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Lost pets and shelter reclaiming in Whitby, Ontario
Whitby, Ontario, Canada
Call Whitby Animal Services at 905-655-0283 when a pet goes missing. Check its current lost-pet list and search the last-seen area. Bring identity and ownership records when reclaiming an animal.
Key information
Call Whitby Animal Services at 905-655-0283 when a pet goes missing. Check its current lost-pet list and search the last-seen area. Bring identity and ownership records when reclaiming an animal.
On this page
If your pet is missing at a glance
- Check the Animal Services list of pets currently in care and call 905-655-0283
Check the Animal Services list of pets currently in care and call 905-655-0283. Give the animal’s identifying details and where it was last seen.
- Search that area and post notices with a clear photograph
Search that area and post notices with a clear photograph, the pet’s name and your contact details. A shelter call does not replace a local search.
- If found in town care
If found in town care, arrange reclaiming and prepare your ID, ownership documents, vaccination information and licence.
Sources: Lost and found pets
If your pet is missing
- Check the Animal Services list of pets currently in care and call 905-655-0283. Give the animal’s identifying details and where it was last seen.
- Search that area and post notices with a clear photograph, the pet’s name and your contact details. A shelter call does not replace a local search.
- If found in town care, arrange reclaiming and prepare your ID, ownership documents, vaccination information and licence.
Sources: Lost and found pets
Records accepted for ownership
| Record | Use |
|---|---|
| Registered microchip | Ownership evidence |
| Current rabies certificate | Ownership and vaccination evidence |
| Municipal licence | Ownership and registration evidence |
| Veterinary records | Ownership evidence |
Sources: Lost and found pets
Found animals and reclaim costs
Animal Services arranges pickup of found pets during normal business hours. For a found dog after hours, call 905-655-0283 extension 4. For other pets after hours, the town says keep the animal safe until the centre opens; injured animals are an exception to that routine instruction.
Stray animals are held for at least five days before being made available for adoption. This is a minimum shelter holding period, not a promise that an owner will be contacted in time without taking action.
Reclaiming requires personal ID and ownership proof. Staff check current rabies vaccination and an identification tag. Unregistered pets need a licence. The owner pays reclaiming costs, necessary veterinary expenses and an additional $35 plus HST for each shelter day.
Sources: Lost and found pets
Questions and answers
What is the first phone number for a missing pet?
Call Animal Services at 905-655-0283 and check the online lost-pet list.
Source: Lost and found pets
Who handles a found dog at night?
The around-the-clock dog response line is 905-655-0283 extension 4.
Source: Lost and found pets
Should I leave another found pet outside the closed shelter?
The town says keep non-dog found pets safe and contact staff when open, except where an animal is injured.
Source: Lost and found pets
How long are strays held before adoption?
At least five days, according to the town’s lost-and-found page.
Source: Lost and found pets
Is my own ID needed to collect my pet?
Yes. Personal identification is required as well as evidence that you own the animal.
Source: Lost and found pets
Can veterinary records establish ownership?
Yes. They are one of the town’s listed forms of ownership proof.
Source: Lost and found pets
Will staff check rabies vaccination?
Yes. The centre needs to verify it is current.
Source: Lost and found pets
Can I reclaim an unlicensed pet without buying a licence?
No. Purchase or renew the licence if the pet is not registered with Whitby.
Source: Lost and found pets
Is the daily shelter charge the whole reclaim bill?
No. The $35 plus HST daily charge is additional to other service costs and necessary veterinary expenses.
Source: Lost and found pets
Where is the centre?
Whitby Animal Services is at 4680 Thickson Road North, Whitby.
Source: Lost and found pets
Sources: Lost and found pets