PROGRAMS & SERVICES / EMERGENCY BOARDING
Emergency Boarding
By providing a safe and caring place for pets during a crisis, we can give their families the time and support they need to get back on their feet — with the goal of keeping pets and the people who love them together.
Before You Request Emergency Boarding
If you are facing a crisis and are worried about what will happen to your pet, please reach out. Emergency Boarding is designed to provide temporary care for animals while their families work through an unexpected and difficult situation.
Because space and resources are limited, Emergency Boarding is based on current shelter capacity and the needs of each situation. Our team will review your request and talk with you about how we may be able to help. If we aren't able to provide boarding, we'll do our best to help you explore other available resources.
Please note: Emergency Boarding requests are reviewed during regular shelter hours and the online form is not monitored as a 24-hour emergency service.
If you or your animal are in immediate danger, or your pet requires urgent veterinary care, please contact the appropriate emergency service or veterinary clinic rather than waiting for an online request to be reviewed.
Could Emergency Boarding Be Right for You?
Emergency Boarding may be able to help when an unexpected crisis makes it temporarily impossible for you to care for your pet. Every situation is different, and our team will take the time to understand what is happening, what your pet needs and how we may be able to help.
Because this is a short-term program, support is based on your circumstances, your pet's needs and the space and resources available at the time.
Emergency boarding provides short-term care for pet owners in our service area who are facing sudden, acute crises. Placements are evaluated case by case based on shelter capacity, safety, and our ability to meet your pet's specific medical and behavioral needs.
Who We Serve
Emergency Boarding is available to residents of Northumberland County. You can reach out to NHS directly, or another organization supporting you, such as a healthcare provider, social service agency or crisis service — can contact us on your behalf.
Service Area and Referral Route
Applicants must reside within Northumberland County. Inquiries can be submitted directly by the owner or through a referring partner agency (e.g., social services, crisis shelters, or healthcare providers). Proof of residency and ownership verification may be requested.
Your Pet's Needs
We want to make sure we can provide a safe and appropriate place for your pet. Our team will ask about their health, behaviour, medications and any special care they may need.
Most animals supported through the program are cats and dogs. If you're unsure whether we can accommodate your pet, please reach out and talk with us.
How Long Can My Pet Stay?
Emergency Boarding is temporary, and the length of your pet's stay will depend on your circumstances and the support you need. We'll discuss the anticipated length of stay with you when we review your request.
There may be a cost depending on your circumstances. Please don't let concern about cost prevent you from reaching out to us.
Your Request Is the First Step
Submitting an Emergency Boarding request starts a conversation with our team, but it does not confirm a placement. We'll review your circumstances, your pet's needs and the space and resources available to determine how we may be able to help.
Please wait until an Emergency Boarding placement and arrival time have been confirmed by NHS before bringing your pet to the shelter.
How to Request Emergency Boarding Support
Reaching out is the first step. Tell us what is happening, what your pet needs and how we can best contact you. Your information will be treated with care and confidentiality.
Our team will review your request, talk with you about your circumstances and, if Emergency Boarding is available and appropriate, work with you to plan your pet's temporary stay and return home.
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Tell Us How We Can Help
Complete our online request form or contact NHS directly. We'll ask about your current situation, your pet and the support you need. Share as much information as you can — it will help us understand how we may be able to support you.
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We'll Review Your Request
Our team will consider your circumstances, your pet's needs and the space and resources currently available. We'll follow up with you to talk through your request, ask any questions and discuss the next steps.
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Confirm a Care Plan and Intake
If Emergency Boarding is available, we'll confirm the arrangements with you, including when and where to bring your pet and anything they should have with them, such as medications, special food or familiar items.
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Stay Connected Through Reunion
Throughout the boarding period, owners maintain confidential contact with our team for regular updates, planning for the pet’s return, or discussing care plan adjustments if circumstances change.
While Your Pet Is With Us
While you focus on getting through a difficult time, our team will focus on caring for your pet. Emergency Boarding provides a safe, temporary place where your pet can receive the everyday care and attention they need until you can be together again. Our goal is to keep pets with their people.
A Safe Place to Stay
Depending on your pet's needs and available space, care may be provided at NHS or through an approved foster home. Wherever your pet stays, their safety, comfort and well-being will guide their care.
Everyday Care
We'll provide your pet with food, shelter, attention and routine daily care. If your pet has special dietary needs or takes medication, we'll talk with you about what to bring so we can continue their care as consistently as possible.
Staying Connected
We understand how difficult it can be to be separated from your pet, especially during an already stressful time. We'll talk with you about how we'll stay in touch and keep you informed while your pet is in our care.
Bringing Your Pet Home
Emergency Boarding is temporary, and from the beginning, the goal is to reunite you with your pet. We'll stay connected as your circumstances change and work with you to plan for your pet's return home.
What to Have Ready
You don't need to have everything figured out before you contact us. Sharing the information you have will help our team understand your situation and your pet's needs.
Contact Details: Your safe contact method (phone/email) and preferred callback times.
Situation & Timeline: Brief summary of what is happening, and if you know, approximately how long you may need support.
About Your Pet: Their age, health, medications, behaviour, dietary or care needs, and vaccination or veterinary records if available.
Other Support: Contact information for a healthcare provider, social service agency, crisis service or other organization supporting you, if applicable.
We're Here to Help
If you're facing a temporary crisis and are worried about what will happen to your pet, please reach out. Tell us what's happening, and we'll talk with you about your situation, your pet's needs and how NHS may be able to help.
You don't have to know exactly what you need before you contact us. Starting the conversation is the first step.