In Quebec, stray animal management is the responsibility of municipalities. Shelters and services that take in strays on behalf of cities must keep the animals for a set amount of time established by municipal bylaws, to allow families the chance to claim their companion animal. After this wait period, the animal is considered abandoned or homeless, and can then be put up for adoption.
As an animal services provider, the Montreal SPCA must comply with the bylaws of the Ville de Montréal and the other municipalities it serves.
Unfortunately, some people take too long before reporting the disappearance of their animal and starting their search. Once the 24- or 72-hour legal wait period has expired, you must go through the adoption process (including paying the fees) to claim your animal. If your animal has already been adopted by a new family, you have lost them forever.
These city regulations give strays a chance to be reunited with their families first, but then quickly ensure their well-being. At the end of the wait period, the animal is cared for, sterilized and given a chance to be adopted by a new loving family.
Inserted under the skin, a microchip is one of the best ways to quickly locate your little lost companion. Microchipping is mandatory in Montréal for all cats and dogs. This hypoallergenic electronic device is the size of a grain of rice and does not deteriorate over time. It stays in place, going through life with your animal!
After taking in stray animals, we scan them with a microchip reader. Using the identification number contained in the chips, we can automatically access animal owners’ contact information.
Thank you for taking care of animals and keeping them safe! ❤️
