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Lost and found pets in Burlington, Ontario
Burlington, Ontario, Canada
Report a missing or found pet to Burlington Animal Services at 905-335-7777 during city hours. Staff can check shelter arrivals, file a found report and arrange a handover.
Key information
Report a missing or found pet to Burlington Animal Services at 905-335-7777 during city hours. Staff can check shelter arrivals, file a found report and arrange a handover.
On this page
At a glance
| Task or rule | What to know |
|---|---|
| Weekday shelter hours | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Saturday shelter hours | 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Found animal | Call before dropping off; officer collection may be arranged |
| Claiming an animal | A retrieval fee applies; amount depends on the case |
Sources: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
If your pet is missing
Call Animal Services and also check other local shelters. Burlington's shelter handles dogs, cats, birds, reptiles and small pocket pets, and houses strays for Milton too. Do not restrict your search to dogs and cats or assume a municipal boundary keeps an animal nearby.
Verify your contact information with the microchip company. Ask neighbours to check garages, backyards and under porches. The city also suggests neighbourhood flyers. A current dog licence gives Animal Services another route to contact an owner.
Sources: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
If you find a pet
Call before taking it to the shelter. Staff can arrange a drop-off or officer pickup. If you can safely keep the animal temporarily, Animal Services can record a found report and direct the owner to you when they call.
Keeping a found animal is not the same as taking ownership. The city says suitable unclaimed animals may enter adoption after a minimum five-day holding period. The page cites a different bylaw year from the licensing page; this guide relies on the published service statement without repeating the conflicting bylaw number.
Sources: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Retrieval and appointments
A fee applies to recover your pet and reflects care, time at the shelter and other resources. The page does not publish a flat total. Ask staff about the current amount, required evidence and handover arrangements before travelling.
Sources: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Questions and answers
What number should I call for a missing pet?
Call 905-335-7777 during regular city hours.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Does the shelter take animals other than cats and dogs?
Yes. The source includes birds, reptiles and pocket pets.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Does Burlington house Milton strays?
Yes. The city states that the shelter also houses stray animals for Milton.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
When is the shelter open on Saturdays?
The stated hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Arrange the specific visit with staff.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Is the shelter open on Sundays?
The lost-pets page lists Sunday as closed.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Can I simply drop off a found animal?
Call first so staff can arrange drop-off or officer collection.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Can I keep the pet while the owner is found?
Staff can file a found report and refer the owner to you if you are holding the animal.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Is there a fee to collect my pet?
Yes. The source says retrieval fees apply but does not provide a fixed amount.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
When may an unclaimed animal be adopted?
The city states a minimum five-day holding period before a suitable unclaimed animal enters adoption.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
What records help reunite a dog?
Up-to-date microchip contact details and a current dog licence both help identify and contact the owner.
Source: Lost Pets | City of Burlington
Official service and next steps
Sources: Lost Pets | City of Burlington