset the overall cost of care for each animal. In most cases, these fees do not cover our costs entirely, and we fundraise the rest.
Welcoming a new pet takes patience, consistency and lots of love.
We know transitions can sometimes be difficult, but you’re not alone. Our team is here to support you and your new pet every step of the way – before, during, and after adoption.
Adopting from HSOMH provides significant value. Our animals receive a number of health and wellness items that are included in the adoption fee.
Here’s what you’d typically pay if you arranged these services privately:
Spay or Neuter Surgery
Exam, Vaccinations & Deworming
Microchip ID
Estimated total if arranged privately
No. We only accept applications for animals listed on our website. Applications submitted early or for unavailable animals won’t be considered.
We recommend applying for one pet (or bonded pair) at a time. That way, we can focus on finding the best fit for both you and the animal. If you fall in love with a different animal, you’re welcome to contact our adoptions team to move your application over.
In most cases, no. Meeting at the shelter can be stressful for animals and doesn’t always reflect how they’ll get along at home.
For dogs: A scheduled introduction with your dog will be arranged later in the adoption process.
For cats or small animals: Please contact our Adoptions team directly with any questions.
You’re always welcome to visit during our viewing hours to see the animals. If you’d like one-on-one time with a specific pet, that happens later in the adoption process once you’ve applied. Please note that some animals are up for adoption while in foster care, and are not on-site at the centre.
We don’t know in advance when an animal will be ready for adoption. As soon as they are, you’ll see them on our website.
Yes. On adoption day, please bring a valid photo ID and a way to transport your pet safely home (leash and collar for dogs, a secure carrier for cats or small animals). If you don’t have these items yet, let us know — we have select pet products on-site for purchase to make it easier to bring home your new friend.
Yes. Our team reviews applications in the order they’re received, but we may consider multiple applications for one animal. If the pet you applied for finds a loving home, we’re happy to help you find another great match.
Sometimes! Animals come into our care in many different ways, and while most are mixed breeds, it’s possible for us to have purebreds, too. Check our website regularly to see who’s currently available.
If the animal isn’t listed on our website, they’re either not available for adoption yet, or they’ve already found a home.
Unfortunately, we aren’t able to keep waiting lists for specific animals or personality types. But our website is updated daily with all available animals, so it’s the best place to check back regularly. You can find adoptable animals here: Dogs, Cats, Small Animals.
Yes. Our website is updated daily with animals that are ready to find new homes. If you don’t see an animal listed there, they’re either not available yet or have already been adopted.
Every dog in our care goes through a behaviour assessment to help us understand what type of home they’ll thrive in. Age restrictions are based on a few factors:
Even if your children have lived with dogs before, our job is to make sure this dog will feel safe and comfortable in your home. If you have questions, please reach out to our Adoptions team at 905-845-1551, ext. 147 or adoptions@omhs.ca.
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go as planned. If you’re struggling with the transition or feel unsure, please reach out. We’re here to support you and can talk through your options, including next steps if a return is needed.
Our team is here to support you and your new pet every step of the way—before, during, and after adoption.
