Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions about adopting, please contact our Adoptions Department by phone: 905-845-1551 ext. 147 or by email: adoptions@omhs.ca and we will be happy to help you!

I HAVE SUBMITTED MY ADOPTION APPLICATION. NOW WHAT HAPPENS?

Our goal is to find the best matched pet for your family and to find the best matched home for the animals in our care. When an application is submitted, our team will reach out to notify you that it has been received. Applications are processed in order in which they are received. The first applicant in line will be contacted to discuss the next steps, including going over any important information you may need to know to take home your new pet and complete the process. If the animal you have applied for currently has an application already submitted that is being processed, our team will notify you of this and contact to you let you know if the adoption was successful, or we are moving on to your application.

If you have applied for a puppy:

All applications submitted for a puppy will be reviewed and the best matched applicant will be selected to meet with an Adoption Counsellor in a virtual or phone meeting to ensure that the selected puppy is the right fir for them and their family. Please note the Adoptions team will make this decision based on the applications submit and it is important that the application is completed in its entirety as we are not able to meet with all applicants. All applicants will be notified either way, whether the puppy has been adopted or if we are moving on to the next best match.

I am looking for a specific type of animal. Can I be put on a waiting list in order to be notified when you get the type of animal I'm looking for?

Unfortunately, we are not able to keep waiting lists for specific types of animals or animals with specific personalities due to having limited resources. We recommend instead that you check our website regularly to see what animals we have available at any given time. All of our available animals can be found here.

IS THE WEBSITE CURRENT WITH ALL AVAILABLE ANIMALS?

Our website is updated daily with any new animals that have become available. All available animals can be found here.

DO YOU EVER GET PUREBRED ANIMALS?

Animals come into our care a few different ways, usually via animal surrenders or as strays. It is possible for us to get in any breed of animal, purebred or otherwise.

WHY ARE THE ADOPTION FEES WHAT THEY ARE?

The adoption fees for each type of animal can be found here with information on what is included with each adoption. The fees associated with each adoption are to help cover some of the costs of having that animal in our care. This includes all medical expenses, food, supplies and housing.

I HAVE A PET AT HOME AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY GET ALONG WITH THE PET I AM ADOPTING. CAN I BRING MY CURRENT PET TO MEET WITH THE ANIMALS AT THE SHELTER?

No. It can be extremely stressful for both your pet and the animals in our care to be introduced to each other in this type of environment. Due to this, it is our experience that you may not be able to truly understand the animals' compatibility should you introduce them to each other at the shelter.

For cats and small animals, if you have further questions, please contact the Adoptions department directly so we can discuss your individual situation in greater detail.

For dogs, a scheduled introduction with your dog would be arranged at a later date during the adoption process.

The dog I want to adopt says “no children”. My kids have lived with dogs. Why can’t we adopt him/her?

A dog can come into the care of our shelter in a variety of ways. Depending on how the dog came to us, we are sometimes able to obtain a full history of a dog’s life prior to arriving at OMHS, but other times their history is unknown. For every dog that comes into our care, we have a very comprehensive assessment process to determine what type of home would be the best fit for each animal. Our age limits are in place for the benefit of your family and to ensure that the dog will be comfortable in its new home. Age limits can be placed for a variety of reasons:

  • A known history that the dog is not comfortable with children
  • The dog has displayed behaviours that would not be safe around children
  • The dog has a boisterous personality and may be able to injure a small child

Even if your child has experience with dogs, not every child that will enter your home does and it is not fair for your family or the dog to be in a situation where it will be uncomfortable or feel unsafe.  Please know that when making a decision for any requirements for a dog, we take it's history, assessment results, and any behaviour demonstrated at the shelter into consideration.

If you have any questions about age restrictions placed on a dog, please contact the Adoptions department directly at 905-845-1551 ex. 147 or adoptions@omhs.ca

What should I consider before adopting a new dog?

Please click here for a handout on what to ask before adopting a new dog.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME TO COMPLETE AN ADOPTION?

You must be 18 years of age or older to adopt an animal from the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.  You must also provide valid identification with your current address (Driver’s Licence is preferred). If you are adopting a cat or small animal, you must have a carrier to bring that animal home safely. If you are adopting a dog, you will need a collar and leash. We additionally recommend crates, harnesses or a second person to assist in taking your new dog home so that they do not climb into the driver’s seat while driving.

WHAT IF I HAVE CHALLENGES WHEN I BRING MY NEW PET HOME?

Your Adoption Counsellor is available to help with any difficulties that may occur once bringing your new pet home. If the pet you have adopted ends up not being the right fit, you can return the pet to us. 

What if I don’t want to adopt a dog, I just want to take it for a walk?

While we appreciate you wanting to spend time with the dogs, please know that the Oakville & Milton Humane Society has skilled dog walking volunteers that know each dog’s specific behaviours and training needs. Each dog is walked multiple times a day to ensure he or she gets plenty of socialization and exercise. Only dog walking volunteers and those seriously interested in adopting are able to walk our dogs. If you would like to volunteer to work with our dogs, please click here to see what volunteer positions are available.

HOW LONG DO YOU KEEP ANIMALS IN YOUR CARE?

We do not have a time limit or restriction on how long an animal can be in our care. Each animal that is part of the adoption program is cared for until they find their forever home.

FAQs - FAQs