Looking to add a furry friend to the family? Mississauga is once again offering dog and cat adoptions for just $25 in a bid to help more shelter animals find homes before winter.
The City of Mississauga’s latest Adopt-a-thon runs from Nov. 2 to 14, giving prospective pet owners a chance to save hundreds of dollars on adoption fees at Mississauga Animal Services.
The reduced fee is a significant drop from the regular cost of adopting a dog or puppy, which is typically $280 plus HST, while cats and kittens can cost up to $190 plus HST. The $25 fee applies to all dogs and cats at the shelter, with HST and any applicable pet licensing fees charged separately for Mississauga residents.
The promotion follows a successful August campaign when the city introduced the same $25 adoption fee after its animal shelter reached capacity for dogs.
That initiative helped 53 animals find positive outcomes, according to an update from the mayor’s office. The total included 18 dogs, 22 cats, seven rabbits, five birds and one python that were adopted, placed in foster homes or transferred to nearby rescue organizations.
Interest in the August campaign was strong, with the shelter receiving more than 100 calls a day and dozens of visitors. Seven dogs were adopted on the first day, while many cats found homes as soon as they became available.
The campaign also helped some long-term residents leave the shelter. One dog, a 10-year-old husky and Akita mix named Kaito, had been in the shelter’s care since October 2023 before finding a new home during the promotion.
Mississauga Animal Services is launching the latest event with winter approaching, a period when pet adoptions typically decline. Finding homes for animals already in the shelter also helps create space to care for other animals that arrive needing assistance.
Beyond providing a new home, adopting from the city shelter can help reduce the initial costs of pet ownership. Cats and dogs available for adoption have received basic medical care, including vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery. If an animal is too young to undergo the procedure before adoption, the new owner receives a voucher to have it completed later.
Staff can also offer guidance to first-time pet owners on training, food, exercise and other aspects of caring for a new companion.
The city stresses, however, that the low adoption fee should not be mistaken for a low-cost commitment. Pets depend on their owners for daily care, attention, exercise and veterinary treatment throughout their lives. Prospective adopters are encouraged to consider their lifestyle, available time and finances before bringing an animal home.
The Adopt-a-thon is open to everyone, and no appointment is required, although wait times may vary. Adopters must be at least 18 years old.
Mississauga Animal Services is located at 735 Central Parkway West and will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, during the promotion.
Residents who cannot adopt can still help by becoming foster volunteers. The shelter supplies foster families with essentials such as food, bedding, toys and veterinary care while animals wait for permanent homes.
More information about the promotion and available animals can be found on the City of Mississauga’s website.
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