Ottawa Humane Society Eliminates Surrender Fees

April 13, 2023 — In a historic move, the Ottawa Humane Society has eliminated fees for owners to surrender their pets into the organization’s care.

Previously, surrendering could have cost a pet owner $25 to $125 depending on the species of their pet.

“The fee was no longer in anyone’s best interest,” explained Shaun Renton, OHS manager: admissions & rehoming. “We wanted to make sure that if someone was no longer able to provide for their pet, finances weren’t a barrier between them and making the best choice for their pet.”

The surrender fee used to cover a small portion of the animal’s care in the shelter. With ongoing inflation, the OHS chose to remove the fee rather than increase it.

The OHS states that surrendering an animal to the shelter is one of the most responsible decisions a pet owner can make if they are no longer able to care for their pet. Renton emphasizes surrendering is also one of the hardest decisions a pet owner can make. Eliminating surrender fees may make things a little easier for pet owners who are going through rough times.

The OHS predicts removing the fee will reduce the number of animals abandoned outdoors and will bring more animals to the OHS before they develop severe medical or behavioural needs.

The OHS offers programs and services to support pets and their families such as pet food banks, accessible spay/neuter services, microchip clinics and behavioural consultations. The OHS aims to help keep families together whenever possible and is available when staying together is no longer an option.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Manager: Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca