Newmarket's animal services will return "in house" following a pilot project.
As of July 1, residents should call the customer service centre at 905-895-5193 (press 3 after hours) to report sick, injured or orphaned wildlife, stray pets, dog bites and bylaw enforcement to support animal welfare, according to a Town of Newmarket news release.
An animal services officer will be on duty Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
An after-hours representative will direct the call, and some officers will act in hybrid roles covering both animal services and parking, the town said.
The town had partnered with the towns of Aurora and Georgina to have a joint animal services department since 2019. During a budget session last November, director of legislative services Lisa Lyons told council that significant cost savings could be found by going in house on animal control.
Newmarket Animal Services will continue to work with local partners, including:
- The Georgina Animal Shelter and Adoption Centre for essential care to stray cats and dogs in the community. Residents can search for lost and found pets on their Facebook page at @GeorginaAnimalShelter.
- Licensed wildlife rehabilitation groups to transfer wildlife to specialized animal rescues for care and rehabilitation. Organizations include: Bear Creek Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary, Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge, Toronto Wildlife Centre, Procyon Wildlife, Mono Wildlife, Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, Woodland Acres Wildlife Rescue, Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue, The Owl Foundation, Hawk Haven
In addition to the core services, the team will conduct proactive education initiatives to support responsible pet ownership.
"In its commitment to animal welfare, the town has created the Transparent Wildlife Care Initiative. Through this initiative, the town will track the journey of wildlife that comes into its care and will share it with residents (upon request)," the town stated. "This gives residents the peace of mind that the animals are well cared for and the opportunity to contribute to the animal’s ongoing care and treatment by donating to the specific wildlife rehabilitation facility providing that care."
For more information about Newmarket’s animal services, visit newmarket.ca/animalservices
