Question:  Do I need to fill out an application before viewing a dog at the OSPCA shelter?

Answer:  No!  If the dog is located in the shelter , you can view the dog during normal business hours which are listed below:

The shelter is located at: 345 Douro Street

Stratford, Ontario

N5A 3S8

Monday - Friday 10a.m. - 5p.m.

Saturday Noon - 4p.m.

Sunday Noon - 4p.m.

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Question:  Why does Kismutt Rescue specialize in Puppy Mill dogs?

Answer:  Kismutt Rescue has a keen interest in saving Puppy Mill dogs. Kismutt Rescue has built relationships with many mills who will now surrender their "unwanted" dogs who would otherwise be destroyed (shot). Breeding female dogs that are no longer producing, or can't produce, or are having small litters, are of no use to a puppy mill, and we encourage them to surrender the dog rather than destroy it. Although these dogs are very timid when we get them, with a bit of time and patience they make wonderful pets. There is no greater joy than seeing a puppy mill dog play for the first time, feel grass under it's feet for the first time, sleep in a soft bed for the first time, but most of all, lap up the human attention they so desperately crave. Kismutt Rescue also gets many young dogs and pups from Puppy Mills that are deemed "Old Pups". The truth is, pet stores and brokers go into the mills and pick out the pups they want to sell and they do this when the pups are only 6 weeks of age. They always take the female pups first, and leave the males behind unless they are very small. Pet Stores want female pups, very small pups, and very cute pups, as these pups are their big sellers. It is very sad, but this is how it is done. The term "Old Pups" means male pups who are over the age of 8-9 weeks of age, and have not sold to the pet stores or brokers. "Old pups" will be destroyed by the millers if there is no place for them to go. To learn more about Puppy Mills in Ontario, please click here http://www.kismutt.com/canadapup/

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Question: But aren't puppy Mills Illegal?

Answer:No, unfortunately puppy mills are not illegal. As long as a puppy mill is following the Canadian Kennel Code, mills can produce as many puppies as they wish. As long as the dogs are provided with the very basics of food, water and shelter, they are legal. This is wrong, and we need to change this. To learn more about the Canadian Kennel Code and what you can do to change our laws, please click on the Puppy Mill button at the top of this page.

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Question:  What are your adoption fees?

Answer:  Adoption fees vary on different dogs. If you see a dog you are interested in adopting, please email us for the adoption fee for that specific dog. Please include the dogs name and/or ID# when emailing in your inquiry.

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Question:  Can we bring our dog to meet the new adoptive dog?

Answer:  Yes!  We encourage you to do so. Please let us know ahead of time that you are bringing your dog in for a meet and greet.

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Question:  How long does it take to process my application?

Answer:  Generally, 3-4 business days.

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Question:  Will you fly or transport a dog to his/her new home?

Answer:  NO!  We will not fly or transport a dog to his/her new home.  If your application is approved to adopt, you must make the drive to pick up the dog in person.

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Question:  Do you accept personal checks?

Answer:  No!  .....No Exceptions.

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Question:  Why do you ask for a Vet reference?

Answer:  A vet reference is very important in determining whether or not an applicant is a responsible pet owner.   Applicants that provide a Veterinarian reference will get priority over an application without a vet reference.

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Question:  I have been denied to adopt from another rescue, as I do not have a fenced in yard. Am I going to be automatically denied because I do not have a fenced in yard?

Answer:  No! There are many people who adopt from us who live on country properties or in suburban areas, and in ground level condominiums that do not have fenced in yards. Of course, there are always some dogs that must have a fenced in yard if they are "runners" or "bolters".

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Question: I don't have a regular fence, but I am thinking about getting the Invisible Fence by PetSafe.  Do you feel it is safe and effective?

Answer: Yes!  The Invisible Fencing System by PetSafe is endorsed by Kismutt Rescue, as well by the OSPCA and Veterinarians.   It is  safe, effective, and you have the peace of mind that your dog is safely contained in your yard.  Your dog is free to run, jump and play and be a dog!  www.invisiblefence.com

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Question:  If I adopt a dog from Kismutt Rescue, and for some reason cannot keep or care for the dog any longer, do you take the dog back?

Answer:  Yes!  If an adopted dog does not work out in your home, or you are unable to care for the dog, it must be returned to Kismutt Rescue.  You will be asked to sign a contract stating that you will return the dog to Kismutt Rescue should you be unable to keep or care for the dog.

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Question:  Will you allow us to bring a dog home for a day visit/ weekend visit before we commit to adoption?

Answer:  Under some circumstances a day visit will be granted. Example: A special needs dog, or one with behavioral challenges.

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Question:  I'm leery of adopting an adult dog, as I don't know the dog's history. What do you do to put our minds at ease that the dog is temperamentally sound?

Answer:  Kismutt takes the public's safety very seriously! Our dogs are temperament tested, which means: we do a full temperament assessment of the dog, to ensure the dog is safe for adoption. We cannot guarantee that a dog will never bite someone, however we make every effort to ensure that the dog is a good candidate for adoption and is temperamentally sound.

 

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Question:  Are all Kismutt dogs Microchipped?

Answer: Yes!  Due to the sheer number of stray/lost dogs we see at shelters and pounds, we feel it is very important that each and every dog be microchipped at time of adoption.  If your dog becomes lost, you have a MUCH greater chance of getting your beloved pet home if he/she is microchipped.  The microchip is included in the adoption fee.

What is a Microchip?

A microchip is a small transponder with a smooth glass coating. It is durable, and is the size of a grain of rice. It carries an ID number that contains a code that identifies your pet to you, the owner. 

How does the Microchip work?

The microchip is implanted under the skin of the animal right over the shoulder blades.  When a reader or scanner is turned on and presented in the area of the implant site the scanner picks up the 10 alpha/numeric or ISO 15 digit code on the display. This is your pet’s positive ID number and coupled with the stainless collar tag makes for one of the best tracking systems for your animal.  The code identifes the owner's name, address, phone number(s), your vet's address & phone number, and even an emergency contact person if you could not be reached.

How does the process work?

If your pet is lost and has its collar on, the finder usually looks at the telephone number on the stainless steel tag and calls the database.  OR  If your pet is lost without its collar and ends up at an Animal Control/Pound/Shelter/Humane Society or Vets office anywhere in North America, the  animal will be scanned for a microchip. When a microchip is found, you, the owner, will get a phone call to come and retrieve your dog.

Can I have my own dog Microchipped?

Yes!  Kismutt Rescue holds several microchipping clinics each year.  However, you do not need to wait for a clinic in your area.  If you would like to have your dog microchipped, please call Kimberly at 519-283-6585 and make an appointment.

 

 

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