Lost or Found a Pet?
HSKL is here to help, but there are a few important steps every finder or owner needs to follow. Our goal is simple: get lost pets home fast and make sure animals in trouble get the right help.
Before You Bring an Animal to the Shelter
Most found pets in Kawartha Lakes are reunited within a few hours to a few days when finders follow the right steps. In our area, over 70 percent of dogs and a growing number of cats are reclaimed because someone nearby recognizes them. Dropping an animal at a shelter too quickly can actually delay reunification.
Please do the following before coming to HSKL:
Check for ID
Look for a collar, tag, microchip tag, or tattoo. Many pets are returned home the same day because of simple identification.Ask around the immediate area
Nine out of ten lost pets are found within a few blocks of home. Knock on a few doors, or leave a quick note with neighbours.Post locally
Use community Facebook groups, local buy/sell pages, and neighbourhood groups. Clear photos and the exact area found help a lot.Contact Municipal Law Enforcement
All found domestic cats and dogs must be reported to the City of Kawartha Lakes.During business hours (Mon–Fri, 8:00–4:30)
Call 705-324-9411 ext. 1212After hours
Call 705-928-3054 and leave a detailed message.Keep the animal safe, if possible
If the pet is friendly and you can securely contain it for a short period, this often speeds up reunions. Most owners will respond quickly once posts and reports are made.Only bring the animal to HSKL if directed to
We cannot accept every found animal immediately. Space and isolation requirements apply, especially during busy seasons. Our team will guide you based on the situation.
Contacting HSKL
If you need support with a stray, owned, abandoned, sick, or injured animal, reach out:
Phone: 705-878-4618
Email: info@hskl.ca
Facebook Messenger: Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes page
We respond as quickly as possible. Emergency cases always take priority.
Please note: We do not have the resources to pick up animals.
What to Do With a Stray Cat or Dog
You must report all found domestic cats and dogs to Municipal Law Enforcement:
City of Kawartha Lakes Animal Services
Business hours: 705-324-9411 ext. 1212
After hours: 705-928-3054
More details:
https://www.kawarthalakes.ca/en/living-here/animal-services.aspx
Animals That Are Suffering from Abuse or Neglect
If you find an animal that is suffering from neglect or abuse, contact:
Ontario Animal Welfare Services
1-833-926-4625
https://www.ontario.ca/page/animal-welfare
Email: solgen.correspondence@ontario.ca
They are the provincial enforcement body for animal welfare concerns.
Reporting a Missing Pet
If your pet is missing, contact us:
Email: info@hskl.ca
Phone: 705-878-4618
Facebook Messenger: Humane Society of Kawartha Lakes
Include:
Date your pet went missing
Species, breed, and colour
Age
Distinctive markings
Sex and whether spayed/neutered
Area last seen
Clear photo
We will:
Flag your report in our system
Contact you if an animal matching your description is brought in
Post your missing pet on our social media and website when appropriate
Keep Checking
Check our website and social media for recent stray intakes, and check the CITY OF KAWARTHA LAKES FACEBOOK PAGE for dogs & cats found by Municipal Law Enforcement.
Call and check in at local shelters and rescues often
