Land Acknowledgement
We would like to honour the land that we are on, which has been the site of Indigenous residence since time immemorial. Toronto Humane Society is situated upon the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabe, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. Toronto is still home to many First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from across Turtle Island. This territory is governed by The Dish with One Spoon Wampum treaty, an agreement to peaceably share and care for the land and its resources.
We are committed to learning, celebrating, and paying tribute to Indigenous histories, cultures, and worldviews. As an animal welfare organization, we are particularly inspired by Indigenous environmental stewardship and the spiritual significance of human-animal relationships in Indigenous cultures.
LEARN MORE AT WWW.TORONTOHUMANESOCIETY.COM/LAND-ACKNOWLEDEGMENT
A Letter From Our CEO
Each year, I’m reminded that the most powerful force in animal welfare isn’t just the care we provide—it’s the people who make that care possible. People like you. Your compassion, trust, and generosity continue to drive our mission forward. In 2024, that impact was felt more than ever.
Thanks to your support, we reached thousands of animals and their families through our communitybased programs, removed barriers to care, expanded our Urgent Foster Care network, reunited hundreds of lost pets with their families, and providedcare and fresh starts to those pets without family units to return to. Our research produced peer-reviewed studies now shaping national conversations around access to veterinary care, and our commitment to evidence-based solutions has helped shelters across North America reimagine what’s possible.
We also deepened our commitment to equity and inclusion—ensuring our programs, teams, and partnerships reflect the diverse communities we serve. From participating in Pride and Indigenous community events, we worked to build not only a more humane world for animals, but a more just one for people, too.
As we look ahead, in 2025 we are preparing to launch a new multi-year strategic plan—one that will build on everything we’ve learned and achieved.
PHIL NICHOLS, RVT, CAWA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
This plan will guide how we expand services, strengthen partnerships, and increase our capacity to Improves the Lves of Animals. We’ll continue to invest in care, research, and innovation— because we know that lasting change doesn’t just come from reacting to crisis, but from designing compassionate systems that prevent it.
Together, we will create a future where all pets and the people who love them have access to the care, connection, and dignity they deserve.
Thank you for standing with us, and with animals, in 2024 and beyond.
With deep gratitude,
Phil Nichols, RVT, CAWA Chief Executive Officer Toronto Humane Society
Community Animal Welfare Progams
Keeping Pets and People Together
Animal welfare is community welfare. Our Community Animal Welfare programs are built on one core belief: no one should have to choose between caring for themselves and caring for their beloved pet.
In 2024, we expanded these programs to provide meaningful, accessible support to pet parents facing housing insecurity, financial hardship, domestic violence, and other systemic barriers. From pop-up wellness clinics and Urgent Care foster placements to Pet Food Banks and compassionate rehoming support, these services form a safety net for thousands of families each year.
By investing in proactive, community-based solutions, we help keep pets where they belong—safe and loved, right by their family’s side. Together with our donors, volunteers, and partners, we’re building a more inclusive, compassionate system of care.
THE IMPACT
Keeping Pets and Families Together
When a pet parent facing housing insecurity feared they’d have to give up their two beloved cats, our Pet Parent Support Network stepped in. With access to resources like the Pet Food Bank, Urgent Care, and rehoming support, the cats stayed safe with family while their guardian worked toward stable housing. This family was able to stay together—and keep their pets of the shelter system.
Stopping the Spread: The Power of Vaccines
In December 2024, a parvovirus outbreak threatened the health of pets in Windsor, Ontario. Our Community Animal Welfare team quickly mobilized a pop-up vaccination clinic in collaboration with local humane societies— bringing vital care directly to the community. Over the course of a single weekend, we vaccinated and treated more than 200 pets, helping to stop the spread of this deadly, preventable disease and protect the lives of vulnerable animals. Vaccines save lives—and the generosity of our donors made this rapid response possible.
Urgent Care, Unbreakable Bonds
When crisis hits, families shouldn’t have to choose between themselves and their pets. Thanks to your support, our Urgent Care Program provides temporary foster care for animals while guardians face emergencies like hospitalization, domestic violence, or housing instability. In 2024, our Urgent Care program kept pets out of shelters and connected to the people who love them. One pet parent said: “The Urgent Care came through for me when I was in a very difficult situation. I had to be admitted to hospital and I had no one to take my cat.. They kept me in the loop the whole time while she was in the program in such a caring and non-judgmental way, which meant so much to me. I will forever be grateful”
27,871
Families Supported through our Community Animal Welfare programs — including training and behaviour support, veterinary services, Urgent Care, and our Pet Food Bank — all designed to keep pets with the people who love them.
18 Pop-Up Clinics
brought essential veterinary care directly to underserved communities — improving access and keeping pets healthy where it matters most.
Over 15,800
Pet Parent Support Network Interventions
helping families navigate challenges and keep their beloved pets at home.
Over 155,000 Pounds of
Pet Food
distributed through our Pet Food Bank and Community Days to help pet parents facing hardship keep their beloved companions fed and cared for.
PUBLIC VETERINARY SERVICES
Impact by the Numbers
$3.5 Million in Below-Market-Rate Veterinary Care Provided
Ensuring more pets received the treatment they needed, regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
7,639
Surgeries Performed
Ranging from spay/neuter procedures to urgent, lifesaving operations, these services help reduce pet overpopulation, relieve suffering, and ensure more animals can stay healthy and at home with the families who love them.
8,265
Wellness Appointments
These visits helped pets receive preventive care like vaccinations, microchips, and flea and tick medication, keeping them healthier and out of crisis.
1,234 Trap-Neuter-Return Appointments
This essential work prevents suffering, reduces overpopulation, and supports healthier, more stable cat colonies across our communities.
4,996 Pets Microchipped
Giving pets a permanent form of ID and a better chance of being reunited with their families if lost. Thanks to your support, more pets are staying safe, connected, and out of the shelter system.
“This is an amazing service to ensure all pets are healthy. As a person with limited means and currently a low income household, the fees for all the services were something I could manage. I want to say how much people like me appreciate that.”
- Allison K
“We are forever grateful for Toronto Humane Society. I am a single mom on social assistance. It is hard, especially with the cost of inflation. I’m trying my best, but without your help, I wouldn’t be able to afford it.”
- Jamie G
Smokey Bear’s Journey to Confidence and Calm
When Smokey Bear, a 6-year-old Rottweiler, was first adopted, he was withdrawn and showed challenging behaviours like resource guarding, leash pulling, and reactivity to dogs, people, and loud noises.
Soon after adoption, his guardian, Mike, enrolled him in private training with our behaviour team. Early sessions focused on safely managing resource guarding and improving leash skills. Over several months, Smokey Bear grew secure and confident through ongoing positive reinforcement behaviour modification and daily enrichment like sniffy walks.
His guarding resolved, and reactivity decreased dramatically—he now calmly ignores most triggers and settles easily at home. In a follow-up, Mike shared that Smokey Bear is thriving with peaceful walks, cuddles, and playful park visits—proof of the power of consistent training and compassionate care.
Animal Shelterin g
Compassionate Care, Every Step of the Way
For every animal that enters our shelter, our goal is the same: to provide not just safety, but a pathway to a better life. Our sheltering practices are grounded in compassion, science, and a commitment to each animal’s well-being—emotionally, physically, and behaviourally.
In 2024, our sheltering programs cared for 1,647 animals and found positive outcomes for nearly every one—whether through adoption, reunification with their family, or placement with a rescue partner.
Whether helping a dog recover from trauma or reuniting a lost cat with their guardian, our sheltering team works tirelessly to reduce length of stay, minimise stress, and help every animal move toward the comfort, stability, and love they deserve.
YOUR IMPACT
1,647 Animals Cared For
Each receiving the shelter, support, and compassion they needed on their journey to a new life.
1,260 Animals Adopted
Each one starting a new chapter in a loving home, thanks to our community of compassionate supporters.
8-Day Median Length of Shelter Stay
Thanks to efficient intake, proactive medical care, and strong adoption efforts that help pets find loving homes faster.
166 Animals Reunited
These lost pets experienced happy family reunions without extended stays in the shelter system.
Zita’s Journey to Health and Home
Zita, a 4-year-old Wirehaired Vizsla, arrived at the shelter with severe skin disease, painful ear infections, and anxiety-related behaviours. Her condition was complex—requiring specialized medical care and a lot of patience.
Transferred to us by the Vizsla Society of Ontario, Zita received care led by Dr. Jacobson and Dr. Ellis, whose teamwork shaped a new approach to treating chronic skin issues in the shelter. With support from her incredible foster parent and donations supporters, Zita received medicated baths, targeted treatments, and behavioural support.
Despite the hurdles, her foster parent never gave up—and ultimately adopted her! Today, Zita is thriving in her new home, all the way in the Netherlands! She’s adjusting beautifully to her new life, exploring Europe, soaking up love from strangers, and proving every day that compassion and commitment can transform lives.
29,436 Volunteer Hours Logged
A powerful testament to the compassion and commitment of our community, helping us care for animals, support programming, and extend our reach far beyond shelter walls.
802 Active Monthly Volunteers
Dedicated individuals who generously give their time and energy to support animals, assist with programs, and strengthen our community.
343 Active Monthly Foster Parents
Opening their homes and hearts to provide temporary care, comfort, and stability for animals in need, helping them heal and thrive outside the shelter.
620 Volunteer Training Sessions Completed
Equipping our dedicated volunteers with the skills and knowledge they need to provide safe, effective, and compassionate support across all areas of our work.
People, Culture and DEI
Building an Inclusive Culture, Inspiring Every Voice
Toronto Humane Society continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and compassion of our people. In 2024, volunteer engagement reached new heights, with over 29,000 hours generously contributed by individuals committed to animal welfare.
Alongside this operational success, we deepened our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), and belonging. We know that diverse perspectives and lived experiences are essential to delivering compassionate, community-focused care. In 2024, we embedded a DEI framework across our policies and programs—ensuring that every team member, volunteer, and foster parent feels empowered, respected, and heard.
We’re building more than an organization—we’re fostering a community where both animals and people are empowered to thrive.
THE IMPACT
Sector Leadership in DEI Strategy
Our DEI strategic plan was recognized by the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement (AAWA) as a model for the sector. Integrating DEI into our foundational framework ensures that every pet and person, regardless of background, benefits from equitable care.
Expanding Equity Through Community Care
Through Urgent Foster Care, Inner-city pop-up wellness clinics, and clinics run in partnership with First Nations communities, we’re removing systemic barriers that prevent pets from getting care. When society’s most vulnerable families receive compassionate support, more animals stay healthy and loved.
Inclusive Workplace Culture
Our internal DEI initiatives—including the formation of a DEI Council, anti-bias hiring training, expanded mental health and familyfriendly benefits, and the welcoming Wellness Room—cultivate a workplace where every staff and volunteer feels valued. A diverse and supported team directly translates into better care for the animals we serve.
Celebrating and Uplifting Communities
We participated in Toronto Pride, the Native Child and Family Services Powwow, and launched Pride-themed merchandise—all to honour inclusion in our work. Celebrating diverse events and identities enables us to strengthen community trust and ensure every person—and their pets—can access care in a welcoming, culturally-sensitive environment.
These DEI initiatives do more than build a better organization—they ensure that every pet and person has access to respectful, dignified, and culturally-responsive care.
Shaping the Future of Animal Welfare
Evidence-based research and innovation that is building lasting solutions for pets and their people
Toronto Humane Society’s commitment to advancing animal welfare is grounded in science, research, and a relentless drive to do better—for the animals in our care and the communities we serve.
In 2024, we continued to push the boundaries of what’s possible in shelter medicine, veterinary social work, and animal behaviour support. We published nine peer-reviewed articles in industry journals and launched Canada’s first veterinary social work practicum model—shaping the future of animal care locally and across North America.
We are driving change. Through collaboration, research, and knowledge sharing, we’re not just responding to today’s challenges — we’re helping define tomorrow’s solutions.
YOUR IMPACT ON LIFE-IMPROVING RESEARCH
Leading Change in Veterinary Regulation
In 2024, CEO Phil Nichols, RVT, CAWA and Director of Academic Strategy Kirsti Clarida, RVT were appointed as two of only three Registered Veterinary Technicians to the newly formed College of Veterinarians of Ontario (CVO) Transition Council. This council is responsible for shaping the future of veterinary regulation in Ontario as the profession evolves into the College of Veterinary Professionals of Ontario (CVPO)—a transformation empowered by the new Veterinary Professionals Act, passed in June 2024. Their leadership will help develop forward-thinking regulations and standards that promote high-quality, team-based veterinary care and improve outcomes for animals and their guardians across Ontario.
Research Strengthens Ringworm
Treatment for Shelter Cats
Ringworm can keep shelter cats in isolation for weeks, delaying adoptions and increasing costs. Toronto Humane Society—led by Dr. Linda Jacobson, BVSc MMedVet(Med) PhD, Director of Science and Advancement—partnered with Cornell University to find a better way.
The study compared three treatments and found that lime sulfur cured ringworm faster and more reliably than the alternatives, with zero treatment failures. This research is helping shelters across North America reduce recovery time, ease stress, and get cats into loving homes sooner.
Establishing Standards: Social Work in Animal Welfare Guidelines
Toronto Humane Society is proud to be a contributing partner in the first-ever North American guidelines for social work in animal welfare settings. Through funding provided by the ASPCA and in collaboration with the Open Door Veterinary Collective, Dillon Dodson, RSW, MSW, Director of Social Work at Toronto Humane Society, joined a collective of practitioners working to develop ethical and effective standards for this emerging field.
The project uses a Participatory Action Research (PAR) model, bringing together lived experience and academic rigor to create a meaningful framework for practice. From indepth planning retreats to ongoing working groups, our team is helping ensure these guidelines reflect the complex realities of animal welfare work and the need for traumainformed, community-driven approaches.
The guidelines—set for publication in 2026— will serve as a long-overdue resource for organizations across North America, helping to professionalize and ethically ground social work roles in the field of veterinary and animal care.
Canada’s First Veterinary Social Work Practicum Model
Toronto Humane Society launched a groundbreaking initiative to design Canada’s first evidence-informed practicum model in veterinary social work. With funding from the University of Toronto Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work Bertha Rosenstadt Trust Fund, our Director of Social Work, Dillon Dodson, RSW, MSW, is leading this project to bridge the gap between social work education and animal welfare practice.
By investing in the future of veterinary social work, we are helping train a new generation of professionals ready to meet the needs of people and animals in crisis—with compassion, competency, and care.
Rewriting the Standard of Care for Heartworm-Positive Dogs
Toronto Humane Society is leading a groundbreaking study that could transform how shelters treat heartworm-positive dogs. Spearheaded by Diretor of Science and Advancement, Dr. Linda Jacobson, BVSc MMedVet(Med) PhD, in partnership with the University of Florida, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue, and PetSmart Charities, the research explores a simpler, two-injection protocol as a safe, effective alternative— making recovery faster, adoptions quicker, and care more accessible. This work is saving lives and setting new standards in animal welfare across North America.
Elevating Feline Welfare Through Behavioural Science
Animal welfare means more than food and shelter—it’s about meeting emotional and psychological needs, too. That belief led Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, MRes PhD CAAB CSB-C, Director of Behaviour at Toronto Humane Society, to create a sciencebased system for monitoring feline wellbeing. Her system is now transforming how shelters across North America assess and respond to feline behaviour.
Dr. Ellis introduced structured rating scales focused on four key indicators, allowing trained volunteers to collect consistent, meaningful data. This approach improved our ability to detect changes, offer timely support, and help cats find homes faster.
Dr. Ellis originally published her findings in 2022. In 2024, she launched a free online training course making it more accessible for shelters and researchers worldwide to use using this donor-backed innovation and improve the lives of cats in their care.
This data-driven research is helping cats thrive—not just in our shelter, but around the world.
“A positive heartworm test should no longer mean limited options or euthanasia.”
- Dr. Linda Jacobson, Director of Science and Advancement
$14,792,744 total
Thank You to Our Corporate and Foundation Partners
Stronger Together
Our mission to Improve the Lives of Animals is powered by partnership—and driven by the generosity of our donors. Every bag of food, every adoption, every act of compassion is made possible not just by our internal teams, but by the incredible community of supporters who stand beside us.
The following list recognizes those who generously contributed $1,000 or more in 2024. To each of you—thank you. Your support, collaboration, and shared commitment to community-centred care make this work possible. Together, we’re not just helping animals—we’re building a more humane, more compassionate future for all.
CORPORATIONS:
Mars Canada Inc
Kijiji
Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd.
Dawson Partners Inc.
Star Night Import & Export
Open Farm Inc.
Silent Auction Company
Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company
Bumper Media Inc.
CIBC The Power Investment
Team
TD
Ecclesiastical Insurance Office
Northbridge General
Insurance Corporation
Dandylion World
Peloton Capital Management
LUCKY DOG FUND
GreenBirch Capital
Dirty Pawz Dog Wash
Altas Corporation
Bird Infrastructure Ltd.
Mitsubishi Electric Sales
Canada Inc.
Holt Renfrew
SESCO
Pet Valu
The Alley
American Eagle Outfitters
Patton Naturopathic
Professional Corporation
Nani’s Gelato
Vital Safety Services
Urbandog Services Inc.
349856 Canada Inc
Uptown Productions ULC
Entertainment Partners
Canada
Black Lab Brewing
Champagne Photography
Studio
Watchtower Interiors Inc.
Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry
Council
Olympic Honda
Gingko
Fortis Fitness Inc.
Aricom Capital Inc
Unikeyboards
Southwire Canada Co
The Co-operators Insurance
Dermace Laser Clinic Toronto
Karmelic Wealth Management
CWB Wealth
Altergoo Development Inc.
Hubman & Chubgirl Inc.
Sweaty Betty’s
Hair of The Dog
FOUNDATIONS:
ACBL Charity Foundation
Airlie Foundation
Alan Mackie Charitable Foundation
Alice Morgan Wright/Edith Goode Trust
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Andree Rheaume & Robert Fitzhenry Family Foundation
Arthur Family Foundation at Toronto Foundation
Cavelti Family Foundation at Toronto Foundation
Dale Family Endowment Fund
Donald Bainbridge Family Foundation
Duggan - Sweet Family Foundation
Ellins Foundation
Etherington Foundation
Georgina Sawyer Memorial Foundation
Gestion Maurice et Donna Assh Inc.
GH Wood Charitable Fund at Toronto Foundation
Gloria Micallef and Bruno
Diesner Foundation
Graaf Family Fund
Horn Family Fund
Irvin Klinghofer Charitable Fund
James Raymond Cowling Foundation
Jean Robinson Family Foundation
Jeffrey Dawson and Janice
James Foundation
John Dent Charitable Fund
Krilavicius Family Foundation
L.R.Family Foundation
La Fondation Emmanuelle
Gattuso
Leake Foundation
Locking Arms Foundation
Lucky Dog Fund (Benefaction)
M. De Gennaro Fund
Marilyn Levand Memorial
Charity Fund
McMillan Family Foundation
Morley and Rita Cohen
Foundation
Neil and Leanne Petroff Foundation
Panda Family Fund at Toronto Foundation
PetSmart Charities of Canada
Regent Fund at Toronto Foundation
Roderick & Donalda Stevenson Charitable Fund
Styles Family Foundation
Takla Foundation
The Alex Scheel Charitable Gift Fund
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation
The David J.D. Harris Foundation
The Gadfly Project
The Greygates Foundation
The H. John McDonald Foundation
The Holger and Claudette
Kluge Family Foundation
The Hudson Foundation
The Isberg Charitable Trust
The JCJ Fund
The Marion Goltz Charitable Gift Fund
The Norman & Margaret
Jewison Charitable Foundation
The Orland & Lois Schaus Gift Fund
The Paul Butler and Chris Black Foundation at Toronto Foundation
The Power Family Foundation
The Shanahan Carriage Foundation
The Shawana Foundation
The Taylor Family Foundation
The W. Selby Martin Charitable Gift Fund
The Walt Family Foundation
The Wells (DL&K) Family Fund
Thistledown Foundation
Throw the Switch Igor! Foundation
University of Toronto FactorInwentash Faculty of Social Work
Walker Wood Foundation
Ward Family Foundation
TEAM DAY SUPPORTERS:
407 ETR
AIG
Albourne Partners (Canada)
Limited Best Buy
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
Brookfield Office Properties
Management LP
Cadillac Fairview
CATech
CIBC Mellon
Citi
Citigroup Inc.
Dentsu
Dream
Entertainment Partners
Canada ULC.
Gen Re
GFL Environmental
Ginkgomic
Harlo Manager Inc.
Identity Digital
Invesco Canada LTD
Kingsett Capital Inc
KPMG Canada
Lane Four
Lixil/Standard Shop
Markel Canada
Mawer Investments
Middle Child LP
MunichRE
NASDAQ
Nuvem Inc.
Omers
Pager Duty
Payworks
Peakhill Capital
Raymond James LTD
RBC
Salesforce
SDS Media
Sirius XM Canada Inc.
Sivo
Starlight Investments
Steadyhand
Trustar Underwriting Inc.
TSX Inc
Unilever Canada Inc.
Xero
THANK YOU
To our donors and supporters
Because of your compassion and generosity, 2024 was a year of real, meaningful change for animals and the people who love them.
Your support made it possible to expand access to veterinary care, reunite lost pets with their families, shelter animals in need, and deliver urgent, compassionate care to those facing housing instability, illness, or crisis. You also helped fund critical research, promote inclusive animal welfare practices, and ensure that equity, empathy, and dignity are at the heart of everything we do.
You are a vital part of this work. Because of you, more animals are safe, more families are supported, and the future of animal welfare in our community is stronger, kinder, and more connected than ever.
Toronto Humane Society 11 River Street Toronto, ON, M5A 4C2