Whether you have found a stray farm animal, need to surrender an animal, are interested in adopting or have friendly barn cats who may be suited to Farm to Home, our team can help you understand what to do next.
What Farm Animals Can GHS Help?
GHS can care for many farm animal species, including chickens, roosters, ducks, pigs and goats.
Our facility includes a dedicated indoor farm animal room and a covered outdoor run, allowing us to provide housing suited to different species and individual needs.
We also consider requests involving larger farm animals. When an animal cannot be accommodated onsite, we may look for a suitable external care arrangement. These arrangements are found as needs arise and cannot be guaranteed.
Our ability to accept an animal will depend on:
- Their species, size and number
- Their health, behaviour and care requirements
- The housing and handling they need
- Our available space and resources
If an animal is not listed here, please contact our Intake team. We will consider the animal’s needs and determine whether we can provide or arrange appropriate care.
Have You Found a Stray Farm Animal?
If you have found a farm animal who appears to be lost or without an owner, call GHS Animal Services at 519-824-3091. Our team will ask about the animal’s location and condition and help determine the appropriate next steps.
Please do not transport the animal to GHS unless our team directs you to do so. If approaching or containing the animal could be unsafe, keep your distance and tell us when you call.
Rehoming or Surrendering a Farm Animal
GHS considers farm animal surrender requests from residents of Guelph and Wellington County. Farm animal surrenders follow the same appointment and waiting-list process as other pet surrenders.
Because housing, transportation and care requirements vary by species and size, please contact our Intake team before making arrangements to bring an animal to GHS.
Be prepared to share information about:
- The species and number of animals
- Their age and approximate size
- Their health and behaviour
- Their current housing and care
- Their transportation needs
- The reason for surrender
We may be able to accept multiple animals, including bonded animals or animals from the same flock. Our ability to do so will depend on their needs and our current capacity.
A surrender fee applies and will be discussed with you before an appointment is confirmed.
Call 519-824-3091 or email intake@guelphhumane.ca. Please do not bring a farm animal to GHS without first speaking with our Intake team and receiving an appointment.
If the Animal Is Sick, Injured or in Distress
If a farm animal you need to surrender is sick, injured or in distress, tell our Intake team when you contact us. Your veterinarian may also contact GHS to discuss transferring the animal into our care.
GHS must confirm that we can accommodate the animal and their care needs before a surrender or transfer takes place. If the animal requires immediate medical attention, please contact a veterinarian.
Adopting a Farm Animal
Farm animals available for adoption are posted on our Available Animals page. Availability changes throughout the year, and there may not always be a farm animal currently seeking a home.
Each animal’s profile will explain their care needs and the type of home we are looking for. Before applying, please consider:
- Whether the animal is permitted on your property under local bylaws and zoning
- Appropriate indoor and outdoor housing
- Secure fencing and protection from weather and predators
- The animal’s social, nutritional and veterinary needs
- Your experience caring for the species
- Safe transportation from GHS to their new home
Our Adoptions team will speak with you about the animal and consider whether your property, experience and care plan may meet their needs.
For questions about adopting a farm animal, email adoptions@guelphhumane.ca.
Farm to Home
Farm to Home helps friendly, social cats and kittens living on farms or rural properties move into homes where they can thrive as companion animals. Cats accepted into the program receive veterinary care, are spayed or neutered and are prepared for adoption.
The surrender fee is waived for eligible cats.
Program intake depends on the cats’ needs and GHS’s current capacity. To ask whether cats or kittens may be suited to Farm to Home, call 519-824-3091 or email intake@guelphhumane.ca.