Toronto Animal Services

18/12/2024

We've got the need... the need for speed!

Today's post is all about SPEED. When it comes to big dogs, usually their adoption moves slooooow. In fact, it takes approximately 1.5 times longer for big dogs to be adopted compared to smaller breeds. We want to speed that process up! To help the big dogs in our care get adopted more quickly, we've waived their adoption fees for a limited time! It's all part of BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS, a campaign to shine a light on large breed dogs, who tend to go overlooked by potential adopters.

Of course, you can't have a post focusing on SPEED without a speedy dog. And we've got the SPEEDIEST!

Meet Hot Rod, a 1-year-old German Shepherd mix! Like the coolest custom car, this guy is QUICK witted, has a ton of HORSE POWER, and, of course, is absolutely STUNNING to look at! Hot Rod's heart is a revved-up engine, full of energy and ready to roar into his new forever home! This guy's enthusiasm brings a smile to all of our faces, and staff have noted that experienced dog owners will find this smart dude an absolute JOY to train with!

Want to adopt Hot Rod (or any of our other big dogs?) Visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more, or call our West shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to start the adoption process. Remember, all dogs 50lbs and up (or puppies who WILL be 50lbs and up) qualify for these waived fees, but act FAST! Our campaign ends on December 24th!

Can't adopt a big dog? Consider a big donation! You can help big dogs in our care by donating at www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals and by sharing these posts with a friend!

17/12/2024

We're giving you even MORE chances to adopt big this holiday season!

Our campaign "BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS" was scheduled to wrap this week. However, due to the popular attention our campaign has gathered (and the fact that we still have many big dogs looking for homes) we're extending our campaign until Christmas Eve! Now you have even more time to give a big dog the loving home they deserve.

Large breed dogs stay in shelters approximately 1.5 times longer than other breeds - a statistic we'd like to change. To help the big dogs in our care find homes for the holidays, any dog 50 lbs and over (or puppies that will be 50lbs+ once adults) have had their adoption fees waived! But act fast... after Christmas Eve, our adoption fees return to their regular price.

As part of this campaign, we're we're serving up two BIG treats that you can take home right now: meet Pasgetti and Chestnut!

Pasgetti is a 1-year-2-month-old American Bulldog mix who's eager to spread cheer, excitement and laughs. All she needs is a family who can keep up! This friendly girl is a beautiful bundle of energy who likes to make all of life's moments memorable, especially when it's playtime!

And don't forget Chestnut, the 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog/Rottweiler mix with a heart of gold! When he first arrived, Chestnut was a bit shy. However, he's done a complete 180 and blossomed into a playful, happy boy! With his adorable face that gets wrinkled when he expresses himself and charming personality, Chestnut’s sure to steal your heart.

Want to adopt one of these sweet pups? You can learn more about Pasgetti and Chestnut at www.toronto.ca/adoptapet, or by calling our West region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297). Can't adopt big? You can GIVE BIG at www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals and donate towards big dogs in our care. And of course, don't forget to share our posts - it helps to spread the word that big dogs need love too!

16/12/2024

Attention pet owners! Our pet licensing partner, DocuPet, is offering one free designer tag of your choice to City of Toronto residents until December 22nd. Use promo code TOFREETAG at checkout to claim yours. Tag personalization and add-ons are not included.

Licensing your pet in the City of Toronto isn’t just a smart move—it’s a vital way to protect your furry friend. Every licence tag comes with DocuPet’s HomeSafe® 24/7 lost pet service, which has helped thousands of pets find their way back home.

Learn more at www.toronto.ca/pet-licensing

13/12/2024

Week 2 of our BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS campaign is a wrap!

That means next week will be the last of our campaign… and your LAST chance to adopt a big dog for $0! Big dogs have a lot of love to give, and this $0 fee is to encourage potential adopters to consider large breed dogs. Big dogs often have longer shelter stays compared to other breeds, but they need homes for the holidays too!

To kick off the weekend, we thought we'd showcase another happy, feel-good “big dog” adoption story! This one features Athena (now Valentina), a beautiful German Shepherd who was another example of large dogs having longer shelter stays… she was at our North shelter for over 6 months!😢Fortunately, Valentina's story has a happy ending. Here's what her new family had to say:

“What first drew me to Valentina was her face, it looked so irresistible. I waited for some time, thinking that someone else would take her, but when I kept seeing her I couldn't help it anymore! I decided to take her home. At first, she was nervous of the new environment, but as time went by, she really came out of her shell!

Every morning, Valentina has her usual walk around the park. In the afternoon, we go to an off-leash space where she can run freely and at night we take a small walk around the park where she gets to see her little friend, a Poodle Yorkie mix 🥰

Valentina is full of energy inside and out. She's very intelligent; it doesn't take long for her to learn a new trick! She's also VERY affectionate (she's always burying her head in our legs to show her love.) She's our lovely companion and very loyal, she's always keeping us safe in her own way!”

We're SO happy that Valentina found a loving forever family and is now living the good life! If you'd like to make your own happy adoption story, head to www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to see all the dogs on offer. Can't adopt big? You can give big and help big dogs like Valentina who are in our care! Visit www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals to donate today.

13/12/2024

12/12/2024

When it comes to BIG DOGS, we say the more dog, the better. That's why you get MORE photos, MORE cute costumes, and of course, MORE dogs to love!

An unfortunate truth is that big dogs = big wait times. Large breed dogs stay about 1.5 times longer in a shelter than other breeds. But we believe that BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS… so much so, we named our campaign after the idea! This campaign is to shed a light on these longer shelter times, plus find loving homes for these large breed dogs. To help this process, we've waived the adoption fees of all dogs 50lbs and over, including little pups that will grow up to be big!

Big dogs come in all sorts of breeds, colours, shapes, and sizes (well, as long as that size is “Large”.) So today we offer a sampling platter of big dogs, for whatever your fancy!

Fan of Black Labs? Bella is a 2-year-9-month-old Black Lab mix and, as you can see in her photo, is such a sweetie pie that she brings a tear to your eye!

Want something fluffier? S'mores is a 3-year-old Siberian Husky who lives up to her namesake — show her a little affection, and she'll be stuck on you like toasted marshmallow!

Looking for a goof to add to your troupe? You'll find no one goofier than Otto, the 2-year-1-month-old American Bulldog! Otto's motto is “life's too short to spend it frowning”. So he strives to bring big grins to every single person he meets (and unsurprisingly, he succeeds!)

Our BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS campaign (and our waived fees) end on December 20th, so act fast! Visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to see all the big dogs you can adopt… or call our North shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to adopt one of these three! Can't adopt big? You can GIVE BIG at www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals to help big dogs in our care!

11/12/2024

Move over Rudolph, it's time for the big dogs to shine!

We're continuing our "BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS" campaign — an event where we highlight large breed shelter dogs who, unfortunately, often go overlooked by potential adopters. In fact, larger breeds stay in shelters approximately 1.5 times longer than other sized dogs. But big dogs need love too! To help these dogs find homes for the holidays, we've waived the adoption fees for all dogs 50lbs and over (or puppies who WILL be 50lbs and above.) But there's a catch — this promotion only runs until December 20th!

Two of the many marvellous dogs you can adopt right now are Blanca and Harley! Blanca and Harley are American Bulldog mixes, with Blanca being 1-year-9-months old and Harley at 1-year-1-month. These two LOVE attention, affection and as much playtime as possible. Blanca can sometimes be a little shy at first, though she'll quickly get over it if you offer her a treat (or three!) Harley on the other hand wants nothing more than to give slobbery kisses to the nearest human. Both are big snuggley babies and as sweet as can be!

These two are not bonded, but they DO like playing with other pups! If you have a dog currently, bring them to the meet and greet to see how well they get along with Blanca and/or Harley! To learn more about these dogs (or see the other dogs on offer) visit toronto.ca/adoptapet or call our North shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to start the adoption process.

10/12/2024

They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but that's just more big dog to love!

Meet Finlay, the 5-year-old Siberian Husky who graced TV screens this morning as part of CP24 Breakfast's “Take Me Home Tuesdays!” Finlay accompanied us on CP24's set to help promote our current campaign: “BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS.” This campaign is to bring focus to large breed dogs, who spend on average 1.5 times longer in shelters than other breeds. The goal of our campaign is to highlight big dogs, including those in our shelters, who need of homes for the holidays.
..and Finlay is one of those big dogs! Finlay has been excitedly awaiting his new family — he has a lot to offer them! For one, he's a stunning, charming boy (and he knows it) with his different coloured eyes and a beautiful fluffy coat that will keep you warm all winter. Second, he is absolutely the SWEETEST guy, making fast friends with anyone he meets. Finlay just soaks up affection; his favourite pastime is introducing himself to new humans in search of head pets and ear scritches.

Finlay gets along with some dogs too! If you have a dog currently, bring them to Finlay's meet and greet to see if they're best buds. As part of BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS, all dogs 50lbs and over (or puppies who WILL be 50lbs when adults) have had their adoption fees waived. Lucky for you, that include Finlay! Call our East region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to book a meet and greet, or visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more.

09/12/2024

HIGH FASHION. BIG DOGS. LOW FEES!

Meet the big, bold and beautiful Coco Chanel. Ms. Coco is a 1-year-2-month-old Doberman Pinscher/Cane Corso mix and the resident fashionista of the East shelter!

Like her namesake, Coco Chanel ALWAYS looks good. Whether it be in a winter headscarf, or going "au naturel" in her tri-colour coat, this girl is always turning heads and bringing smiles. Of course, she likes to think she'd look best in her forever home this holiday season!

On average, large breed dogs stay in shelters 1.5 times longer than other breeds. Unfortunately, Coco is living proof of this statistic. She's been in our East shelter since July, at no fault of her own!😢To help dogs like Coco find her their family, we've temporarily WAIVED the fees of our large breed dogs! It's all part of our BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS campaign, to get more big dogs adopted this holiday season. From now until December 20th, all dogs over 50 lbs (or puppies who WILL be over 50 lbs) have a $0 adoption fee. Standard application protocols apply.

Coco is a smart girl who'd love a family who can provide her with some structure and routine. Do you think that could be you? If so, head to www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more, or call our East shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to start the adoption process!

06/12/2024

We're not the only ones who love big dogs!

We have had updates from a few of the new happy families who adopted former large breed dogs from Toronto Animal Services. Big dogs often go overlooked when potential adopters are looking for a new pet. In fact, large breed dogs stay in shelters about 1.5 times longer than other breed. However, they have a LOT of love to give... and we have the proof! Hence our current campaign, BIG DOGS = BIG HEARTS.

Here's a face you may remember: it's Hugo, the American Bulldog mix! Poor Hugo was found abandoned, tied to a tree outside our North shelter. Thankfully, Hugo's story has a happy ending. Here's what Hugo's family had to say:

"I lost my previous dog of 15 years this past March and the time came late summer when I was ready for another. I saw Hugo’s story while on an extended work trip and thought I need to just go see this guy. Went to TAS North for a visit, and he ended up coming home with me.

Since he’s been home, he settled in really quickly. He’s still a big goof, but learning to tone it down around new people. He LOVES people and new dog friends. He is great with my little nephews and nieces and well-behaved during large gatherings.

He comes with me to the office once a week (he’s also a fan favourite there!), when I work from home he keeps to himself, but loves our after work city adventures. He is great off leash with excellent recall. On the weekends, we often drive out of the city with friends for hikes. He is a big fan of exploring the trails with his new dog and human friends.

On quiet evenings at home, he very cuddly and loves to curl up on the couch next to me or squeeze his way behind my back!

He's a really good boy and I’m so happy we found each other!"

Just another instance of a big dog creating a happy family! If you'd like to move a big dog from a shelter into a loving home, visit toronto.ca/adoptapet to see all the large breed dogs we have to offer!

Can’t adopt BIG? You can give BIG! Donate today at toronto.ca/helptheanimals (link in bio.) 100% of your donation goes directly to the animals and you'll get a tax receipt!

04/12/2024

Have we got a treat for you!

Meet Donut & Cake – The Sweetest Pair! Donut and Cake are an irresistibly charming bonded duo of young Ragdolls who are ready to melt your heart! These two stunningly good-looking siblings are the ultimate in feline elegance, with soft, plush coats and those mesmerizing blue eyes that turn heads wherever they go. In fact, the other shelter cats are green with envy over their fancy appearance!

Cake is the confident brother, always ready to greet you with a purr and a headbutt. He's outgoing, playful, and loves being the centre of attention. His sister, Donut, is a little more on the shy side. While she takes her time to warm up, she can’t resist chasing her favourite toys – it’s her secret weakness!

Both have been well-cared-for and are as sweet as their names suggest. However, they do come with some medical needs that our staff will review with potential adopters. Because of this, they will need an experienced and loving home where they can thrive together.

If you have a hankerin' for Cake and Donut, call our East shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) or visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more about the adoption process!

02/12/2024

Big dogs need love too.

Did you know that on average, large breed dogs spend up to 1.5 times longer in shelters than other dogs? It's sad, but true. As part of our holiday campaign (check us out in over 100 bus shelters across the city!), we want to shine a light on our big doggos who often go overlooked when considering a new pet. Big dogs mean big hearts and to prove it, we'll be spending some time this month highlighting a few stories of how a few of our large breed shelter alumni have gone on to make a HUGE change in people's lives.

Can’t adopt big? Give big!

If you want to help big dogs, small dogs, cats, rabbits….heck, any of our animals, but don’t know how, you can make a donation! You may not know this, but 100% of your donation goes directly to supporting TAS animals by funding medical care, enrichment, training and community support programs. Your support helps us care for the animals who need us most, 365 days a year.

Adopt or donate today at www.toronto.ca/helptheanimals (link in bio) to show big dogs (and all the others!) some big love this holiday season.

29/11/2024

To commemorate Black Friday AND the end of “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” we've reduced the adoption fee of our 9-year-old Hound mix, Lydia. Lydia is the sweetest, gentlest girl, and we want her to move into a loving forever home ASAP. To help Lydia find a home for the holidays, we've dropped her adoption fee to $0!

Lydia is definite proof that age is just a number. Despite her status as a senior, she still has lots of playful energy that she's eager to show-off! She loves to fetch or just generally romp around in the yard to get out her excitement. Then it's time for a well-deserved nap! She can be a real snugglebug, which is perfect for saying cozy during these cold weather months!

Lydia gets along great with both adults and kids, so she'd make for a wonderful family pet. Bring your kids to a meet-and-greet to see how if they become instant BFFs!

If you'd like to give Lydia a well-deserved home and take advantage of the special $0 adoption fee, call our West region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297)! Please note that our standard application and screening process still applies. To learn more about pet adoption, visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet

28/11/2024

Hartley is ready for a new chapter in his life.

When Hartley's owners moved away, sadly, they left him behind. A kind couple next door discovered Hartley abandoned, so they cared for him until he was brought into our shelter.

Despite a not-so-happy predicament, 5-year-old Hartley is one super happy boy! He's an easy-going cuddle bug who LOVES attention from humans. When people are about, Hartley turns on the charm. You'll catch him bunting against you for head scratches, rolling over to show his contentment, or begging for a snack (Hartley will be the first to admit he's a bit of a piglet when it comes to treats.) This guy definitely knows he's good-looking and that he deserves to be spoiled!

Hartley really doesn't care for other animals, so a household without other pets is a must. Plus, that way, he knows he can be the centre of your world! To adopt Hartley, call our East region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) or visit www.toronto.ca/adoptapet for more info.

27/11/2024

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire... sounds cozy and festive, right? Well, we've got something even better!

It's Chestnut! The 5-year-old German Shepherd Dog and Rottweiler mix. When Chestnut first arrived, he was a bit shy. However, he's since blossomed into a playful, happy boy! Now he's full of energy and is always ready for playtime and adventure.

Of course, Chestnut's more than just his playful antics. Chestnut's SMART; having mastered a few commands (and eager to learn more) and he's CHARMING; he has personality by the barrel and an adorable face that gets wrinkled when he expresses himself. He loves to exercise both his brawn and his brain. He would thrive with an active family who can offer park trips and stimulating games!

No holiday is complete without Chestnut! Ready to adopt? Then call our West region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) or visit toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more!

25/11/2024

Sometimes, the photos just speak for themselves.

These photos say "bunnies wearing their holiday get ups!"

Meet Thumpelina, a 14-week-old Dwarf Hotot and Doris, an English Spot! Some may say it's a bit early for the festive clothes, but these bunnies are just as excited for the holidays as us! Of course, what would REALLY make their holidays' magic is getting adopted into their forever home!

So we know they're festive. What else do these baby buns have to offer? Well, Thumpelina (sporting the LOVELY red and green) has been described by staff as "cute and compact". Perfect for the upcoming cold weather, Thumpelina likes to cuddle up with you in any nook in your blanket she can find. Once she's settled in nice and cozy, she'd love for you to gently pet her soft coat (or spoil her with a few treats!)

Doris likes to snuggle too, but she'd much rather schedule her cuddle sesh until after her workout! Doris loves to run, hop and exercise to get all her excitement out. THEN she'll get all warm and cozy! The thing that really makes Doris' good day into a great day? Romaine lettuce. She LOVES her greens, now she just needs someone to feed her!

If you want to adopt either Doris or Thumpelina, call our East region shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297). Or, visit toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more about the adoption process!

22/11/2024

MAKE WAY! Big Bertha is coming through!

We are delighted to introduce Bertha, our affectionate 5-year-old Boxer mix who is sure to steal your heart with her sweet and loving nature!

Bertha is a people person first and foremost. She thrives on attention and affection from her human companions. Her loyalty is unmatched; she'll be by your side through thick and thin, always ready to offer her love and companionship. Bertha enjoys people SO much, that she tends to experience a bit of separation anxiety when they're not around. When you ARE around, she's as happy as a clam and as gentle as a lamb.

The only thing that tops time people is time with treats! She LOVES snack time. However, even when the snacks are out, Bertha knows to keep her gentle demeanour about her. So as excited as she is, she's still a joy to interact with!

Whether she’s getting cuddles or enjoying a tasty treat, Bertha’s loving and playful personality shines through in everything she does. If you're looking for a devoted and sweet companion who loves to be by your side, Bertha is the perfect match!

Ready to welcome Bertha to your family? Call our North Region Shelter at (416) 338-PAWS (7297) to start the adoption process, or visit toronto.ca/adoptapet to learn more!

20/11/2024

We like to think we have a nose for sniffing out heartwarming adoption stories. However, it seems Lily's nose has us beat!

Meet Lily, a hound mix and former resident of the North shelter. Lily was adopted back in 2021 by a woman who goes by HM. At the time, HM had recently had a motorcycle accident and wasn't able to work. She wanted a family pet to keep her company, and thought Lily would be a good fit. Not only was Lily a great companion, they soon realized she came with a special talent: her nose!

Lily's family were SO impressed by her sense of smell that they wanted to put her nosework to the test. They entered Lily into Scent Detection competitions and she excelled! Lily just recently became a proud certified “Scent Detection Master.” HM and Lily visited our North shelter yesterday to share the good news and her appreciation for the work that we do. Lily had made a profound impact in their lives, and wanted to let us know!

Coincidentally, the same shelter staff member who helped with Lily's adoption 3 years ago was the same who met with HM and Lily. He graciously accepted HM's gift of Lily's certification (along with a framed photo and a donation!)

Want to make your own success story with TAS alumni? It all starts with adoption! Check out toronto.ca/adoptapet to see all the pets available for adoption. If you have your own success story with a TAS adoptable, share it in the comments!