Abandoning your animal

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

What alternatives exist regarding animal abandonment?

  • Many very good veterinary clinics offer telephone support when you have concerns about an animals health.
  • Sometimes, one consultation is all that is needed to fix a health or behaviour problem.
  • If you have financial problems, there are clinics which offer payment arrangements including installments or aid programs to help low-income residents.
  • 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 to the owner the possibility of making a deposit to compensate for any fees in case of damages.
  • Write a document showing your willingness to respect your neighbours (sterilization and good training of your animal, scoop/poop outside, etc.)
  • Regularly pass the vacuum to eliminate pet fur/hair.
  • Request a family member to frequently brush the animal.
  • Request a family member to frequently brush the animal.
  • Prevent your animal from sleeping on your bed or clothing.
  • Wash your hands after touching your animal.
  • 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. It is often teenagers who, as with childcare, come to look after your pet.
    in your absence.
  • There are many centers which for a fee, board animals for one or several days – a good option if one works 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 an educator to obtain the best information possible such as;
    • Regroupement Québécois des Intervenants en Éducation canine
    • L’Association Professionnelle des Comportementalistes Praticiens (APCP)
  • If you have difficulties with a cat, we suggest consulting with the website; educhateur.com This website is filled with information and simple/ fast solutions.
Brown cat with a blue leash around its neck.

You have tried but you can not keep your animal?

Do everything you can to give him a nice, stable life in a new home. Can-
Maybe a family member, a friend, a work colleague, or even someone from the neighborhood would be happy to welcome him?

Consult our full article regarding the re-homing of your pet.

See article
Two dogs running in the desert.

I really must abandon animal to your shelter.

What are the steps?
  1. First, make sure we serve your municipality. If not,
    Contact your town hall who will be able to guide you.
  2. If you are a resident of a municipality we serve, contact us to receive an appointment.
  3. Bring the health book of the animal to your appointment.
  4. You will be asked to fill out a form to receive as much information as possible regarding the habits and routines of your animal.

There is no fee for the abandonment of your animal however we do ask simply for a voluntary donation to support our mission.

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

Download the PDF
PDF Document – Explaining to Children Abandoning an Animal

The following days at the shelter for your animal;

  • Dedicated volunteers for animal wellbeing.
  • A veterinary team and adapted care
  • Comfortable and modern facility
  • Animal behaviour professionals
  • A team with heart and experience with all types of animals.
  • Nutritious/quality food
Brown dog lying in its bed with a blanket.
Brown dog lying in its bed with a blanket.

What will happen after the abandonment to the shelter?

Options & possibilities for an animal at Proanima

Adoption
Foster Family
Partnered Pet Store
Adaptive Rescue Group
Humanitarian Euthanasia

*Gentle injection performed by a veterinarian. Euthanasia is limited to situations
whereas it is the most ethical option for the wellbeing of the animal and the community (very ill and dangerous animals)