Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we are most often asked:
We are aware that there is some misunderstanding about euthanasia at low-kill shelters such as ours. Our prime motivation is the humane treatment of animals. There is NO time limit on an animal’s stay, once it is put up for adoption at Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward and we and our veterinary partners treat animals who come to us injured so that they can heal.
Euthanasia is always the very last resort and is never considered unless:
- The animal is very aggressive and/or has severely attacked a person or other animal and this poses a risk to staff, volunteers or the public.
- The animal becomes ill and the illness is not treatable or its quality of life is significantly diminished.
We do not euthanize animals because our shelter is full. We work with many partners across the province and transfer to other shelters and rescues in order to deal with over population in our facility.
Our staff bring a high level of compassion to all the work we do and animals are our number one priority.
Yes! HSHPE is staffed by paid professionals with post secondary educations. This degree of professionalism ensures top quality care for the animals that would not be available from other organization. Trained as veterinary assistants, veterinary technologists and registered veterinary technologists, our staff provide the hands on care required for proper shelter management. We also rely on community veterinarians for diagnosis, intensive care and surgery. Our staff are trained to work at a veterinary practice and so our professional staff provides the same level of care recommended by veterinarians to meet the needs of the animals.
Humane Society is provincially inspected to ensure top quality care and adherence to the regulated standards for animal welfare in Ontario. As an affiliate of the OSPCA we are the officially recognized Animal Centre for the region and receive ongoing training from sector experts in order to remain leaders in the field.
Our staff is supported by our dedicated volunteers, who assist with a variety of animal care duties, including dog walking.
Provincial law dictates that affiliated shelters such as HSHPE should hold stray animals for 72 hours. As reuniting animals with their families is our priority, we choose to hold all stray animals for 5 days, preserving exclusive rights for the owner to claim the animal. After 5 days, the animals become our responsibility and ownership and we make all the necessary efforts – medications, spay/neuters, microchips, grooming, surgeries, cuddles – to get them ready for adoption to their new ‘Forever Home’.
Having your tags up to date and your pet micro-chipped are good ways to ensure your pets speedy return. Up to date vet records are also a good way to prove your claim to a lost pet, one more great reason if you’ve “Got a pet, Get a vet!”
HSHPE does not receive core funding from municipal, provincial or federal governments. Our funding is only provided through: fees for service to municipalities, grants, bequests and private donations. It is the generosity of supporters which allows us to serve the animals of Hasting & Prince Edward Counties.
We currently hold pound contracts for the Cities of Belleville, Quinte West and Tweed, and are working to secure other contracts throughout the region.
Please remind people that the HSHPE is a separate organization from the OSPCA and CFHS. Although we have a wonderful working relationship with the OSPCA and work together as much as possible, the HSHPE is completely autonomous in its governance and funding.
Animal overpopulation is a serious problem facing the entire country and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties are no exception. HSHPE feels it must take a firm hand in attempting to control this problem, which is why a mandatory spay/neuter program is in place for all dogs and cats.
