Giving up your pet

The essential part of our mission with animals is to offer help to their humans
in order to prevent abandonment as much as possible.

What alternatives exist when faced with the abandonment of an animal?

  • Many very good veterinary clinics offer telephone support when you have health concerns.
  • Sometimes, just one consultation is all it takes to resolve a health or behavioural issue.
  • If you have financial problems, there are clinics that offer assistance to economically disadvantaged clients. Some clinics also accept payment in instalments.
  • Plan your move several months in advance to be sure to find an apartment that accepts pets. To help you in your research, consult the following site.
  • Offer your landlord a deposit to cover the cost of any damage.
  • Write a document expressing your commitment to respect your neighbours (spaying/neutering and proper training of your pet, picking up feces outdoors, etc.)
  • Vacuum regularly to eliminate pet hair.
  • Ask a family member to brush your pet frequently.
  • Run an air purifier in the room you use most often.
  • Do not let your pet sleep on your bed or clothes.
  • Wash your hands after touching your pet.
  • Get your children and other family members to help out with your pet-related chores. It’s also a good for your kids to learn that having a pet comes with certain responsibilities.
  • Look for a dog walker or pet caretaker. Perhaps there’s a teen in your neighbourhood who can come and take care of your pet
    while you’re away.
  • There are several facilities that can board pets for one or several days. It’s a good option when you work long hours.
  • Start by consulting a veterinarian. A lack of proper housebreaking may be related to an animal’s need to mark its territory (if it hasn’t been sterilized) or to a urinary problem. Spaying and neutering your pet or giving it a simple antibiotic treatment may be the solution.
  • If your pet’s health isn’t an issue, you should take a closer look at its environment. Check with a dog or cat trainer. For example, a litter box that is not stored in the right place may result in improper housebreaking.
  • BE SURE TO ACT PROMPTLY before a behavioural problem escalates. Time will only make things worse, and the situation will be all the harder to resolve.
  • Some behavioural problems may be caused by a health issue. Pain can sometimes affect an animal’s personality. Do not hesitate to consult a
    veterinarian.
  • Consult with a trainer to get the basic information you need.
    • Regroupement Québécois des Intervenants en Éducation canine. Use the “Trouver un membre” quick link to find a professional trainer in your area.
    • L’Association Professionnelle des Comportementalistes Praticiens (APCP). Refer to the list of members to find a professional in your area.
  • If you’re having problems with a cat, you can refer to the educhateur.com site, which provides a wealth of information and quick and simple solutions.
Brown cat with a blue leash around its neck.

You can no longer keep your pet despite your efforts?

Do everything you can to give him a nice, stable life in a new home. Maybe
a member of your family, a friend, a co-worker, or even someone from the neighborhood would be happy to host it?

Check out our full article to relocate your pet yourself.

See the article
Two dogs running in the desert.

I really have to abandon my pet at your shelter.

What are the steps?
  1. First, make sure we serve your municipality. If it’s not the case,
    contact your town hall who will be able to direct you.
  2. If you are citizens of our cities, please contact us to schedule an appointment.
  3. Please bring your pet’s health record during your appointment.
  4. You will be provided with a form to provide as much information as possible about your pet’s habits

No fee is required for surrendering your animal, but we kindly request a voluntary donation to support our mission.

If you have a child, prepare him for this difficult time. Download this one-page document.

Download PDF
PDF document - Explaining animal abandonment to children.

What awaits your pet with us:

  • A staff of veterinarians offering personalized care
  • A veterinary team
  • A comfortable and modern setting
  • Animal behavior professionals
  • An caring team with experience with all types of animals
  • Quality food
Brown dog lying in its bed with a blanket.
Brown dog lying in its bed with a blanket.

What happens after giving up your pet?

Possibilities of an animal’s journey at Proanima

Adoption
Foster Families
Partner pet store
Adapted rescue group
Humanitarian euthanasia*

*Gentle injection performed by a veterinarian. Euthanasia is limited to situations
where it is deemed the most ethical option for the animal and the community, such as severely ill and dangerous animals.