Toronto Humane Society

Toronto Humane Society (THS) grew out of a February 1887 meeting called by the journalist John J. Kelso, after a reader's letter about an old, overworked workhorse prompted an anonymous $2 donation towards a society to prevent cruelty. It is now a registered Canadian charity (CRA 119259513 RR0001) with the mission "to improve the lives of animals", working to reduce animal homelessness, widen access to veterinary care and keep pets with the people who love them.

Dogs, cats and small pets are cared for at the shelter at 11 River Street in Toronto and in foster homes, which lets THS care for up to 300 animals at a time. According to its 2025 Impact Report, 2,026 animals were cared for through the shelter programme, 1,635 pets were adopted and the median stay for adoptable animals was nine days. That year it also recorded 39,036 community touchpoints, including 9,535 wellness appointments, 6,967 surgeries and 1,272 trap-neuter-return appointments, distributed 190,839 lb of food through its Pet Food Bank and Community Days, and supported 163 pets through its Companion Animal Temporary Care programme. It publishes annual reports and audited financial statements each year.

To adopt, browse the available animals on the THS website, then speak to an adoption counsellor and arrange a meet-and-greet; animals living in foster homes are introduced virtually. Adoption and animal viewing hours are Monday to Friday 3pm–7pm and weekends 10am–6pm. THS also offers public wellness, spay/neuter and dental services (weekdays 9am–5pm, by appointment; not an emergency clinic), pop-up wellness clinics, dog and cat training, supported rehoming and a daily pet food bank.

You can adopt, foster, volunteer, become a member or donate online; donations receive Canadian tax receipts.