Transfer Dogs

Several times a year, the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) brings in dogs from other organizations as part of a life-saving transfer program.

In order to ensure these dogs’ well-being, as well as to ensure the health and safety of staff and future adopters, these animals are thoroughly examined and additional precautionary measures are taken before placing them up for adoption.

The increased adoption fee, that is disclosed in the transfer dogs’ adoption profile, allows us to continue our transfer program that helps animals from areas in need of assistance.

By adopting a dog from HSKWSP, you're not only giving them a forever home, but helping us to pay-it-forward to the next one in need of assistance.

These are the steps we take with each transfer dog that arrives at our Humane Society.

 *Disclaimer* If you are looking to adopt a dog that has been transferred by another organization, be sure to verify that similar safety precautions were taken to ensure the animal is healthy and free from disease.

Step 1 – Quarantine/Isolation Period

Upon arrival transfer dogs are quarantined for up to14 days. This means that they are isolated from other animals and are not eligible for foster care until after the quarantine period.  This extra precaution is taken to allow the trained veterinary staff to monitor these animals for any symptoms of disease that may have been incubating during the transfer process.

Step 2 – Medical Care

While in quarantine, the dogs receive regular check-ups and medical care. To ensure the safety of other animals, the veterinary & animal care staff that look after them follow a strict sanitation protocol when entering and exiting the quarantine zone to prevent transfer of any potential diseases. In addition to regular testing that includes full physical exam, observation for any signs of upper respiratory diseases and testing as deemed appropriate, transfer dogs are also screened for heart worm and tick-borne diseases. If a transfer dog tests positive for a disease, they are treated accordingly. When necessary, the quarantine period is extended.

Step 3 – Getting ready for adoption

All transfer dogs are vaccinated, put on preventative medication against heart worm, flea,  internal parasite control and tick prevention, and spayed or neutered. All dogs over the age of 6 months of age receive a behaviour evaluation which helps staff determine what home is best suited for each individual dog.  At this point, the transfer dogs may be placed in foster care, while the staff review the applications from prospective adopters. While waiting for their forever home, transfer dogs continue receiving regular check-ups until they are adopted.