COVID-19

A protocol for adoption by appointment only is available. Please consult the protocol for adoption by appointment only.

We are receiving a very high volume of calls and e-mails from people who want to foster an animal. Since we are currently operating with reduced staff, please anticipate a longer response time. We are currently prioritizing requests from our already active and experienced volunteers, staff and foster families to ensure a maximum of placement in short period of time.

However, we are always looking for new families with specific profiles for our animals with special needs. To place some of our canine boarders, we are currently looking for families who have experience with dogs and no young children, who live in a house and can commit to at least a two-week stay. If you fit this profile, please fill out this form so we can get in touch with you. We invite other interested families to contact us once the COVID-19 security measures have been lessened. Thank you for your support!

To allow our team to focus on the most urgent cases and to limit the number of visitors, new appointment requests for our microchipping service are not accepted at this time. Health guarantee appointments are also suspended, except for emergencies. If you have questions, please call us at 514-735-2711. Thank you.

By appointment only.
To schedule an appointment, visit this page.

To limit visits to the shelter, the Montreal SPCA boutique is closed until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.

Currently operating with reduced staff, the Montreal SPCA asks the public to call 514-735-2711 to make an appointment before abandoning or bringing in a found animal. Please note that only urgent cases will be accepted.

To schedule an appointment, visit this page.

Despite the current crisis, the animals we take in at the shelter still need our care and support. If you can, please make a donation to help the most vulnerable animals at this difficult time for everyone. Thank you very much for your precious support!

Material donations
Please note that until further notice, we are no longer accepting donated objects and food (to prevent contamination).

There is no scientific evidence at this time that domestic animals can transmit the COVID-19 virus to humans. However, because it is possible for them to become infected, we must apply the same social distancing measures to them as we follow ourselves. Because the virus that causes COVID-19 is new and knowledge about it is evolving rapidly, these guidelines may change in the coming weeks.

• Avoid contact between your animal and anyone who does not live in your home, as you would for yourself.
• Don’t pet animals you meet outdoors.
• Don’t let your cat outside.
• Never disinfect your animal with bleach or hydroalcoholic gel (e.g. Purell), which could cause poisoning or burns. Instead, strictly apply social distancing and hygiene (such as washing your hands after petting your animal) measures, since current knowledge suggests that animals can also develop the disease.

If you should come down with COVID-19, apply the same precautionary measures to your animals as you would to other members of your household:

• Limit close contact with them.
• Avoid coughing or sneezing in their direction.
• Keep your animals from coming into contact with other animals or people outside your home.
• If your animal presents COVID-19-like symptoms (mainly cough, fever and lethargy) and is likely to have been in contact with a person carrying the virus, keep your animal from having any contact with humans and animals. Contact your veterinarian for more specific advice.

Contact your veterinarian. Many veterinarians offer consultation by video conference or can direct you to the right resources.

If you are feeling well, have no COVID-19 symptoms and are not self-quarantining because of contamination risks, walking your dog can help keep you both physically and mentally healthy. However, petting dogs you don’t know is a practice we always discourage—and this is all the more so these days!

The situation for cats is more complicated, since it is difficult (if not impossible) to keep an eye on cats outdoors. They should therefore stay indoors, unless used to going out on a leash.

Current knowledge suggests that animals can also develop the coronavirus. Therefore, to protect them, yourself and those around you, it’s important to avoid non-essential contact between your animal and people who do not live with you.

Resources for stimulating your pet at home:
How to Keep Your Cat Busy
Ten Games to Keep Your Dog Busy

We encourage you to contact the food banks in your neighbourhood or region. Some will be able to help you or direct you to the right resource.

The pandemic brings its share of uncertainty and requires us all to make arrangements to ensure our entire family’s well-being, including that of our animals. Be properly prepared: Have a Plan B for your furry or feathered companions in case you can’t take care of them for a while. That way, you’ll rest assured that they’re receiving proper care and staying safe during these exceptional circumstances.

To help you, we have drawn up an emergency plan adapted to the current situation:
COVID-19: Who Will Care for Our Animals?

As a last resort, if you need to be hospitalized and can’t find anyone to take care of your animal, contact the Montreal SPCA at 514 735-2711.

You should care for these animals in their own home, if your loved one has been hospitalized. This is ideal for cats and small mammals.

• Make sure that the indoor temperature remains comfortable, even when no one is home.
• If possible, avoid going in the house. If you have to enter, apply hygiene measures and wash your hands very regularly.
• For cats, just open the door and leave enough food, water and clean litter for a few days, without entering the house.
• For certain dogs, you can also just leave food and water in the hallway at a frequency that reflects their eating habits. If the dog comes to greet you, you could also take them for a walk on a leash without having to go into the house.
• Fish, birds, some reptiles and small mammals don’t necessarily need to be fed every day. Just give them a little more food than usual each time, which will allow you to space out your visits.

If you bring the animal home

Ideally, the animal will be brought to you in a carrier or on a leash, with all the necessary items for their stay with you. If you absolutely must enter the infected person’s home, wear gloves, a mask and shoe coverings, and don’t touch anything unnecessarily. Also, wear a layer of clothing that you can peel off when you leave and wash as soon as you get home.

Disinfect all of the animal’s accessories (leashes, toys, carrier, food bags, etc.). Never disinfect the animal with bleach or hydroalcoholic gel (e.g. Purell), which could cause poisoning or burns.

There is no scientific evidence at this time that domestic animals can directly transmit the COVID-19 virus to humans. However, since it is possible that some animals may become infected, you should take precautions and set up a dedicated space in your home before your guest arrives. This area should be easy to clean and disinfect. Isolate the animal from your other animal companions and family members for 14 days. If you’re catsitting, clean their litter box frequently. It should not be shared with other cats.

During the COVID-19 crisis, the Montreal SPCA is asking those who find themselves in the difficult situation of having to give up their animal to seek options other than our shelter. This allows our team to focus on the most urgent cases. A Facebook group has been created by citizens who want to respectfully and understandingly help people find a loving new home for their animals.

Please note that this group is not administered by the Montreal SPCA.