What to Do When You Find a Pet
Please call GHS Animal Services at 519-824-3091. Our team will ask where the animal was found and help determine the safest next steps. Our phone line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Keep the Animal Safe
If you can safely contain the animal, keep them in a quiet, secure space away from children and other animals. Provide fresh water while you wait for direction from our team.
Do not approach, chase or attempt to contain an animal if doing so could put you or the animal at risk.
If the animal appears sick, injured, very young, in distress or in immediate danger, call us right away.
Check for Identification
If it is safe to do so, check the animal’s collar for a name tag, municipal pet-licence tag, veterinary clinic tag or another form of identification. Call any telephone number listed on the tags.
If the animal is wearing a City of Guelph or Township of Guelph/Eramosa licence tag, enter the seven-digit tag number into our online lookup tool.
If the animal is wearing a Township of Centre Wellington licence tag, please call GHS for assistance.
Check With the Neighbourhood
Ask nearby residents whether they recognize the animal. A neighbour may know the pet or be able to contact their family.
A healthy cat seen outdoors may live nearby and may not be lost. Take a photo, note the exact location and ask neighbours whether they recognize the cat. Call GHS if the cat appears sick, injured, very young, distressed or in danger—or if you are uncertain whether help is needed.
What Happens After a Found Pet Comes to GHS?
When a found pet enters our care, our team assesses their health and well-being and provides any urgent care they need. We check for a microchip and other identification, review current lost-pet reports and post the animal on GHS Found Pets to help reunite them with their family.
If an owner is not located, we begin preparing the animal for adoption when they are ready. Depending on their needs, this may include veterinary care, spaying or neutering, vaccinations, behavioural support or time in a foster home.
Every animal is treated as an individual. Animals are not euthanized solely because of their age, available shelter space or how long they have been in our care.