Sanctuary Programs Admission Information

What sanctuary programs do you have?

Types of animals who come into our sanctuary programs

The majority of the animals we're able to accept at Pets Niagara are pets who are able to integrate well with other pets of the same species and with humans, e.g. staff, visitors, and volunteers.

Aggressive and/or fearful animals

In order to provide the highest possible quality of life for animals at the sanctuary, we will eventually house most of our residents in groups to provide social interaction with plenty of room for exercise. For this reason, our policy dictates that aggressive and fearful animals require sanctuary fostering with an individual who is skilled and knowledgeable in pet behavioural issues. Consequently, space for aggressive and fearful animals is very limited and requests to take such animals are dealt with on a case-by-case basis based on availability of an appropriate foster home.

Special-needs animals

We will eventually house most of our residents in groups to provide social interaction with plenty of room for exercise. At the time that our sanctuary property is constructed we will be providing dedicated space to special-needs pets. In the meantime, special-needs animals typically require more and sometimes specialized caregiver resources. Currently, we have to place special-needs pets with a sanctuary foster and as such we can only commit to receiving new special-needs pets as we have the ability to provide for them.

Criteria for admission

Admission decisions are made based on our ability to provide appropriate housing and care for each pet's unique needs. Although our goal is to help as many pets as humanly and humanely as possible on their journey through their life, we do make a lifetime commitment to the pets who are entrusted to Pets Niagara sanctuary program.

We are only able to accommodate a small fraction of the requests for sanctuary admission that we receive every year. Potential admissions are considered in view of space and resources.

We give priority to admissions for pets coming by way of our "Home for Life", "Pets for Seniors", "Special-needs" and "Hybrid" sanctuary programs.

Admission process

Unless we have the reservation of a pet owner on file for our "Home for Life" sanctuary program, our admissions process begins with communication received from the owner of the pet or the next-of-kin of a deceased owner. Because of limited staff and resources, we may not able to personally respond to any individual request immediately. It may take a few days for us to get back in touch with you. Please bear this in mind when you make your first contact with Pets Niagara.

Pet help resources

For pets that would not qualify for our sanctuary programs, please check with us to see if we have any available general foster homes available. If we do, we will see if are able to bring your pet into a foster-to-adopt home. If we do not have a foster home available and you are able to keep your pet at home for a period of up to 6 months we will definitely assist you in the re-homing of your pet if you desire. Otherwise, if you are in immediate placement for your pet, please visit our Pet Resources section on this website where you'll find a wide array of available assistance either through other animal rescue groups or among our articles for finding a new home for your pet, and much more. In our Pet Care section of this website you will find a number of articles for help in training your pet, food and feeding, care and pet behaviour. Almost always, for homeless pets in need, the best chance for a good home can be found right within their own community.

How you can Help

Regular monthly gifts provide a consistent, reliable income stream that allows us to spend less time fundraising - and more time saving lives. Becoming a sponsor of a sanctuary pet is an easy and efficient way to fight pet neglect and homelessness and make a difference for the many unwanted and unloved pets that we see all year long. Please help us continue to be a voice for these sad and broken spirits. They truly give us a chance to be a part of witnessing miracles of healing of mind, body and spirit. We can only accomplish this with your support.

Thank you for taking time to care for animals in need. If we all work together, we can strive toward "Saving Them All".