Dylan YoungThe sad faces of stray animals on the streets of Toronto tugs at my heartstrings. They deserve a better life. That’s why I didn’t hesitate to become a volunteer at a local animal shelter.
While volunteering, I’ve seen how much these shelters make a difference. They not only help these animals survive but also give them a chance to find loving homes.
If you want to help out too, whether through volunteering or adopting, here’s my list of the best local animal shelters that would be happy to have your lending hand.
How much does it cost to adopt an animal in Toronto?
The cost to adopt an animal in Toronto varies based on the type of animal.
For the most popular pets, the adoption fees are as follows: cats cost $75, dogs cost $200, and rabbits cost $40.
How We Chose
1. Toronto Humane Society
Services offered: Animal adoption and rehoming, veterinary care, spay/neuter services, pet dental services, animal training, and educational courses for pet parents
Address: 11 River St
Phone number: +1 416-392-2273
Business hours:
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM (MON-FRI)
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Let’s start with the Toronto Humane Society, one of the city’s oldest animal shelters. They were founded in 1887 by John J. Kelso to house a variety of pets like dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals.
They offer a range of services, like adoption and rehoming, veterinary care, and spay/neuter programs. They even run a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program to manage feral cat populations and provide dental services.
What’s also nice about THS is its educational courses for pet parents. These courses are incredibly useful, covering everything from common pet behaviours to health and wellness. Plus, they give you a discount on adoption fees once you complete a course, which is a nice bonus!
Unfortunately, financial constraints have led to occasional lapses in maintaining the cleanliness of their facilities.
The experience was beyond my expectation
“My dog got neutered here a week ago and we are really satisfied with the outcome. All the staff are friendly and well explained. The price is way more affordable than other pet hospitals. The process is quick and efficient. The experience was beyond my expectation. My dog felt healthy and energetic just after 1 day. After 1 week, he is way much better, just like nothing happened to him. Thank you so much.”
-Daisy Le, Google Reviews
The Toronto Humane Society could not have impressed me more
“The Toronto Humane Society could not have impressed me more. The staff is knowledgeable, kind, and passionate about caring for animals. They take their time with each potential adopter in order to ensure the perfect fit between pet and pet parent. And most importantly of all, the animals in their care receive all the best possible resources (comprehensive veterinary care, including top-notch behavioural resources) as they wait for their forever home! Thank you, Toronto Humane Society!”
-Meghan Krizus, Google Reviews
2. Toronto Cat Rescue Volunteer Centre
Services offered: Cat foster care, adoption facilitation, post-adoption support, and food assistance programs
Address: 4229C Dundas St W, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-538-8592
Business hours:
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM (MON and FRI)
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (TUES and WED)
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (THURS)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (SAT)
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (SUN)
The Toronto Cat Rescue Volunteer Centre is where I had the pleasure of volunteering. They’re another steadfast advocate of animal rights. They’ve been helping the city’s cats since 1994.
They have a comprehensive range of services including foster care, adoption facilitation, and various volunteer opportunities. I had the chance to work in different roles here, from driving cats to vet appointments to performing foster home screenings.
Post-adoption support is another area where TCR excels. They provide an adoption handbook, a behavioural helpline, and health support within the first seven days after adoption.
They also run a food assistance program, distributing donated pet food to families facing financial difficulties.
Sadly, they charge steep adoption fees. To sustain their operations, they charge $300 for kittens and $225 for adult cats.
Had a very good experience with TCR
“2 years already I have adopted my fosters and I cannot be happier! I love my girls so much and had a very good experience with TCR as a foster home and also through the adoption process. Being a foster mom is the best decision I’ve made. I got to know the cat’s personality and behavior prior and ended up with a match made in heaven! 😇😻
Please give a chance to these kitties, even if they are “grown ups” or had a rough life!”
-Vicky Dextraze, Google Reviews
The process of adoption was straightforward and simple
“We got our beautiful kitten here. The process of adoption was straightforward and simple. Our kitten matched our energy and personality and we cannot be any happier.”
-Diana Nguyen, Google Reviews
3. Markham Animal Adoption & Education Centre
Services offered: Sheltering, adoptions, spay/neutering services, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, and more
Address: 7755 Bayview Ave, Thornhill
Phone number: +1 905-898-7122 ext. 306
Business hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (MON-FRI)
Another prominent local animal shelter worth checking out is the Markham Animal Adoption & Education Centre.
To date, they’ve helped over 1,200 animals find their forever homes. Aside from facilitating adoptions, they also provide essential spay/neuter and basic veterinary services.
One of the best things about them is their Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. This facility focuses on rehabilitating dogs that have experienced trauma or have behavioural issues, giving them a second chance at finding a loving home.
They even have the Working Cat Program, which places cats that aren’t suitable for traditional adoption in environments where they can thrive, such as barns or warehouses. These cats’ sharp instincts and natural hunting skills can keep these places rodent-free.
However, it has come to my attention that MAAEC sometimes forgets to respond to enquiries, which can be frustrating.
The Markham adoption centre is a welcoming and warm place
“The Markham adoption centre is a welcoming and warm place filled with beautiful cats waiting to meet loving owners and join a forever home. The staff and volunteers are friendly, helpful, ready to answer any questions and share their knowledge into the caring of cats. A space deemed the “Cat Corner” is where you spend time bonding with the cat you plan to adopt. Check it out for yourself and I am certain one will sink its claws into your heart.”
-Pagan, Google Reviews
I love the adoption center here
“I love the adoption center here. They have a program where kids can read to the cats, which helps give the kids confidence in their reading skills and helps socialize the cats. We adopted a 13 year old cat from here and we are sooo happy we did. Great program and great adoption center.”
-Stephanie Stover, Google Reviews
4. Etobicoke Humane Society
Services offered: Adoption and fostering, spay/neuter programs, medical support, and virtual meet and greets
Address: 67 Six Point Rd, Etobicoke
Phone number: +1 416-249-6100
Business hours:
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM (MON-FRI)
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM (SAT and SUN)
Etobicoke Humane Society is an animal shelter founded in 1987. They’re fully run by volunteers and are strictly a no-kill shelter that ensures every animal they’ve taken in won’t be euthanized due to lack of space.
They offer a wide range of services, from adoption and fostering to spay/neuter programs and medical support. They even have virtual meet-and-greets to make it easier for visitors to see their animals, especially when in-person visits are tough.
But what really caught my attention is their membership program for the most dedicated animal lovers. For an annual fee of $50, members get voting rights at the Annual General Meeting and a say in the organization’s direction.
However, be aware that EHS has stringent adoption policies. They have a lengthy five-step interview process requiring applicants to commit to things like annual vet visits for their future pets. While this can be tedious, it ensures the welfare of the animals under their care.
They really care about the animals
“We adopted a 4 year old shy cat named Millie through EHS recently. The volunteers were very helpful through the adoption process. It can be seen that they really care about the animals and make sure they are matched with a good home. Since the adoption, multiple volunteers reached out to check up on Millie and provided us with great advice on how to get her to trust us.
I highly recommend the EHS for anyone looking to give an animal their forever home.”
-Stephanie Beiram, Google Reviews
They’re doing incredible work
“I recently adopted my new son Miles, and I was so impressed by the level of personal investment and care the EHS volunteers have for their animals.
I interacted with multiple different volunteers, and they all were attentive, thorough, and professional.
The fact that this is a no-kill shelter is also amazing.
They’re doing incredible work, and I’d recommend highly. Thanks EHS!”
-Marko Pandza, Google Reviews
5. AVA Cat Rescue
Services offered: Cat adoption, foster care, Trap-Neuter-Return-Monitor programs, and medical care for rescued cats
Address: 75 Gunns Rd
Business hours:
9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (MON-SAT)
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (SUN)
For all our cat-loving readers, check out AVA Cat Rescue. Founded in the 1970s, this non-profit, no-kill organization seeks to improve the lives of stray and feral cats in Toronto.
They strive for a comprehensive approach to cat welfare, providing medical treatment, vaccinations, and spaying or neutering for all the cats they rescue.
For the cats that aren’t suitable for adoption, AVA ensures they are well cared for in maintained colonies. They also run Trap-Neuter-Return programs to help control the local feral cat population and improve their health.
Another great initiative is their annual 50/50 Cash Raffle Fundraiser. It’s a fun way to support their rescue efforts and get the chance to win some cash.
However, there is one concern worth mentioning. Some people have reported encountering rude behaviour from the staff during their visits.
It was such a wonderful experience
“We recently adopted our beautiful Aubrie (formerly named Crystal) from AVA and it was such a wonderful experience. After grieving the sudden loss of our beloved Kodie, we came across this sweet girl and instantly fell in love – even more after finding out that she shared the same birthday as him. The process was quick, but thorough, and we definitely found the perfect match as our Louie fell in love with her instantly. We are thankful to have found AVA when we did and we couldn’t be happier with our new little family member. Thank you to both Beth and Abigail (foster mom) for not only helping cats like Aubrie that come from a very difficult background, but for being so incredibly caring and taking the time to ensure that each cat is placed in the perfect home.”
-Val Lavergne, Google Reviews
They cover all necessary costs to get you started
“We have adopted 3 cats from this company, and have had great experiences! They’re very helpful and they cover all necessary costs to get you started. Thanks Denise and the crew for helping my wife and I grow our family! Photos are of Archie, and the twins Ginnie and Stella!”
-Tarik Talhouk, Google Reviews
