While many Montrealers spent Sunday moving to new homes, so too did many cats, dogs and other animals. Unfortunately for the latter their new homes were animal shelters, or in some cases empty apartments.
One of those animals, a cat named Puzzle.
"He has been brought in by a concerned citizen, we have spoken to the landlords to make sure that this cat, Puzzle, was in fact left behind" Montreal SPCA spokesperson Anita Kapuscinska told CTV Montreal.
Puzzle wasn't the only furry friend to end up at the SPCA on Sunday. From early May to well after moving day is when the shelter is at its busiest.
"Typically we receive over 20 animals a day," Kapuscinska said. "Right now we're receiving close to 50 animals a day."
The problem for many is that as their lease ends they move to buildings that do not allow pets.
It's not a complete lost cause.
Ted Wright of the Westmount Legal Clinic said that while no-pets clauses are legally valid in rental agreements, there are ways you can still keep your furry family member.
Talking to the landlord or challenging the clause before a local rental board could keep you together.
"If it's too small a dog, if there's no damages, if no one's making a complaint, if a lot of other people have pets in the building -- that's the kind of thing that builds your case," Wright said.
If you're unable to bring your pet with you the SPCA urges you to find them a new home with friends, family or a local shelter. Never leave an animal behind as it can have long-term effects on the animal.
"Most dogs and cats will end up pacing, being very, very agitated sometimes," Enid Stiles, a veterinarian at the Sherwood Park Animal Hospital, said.
"We will see that often where they're trying to actually get out of the facility, of the home."