Paws and prepare: Welcoming a new pet the right way

Bringing home a new dog or cat is an exciting time. Pets bring love, fun, and companionship, but they also come with responsibility. Whether you’re adopting or buying a pet, it’s important to be ready. Mississauga Animal Services wants to help you prepare for your new furry friend.

Get a pet licence

One of the first things you should do is get a pet licence from Mississauga Animal Services. In Mississauga, all dogs and cats must be licensed under the Animal Care and Control By-Law. A pet licence is an easy way to protect your pet if they ever get lost. It helps Animal Services contact you and return your pet quickly. In 2024, 466 lost pets were brought home, many because they had a licence.

You can buy a licence online, by phone, or in person at the Animal Services Shelter. It’s quick, affordable, and required by law.

Make your home pet ready

Before your pet comes home, take some time to prepare. Make sure your home is safe by removing anything they could chew or swallow, like wires or small objects. Set up a quiet spot where your pet can rest, and have supplies ready like food and water bowls, toys, a bed, and grooming items. This helps your new pet feel comfortable and safe from the start.

Visit the vet

After you bring your pet home, book a visit to the vet. Your pet will need a check-up to make sure they are healthy and up to date on their vaccines, depending on where you adopt them from. The vet can also help you with advice on feeding, training, and how to keep your pet healthy long term.

What to do if your pet gets lost

If your pet goes missing, contact Mississauga Animal Services right away. We do everything we can to help lost pets find their way home. Having a pet licence really helps this process, and it gives us your contact information so we can reach you quickly. A microchip is also helpful, but it doesn’t replace a licence.

Welcome your pet home the right way

Getting a new pet is a big step. Being prepared will help you and your pet have a great start together. A licence, a safe home, and good health care are the basics every pet needs.

To learn more or to buy a pet licence, visit mississauga.ca/animalservices.

Tags

• Animal Services
• By-laws and Policy
• Wildlife and Pets