In the Town of Newmarket, pet licence fees and donations are an important source for funding essential animal services. When you license your pet, know that you are doing your part to help your local shelter workers care for lost, injured and abused animals.
We are proud to call Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre an official Safe & Happy Partner. We will always donate 20% of every designer tag sale to Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre in an effort to provide additional funding for the community’s vulnerable animals and the staff that serves them. They are doing some pretty amazing things for local animals in need, read on to learn more about this great organization!
By The Numbers
447
Animals sheltered
per year
114
Adoptions
per year
189
Lost pets reunited
per year
15
Staff
Q&A
Talkin' Shop
Here’s what’s been going on at the Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre.
What is something you are really proud of as an
organization?
The Georgina Animal Shelter is proud of its commitment to animal
welfare and advocacy of responsible pet ownership. We believe strongly in providing support to
all pets and their owners, and we will always try to find a positive solution for anyone that
asks us for help.
What is something that makes your organization unique?
The
Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre is a municipally-owned animal shelter located in the
Town of Georgina, ON. The shelter is unique in that it provides animal sheltering services to
three additional municipalities, including East Gwillimbury, Aurora and Newmarket.
What is a program you run that is important for people to know about?
The Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre provides rehoming and adoption
services to families in Ontario. Additional programs are being considered for the future as we
re-evaluate the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the biggest obstacle your organization faces while caring for
animals?
Our organization's biggest obstacle when caring for animals is consistent access to immediate,
cost-effective veterinary care.
Can you share a story of a specific pet you helped recently?
Tutu arrived at the Georgina Animal Shelter in March of 2022. She was found without a licence or
a microchip. When no one came forward to claim her, she was quickly adopted into a wonderful
family who now can’t imagine their lives without her. They recently sent us the following
adorable pupdate-
“Tutu, now Tiffany, has settled in nicely. She doesn’t bark much, loves small toys like balls,
enjoys her belly rubs and really likes the patio door open so she can go in and out as she
pleases. Tiffany loves car rides and has already started getting the happy dog zoomies.”
We are so glad that Tiffany is finally home!
In your words, why are pet licences important?
Pet licences aid
in the fast return of a lost pet to its owner. They provide an immediate visual clue to anyone who
finds the pet, which often results in the pet not having to be brought into an animal shelter.
How do monetary donations and licensing fees help out around your
organization?
Fees and monetary donations provide us with greater resources and allow us to support and care for
more animals in need.
How can people help or volunteer?
People can visit our website at georgina.ca/AnimalServices or
follow us on our Facebook page for the
most up-to-date information on how to help the animal shelter.
If someone wants to donate pet supplies, what are the items needed
most?
Items that are needed most are martingale collars, tough chew toys for dogs, catnip, snuffle mats,
cat wands, lick mats, slow feeders, food puzzles for cats and dogs, and gift cards.
To what extent do pet licence fees contribute to your overall
budget?
Pet licences play an important role in our budget. However, they are not a major source of funding.
What does the day of a shelter worker/volunteer normally look
like?
The day in a life of a shelter worker begins with a busy morning of animal husbandry duties that
usually include walking dogs, feeding, medications, cleaning and laundry. The morning goes by
quickly. By mid-morning, the staff are working on various animal enrichment techniques such as
mental and physical activities, music time, treat games, grooming and perhaps even some bird
watching! The team will also work on administrative tasks throughout the day, performing intake
exams of new pet arrivals, attending veterinary appointments, conducting adoption and rehoming
appointments, restocking shelter supplies, and unpacking orders, followed by more animal enrichment
activities. The day will end with final exercise periods, feeding, medication and preparing for the
following day.
What should people know before adopting a pet?
Before considering pet adoption, people should do their own research on the type of pet they are
interested in. Different breeds, for example, can have very different exercise needs or may be prone
to certain genetic conditions that a potential adopter should be aware of. It is also a good idea to
speak with your local veterinarian to gain insight about the type of pet you are considering and the
initial and yearly animal care costs involved with pet ownership.
What is your best advice for pet owners?
Our advice for pet owners is to remember that just like people, pets are individuals. Pets may have
certain breed traits, but even in a litter of puppies of the same breed, they will all have
different personalities. It is important for pet owners to recognize their pet’s individuality and
work to create a lifestyle for them that reflects who they are as a family pet.
What is an easy way for community members to help support your organization?
An easy way for community members to support our organization is through advocating for responsible
pet ownership, engaging with and sharing our social media content, and providing product and/or
monetary donations that support the animals in our care.
For more information about Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre, visit
georgina.ca/living-here/animal-services