**** HRM Release (Animal Services)
What do I do if I’ve lost my pet in Halifax?
If you’ve lost your pet, call 311 or 1.800.835.6428 (toll free in Nova Scotia only) to file a lost pet report.
Be prepared to give a detailed description of your pet, including:
- licence tag number
- distinguishing markings
- microchip number
- tattoos
Animal Services staff will review the report and call you if any animal in possession matches the description of your pet. Check back frequently and call back if your pet has been found.
You should also check:
- local animal shelters in person, as they may describe your pet differently than you do. Local Shelters in Halifax include the Metro SPCA and Bide A While.
- Metro Animal Emergency Clinic.
- local veterinary clinics, as people sometimes bring found pets to the vet.
Online resources to locate a lost pet
- Check Animal Services’ found pets listing. These pages are updated each time a pet is picked up or leaves the shelter.
- You can also check the Nova Scotia Lost Dog Network or the Lost and Found Cats in HRM Facebook pages.
- Kijiji Lost & Found Advertisements
What do I do if I find a lost pet?
If you find a pet on the loose in Halifax, call the 311 Contact Centre or 1.800.835.6428 (toll free in Nova Scotia only) to report an animal at large or to file a found pet report.
Take note of the animal’s appearance including any license tag number, distinguishing markings, tattoos, and the location and time you saw the animal.
Do not approach the animal if it is showing signs of aggression. Approach the animal only if it appears friendly and you feel comfortable doing so. If you are able to catch the pet, keep it in a safe, secure place.
If the pet is wearing a collar with a rabies tag, contact the veterinary clinic that issued the tag.
*** And with social media, share share share!
Found pets
Each year, Animal Services picks up hundreds of lost pets in the Halifax region. See photos of the pets that are currently in the care of Animal Services.
Dogs wearing licence tags
Reuniting a lost dog with its family is simple if the dog is wearing a municipal licence tag. If your dog is wearing its licence tag when it is picked up, Animal Services will make every effort to contact you.
Lost dogs with no identification are held by Animal Services for three business days before being turned over to Homeward Bound City Pound.
Pets being kept by Animal Services
If your pet is being held by Animal Services, you must:
- Contact Animal Services via 311 or 1.800.835.6428 (toll free in Nova Scotia only)
- Pay for impounding and boarding fees (see fee schedule below), any related veterinary or health care costs, a licence fee, if the pet was not registered
- Provide personal photo identification and proof of pet ownership such as photos, papers from your vet, or a purchase receipt
Impounding and boarding fees
To release your pet, you must pay both the impounding and boarding fees.
Impounding fee: $100
Board fee: $25/day (or partial day)