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Adoption Process
Since our animals are cared for in the private homes of our dedicated foster families, meetings with adoptable animals are only scheduled once the adoption application has been completed and approved. Once your application is approved, we will arrange a meeting at the foster home at a mutually convenient date and time. Approved adopters have the option to bring the animal home on the same day as the meeting or take some additional time to reflect on their decision. There is absolutely no obligation to adopt during the initial meeting.
The adoption fee is to be paid on the day the adopter brings the animal home.
How To Apply
To begin the adoption process with Ladybird, please complete the adoption application by clicking on the link provided on the page of the specific animal you are interested in adopting. It’s important to note that only animals listed as “Adoptable” in the “Available Animals” section of our website are open for applications. If the animal you are interested in is not currently listed as available, we recommend checking back regularly and submitting your application once the animal has been listed as adoptable. This ensures that you have the opportunity to be considered when the animal becomes eligible for adoption.
NOTE: Applications submitted for animals not yet available for adoption will not be processed
When an Animal is marked “Available Soon”
The most frequently asked question we receive is, “When will [insert animal name] be available?”
The simple answer is: “We don’t know.”
We only list our animals as available to adopt when we are confident they are in good health and ready for their forever home. Nobody wants to adopt a sick animal, or one that might fall ill shortly after being brought home. The well-being of our animals is our top priority. From their perspective, going through the stress of being in a shelter, visiting the vet, transitioning to a foster home (which is an unfamiliar environment), potential medication, surgeries, and follow-up vet visits can all have an impact on their well-being and compromise their immune system. Introducing them to another stressful change before they are fully prepared can potentially trigger underlying health issues. It is in the best interest of the animal to remain in their foster home until we are absolutely certain they are ready to embark on their new life.
Sometimes animals recover swiftly and can be listed as available for adoption within a couple of weeks after their rescue. However, other animals may require several months to address health or behaviour concerns before they are ready for adoption.
To ensure the best outcome for our animals and to be fair to potential adopters, we only designate them as “Available for Adoption” once our veterinarians have given their approval.
We understand that this may be frustrating for those interested in adopting, but it is in the best interest of everyone involved in the long run.
Inquiring About Unavailable Animals
While we genuinely appreciate the kind individuals who reach out to inquire about unavailable animals, we regretfully lack the time and resources to respond to each inquiry. Please note that we do not reserve animals or keep a waiting list for future availability. Your best option is to frequently visit our website to stay updated on when the animal you are interested in becomes available. Once listed as available, we encourage you to submit your application at that time.
How Ladybird Grants Adoptions
Due to various factors, we are unable to guarantee the availability of the specific animal you are applying for. It is possible that the animal may have already been adopted or that other applications were submitted before yours. Additionally, the foster home caring for the animal may have decided to adopt the animal themselves. There are also instances where an animal, after being listed as available for adoption, may have fallen ill and is temporarily placed back on the “Available Soon” list until they have fully recovered.
If any of these situations arise, we encourage you to consider applying for another available animal in our care. Alternatively, you can explore the resources of other rescues and shelters in Southern Ontario by visiting this link. There is an abundance of rescued pets in need of loving forever homes in our area and beyond!
In cases where multiple applications are received for the same animal, the approved applicant who best matches the specific needs of the animal will be chosen. We hope you will not be disheartened if you are not selected to adopt. It is not uncommon for us to receive more than fifty applications for a single animal! While many applications are exceptional, there can only be one home for each animal.
Going on Vacation or Moving Soon?
If you have an upcoming vacation or plans to move within the next few months, we ask that you refrain from applying to adopt. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold animals until you return from your trip or complete your move. It is in the best interest of both you and the animal to wait until you are back home and fully settled before bringing a newly adopted pet into your life.
We understand that there may be a short delay of a few days to prepare your home or until you have time off work to spend quality time with your new companion over the weekend. Such circumstances are understandable. However, it is not realistic to expect us to hold an animal for weeks or months. If there is a potential forever home ready to welcome the animal immediately, it allows us to rescue another animal as soon as a foster spot becomes available. Holding a foster spot while a prospective adopter is away or in the process of moving is not fair to the foster home or the animal waiting to be rescued. Additionally, we would continue to incur expenses for the care of the animal, including food, litter, and other necessities, during the waiting period.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the well-being of our animals and the efficiency of our rescue efforts.
Shopping Around?
We completely understand that people search various websites and engage with multiple rescues and shelters in their quest to find the perfect pet. However, if you have applied to adopt from Ladybird and end up adopting a pet from another source before we have finished processing your application, we kindly request that you inform us if you are no longer interested. Our volunteers invest a significant amount of time in reviewing all the applications we receive for our animals, and if your circumstances have changed, it allows us to use our time more effectively. A simple message such as, “Hi! We have adopted from a different rescue, so please withdraw our application,” is absolutely fine. We genuinely won’t be upset. On the contrary, we will be thrilled that you have found a forever friend and we’ll be grateful that you have saved us from dedicating unnecessary time to processing an application that is no longer needed. Your communication enables us to redirect our efforts efficiently. Thank you for understanding, and congratulations on finding your new furry companion!
Adopting Young Puppies, Kittens and Bunnies
For their long-term wellbeing, kittens and puppies stay in our care until they are 8 weeks of age, or older if necessary.
When adopting a young animal (cat/dog/rabbit) that has not yet reached the appropriate age for spaying/neutering, the adoption fee covers the cost of both the spay/neuter surgery and microchipping (applicable to dogs and cats only). Once the animal reaches the suitable age for the surgery, typically between 4 and 5 months old, the animal must be taken to one of our affiliated veterinarians for the procedure. During the period between adoption and surgery, the adopter is responsible for any recommended vaccines or treatments as advised by their own veterinarian, which should be carried out at their chosen clinic.
For dogs and cats, we provide age-appropriate vaccines throughout the animal’s stay with us. The initial set of vaccines is typically administered between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by two more sets at monthly intervals. If the adopted animal has received only one set of vaccines, it is the adopter’s responsibility to ensure the completion of the remaining two sets before the spay/neuter surgery. It’s important to note that most veterinarians require the animal’s vaccines to be up to date before performing the surgery.
We recommend speaking to your own vet just before, or shortly after bringing your new pet home to work out a health plan for your newly adopted pet.
Ladybird prefers to adopt young kittens in pairs if there are no other animals in the home. Please click here to read why.
The Adoption Process Takes Time
Please be patient as it might take some time to process your application.
Terms of Adoption, References and Fees
Adopters must agree to Ladybird’s Terms of Adoption, provide suitable references, and agree to pay a non-refundable adoption fee.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the well-being and successful placement of our animals in loving forever homes.
Adoption Process
Since our animals are cared for in the private homes of our dedicated foster families, meetings with adoptable animals are only scheduled once the adoption application has been completed and approved. Once your application is approved, we will arrange a meeting at the foster home at a mutually convenient date and time. Approved adopters have the option to bring the animal home on the same day as the meeting or take some additional time to reflect on their decision. There is absolutely no obligation to adopt during the initial meeting.
The adoption fee is to be paid on the day the adopter brings the animal home.
How To Apply
To begin the adoption process with Ladybird, please complete the adoption application by clicking on the link provided on the page of the specific animal you are interested in adopting. It’s important to note that only animals listed as “Adoptable” in the “Available Animals” section of our website are open for applications. If the animal you are interested in is not currently listed as available, we recommend checking back regularly and submitting your application once the animal has been listed as adoptable. This ensures that you have the opportunity to be considered when the animal becomes eligible for adoption.
NOTE: Applications submitted for animals not yet available for adoption will not be processed
When an Animal is marked “Available Soon”
The most frequently asked question we receive is, “When will [insert animal name] be available?”
The simple answer is: “We don’t know.”
We only list our animals as available to adopt when we are confident they are in good health and ready for their forever home. Nobody wants to adopt a sick animal, or one that might fall ill shortly after being brought home. The well-being of our animals is our top priority. From their perspective, going through the stress of being in a shelter, visiting the vet, transitioning to a foster home (which is an unfamiliar environment), potential medication, surgeries, and follow-up vet visits can all have an impact on their well-being and compromise their immune system. Introducing them to another stressful change before they are fully prepared can potentially trigger underlying health issues. It is in the best interest of the animal to remain in their foster home until we are absolutely certain they are ready to embark on their new life.
Sometimes animals recover swiftly and can be listed as available for adoption within a couple of weeks after their rescue. However, other animals may require several months to address health or behaviour concerns before they are ready for adoption.
To ensure the best outcome for our animals and to be fair to potential adopters, we only designate them as “Available for Adoption” once our veterinarians have given their approval.
We understand that this may be frustrating for those interested in adopting, but it is in the best interest of everyone involved in the long run.
Inquiring About Unavailable Animals
While we genuinely appreciate the kind individuals who reach out to inquire about unavailable animals, we regretfully lack the time and resources to respond to each inquiry. Please note that we do not reserve animals or keep a waiting list for future availability. Your best option is to frequently visit our website to stay updated on when the animal you are interested in becomes available. Once listed as available, we encourage you to submit your application at that time.
How Ladybird Grants Adoptions
Due to various factors, we are unable to guarantee the availability of the specific animal you are applying for. It is possible that the animal may have already been adopted or that other applications were submitted before yours. Additionally, the foster home caring for the animal may have decided to adopt the animal themselves. There are also instances where an animal, after being listed as available for adoption, may have fallen ill and is temporarily placed back on the “Available Soon” list until they have fully recovered.
If any of these situations arise, we encourage you to consider applying for another available animal in our care. Alternatively, you can explore the resources of other rescues and shelters in Southern Ontario by visiting this link. There is an abundance of rescued pets in need of loving forever homes in our area and beyond!
In cases where multiple applications are received for the same animal, the approved applicant who best matches the specific needs of the animal will be chosen. We hope you will not be disheartened if you are not selected to adopt. It is not uncommon for us to receive more than fifty applications for a single animal! While many applications are exceptional, there can only be one home for each animal.
Going on Vacation or Moving Soon?
If you have an upcoming vacation or plans to move within the next few months, we ask that you refrain from applying to adopt. Unfortunately, we are unable to hold animals until you return from your trip or complete your move. It is in the best interest of both you and the animal to wait until you are back home and fully settled before bringing a newly adopted pet into your life.
We understand that there may be a short delay of a few days to prepare your home or until you have time off work to spend quality time with your new companion over the weekend. Such circumstances are understandable. However, it is not realistic to expect us to hold an animal for weeks or months. If there is a potential forever home ready to welcome the animal immediately, it allows us to rescue another animal as soon as a foster spot becomes available. Holding a foster spot while a prospective adopter is away or in the process of moving is not fair to the foster home or the animal waiting to be rescued. Additionally, we would continue to incur expenses for the care of the animal, including food, litter, and other necessities, during the waiting period.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in ensuring the well-being of our animals and the efficiency of our rescue efforts.
Shopping Around?
We completely understand that people search various websites and engage with multiple rescues and shelters in their quest to find the perfect pet. However, if you have applied to adopt from Ladybird and end up adopting a pet from another source before we have finished processing your application, we kindly request that you inform us if you are no longer interested. Our volunteers invest a significant amount of time in reviewing all the applications we receive for our animals, and if your circumstances have changed, it allows us to use our time more effectively. A simple message such as, “Hi! We have adopted from a different rescue, so please withdraw our application,” is absolutely fine. We genuinely won’t be upset. On the contrary, we will be thrilled that you have found a forever friend and we’ll be grateful that you have saved us from dedicating unnecessary time to processing an application that is no longer needed. Your communication enables us to redirect our efforts efficiently. Thank you for understanding, and congratulations on finding your new furry companion!
Adopting Young Puppies, Kittens and Bunnies
For their long-term wellbeing, kittens and puppies stay in our care until they are 8 weeks of age, or older if necessary.
When adopting a young animal (cat/dog/rabbit) that has not yet reached the appropriate age for spaying/neutering, the adoption fee covers the cost of both the spay/neuter surgery and microchipping (applicable to dogs and cats only). Once the animal reaches the suitable age for the surgery, typically between 4 and 5 months old, the animal must be taken to one of our affiliated veterinarians for the procedure. During the period between adoption and surgery, the adopter is responsible for any recommended vaccines or treatments as advised by their own veterinarian, which should be carried out at their chosen clinic.
For dogs and cats, we provide age-appropriate vaccines throughout the animal’s stay with us. The initial set of vaccines is typically administered between 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by two more sets at monthly intervals. If the adopted animal has received only one set of vaccines, it is the adopter’s responsibility to ensure the completion of the remaining two sets before the spay/neuter surgery. It’s important to note that most veterinarians require the animal’s vaccines to be up to date before performing the surgery.
We recommend speaking to your own vet just before, or shortly after bringing your new pet home to work out a health plan for your newly adopted pet.
Ladybird prefers to adopt young kittens in pairs if there are no other animals in the home. Please click here to read why.
The Adoption Process Takes Time
Please be patient as it might take some time to process your application.
Terms of Adoption, References and Fees
Adopters must agree to Ladybird’s Terms of Adoption, provide suitable references, and agree to pay a non-refundable adoption fee.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we strive to ensure the well-being and successful placement of our animals in loving forever homes.
About Ladybird Animal Sanctuary
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a unified voice for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in our community. Together, through a system of volunteers, foster homes, educators, animal lovers and exceptionally generous people, we aim to eliminate the unnecessary suffering of domestic animals in shelters across Ontario and Quebec. Ladybird rescues cats, dogs, small animals, birds, and reptiles, and we never shy away from rescuing senior animals, those with costly medical issues and the so-called ‘hard to adopt’. Through our success stories, we know that every life is worth saving and that a loving home is just around the corner for these deserving creatures.
We are the Ladybirds – Lisa Winn, Melissa McClelland and Janine Stoll; best friends who have spent over a decade sharing in each other’s music. Through recording as the Ladybird Sideshow Project, touring Canada or simply singing three-part harmonies in each other’s living rooms over a bottle of wine, our collective passion for music has always been the glue to our friendship. As our music careers veered in different directions over the years, our friendship held strong and our shared ‘other’ passion for animal welfare eventually helped us conceive of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, bonding the three of us even closer.
It all started with a cat named Oliver who had been abandoned at a local shelter. After spending a year in a cage, and some time not being able to shake what seemed like a cold, he was diagnosed with feline leukaemia. In some shelters, this is a death sentence, even though FeLV cats can live long, healthy lives, despite the diagnosis. Oliver was snuggly, affectionate, full of life and certainly not deserving of death just because of his diagnoses. Lisa brought him home and spent months trying to find him a suitable home, as she already had her share of rescue animals. It was sweet Oliver who sparked our idea for Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.
With one foster home, one rescue cat, a website design from our extraordinary web genius Janine and some serious word of mouth, we watched Ladybird grow from one simple idea to a registered Canadian charity with a system of volunteer foster homes, and hundreds of domestic animals rescued from high-volume shelters. Each animal eventually adopted out to a loving forever home, or becoming “Permanent Resident” when they are not suitable for adoption.
We are working hard towards our dream of opening a physical sanctuary in Southern Ontario. This will be a safe haven for animals, where we can continue with our rescue/foster team, an we can also house permanent resident animals; like seniors, hospice cases, FIV, FeLV and feral cats, and farm animals. This will also be a place for our Ladybird community to gather and grow. We will welcome anyone who is willing to help, learn, engage and celebrate the lives of these wonderful creatures.
We could not, and cannot possibly do this alone, so please join us on our Ladybird journey!
Ladybird Animal Sanctuary is a unified voice for abandoned, abused and neglected animals in our community. Together, through a system of volunteers, foster homes, educators, animal lovers and exceptionally generous people, we aim to eliminate the unnecessary suffering of domestic animals in shelters across Ontario and Quebec. Ladybird rescues cats, dogs, small animals, birds, and reptiles, and we never shy away from rescuing senior animals, those with costly medical issues and the so-called ‘hard to adopt’. Through our success stories, we know that every life is worth saving and that a loving home is just around the corner for these deserving creatures.
We are the Ladybirds – Lisa Winn, Melissa McClelland and Janine Stoll; best friends who have spent over a decade sharing in each other’s music. Through recording as the Ladybird Sideshow Project, touring Canada or simply singing three-part harmonies in each other’s living rooms over a bottle of wine, our collective passion for music has always been the glue to our friendship. As our music careers veered in different directions over the years, our friendship held strong and our shared ‘other’ passion for animal welfare eventually helped us conceive of Ladybird Animal Sanctuary, bonding the three of us even closer.
It all started with a cat named Oliver who had been abandoned at a local shelter. After spending a year in a cage, and some time not being able to shake what seemed like a cold, he was diagnosed with feline leukaemia. In some shelters, this is a death sentence, even though FeLV cats can live long, healthy lives, despite the diagnosis. Oliver was snuggly, affectionate, full of life and certainly not deserving of death just because of his diagnoses. Lisa brought him home and spent months trying to find him a suitable home, as she already had her share of rescue animals. It was sweet Oliver who sparked our idea for Ladybird Animal Sanctuary.
With one foster home, one rescue cat, a website design from our extraordinary web genius Janine and some serious word of mouth, we watched Ladybird grow from one simple idea to a registered Canadian charity with a system of volunteer foster homes, and hundreds of domestic animals rescued from high-volume shelters. Each animal eventually adopted out to a loving forever home, or becoming “Permanent Resident” when they are not suitable for adoption.
We are working hard towards our dream of opening a physical sanctuary in Southern Ontario. This will be a safe haven for animals, where we can continue with our rescue/foster team, an we can also house permanent resident animals; like seniors, hospice cases, FIV, FeLV and feral cats, and farm animals. This will also be a place for our Ladybird community to gather and grow. We will welcome anyone who is willing to help, learn, engage and celebrate the lives of these wonderful creatures.
We could not, and cannot possibly do this alone, so please join us on our Ladybird journey!
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Support adoption and rescue. Why go to a dog breeder, cat breeder or pet store to buy a dog or buy a cat when you can adopt?
Why should you adopt?
Dog adoption and cat adoption saves lives. Adopt a dog or adopt a cat and you'll have a friend for life.
What is the difference between adopting a dog, adopting a cat, adopting a kitten or adopting a puppy versus getting dogs for sale, cats for sale, puppies for sale or kittens for sale from a dog breeder or a cat breeder?
When someone is breeding puppies or breeding kittens, they are creating new dogs and cats who need homes. Some people are interested in a very specific breed of dog, cat, puppy or kitten and they think the only way to find that specific breed is to buy a dog for sale or buy a cat for sale from a puppy breeder or a kitten breeder. Yet animal shelters are filled with dogs and cats who must find homes.
So rather than buying a dog or puppy for sale from a dog breeder or buying a cat or kitten for sale from a cat breeder, we encourage people to adopt a dog, adopt a cat, adopt a puppy or adopt a kitten at their local animal shelter, SPCA, humane society or pet rescue group.
