Pet Adoption

1. Visit Oshawa Animal Services during our adoption hours and fill out a pet application.  Adoption Hours: Monday through Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
2. Visit one of our offsite adoption partners (listed below) and fill out a pet application. Adoption hours vary by store location. We recommend calling the location first to ensure the animal is still available. 
3. Once the application is approved, you will be advised and the animal is sent by the City to the veterinarian for spay/neuter, vaccination (including rabies) and a microchip.
4. Staff will contact you when the animal is ready to go to its new home.

Please note: the pet adoption process can sometimes take up to 1 week to complete. In most cases, a newly adopted animal does not go home the same day you first visit Animal Services.

Animals that are adopted from our offsite adoption partners are usually ready to go home the same day as their vaccinations, microchip and surgeries are completed in advance.

Cats and kittens are $150 plus H.S.T. 

Dogs are $250 plus H.S.T.

In addition, as with all Durham municipalities, Oshawa residents are required to purchase a lifetime pet licence for $40.

Pet adoption includes spay or neuter, vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, microchip, rabies immunization and a 4 week pet insurance trial.

Methods of payment accepted for adoption and licensing are: cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard or American Express.

Since Animal Services cannot predict the health or disposition of each animal, there is a return policy in effect. Each case is considered on an individual basis and refunds are at the discretion of the City.

Concerns regarding the health or disposition of an animal should be reported promptly to Animal Services. In many instances we are able to provide support and guidance to assist in keeping the animal in the home.

As most of our animals are stray, very little is known about their past history. Veterinary technicians on staff and a regularly-visiting veterinarian assess each animal's health, documenting any treatment and medical care provided.

We encourage you to take your adopted pet to your veterinarian within 3 days of adoption to have it examined. Animal Services does not knowingly adopt out unhealthy animals, however, it is possible that animals may have been exposed to diseases and not have shown symptoms while in our care.

View dos and don'ts video showing dog safety for young children

View tips for the first 30 days of dog adoption

View tips for housetraining a dog or puppy

View keeping the peace between cats and dogs

View helping your adopted cat and existing pets to accept each other

View common litter box issues

View tips when adding a second cat to your home 

Rabbits

Basic rabbit care

Litter box training your rabbit

Plants poisonous for rabbits

Guinea Pigs

Basic guinea pig care