Emergency Boarding Program

The Cambridge & District Humane Society (CDHS) offers short-term, temporary boarding for individuals in crisis through the Emergency Boarding Program (EBP).  Crisis may include, but is not limited to; medical emergencies, loss of housing due to fire or flood, sudden hospitalization, domestic violence, death, etc. 

The Cambridge & District Humane Society requests that all options with family members, friends and boarding facilities be exhausted before requesting assistance from the Emergency Boarding Program.

Gaining Access to the Program

Eligible members of the community requiring access to the Emergency Boarding Program must be referred by a recognized service agency or professional.
Such as a Social Worker, Shelter Case Worker or Disaster Response Worker (Police Officer, EMS, Fire Fighter, Health Care Professional).

Emergency Boarding Program Details

  • Length of stay is 10 days; extensions may be considered
  • Proof of ownership, vaccination history, health care documentation, and identification are required, if available.  If there are no veterinary records to prove ownership, pet photos or testimony from family/friends may be accepted
  • The client is required to sign an Owner Agreement.  If the client is unable to sign these documents, the CDHS will work in collaboration with the service agency and/or professional assigned to the client.
  • Animals will receive an initial exam, core vaccinations, microchip and parasite treatment if necessary.  Vaccines are mandatory.
  • Animals may be fostered with a qualified CDHS Foster Parent.
  • Animals are provided with daily food, water, socialization and exercise.
  • Surrender fee will not apply.
  • Clients may call and/or email to check the status of their animal as visitation is not permitted unless granted by the CDHS.
  • Strictly confidential.

Admittance to the program will be dependent on the
resources we have available at the time of request.
*Must be a resident of Cambridge to access this program*

Surrendering of the animal may be strongly encouraged in certain situations.

Download the Referral Form