In Quebec, cities and boroughs oversee the management of strays. The shelters and animal rescue services that take in lost animals of behalf of the municipality have a limited period to reunite them with their families. After, the animal is considered abandoned or homeless and they are put up for adoption.
As an animal services provider for several Montréal boroughs, the Montreal SPCA must comply with these city regulations.
Cats
Dogs, rabbits, and other animals
Unfortunately, some people take too long before reporting the disappearance of their animal and starting their search. Once the 24- or 72-hour legal wait period has expired, you must go through the adoption process (including paying the fees) to claim your animal. If your animal has already been adopted by a new family, you have lost them forever.
These city regulations give strays a chance to be reunited with their families first, but then quickly ensure their well-being. At the end of the wait period, the animal is cared for, sterilized and given a chance to be adopted by a new loving family.
Inserted under the skin, a microchip is one of the best ways to quickly locate your little lost companion. Microchipping is mandatory in Montréal for all cats and dogs. This hypoallergenic electronic device is the size of a grain of rice and does not deteriorate over time. It stays in place, going through life with your animal!
After taking in stray animals, we scan them with a microchip reader. Using the identification number contained in the chips, we can automatically access animal owners’ contact information.
Thank you for taking care of animals and keeping them safe! ❤️
