Adoption Process

For cats:

• Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
• Other: Optional pet insurance (varying offers, some up to 6 weeks trial insurance), $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 2x sample bags dry food and 4 cans wet)
• Food: 1x 2.5lb bag of Royal Canin Appetite Control Spayed/Neutered; 24x 85g cans Royal Canin Spayed Neutered Thin Slices in Gravy

For dogs:

• Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, parasite treatment, microchip
• Other: Optional pet insurance (varying offers, some up to 6 weeks trial insurance), $25 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last), adoption kit from Royal Canin (incl 4x sample bags adult food)
• Food: 1x bag of small, medium or large Royal Canin Dry Adult Food (13-18lbs)

For small animals:

• Medical: exam, spay/neuter surgery
• Microchip
• Other: $15 voucher to Ren's Pets (Kitchener Centre location only and while supplies last)

• Denotes average minimum costs. HSKWSP reserves the right to adopt specific
  dog and cat breeds at a higher fee.

• Available animals will appear on our website when they are ready for adoption and applications will subsequently open.
• You will see the animals location on their adoption card online. We do not transfer animals, they must be adopted from the location they are posted.
• If you have seen an animal on our social media and they don't appear on this webpage, they are not available yet or have already been adopted.
• We are not able to accept applications for animals that are not seen on our website and at this time, will not be responding to applicants that submit an application for animals that are not ready for adoption.
• We are not able to accept applications that are incomplete.
• We do not know when animals will be available in advance. When they are ready, we will post on our website.
• Please remember that animals are coming back from foster care to the centres for their meet and greets. They will be experiencing a new environment and meeting new people, which means they may not exhibit the same behaviours they did in their foster videos or while in foster care.
• Please note that age requirements are based on the behaviour we see from the animal while in our centre and are set to ensure we are not setting the animal up for failure. Age restrictions are not a decision that we take lightly.

• Walk in appointments are welcome and encouraged, and will be prioritzed over online applications
• For animals in foster care, Appointments will be booked 48 hours or more in advance so we can arrange for the animals to be brought in by their foster parents.
• We are not offering holds at this time — once you have met the pet, we are expecting adopters to be prepared to take the pet home the same day.
• Prior to going home with your new pet, we’ll review all health and behaviour information, including vaccines or obedience training recommendations.

Following your meet-and-greet appointment, if you and your new friend appear to be a match, please be prepared to take your new family member home with you that day.

Equipment needed to go home:

Dogs – will require a collar and leash

Cats – will require a carrier. We also sell cardboard carriers (one time use) here at the centre should you need one.

Small Animals – an appropriate carrier depending on species.

Should you have any questions about suitable carriers, please don’t hesitate to ask our adoption staff!

A smooth transition into your new home:

Our team is happy to answer any questions you have about transitioning your pet into their new home. We also provide adopters with a comprehensive guide in your adoption kit to help answer many of the common questions new adopters have.

The following is a list of the most common questions we receive. To assist our staff, we kindly ask that you reference our website before calling/emailing to get your answers quickly:

• What should potential adopters consider before adopting a pet?

Pet ownership is a wonderful experience, but it also comes with a financial responsibility. To help you determine if pet ownership is something that you can financially manage at this time, check out these great resources from the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association on the cost of owning a dog and the cost of owning a cat.

• How long does the adoption process take?

We ask that you have approximately 45 minutes for the counselling process. It can take longer if you need to do a meet-and-greet with your current pets. Then we have to complete the adoption agreement and paperwork. If the pet you are adopting is already spayed or neutered, they can go home the same day. We do allow for 24 hour holds in the event you need to get your home ready for your new furry friend. In some cases, the pet may not be ready to go home the same day of adoption, and our staff will be happy to outline when you can pick them up. We believe taking our time and answering all of your questions is a big part of ensuring the adoption process and transition into the home is a smooth one.

• What animals are available for adoption?

Available animals will appear on our website when they are ready for adoption, and will be removed from our site when they are adopted. See our cats, dogs, and small animals

• When can I apply for a pet?

As soon as an animal is available and on our website, applications are open.

• How do I know an available animal's location (which animal centre they are available for adoption from)?

You will see the animals location beside their name: ie. Fluffy - Kitchener or Fido - Stratford. We do not transfer animals, they must be adopted from the location they are posted.

• I saw an animal on social media/in centre but I don't see them on your website, can I adopt them?

If you have seen an animal on our social media or in-house and they don't appear on this webpage, they are not available yet or have already been adopted.

• Can I submit an application for an unavailable animal now and you call me when they're up for adoption?

We are not able to accept applications for animals that are not seen on our website and at this time, will not be responding to applicants that submit an application for animals that are not ready for adoption. We are not able to accept applications in order of submission that are incomplete.

• Can you tell me when a specific animal will be available for adoption?

We do not know when animals will be available in advance. When they are ready, we will post on our website.

• What happens if I'm selected for a meet and greet?

Walk-in adoptions are prioritized over online applications. We will not place holds on adoptable animals.

• Why is that pet so shy meeting me, but so outgoing in foster care?

Please remember that animals are coming back from foster care to the centres for their meet and greets. They will be experiencing a new environment and meeting new people, which means they may not exhibit the same behaviours they did in their foster videos or while in foster care.

• Will I get a copy of their medical history? Behaviour information?

Prior to going home with your new pet, we’ll review all health and behaviour information, including vaccines or obedience training recommendations.

• Who has to be present for a meet and greet?

We recommend all family members, but do not require kids for cats and small animals. For dog adoptions: Every resident in the home (including dogs) must come in and meet the dog.

**Please note that our primary concern is the welfare of the pet. Some may have experienced emotional or physical trauma, so we do reserve the right to select the most appropriate home for each pet.

**Please note that age requirements are based on the behaviour we see from the animal while in our centre and are set to ensure we are not setting the animal up for failure. Age restrictions are not a decision that we take lightly.