Shelter for pets

An animal shelter is a structure allowing the unexpected reception of dogs, cats or other domestic animals lost, abandoned by their guardian or born in the street.

THE LEGAL FORM

Generally, a shelter is registered as a “non-profit corporation”, which means that it is a non-profit organization (NPO). Sometimes it is even registered as a charity. It is important to know that it is only in this legal form that it can issue tax receipts to donors. It is also registered with Revenu Québec, since it must file an income tax return.

THE PERMITS

The Animal Welfare and Safety Act ( AWSA) and its Regulation on the Safety and Welfare of Cats and Dogs establish certain rules governing the keeping of cats and dogs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPAQ) is responsible for their application. A shelter that has custody of 15 or more cats or dogs must have a permit issued by MAPAQ. The same is true when a shelter wishes to transfer an animal to a new location. The organization must also possess the necessary permits issued by the city or municipality in which it operates.

Apply for a permit

Owners, custodians and collection sites must apply for a permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. Here are the steps to follow :

Cat or Dog Owner’s or Keeper’s Licence

  1. Carefully read the instructions in the application form (PDF 465 KB).
  2. Fill in the form and indicate the category that concerns you.

    Category 1 from 15 to 49 cats or dogs
    Category 2 50 or more cats or dogs

  3. Mail the completed form with a check for the required amount. If applicable, attach a site plan and euthanasia protocol.

Cat and Dog Licensing

  1. Carefully read the instructions in the application form (PDF 573 KB).
  2. Fill out the form and mail it in with a check for the required amount. If applicable, attach a site plan and euthanasia protocol.

Licensees who have a Quebec Business Number (QBN) will automatically be listed in the Licensed Establishments List . For the others, the display of the name is voluntary.

Mailing address and information

  • Address Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food

    Deputy Minister of Animal Health and Food Inspection
    200, chemin Sainte-Foy, 11th floor
    Quebec City, Quebec G1R 4X6

  • Phone numbers Toll free: 1 800 463-6210

FACILITIES AND OPERATIONAL MODE

The shelter must have a building that consists of a physical accommodation with a public address. Thus, it allows adopters to visit the facility to get to know the animal being adopted.

Also,

– Its workforce is primarily made up of volunteers.
– It is not subsidized by the government, which means that it depends essentially on contributions (donations) from the public or agreements with cities or municipalities to act as animal controllers.
– He provides all the necessary care to the animals in his care and ensures their well-being and safety.
– It usually has an agreement with a veterinarian, or a clinic, to provide health care to the animals, in accordance with the guide ” Standards for pet shelters ” of the Ordre des médecins vétérinaires du Québec (OMVQ).
– He proceeds to the sterilization of the animal being before putting it up for adoption.
– It provides the health record of the animal.
– They sign an adoption contract and pay back a deposit as needed.
– It provides invoices issued by the veterinarian on behalf of the organization.

Conversely:

– It does not threaten citizens or animal welfare organizations.
– It does not ask you to transfer money without a signed contract.
– It does not ask for money without allowing you to meet the animal being adopted.
– It does not put animals up for adoption at exorbitant prices.
– He does not advertise on classifieds sites such as Kijiji or Pacs, he rather broadcasts via his website and social networks.
– There is no pressure to send money quickly or to adopt right away.
– It does not use photos copied from the Internet.
– It does not proceed to the delivery of the animal being.
– He does not put puppies from breeders up for adoption.
– He is not looking for foster families to breed with.

Documents to attach to your application

In some cases, documents must be attached to the permit application.

Map of the site

If you are required to submit a site plan with your permit application, your plan must include these elements:

  • Drawing of the land, including its dimensions;
  • Location and layout of buildings and outbuildings;
  • Vocation or use of each building or outbuilding;
  • Floor and wall dimensions for rooms where animals are kept;
  • Materials used as floor and wall coverings in rooms where animals are kept;
  • Details of equipment used to restrain or confine animals, specifying the number and description of materials used.

For a sample plan, see Schedules 5 and 6 of the Cats and Dogs Safety and Welfare By-law Implementation Guide (PDF 4.40 MB).

PERMIT COSTS

Here are the fees that apply according to license type for the year 2022-2023.

Operator of a cat or dog shelter

Registered on the
List of charities

Fees

Registered Operator 

250 
($129  to open the file and
121  for the permit) 

Non-registered operator

401 
($129  to open the file and
272  for the permit)

The cost of a permit depends on whether or not you are registered on the List of charitable organizations     website of the Canada Revenue Agency.

FINES FOR OFFENDERS

If an owner or keeper of cats or dogs or an operator of a cat or dog premises is not licensed, he or she is liable to a fine of $600  to $12 000 .

Repeat offenders may be subject to a fine of $1 800  to $36 000 .

To learn more, click here

Other document:

Standards for pet shelters.