Pet Support Services

Pickering Animal Services recognizes that a deep connection with pets transcends socio-economic, racial and geographic boundaries and that no one should be denied the opportunity to experience the benefits and joy that come from the human-animal bond.

The Community Pet Support Services Program consists of 4 major components all with a goal to help keep the people and pets of Pickering together.

Community Pet Pantry for Pet Food and Pet Supplies

Pickering Animal Services is supporting the idea to help keep families and pets together. The Community Pet Pantry is open to anyone in the City of Pickering who is currently struggling to provide food and pet supplies for their pet.

Community Pet Pantry Pick up Locations

To book an appointment to pick up Pet Pantry Supplies, please contact the Pickering Animal Shelter.

Pickering Animal Shelter
1688 Highway 7
905.427.0093

Interested residents are also encouraged to contact one of our partnering agencies directly who will help facilitate the process to ensure that no pet or person goes hungry.

St. Paul’s on the Hill Community Food Bank

Should transportation to one of the above locations be an issue, please contact the Animal Shelter at 905.427.0093 and alternate arrangements may be made.

Looking to drop new or used food/supplies?

New or used pet donations are always accepted and may be dropped off at City Hall as well as the Animal Shelter.

Safe Pets Victim Support

Pickering Animal Services is happy announce that we have collaborated with SafePet Ontario and Victim Services of Durham Region to help both people and their pets when fleeing violent situations.

47% of domestic abuse survivors delay leaving, or will not leave at all, if they can’t take their pet with them. Unfortunately, many human shelters or transitional homes are unable to house animals, which prevents many victims from seeking safety. SafePet Ontario coordinates foster care for pets of individuals fleeing violent situations. The program helps survivors seek safety while ensuring their pet receives proper care until they’re stabilized, safe and can reunite.

If needed, Pickering Animal Services will temporary house your pet until a foster home becomes available. This service is open to anyone within Durham Region. Please note, animals accepted into the program must have owners working with SafePets Ontario or one of their a referral agencies.

Assisting Victims in Durham Region is a Community Initiative and is made available with the help of the following Agencies:

Accessible Veterinary Care

Ontario SPCA Durham Region Animal Care Centre Programs

As of March 2026, The Ontario SPCA Durham Region Animal Care Centre in Whitby provides accessible veterinary care to help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them. Services offered include the following:

Spay/neuter services
End of life care
Wellness examinations including physical examinations, vaccinations, parasite prevention and diagnostic testing.

The program is not free however it is subsidized for lower income residents and provides services for both dogs and cats.

Visit the OSPCA Website for further details, program locations, pricing and fees.

Petcademy - Free Online Behavioural Support for Pet Owners

We partnered with Petcademy to provide one on one support for our residents in hopes that we can keep people and their pets together. We realize that every dog and cat is different and sometimes pose great challenges which result in owners looking for advice or sometimes considering surrendering their pet. Animal Services is proud to be able to offer interested residents a free online 30-day behavioural suppport program. Residents must have a cell phone and email address.

For more information on how to sign up, call 905.427.0093 to speak to one of our staff.

Pet Loss Support Resources

Losing a pet is never easy, and finding the right support can make a difference. We aim to offer practical resources and information to help you navigate this difficult time, from understanding the grieving process to exploring ways to honor your pet’s memory.

The OVC Pet Trust Pet Loss Support Resource Centre
Developed by experts at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, The OVC Pet Loss Support Resource Centre,offers free tools to help pet owners navigate the loss of their pet.

Pet Memorial Program
Looking for a meaningful way to honour your pet? Animal Services offers a Pet Memorial Plaque Program, allowing you to celebrate your pet’s memory for years to come.