Wildlife Services

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 across southern Ontario, transporting animals with the help of dedicated volunteers.

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.