Frequently Asked Questions

No, adoption fees only cover a part of the cost of care, typically. Being a registered charity, we receive no government funding for our charitable programs and services, and as a result, we rely on donations and fundraising to cover the remaining cost of care for our animals.

Adoption events or promotions are sometimes run to encourage adoption of harder-to-place animals or to make space for incoming pets, but the animals still receive the same level of care.

No, each shelter is typically operated independently. Across Ontario, you will find humane societies and SPCA’s (registered charities) or municipal-owned and operated shelters. Each shelter will set its own adoption fees.

Absolutely! Thank you for paying it forward to other animals in need.

No, we will fundraise to help cover their cost of care. This does not impact their adoption fee.

If you’re not sure, your veterinarian can scan your pet using a handheld microchip reader. It’s a quick and painless process. Most shelters (including HSOMH) and animal clinics can do this for you as well. If a chip is found, the scanner will display a unique ID number which can be used to look up the registry it’s connected to.

You’ll need to contact the registry where your pet’s chip is registered. If you don’t know which registry that is, we can help you figure it out. Just give us a call or bring your pet in to be scanned. Once you know the registry, you can usually update your information online using your chip number and contact credentials.

It’s a good idea to double-check your info every time you move or get a new phone number.

No, microchips aren’t tracking devices. They don’t use GPS and can’t tell you where your pet is in real-time. Instead, they store a unique identification number that connects your pet to your contact information in a secure database. If your pet is found and scanned, that number helps the finder contact you quickly.

A microchip is designed to last your pet’s lifetime. It doesn’t require batteries or maintenance, and it won’t wear out or stop working under normal circumstances. Just be sure to keep your contact information up to date so it can do its job when needed.

Absolutely! Many families chip multiple pets at the same clinic. Just be sure to register each pet individually when signing up as this helps us keep everything organized and ensures your appointment runs smoothly.

HSOMH does not deal with nuisance wildlife (i.e. raccoons in your attic, birds in your dryer vent, etc). We recommend that you contact a local humane wildlife control company, such as our friends at Skedaddle, who can safely assist you and our wild friends.

Visit Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control

Yes, but with limitations. HSOMH is contracted by the Town of Oakville to remove deceased animals from public property only (e.g., roads, parks). If you need assistance with a deceased animal on private property, we can help for a small fee, which helps cover the cost of cremation and the additional resources required.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a serious and often fatal disease that primarily affects domestic dogs, but it also impacts wild animals like raccoons and skunks. While most household pets are vaccinated against distemper, wildlife has no such protection, which is why it’s more commonly seen in raccoons and skunks.

Many of the more visible symptoms appear in the late stages of the disease, when neurological issues begin. You may notice:

• Wandering in circles or stumbling
• Seeming overly sleepy or dazed
• Approaching people with little awareness or fear
• Green or goopy eye and nasal discharge
• Muscle twitching or seizures

If you see a wild animal exhibiting any of these signs, please contact us so our team can assess and assist.

Unfortunately, no. Distemper can be fatal and causes permanent neurological damage. Wild animals found in the late stages often suffer greatly. In those cases, humane euthanasia is the most compassionate option. When caught very early, domestic dogs may survive with supportive care, but long-term health issues are likely.

Vaccination is your best defense. Ensure your dog’s vaccines are current, especially if they spend time outdoors. Distemper is spread through contact with bodily fluids, but it doesn’t survive long in the environment.

No. The Ministry of Natural Resources prohibits relocating wildlife more than 1 km from where they were found. Relocating animals outside of their familiar environment reduces their ability to find food, water, or shelter, and often leads to death or conflict with established populations.

If you trap wildlife on your property, you also take on legal and ethical responsibilities. Leaving a trapped animal without food, water, or protection from the elements may be considered animal distress and could result in action from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), Provincial Animal Welfare Services (AWS) or monetary penalties under the local bylaws.

While HSOMH is not a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, our trained staff will assess every animal we receive. When rehabilitation is possible, we work with a trusted network of licensed wildlife rehabilitators, transporting animals with the help of dedicated volunteers.

These are the rehabilitators we most frequently partner with:

• Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge (Nanticoke)
• Urban Wildlife Care (Grimsby)
• Toronto Wildlife Centre (North York)
• The Owl Foundation (Lincoln)
• Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (Peterborough)

When recovery isn’t possible, we make the humane decision to end suffering. Euthanasia is always a last resort and is only used when no other options remain.

Canada Geese are protected under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, meaning their nests cannot be moved or disturbed without a federal permit. HSOMH does not have the authority to remove them.

If geese have chosen a high-traffic or inconvenient nesting site, consider cordoning off the area, posting warning signs, and giving them space to raise their goslings. They are very protective and may act aggressively if approached, but they typically move on within a few weeks.

For more information or permit inquiries, contact Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Many people are often confused by this. The following FAQ helps to answer some of the most common questions.

Animal Cruelty generally falls into one of two categories: neglect or intentional cruelty.

Neglect is the failure to provide adequate water, food, shelter, or necessary care. Examples of neglect include: starvation; dehydration; inadequate shelter; parasite infestations; failure to seek veterinary care when an animal is in need of medical attention; allowing a collar to grow into an animal’s skin; confined without adequate light, ventilation, space or in unsanitary conditions; and failure to trim hoofs or nails resulting in excessive growth (i.e. hoofs curling upwards). In some cases, neglect is a result of the owner’s ignorance and can be rectified by Animal Protection Officers/Police educating the owner and issuing orders to improve the animals living conditions.

The PAWS Act (Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act) gives the following definition: ‘Distress’ means the state of being in need of proper care, water, food or shelter or being injured, sick or in pain or suffering or being abused or subject to undue or unnecessary hardship, privation or neglect.

Animal cruelty investigations are governed by provincial legislation called the PAWS Act. Inspectors appointed under the Act have the authority to enforce laws pertaining to the welfare of or the prevention of cruelty to animals.

Under certain conditions, Inspectors may enter private property to relieve animals from their distress. As well, they are authorized to serve the animals’ owner/custodian with orders which outline remedial action to relieve the distress.

Effective January 1, 2020, the Ontario government’s Animal Welfare Services team handles animal protection services in the province of Ontario. For more information on Animal Welfare Services in Ontario, please visit the government’s website.

To report cases of animal cruelty, abandonment or neglect, please call the Province of Ontario’s 24/7 Hotline at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). In an emergency, you can also contact your local police.

The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre is unable to provide updates on calls or investigations. The authorities may contact you if they need more information.

If you report an animal that is in distress, being abused or neglected:

The Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre will file an incident ticket and connect you with the appropriate local contact.

Based on the location and nature of the incident, the call centre may flag the ticket for further investigation with the appropriate authorities, such as a provincial inspector or the local police.

After the appropriate authority reviews the incident ticket, they may investigate on-site or involve other authorities as needed. Authorities may contact you directly if they need more information.

Call 911 in an emergency when any life is in immediate danger, such as when there is:

• An animal attack resulting in serious injury to people or other
• Animals that requires emergency medical attention
• A dog or cock fighting ring underway
• An act of animal cruelty underway, such as beating or torturing of an animal
• An animal left unattended in a hot or cold vehicle

We accept most vehicles including but not limited to cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, trailers, RVs and boats. There are a few conditions that must be met in order for your vehicle to qualify.

• Donation must be made by the registered owner, or their legal representative
• Vehicle must be registered in Canada
• Vehicle must be in ‘complete’ state with no major parts missing
• We do accept vehicles with body damage
• Special conditions will apply to boats, trailers, and RVs
• We cannot accept vehicles with insurance claims against them
• We cannot accept vehicles with liens or encumbrances on them
• In most cases RVs are required to be dropped off, however they will be handled on an individual basis

To donate your vehicle, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the ‘Donate Now’ button above. Here you will be asked to answer a few simple questions to qualify your vehicle.
2. Fill out the donation form with your vehicle information, contact information, and select the charity you wish to donate to.
3. Review the details you have entered, agree to the terms and conditions, and submit your vehicle for donation.
4. Further instructions will be provided for either drop off or towing.
5. Check your email for our confirmation email. If you do not see the confirmation message immediately, please check your junk mail folder.

There are many factors that go into determining this amount. For more details, please contact us at donations@omhs.ca

Yes, we can accept non-running vehicles.

Legal proof of ownership is required. Current or expired registration, a Bill of Sale, or a ‘proof of last vehicle registration’ letter from your local registry is acceptable.

If your vehicle is being recycled, you no longer require insurance on the vehicle once it has been picked up by the towing agent. If your vehicle is going to auction, we suggest that you keep insurance on your vehicle until the vehicle has sold. You will be notified by email when your vehicle has been sold.

You do not have to pay for your vehicle to be towed. If the vehicle is recycled, the towing cost is included. If your vehicle is sent to the auction, the towing cost is deducted from the sale price of your vehicle.

Yes, you will receive a tax receipt from HSOMH.

After the sale of your vehicle and our accounting process is complete, we will send you an email confirming your donation has been sent to the charity. You should then receive your tax receipt within 4-6 weeks of the charity receiving your donation.

Yes, accidents happen and dogs can still escape from homes or yards. All dogs living in Oakville must be licensed. (Animal Control by-law 2018-006)

Licences must be renewed annually before expiration. They are valid for 12 months from date of purchase and can be renewed in-person or online.

While both methods aim to help you reunite with your lost pet, they serve different purposes. A microchip is a permanent form of identification inserted under the pet’s skin but does not replace the need for a visible, external ID like a licence. Licensing attaches an external tag to your dog’s collar that is visible to anyone who might find your lost dog, allowing for immediate contact.Both work together to help return your dog safely if they’re lost.

Some pets need more than our shelter can provide — such as newborns who require round-the-clock feeding, animals recovering from medical procedures, or pets who are too stressed in a shelter environment.

• Cats and kittens
• Dogs and puppies
• Small animals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc.)
• Birds
• Exotic pets (reptiles, amphibians)
• Farm animals (for rural foster homes)

It varies — some animals need a week, others may need a few months. We’ll work with you to find the right fit.

We supply food, supplies, and veterinary care. You provide the home, time, and love.

We are not able to accept pillows due to disease control and being unable to properly clean them.

We accept bags of dog and cat food up to six months past its Best By date. We accept canned dog and cat food up to one year past its Best By date as long as the cans are not dented or the seal is broken. We cannot accept tetra packs or wet food pouches past the Best By date.

We cannot accept open bags of food or treats.

We are so sorry for your loss. We are able to accept unopened food, but unfortunately we cannot take the rest.

Thank you so much! The greatest impact is made in the form of a financial donation. This gives us maximum flexibility to obtain exactly what food and items we need, when we need it. Would you/your child be willing to ask for donations in lieu of gifts?

• If yes – Thank you. We will provide a tax receipt to the donor for any cash donation greater than $20. We will simply need the name, address, email and phone number of the donor, along with their donation amount. We can send you a tracking sheet to capture this information.
• If no – We would ask that you share our wishlist with your guests, as these are the items we can currently accept.

While we appreciate the thought, we can’t easily wash stuffies for disease and infection control. Some animals are also prone to ripping them up and eating the stuffing, or things like beading and attachments can pose a safety risk. We’d recommend finding another animal loving child to share them with!

We do sometimes have animals that need these things, but we cannot accept any opened items. You are best to take them to your vet’s office. They may be able to pass them along to another pet in need.

Unfortunately no. We currently use Rollover and/or freeze-dried liver treats. We need to be consistent with the treats we give the dogs. This helps us to manage any dietary restrictions and avoid stomach upset.

We can take unopened bags or cans of prescription food. Please note that we cannot accept opened food.

Unfortunately we are not able to take handmade or frozen dog cookies. It is important that the dogs receive consistent food and treats. We need to know the ingredients to manage dietary restrictions and to make sure that we don’t cause the dogs digestive problems. We also do not have the resources to be able to store them properly.

If you are interested in purchasing a specific treat for the animals, please see our wishlist for the treats we use.

HSOMH opposes entertainment that involves the abuse of animals from any breed or species. When animals are involved in entertainment, they must be treated humanely at all times and be transported in a safe and humane way, including injury prevention, ample space, frequent rest stops, proper food and water, and attention to temperature, air quality, cleanliness, and hygiene.

HSOMH recognizes that many entertainment organizations and sporting competitions are part of our society and culture, and it is a reality that animals will continue to be used in these venues. As a result, we support continuous improvements in animal welfare legislation to support their health and well-being.

In addition, HSOMH believes that all training methods should be humane and based on positive reinforcement techniques. We also believe that humane retirement plans should be in place for each animal and do not condone retiring animals to facilities with low standards of care, such as research labs or slaughterhouses.

Note: As animals in entertainment and sport include a large list of venues and uses, there may be specific exclusions noted in other position statements.

HSOMH opposes elective surgical procedures performed on animals for cosmetic purposes. These procedures include, but are not limited to, tail docking, ear cropping, debarking, and declawing.

HSOMH believes breed standards should be altered to remove cosmetic procedures as a requirement for competition.

HSOMH also opposes the declawing of cats. This procedure involves the surgical amputation of the last digital bone on each toe. Long-term effects can include chronic pain, lameness, and altered gait. Some cats may also develop behavioural problems. Instead, HSOMH supports alternatives to declawing, such as nail caps.

We also support the implementation of laws banning these procedures, as seen in other provinces and countries:

• 35+ countries have adopted tail docking bans
• Newfoundland, PEI, and Nova Scotia have made tail docking and ear cropping illegal
• 35+ countries have adopted declawing bans
• Ontario is currently the only province in Canada that has not banned declawing

HSOMH supports the humane husbandry of farmed animals and believes that at every step of an animal’s life, from birth to death, they must be treated with compassion, protected from suffering, and provided with the Five Freedoms.

We support legislation that advances the welfare of farmed animals and improves standards around raising, housing, care, transport, handling, and slaughter.

HSOMH supports pediatric (8+ weeks) spay/neuter of dogs and cats in the care of an animal shelter as part of a comprehensive, non-lethal population control strategy, as long as the animal meets appropriate qualifications (e.g., weight requirements, overall health, etc.).

Numerous studies demonstrate the medical soundness of early-age spay/neuter procedures, including:

• Safe anesthetic and surgical techniques
• Shorter, less complicated surgeries
• Faster recovery times

A reduction or elimination of common conditions such as pyometra, mammary tumours, testicular and ovarian tumours, and undesired behaviours such as marking or aggression

For privately owned pets that are not free-roaming, spay/neuter decisions should be based on professional advice from the pet’s veterinarian. For shelter animals, current veterinary literature supports pediatric spay/neuter as safe, effective, and beneficial for long-term health and population management.

HSOMH strongly supports the concept of responsible pet ownership, where guardians ensure the health, well-being, and safety of their cats.

Responsible cat ownership includes:

• Researching a companion cat before adoption
• Obtaining cats from reputable sources (shelters, rescues, or responsible breeders)
• Providing appropriate housing, nutrition, grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation
• Scheduling regular veterinary care
• Spaying/neutering to prevent overpopulation
• Offering daily human interaction
• Ensuring secure confinement to the owner’s property and control when off-property
• Using proper identification (ID tag and/or microchip)
• Following all municipal bylaws

HSOMH believes that cats should remain indoors. If outdoor access is provided, it should be limited to cat-safe enclosures or supervised outings with a properly fitted harness and leash. Indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives. Their emotional needs can be met indoors through safe resting areas, vertical spaces, simulated hunting activities, and enrichment play.

HSOMH supports the responsible sourcing of companion animals.

We encourage individuals to first consider adopting from shelters or rescue organizations. We also support breeders who prioritize animal welfare in their care and breeding practices.

HSOMH encourages pet stores to partner with shelters or rescue organizations to create adoption programs that prioritize animal welfare. We do not condone the sale of dogs, cats, or rabbits in pet stores due to their complex social, enrichment, and care needs.

Where pet stores sell small animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, mice, rats, birds), we expect a high standard of care and housing.

HSOMH strongly supports responsible dog ownership, where guardians ensure the health, wellbeing, and safety of their dogs.

Responsible dog ownership includes:

• Researching a dog breed that fits your lifestyle before adoption
• Obtaining dogs from reputable sources (shelters, rescues, or responsible breeders)
• Providing appropriate housing, nutrition, grooming, exercise, and mental stimulation
• Scheduling regular veterinary care
• Spaying/neutering to prevent overpopulation
• Providing appropriate training and socialization
• Ensuring safe confinement to the owner’s property and control when off-property
• Using proper identification (ID tag and/or microchip)
• Encouraging responsible interactions with people and other pets
• Complying with all municipal bylaws

HSOMH opposes the capture, training, and use of wild or exotic animals for circuses and traveling exhibitions.

While many animals used in these venues are captive-bred, they retain natural instincts and have unique physical and psychological needs that are difficult to meet in a transient environment.

Providing the Five Freedoms to captive wild animals is nearly impossible in the context of traveling shows. Issues include:

• Inadequate housing
• Stressful transportation
• Lack of enrichment
• Inhumane training techniques
• Exposure to physical and emotional suffering

HSOMH stands firmly against any form of entertainment that compromises animal welfare for human amusement.

If you’re dealing with an urgent situation involving an animal, help is available. Below, you’ll find emergency contacts and helpful resources to guide you.

Oakville residents: contact Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton 24/7 at 905-845-1551 and follow the prompts for service.

Milton residents: contact the Town of Milton at 905-878-7252 ext. 2254

Outside of area: please contact your municipality or visit their website for more information

Please contact or visit your local 24-hour emergency vet clinic.

For concerns of animal cruelty including abuse, abandonment or neglect, call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625)

Report

If you have an animal control or by-law concern, please contact:

Oakville Residents: HSOMH at 905-845-1551 or complete our online form (link to page: By-Law Services)

Milton Residents: Town of Milton at 905-878-7252 ext. 2254

Outside of area: please contact your municipality or visit their website for more information

Bylaw Enforcement

For concerns of a pet in a hot car, call 911 for your local police or call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). Please also notify our team at 905-845-1551.