Question 1

Can anyone adopt a cat or dog?

Accepted Answer

To add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.Yes, anyone can adopt a cat or dog, but we do have a screening process. Potential adopters are asked to complete an application form giving details of how they plan to care for their pet and providing us with references to help us make our decisions. We always try to match an animal with an appropriate home, which sometimes means you may not be approved for the particular animal that you want. Application forms can be found on out Adoption page

Question 2

Why are some animals not ready for adoption when I see them at the shelter?

Accepted Answer

If an animal is brought in by canine control, the owners have 3-5 days (time varies depending on which municipal unit you live in – see below under Canine Control By-laws) to claim their animal.  After that the shelter is allowed to put the animal up for adoption

Question 3

Is there a fee to adopt a dog or cat?

Accepted Answer

Yes there is an adoption fee for all animals. Fees vary depending on the type and age of the animal. Adoption fees can be found on our adoptions page

Question 4

Can I surrender my dog or cat to the shelter?  Is there a fee for this?

Accepted Answer

No! There is no fee for surrendering any animal but donations are always appreciated.
 
There is a small amount of paperwork that is required when surrendering an animal to our shelter.  To make the process easier, before coming to the shelter to surrender your animal, you may print off the appropriate paperwork and have it filled in before you arrive.

Question 5

Why are some shelter dogs and cats in foster care homes?

Accepted Answer

Dogs and cats that are not coping well with kennel life are fostered out, if possible. This would include very young dogs/cats, small dogs, older ones, and dogs/cats with specific health issues. Sometimes we foster out dogs with behaviour problems to help them to learn to behave in a home environment.
We are always looking for more good, knowledgeable foster homes. Why not consider opening your home to a pet in need?

Question 6

Does the LA Animal Shelter receive government funding or assistance?

Accepted Answer

While the Municipality of Cumberland and some of the townships give some financial support, most of the money needed to run the shelter is collected through the fund raising efforts of a number of dedicated volunteers.

Question 7

What if Canine Control picks up my dog or cat? Is there a cost associated?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a pick up fee to be paid to the Municipality of Cumberland and Towns, as well as a daily kennel fee. Fees for pick up are determined by each municipal unit as referenced in the by-laws for each municipal unit.  (See below under Canine Control By-laws). When an animal is brought to the Shelter, it will be dewormed and receive a flea treatment. It will be examined by Shelter staff and if it is determined that it requires medical attention, it will be transported to the Amherst Veterinary Clinic. Any fees associated with these treatments and any other costs incurred while the animal is in the care of the Shelter will be the sole responsibility of the owner and will be due at the time of pick up. The staff at the shelter will explain how much is owed for your particular animal. The Shelter reserves the right to request proof of ownership before releasing any animal from our care.

Question 8

Why should I microchip my animal? Does micro-chipping hurt the animal in anyway?

Accepted Answer

Micro-chipping offers pet owners the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to his/her owner.  Animal microchips are about the size of a grain of rice and are typically implanted just beneath the skin between the shoulder blades by a trained staff person.The process is no more painful to your pet than a vaccination.

Question 9

Are animals euthanized at your shelter? If so, why?"

Accepted Answer

The Shelter is a no-kill shelter which means that once an animal comes into our care, we will keep it until it finds a home. We will only euthanize an animal that is terminally ill or has dangerous behaviour problems.

Question 10

If I myself die or a loved one and leave a donation to the SPCA does the L. A. Animal Shelter receive any of these donations?

Accepted Answer

No, the LA Animal Shelter is not affiliated with the SPCA . We are an independent shelter, supported through our own fund raising effort.

Question 11

What age should puppies be taken away from their mother?

Accepted Answer

Puppies should be permitted to stay with their mother and siblings until they are at least 8 weeks of age. During this time, they will learn how to behave with other dogs and how to respect the authority of their mother, allowing them to be well adjusted dogs and making them much easier to train.  Puppies removed from their mothers too early may become nervous, fearful and difficult to house train.

Question 12

Who do I contact if I suspect an animal is suffering from neglect or abuse?

Accepted Answer

While the shelter staff will always pass your call along to the appropriate person, it is best to call the Provincial SPCA. 1-888-703-7722. Your name will not be used in any investigation by the local SPCA agent.
What are the Canine Control By-law’s for the Municipal Units in Cumberland County?

Question 13

Who can enter?

Accepted Answer

Any pet can enter! Dogs, cats, or other companion animals are welcome. Each nomination requires a $5 entry fee.

Lillian Allbon Animal Shelter

The little shelter with the BIG heart

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Still have questions?

Do you have a question that isn’t answered here or you would like further explanation? We would love to hear from you!