Discover your ideal companion: Adopt a pet today

Pet adoption is a great way to bring a new big or small friend into your home. If you’re interested in adopting a pet in Mississauga, the Mississauga Animal Shelter is one of the organizations you can turn to. It’s operated by Mississauga Animal Services, which oversees its day-to-day operations.

Benefits to pet adoptions

One of the biggest benefits of adopting a pet is the emotional connection you can build with them. Pets bring joy and happiness and adopting one can be a rewarding experience. Not only do pets provide companionship, but they can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure and improve mental health.

By adopting from the City’s shelter, you’re helping to reduce the number of abandoned or surrendered animals while supporting an organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in need.

Adopting a pet from Mississauga Animal Shelter means the animals available for adoption have already received basic medical care, such as vaccinations and spaying/neutering, which can save you significant costs.

The Mississauga Animal Shelter also offers resources and advice on properly caring for your new pet, including training tips and advice on nutrition and exercise. This is helpful for first-time pet owners who need help figuring out how or where to get started.

What types of pets are available to adopt

The availability of specific types of pets for adoption can vary. It’s always a good idea to check the shelter’s website or contact them directly.

• Cats – domestic cats and kittens of various breeds, colours, and ages are often available for adoption.

• Dogs – various dog breeds, sizes and ages may be available for adoption.

• Smaller animals – for those looking to get a smaller pet, the Mississauga Animal Shelter sometimes has rabbits, guinea pigs, rats or hamsters available for adoption.

• Birds – sometimes, birds like parrots, budgies, or cockatiels are available for adoption.

How to adopt

If you’re 18 or older, you can adopt a pet from our Animal Services Shelter. Adopting a pet gives it the security of a permanent home and the care it deserves. Learning about the specific adoption process at the Mississauga Animal Shelter is also important.

The Animal Services Shelter is open to the public; however, in some cases appointments are needed for the adoption of dogs at this time. There may be short wait times to view the animals. All family or household members will need to be reachable by phone at the time of adoption.

What’s included:

• There are flat rate adoption fees for dogs, and adoption fees for cats are tiered according to age.
• Dogs and cats require a pet licence – during adoption, a first-year licence must be purchased.
• The dog or cat will be spayed/neutered by Mississauga Animal Services unless they are adopted at an age too young for them to be altered.
• A voucher is provided that will look after the costs of spaying/neutering when they are of age.
• Dogs and cats come with a microchip implant, are dewormed and have received their first set of vaccinations (excluding rabies).

Standards of pet care

If you already own a pet, it’s important to ensure you provide them with the appropriate standard of care outlined in the Animal Care and Control By-law to help protect animals and ensure their well-being. By becoming a responsible pet owner, you are committing to providing your pet with the care they need to live a healthy, happy life.

Adopting a pet is a wonderful way to affect the world positively and bring more love and happiness into your life. For more information about adopting a pet or pets available, visit mississauga.ca/services-and-programs/animals-and-pets/.

Tags

• Animal Services
• Wildlife and Pets