individuals in crisis
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
**In order for your pet to be eligible for this program and its benefits, owners MUST complete appropriate admission contracts with a CDHS representative. Animals being housed in the Shelter without emergency boarding contracts in place will be processed as an impounded animal**
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.