PROGRAMS & SERVICES / LOST & FOUND
Reuniting Families
When a stray animal comes into our care our goals is to get them home safely.
We check for identification, scan for a microchip, review lost pet reports and share information throughout our community — doing everything we can to reconnect an animal with the family who is missing them.
Is the Animal in Immediate Danger or Distress?
If an animal is behaving aggressively or cannot be safely approached, do not attempt to handle or contain them. Contact the appropriate municipal animal control service for assistance.
During business hours, contact a local veterinarian or animal emergency clinic immediately.
If you witness animal cruelty, severe neglect, or an animal trapped in a life-threatening situation outside shelter hours, contact your local police service or the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) line at 1-833-9-ANIMAL.
When the shelter is closed, please do not bring or leave an animal at the shelter or on the property. If you have found a stray animal, keep them safely contained in a quiet, secure location only if it is safe for you to do so, and contact the appropriate municipal animal control or emergency service for assistance.
We encourage you to contact the Police or Municipal Bylaw office, or take the animal to an emergency vet.
What Do You Need?
Start with the path that matches your situation. Critical instructions and reporting details remain visible without requiring a form submission first.
I Lost a Pet
Act fast by searching your immediate area and gathering a recent photo along with microchip or tag details.
Submit a report immediately so our team can cross-reference incoming stray arrivals and help bring your pet home.
I Found an Animal
Ensure your safety first, note the exact location and time, and take a photo from a safe distance.
Report the animal right away so we can scan for identification and reunite them with their family.
If Your Pet Is Missing
We know how frightening it is when a pet goes missing.
Acting quickly and knowing where to start can make all the difference. Here are some steps you can take right away.
-
Start Close to Home
Search your home, property and immediate neighbourhood carefully.
Call your pet's name, check familiar hiding places and ask neighbours to look in garages, sheds, under decks and other places where an animal may have become trapped or taken shelter.
-
Gather Your Pet's Information
Have a recent, clear photo ready, along with your pet's name, age, breed, colour, identifying markings, collar or tag information and microchip number, if available.
Note exactly when and where your pet was last seen.
-
Report Your Pet Missing
Complete our online Report a Lost Pet form or call NHS at 905-885-4131. Providing as much information as possible helps our team compare your report with animals who come into our care.
Report a Lost Pet
If it is after hours, submit the online form so our team can review it first thing in the morning.
-
Keep Looking & Keep Us Updated
Continue checking your neighbourhood, local lost-and-found pet pages and community social media groups.
Revisit familiar places and let neighbours know you're still looking.
Please keep NHS updated — and let us know as soon as your pet is safely home.
If You Found an Animal
Thank you for helping an animal who may be lost.
Your safety and the animal’s well-being come first.
If the animal appears frightened, injured or aggressive, keep a safe distance and do not put yourself at risk trying to approach or contain them.
-
Make Sure Eveyone Is Safe
If the animal is on a busy road or showing signs of severe illness or aggression, do not attempt to handle them. Keep a safe distance, monitor their location, and call local municipal animal control or emergency services right away.
-
Note Where You Found Them
Take a clear photo from a safe distance. Note the exact street address or nearest landmark, the time you spotted them, and any visible injuries or distinguishing physical features.
-
Check Identification Safely
Look for visible collar tags without putting your hands near an unfamiliar animal's face. If the animal is friendly and secured, a local vet clinic or shelter can quickly scan them for a microchip. Never attempt to remove or alter collars.
-
Let NHS Know
Complete our online Report a Found Animal form or call 905-885-4131.
Our team can help you understand the next steps and, where necessary, direct you to the appropriate service for your municipality.
Where to Get Help
Not sure who to call? The right place to start may depend on where you are, what has happened and whether the animal needs immediate help.
Here’s a quick guide.
Northumberland Humane Society
For lost or found animals, questions about an animal in our care, or help understanding what to do next, contact NHS at 905-885-4131 during shelter hours.
If you're not sure where to start, please reach out and we'll do our best to point you in the right direction.
Municipal Animal Services
Dog containment, stray pickup, and local noise or stray bylaws are governed by municipal animal control offices.
Check your specific municipality’s website for local animal control dispatch and after-hours pickup phone numbers.
Emergency Veterinary Care
If an animal is seriously injured or experiencing severe distress, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary hospital immediately.
If the animal cannot be safely handled or transported, contact animal control or the appropriate emergency service for assistance.
Wildlife or Animal Welfare Concerns
For sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
If you witness animal cruelty or severe neglect, contact Ontario Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) at 1-833-9-ANIMAL.
In an immediate, life-threatening situation, contact police.
Information That Helps Reunite Families
The more information we have, the better chance we have of recognizing a match. A clear photo, identifying details and accurate information about where and when an animal was lost or found can help us make that important connection.
What to Include in Your Report
Include a recent, clear photo and as much identifying information as you can — breed, colour, size, distinctive markings, collar or tag details, and the date, time and exact location the animal was lost or found. Be sure to include the best way for us to reach you.
Identification & Microchips
A collar tag or microchip can help an animal find their way home. If your pet is microchipped, make sure your contact information is current with the microchip provider. If you're claiming a pet in our care, we may ask for information that helps us confirm that they belong to you.
When We Find a Possible Match
Our team reviews lost and found reports and compares them with animals who come into our care. If we believe we've found a possible match, we'll contact you to confirm the details and help reunite you with your pet.
Still Need Our Help?
If you're not sure what to do next, please reach out. Whether you've lost a pet, found an animal or have a situation that doesn't quite fit the information above, our team is here to listen and help you figure out the next step.
Reach out to our team at 905-885-4131 for support.