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Approximately 2,000 animals are brought to Animal Services every year. We have certified
health technicians on staff to look after the animals. We do have a veterinarian that
comes to the shelter once a week to *** the animals needs. Shelter staff assists the
public with retrieving their lost pets and finding the right pet for their family.
So this is Clair one of the pets that we have here, she is a domestic medium hair and what
we do on a daily basis as with all the pets here is we remove them from their cage, we
disinfect the cage, give them fresh water, litter and paper every day, and then we also
like to spend a little time with them give them a little bit of affection and attention.
They really look forward to that on a daily basis.
So when a cat comes into the shelter it may possibly reduce their stress coming into a
communal kennel. This is one of our communal cages where we have several cats that like
to socialize together. Some of these ones have been here for a longer time so I like
to give them a little bit more exercise. Sometimes I’ll introduce the odd one just to let them
exercise and play with the other cats.
When someone comes in to adopt an animal, they can take a look at the animals. We will
bring the kennel attendants out so they can, if they want to see if they like the cat.
If someone wants to adopt a dog, they can take the dog outside for a walk see if they
like it. Once they’ve done that they can fill out an application. Once the application
is approved we will have the vet take a look at the animal to make sure it’s okay for
surgery, and we’ll book surgery and then the applicant can pick their animal up the
day after surgery.
This is Ginger. Her bread of a rabbit is satin. We have her aged at about two years-old so
she’s still young. Extremely soft for a rabbit, she’s really easy to handle.
To provide enhanced customer service, Oshawa Animal Services has extended their hours to
include Saturday’s from 8:30 to 4:30 for the public to visit the shelter for services
such as obtaining pet licenses or retrieving a lost pet. Adoptions can take place between
10 am and 4 pm.
When the placement of an animal is being considered it is important to Oshawa Animal Services
to ensure that the personality of the pet matches its new owner. Staff works with many
partners, including pet stores like Pet Valu, Humane Societies, Municipal Shelters and a
network of rescue groups to find pets forever homes. Each year approximately 300 animals
are adopted or transferred into loving homes.
Licensing and registration of your pets with a microchip or tag can reunite you with your
pet if they go missing. The City of Oshawa has a free-ride program for licensed pets
to reunite them with their owners at the earliest opportunity. When animals arrive at Oshawa
Animal Services they are checked for a microchip or tag. If one is found, the owner is contacted.
Last year 300 lost pets were reunited with their families.
I’m doctor Cheryl Birss from Baker Animal Clinic in Whitby as part of the enhanced level
of care that is being offered at Animals Services, myself and doctor Dave Sutherland, my partner
a the clinic, have been coming here. The attendants do a terrific job and it’s a really difficult
job to do all this and I’m always impressed because I come in and the cages are cleaned,
litter boxes are clean, everybody has food and all the cats are really friendly and happy
and same with the dogs. I think that goes a long way to telling about the good care
that they are getting. Generally when I come here I’m dealing with mostly healthy animals
that are hopefully going to go up for adoption in the near future. So I kind of do the normal
vet check physical exam. Make sure everything looks A okay and that they are healthy to
be adopted and then spade neutered and go tot their forever home. If there are any concerning
cases that the attendants bring to my attention I will do a full physical again and decide
if any treatment is necessary at the time and provide it either here or at a veterinary
clinic.
In the case of injured pets that are found, Municipal Law Enforcement Officers and shelter
staff will ensure that prompt medical treatment is provided by arranging for transport to
emergency veterinary services before arriving at the shelter.
Our daily job encompasses a whole lot. We pick stray animals, so cats that are constrained
in boxes or carriers, we tend to pick up dogs that are running at large so in parks or anything,
they happen to get away form their owners at any point, we do go out for that. We go
out for injured wild life, so anything from your little tiny birds all the way up to your
larger raccoons if they are injured. We do have a vet facility that we do use for treatments,
both after hours and during regular business hours. Anytime of day we are available 24/7,
365 days a year. If any animals go missing we do ask that this be the first place that
you look to come find your animal so we can relocate you with your animal.
Our new vans are state-of-the-art, we currently have two of them, the city is in the process
of gaining another one hopefully to add to our fleet. They are a great asset we not only
have more access to cages they are built in so nobody can get hurt. We have a completely
air conditioned and heated unit so we can deal with any kind of weather. Also another
great feature of them is we are actually able to pressure wash these bands which means everything
is going to stay sterilized and cleaned so there is no cross contamination between the
animals when we pick them up.
If you are unable to take an animal home but would like to help – Oshawa Animal Services
will be launching a volunteer program that will focus on socialization, feeding and general
care opportunities beginning in September. Watch for details on this exciting new program
on the City of Oshawa’s website at www.oshawa.ca
The City of Oshawa is committed to finding homes for animals currently in their care.
The public is encouraged to stop by the Oshawa Animal Services Shelter or visit the City
of Oshawa’s website to view the selection of animals that are available and consider
adding to your family.