Animal Shelter, 100 Burwell Road

Stray dogs or cats found in the City of St. Thomas can be picked by any citizen  and have it impounded by Animal Control. Strays are sheltered at the Animal Shelter at 100 Burwell Road, St Thomas.

Dogs and cats may be reclaimed by an owner with proper payment of the redemption fee. Redemption fees cover impound charges and board (of every day including part of a day). An owner of a dog or cat not claimed within 72 hours of impound forfeits the pet and all rights to it. All unclaimed pets beyond the redemption period are screened for temperament and health.

Adoption

Animals are adopted to qualified applicants, determined by an interview process, on a first come first served basis by appointment only.  While all animals are evaluated for obvious signs of health and/or behaviour problems, the shelter cannot guarantee the health or temperament of any animal. Approved candidates are placed for adoption. Pets not selected for adoption are euthanized. Despite our best efforts and hard work tracking down owners, many unidentified and unclaimed pets are euthanized. Any additional testing, lab-work, vaccinations, medications, etc., are the financial responsibility of the adopter. Any adopted pet must been seen by a veterinarian within 72 hours of adoption. St. Thomas Animal Services reserves the right to refuse an adoption.

There is a $20.00 adoption fee for each dog, plus the appropriate licence fee. There is a $20.00 adoption fee for each cat and $5.00 for each kitten.

St. Thomas Animal Services does not endorse providing animals as gifts to other people. The shelter also forbids its animals to be used as guard dogs.

St. Thomas Animal Services adopts animals to citizens regardless of the individual's race, gender, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation or sexual orientation.

The staff at St. Thomas Animal Services want to make the adoption experience a good one for both you and your pet. If we can be of any further assistance to you, please call us at (519) 631-7430.

Animals for adoption are also available from Animal Aide, a local animal help group.

Animal Bites

For animal bites on people, rabies quarantine, and inspection please call the Elgin-St. Thomas Health Unit at 631-9900.

Keep current records on your pets and ensure that these records are accessible.

Barking Dog from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday

Contact Richard Beachey at 631-1680, extension 4124.

Barking Dog after 4:30 p.m. and on Saturday, Sunday

For reporting a barking dog please call St. Thomas City Police at 631-1364.

By-Law

By-Law 53-96 provides for the registering, licensing, restricting and prohibiting the running at large of animals and dogs with the City of St. Thomas and includes the following:

• keep all dogs under leash control when off the property of the owner, and to clean up/dispose of fecal matter.
  
• purchase a City of St. Thomas dog licence each calendar year which is to be worn by the dog at all times.
  
• provide adequate food, water, shelter, space, care and exercise. Provide regular veterinary care, and to treat the animal humanely at all times.

The majority of euthanized animals at the Animal Shelte have developed behavioural problems. Most behavioural problems can be prevented by proper training by a professional trainer.

Cats

You are encourage to keep cats indoors at all times and have a safety collar and ID tag on them.

No licences are required for cats.

Dead Animal Pickup

For dead animal pick up please call City Works at 631-1680 ext. 4187.

Licence

St. Thomas dog owners must obtain a licence. Click here for the application form.