FAQ
Due to the large amount of emails we receive, we've put up this FAQ page in hopes this will answer the bulk of your questions. We are 100% volunteer based, and don't have enough resources to respond to all emails. Thank you for your understanding.
I FOUND A STRAY DOG, WHAT DO I DO?
Because we are a foster based rescue, emergencies can be difficult. If you found a stray dog please contact Animal Control - Hillside Kennels at 786007 Township Rd 6, Innerkip, ON N0J 1M0
(519) 469-3247
(519) 469-3247
I FOUND A STRAY CAT, WHAT DO I DO?
If you have a stray cat or kittens on your property, and local animal control is not able to help, you can email [email protected] to see if we have available space. PLEASE NOTE: We are usually very full, with a waiting list through the spring, summer and fall. We will do our best to help out, but we only have so much foster space and resources available. We will not take in any feral cats. Domesticated cats only.
Here's a list of other rescues you can try if we are full:
SPCA
ANIMAL AIDE
ANIMAL LOVE FOUNDATION
HOLLY'S HOPE
PURRFECT COMPANIONS OF NORFOLK
WOODSTOCK KITTEN NURSERY
Here's a list of other rescues you can try if we are full:
SPCA
ANIMAL AIDE
ANIMAL LOVE FOUNDATION
HOLLY'S HOPE
PURRFECT COMPANIONS OF NORFOLK
WOODSTOCK KITTEN NURSERY
WHY ISN'T ANYONE RETURNING MY PHONE CALL?
We are volunteer based, and work full time. We usually cannot return calls during the work day, and during the evening we may have other commitments. We will do our best to return your call when we're able. Please do not leave voicemail regarding your submitted adoption application. You will be contacted via email or phone if we decide to pursue your application. These voicemail's will not be returned.
I SUBMITTED AN ADOPTION APPLICATION - WHY ISN'T ANYONE GETTING BACK TO ME?
Due to the high amount of emails regarding adoption applications, as of right now we're only able to respond to the people who have been chosen to move forward to the next step in adoption. We understand that you would like to receive a response either way, but unfortunately we do not have the volunteer manpower to respond to the high email volume we're receiving. PLEASE DO NOT SEND SEVERAL EMAILS AND LEAVE VOICEMAILS REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION. This only bogs us down more. We are receiving and viewing all applications, but are selecting the best fit for the dog or cat and moving forward from there. Thank you for your understanding.
I WANT TO COME SEE THE ANIMALS YOU HAVE FOR ADOPTION. WHERE CAN I MEET THEM?
We are a foster based rescue, which means we utilize foster homes for the care of our animals, rather than a shelter environment. Out of respect for our foster parents time and energy, we only allow you to meet an animal up for adoption if you've submitted an application and we are going to move forward with it. Alternatively, you can view the animals we have available for adoption on our website, adult cats can been seen at the Petsmart location in Woodstock, while adult cats or kittens can be seen at the Pet Valu locations in Ingersoll or Tillsonburg. You can also look for one of our Adoption Day events and see some of our adoptable animals there.
WHY WAS MY APPLICATION DECLINED?
Not all adoption applications are declined because we think you're an unfit pet parent. In fact, that is rarely the case! Every animal we get into the rescue is unique in their own way, and it is our job to get to know them and their personality so we can properly identify their needs/requirements in a forever home.
We do not always require a fenced yard for our rescued dogs either. In fact, we'd usually rather people are actively engaged in structured walks with their dogs, rather than releasing them into the yard to do their business and that's it. But, on occasion we get in a dog that requires a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, and in those cases we will required a fenced yard so you have an area where you can mentally and physically stimulate your rescued dog.
Some of the things that are considered when we are reviewing applications are:
We do not always require a fenced yard for our rescued dogs either. In fact, we'd usually rather people are actively engaged in structured walks with their dogs, rather than releasing them into the yard to do their business and that's it. But, on occasion we get in a dog that requires a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation, and in those cases we will required a fenced yard so you have an area where you can mentally and physically stimulate your rescued dog.
Some of the things that are considered when we are reviewing applications are:
- Age
- Vetting history (ie; vaccines yearly, spay/neuter surgery completed, good treatment plan)
- Personality / Demeanor (are you loud, quiet, shy, assertive etc.)
- Kids and their ages
- Activity Level
- Skill level dealing with difficult dogs
- Time and Commitment level
- Other pet's
- Living arrangements
- Ability to financially support your pet (vet care, training etc.)
MY CHILD NEEDS VOLUNTEER HOURS FOR SCHOOL, HOW CAN THEY SIGN UP?
Because we are a foster based rescue, our foster parents are doing the bulk of the animal care work (thank you foster parents!!!). We occasionally need an extra hand with fundraisers, and we'll post a request for help on our facebook page.
WHERE CAN I DROP OFF DONATIONS AND WHAT DONATIONS ARE ACCEPTED?
Donations can be dropped off at 789 Dundas Street, Woodstock (Strip mall on the corner of Dundas & Blandford Streets) on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 1-3, Tuesday and Thursday evenings between 6:30-8 and Saturday mornings from 10am-12pm.
We graciously accept:
We graciously accept:
- Monetary donations (these are desperately needed to pay for vet bills)
- Pet Supplies (X-large cages, litter boxes, scoops, toys, etc. - please make sure everything is clean before dropping off)
- Canadian Tire Money
- Quality Dog and Kitten Food (preferably sealed bags for the safety of our pets)
- Scented Clumping Litter
- Toys (to help us fill our Surprise Bags that raise money for vet bills, and some toys for our foster animals too!)
- Prepaid Visa cards (for gas and other supplies)
- Gas and Store Gift Cards
- Crafting supplies (varethane, yarn, fabric, wood, beads, pre-made crafts, etc.)
- New, unopened Gifts to be used for Raffle prizes
- Office supplies
**Note: Tax receipts will be issued for cash donations of $20.00 or more. We may not have a representative on site who is able to issue the receipt so you may have to wait for it to come in the mail**
I WANT TO VOLUNTEER. HOW CAN I HELP?
We currently require volunteers for the following:
- Fundraising (organizing and helping at events, new ideas, volunteers for our fundraising committee, committee chair)
- Foster families for both Cats and Dogs
- Our Petsmart Adoption Center to ensure the kitties receive care daily in store
WHERE DO YOUR ANIMALS COME FROM?
99% of our cats are local found strays who were dumped out for one reason or another. We're very happy to be able to get them in homes, spay and neuter, and stop their cycle of breeding unwanted cats/kittens.
Our dogs cqn come from several places: found strays, pull from a shelter/pound, owner surrendered to the rescue.
Our dogs cqn come from several places: found strays, pull from a shelter/pound, owner surrendered to the rescue.
WHY ARE YOUR ADOPTION FEES SO HIGH?
Our adoption fees are equivalent to what most backyard breeders are charging for their puppies, BUT OURS COME WITH VET CARE!
Our dogs are vaccinated, dewormed, flea treated, microchipped, heartworm tested, spayed/neutered, and behaviour assessed. Their adoption fee is $500.00.
Our cats are vaccinated, dewormed, FIV/Felv tested, spayed/neutered, and treated with flea prevention medication. Their adoption fee is $200.00
This is much much more than you're getting from a backyard breeder or free animal, where you're getting no vetting or vaccines. Our priority is animal health! Our adoption fees do not cover our vet care. Yes our vet care is discounted due to volume, but we get many sick animals, animals requiring medication or antibiotics, surgery, heartworm treatment etc. We are always in the negative at the vet clinic.
Our dogs are vaccinated, dewormed, flea treated, microchipped, heartworm tested, spayed/neutered, and behaviour assessed. Their adoption fee is $500.00.
Our cats are vaccinated, dewormed, FIV/Felv tested, spayed/neutered, and treated with flea prevention medication. Their adoption fee is $200.00
This is much much more than you're getting from a backyard breeder or free animal, where you're getting no vetting or vaccines. Our priority is animal health! Our adoption fees do not cover our vet care. Yes our vet care is discounted due to volume, but we get many sick animals, animals requiring medication or antibiotics, surgery, heartworm treatment etc. We are always in the negative at the vet clinic.