TIPS: I'VE FOUND A PET
1. Have the pet scanned for a microchip at a vet clinic or at a local shelter. This is a free service.
***Please be advised....if you find an animal in Gatineau and bring the animal to the SPCA to be scanned for a microchip, the animal becomes the property of the SPCA.
According to Article 935 of the Civil code any animal found must be brought to the Outaouais SPCA. The city has a contract and mandate with the OSPCA to manage the receipt of all stray animals. The animal found must therefore be surrendered to the mandated authority. If you wish to offer a second chance to the animal you have found and can give the animal the love and comfort of a good home. When you drop off the animal inform the reception staff of your interest, they will be happy to explain the process to foster or adopt.
2. File a found pet report with your local animal control officer and animal shelter.
For Ottawa, you can file a report online with the Ottawa Humane Society http://www.ottawahumane.ca/services/lost-and-found/found-animal-report/.
*COVID-19 ALERT- Given the current Public Health crisis, the shelter remains closed to walk-ins and to members of the public looking for lost pets. If you have found an animal or are looking for a lost pet, you must schedule an appointment before attending the shelter and an OHS staff member will be happy to assist you. Please note the following important numbers to make an appointment:
If you have found an animal: 613-725-3166, EXT. 221
Ottawa, for all animals in immediate distress: 311
For surrounding areas, please see our tab "Important Contact Numbers" for other local shelters and animal control officers. http://www.ottawaandvalleylostpetnetwork.ca/important-numbers.html
3. Post on our Facebook page, Ottawa and Valley Lost Pet Network. This is a free service.
4. Post an ad on Kijiji, Used Ottawa and other buy and sell sites. Make use of social media like Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.
5. Put a sign on your lawn indicating you have found a pet. Often people who lose animals will drive around trying to find them.
6. Put up posters in your neighbourhood and post a giant FOUND PET poster near the exact spot where you found the pet and a couple more at major intersections in that area. For more information on how to create an effective poster, please check out the Missing Pet Partnership's website.
7. Please be extremely careful. Make sure you are releasing him/her to the rightful owner. There are dangerous people out there who just want to get their hands on animals and are watching found pet ads. Ask for proof of ownership such as pictures, vet bills, etc. If it's a dog, ask for the dog's name and see if he/she responds to the name. Also exercise caution when meeting strangers to pick up a lost pet or returning a pet to its owner. Use the same caution as when meeting any stranger.