Kandice VincentI recently tagged along with a friend on a cat-hunting mission to a local animal shelter. The place was a furry frenzy—adorable kittens and playful puppies were everywhere, each one vying for attention.
My friend ended up falling head over heels for the sweetest little tabby. While we were there, we chatted with a volunteer who shared heartwarming stories about rescued animals finding their forever homes.
Hearing about their dedication inspired me to discover Toronto’s top animal shelters. Hopefully, more people can adopt or volunteer, giving these deserving creatures the love and care they deserve.
How much does adopting a pet cost in Toronto?
Generally, pet adoption fees in Toronto cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, so expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. The cost varies depending on the animal, its age, breed, and the shelter.
Some shelters offer discounts or fee waivers for certain animals.
How We Chose the Best Animal Shelters in Toronto
1. Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre
The Ontario SPCA has been around for ages, helping animals in need for over 150 years. They’re not just about cats and dogs—they’ve got rabbits, lizards, and even rodents looking for loving homes.
We love their Working Cat Program. It helps healthy, vaccinated, microchipped, and ear-tipped cats find non-traditional homes like barns, stables, repair shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses, churches, and warehouses.
Beyond finding homes for animals, they do a ton of other good stuff like rescuing animals in emergencies, managing feral cat populations, and providing spay/neuter services. It’s clear they’re passionate about making life better for animals.
Their pet insurance via Fetch sounds pretty sweet too, covering a wide range of conditions and procedures, including dental and sick-visit exam fees.
We did hear about people getting incomplete medical information about their adopted pets. That’s a bummer, as it’s important to know your pet’s health history.
Pros
- Over 150 years of experience
- Also has rabbits, lizards, and rodents
- Has a Working Cat Program
- Offers emergency sheltering
- Has a feral cat management program
- Spay/neuter services
- Offers pet insurance
Cons
- Some adopted pets had incomplete medical info
Facility was impressively clean and well-maintained
“Had a great experience at this OSPCA location. The staff were incredibly kind and helpful, and the facility was impressively clean and well-maintained. I’m grateful to the entire team for their excellent service. I brought my puppy here for neutering, and the entire process was straightforward, digital, and easy to follow. Thanks once again for the exceptional care!”
Prateek Gupto, Google Review
Affordable vaccine shots compared to other vets
“We brought our cat here for vaccine shots, even though it’s a bit far from where we live, because of how affordable it is compared to other vets. Suzanne was our DVM and she was so kind, helpful and understanding. As first time cat owners, she helped us with any questions and was so sweet. We also had questions about spaying, and although we had our concerns, she let us know it was possible to still get our cat spayed at that location. Thank you. Suzanne!!”
Lilian Nguyen, Google Review
2. Toronto Humane Society
The Toronto Humane Society started in 1886 when a local resident wrote to a newspaper asking why there wasn’t a society to prevent cruelty to animals. Someone donated $2 to help an old, tired workhorse, and the rest is history.
Today, it takes care of up to 300 animals at a time, offering traditional and community sheltering. And they’ve got a great selection of animals to choose from—cats, dogs, and even some more exotic pets like snakes and chinchillas.
One cool program they offer is Supported Rehoming. Instead of surrendering your pet, you can keep them at home while they help find a new home for them.
They also have great vet services, including wellness checks, spay/neuter, dental care, and Trap Neuter Return programs.
However, some people have mentioned that they’re not always upfront about a pet’s history. That’s definitely something to keep in mind when adopting.
Pros
- Over 130 years of experience
- Takes care of up to 300 animals at a time
- Also has rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, and chinchillas
- Offers Supported Rehoming
- Comprehensive vet services
Cons
- Lack of transparency regarding pets’ history
Exceptionally friendly, organized, and responsive
“The staff was exceptionally friendly, organized, and responsive. They patiently explained everything, communicated via email beforehand, ensuring a smooth process. I efficiently had my cat neutered, added a microchip, and updated his vaccines—all at a reasonable cost. Wishing for a speedy recovery for my cat. Also, There is free parking at the back of building.”
Faezeh Kazemi, Google Review
Super happy with the service and all the info provided
“Android got neutered here and will have a follow up for vaccine. He is recovering amazingly! Super happy with the service and all the info provided along the way. 💯 recommend! Thank you again to all of the amazing staff and volunteers for all that you do!”
Bradley, Google Review
3. Mattie’s Place
Mattie’s Place is a relatively new rescue organization with a big heart, founded by Denise in memory of a beloved pet.
Speaking of Denise, she has over 40 years of experience with rescue pets and adoptions. In fact, she volunteered in shelters, worked in the veterinary industry, and co-founded VETS Animal Charity.
Impressively, the organization is also 100% volunteer-run, rescuing 250 pets a year. It’s no wonder that Mattie’s Place has earned accolades like the Diamond Winner of Toronto’s Best Rescue in 2023 from the Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Awards.
They primarily focus on dog rescue but also welcome cats periodically. We love their comprehensive fostering support, providing all necessary supplies and transportation for vet appointments and meet-and-greets.
We did hear reports about the founder’s demeanor, which is definitely not ideal.
Pros
- Over 40 years of experience
- Owner co-founded VETS Animal Charity
- 100% volunteer-run
- Rescues around 250 pets a year
- Has received awards
- Comprehensive fostering and adoption services
Cons
- Isolated reports about the owner being rude
- Limited range of pets (dogs and cats only)
Upfront about all the personalities and medical issues
“We adopted Bernie at the end of 2021 and everyday has been precious with him.
Thank you so much Denise for running such an amazing rescue. It’s great that they are upfront about all the personalities and medical issues that each pet has and all the work you do to find the perfect match for each one.”
M Y, Google Review
So happy to have found our new family member
“From the first contact with Mattie’s Place to our adoption day, communication was amazing. We always understood the process and could reach out with questions. Denise was straightforward with us and truly cares about the dogs she works with, but also cares to ensure that the family is the right family to ensure a forever home. We are so happy to have found Mattie’s Place and our new family member ♡”
Coleen Thompson, Google Review
4. Stray to Play
Stray to Play is a completely volunteer-run rescue organization with a focus on finding forever homes for dogs. They rely on foster families to care for the dogs until they find their perfect match.
We like that they don’t just adopt dogs out to anyone; they strive to place each dog in the best home to suit their needs. This involves home visits, meet and greets, and contract requirements to make sure everything is a good fit.
While they currently have enough volunteers for most tasks, they always need help with fundraising efforts. Volunteers can support these efforts remotely by reaching out to local businesses for collaboration.
On the other hand, we heard about volunteers being a bit pushy about adopting. While it’s understandable that they want the best for the dogs, it’s important to respect potential adopters’ decisions and timelines.
Pros
- Volunteer-run rescue organization
- Offers fostering services
- Thorough adoption process
- Hosts fundraising efforts
Cons
- Dogs only
- Reports of pushy volunteers
Support we received surpassed any expectation
“I cannot say enough about the wonderful team at Stray to Play. This was my first time fostering an animal and after extensive screening, interviews and seminars, we were prepared and ready to go! The support we received before, during and after this process surpassed any expectation we had. The communication offered by not only the immediate team members but the online community helped us have the most successful and positive experience. If you are looking to foster, adopt or donate, Stray to Play is the organization you want to work with!”
Luisa C, Google Review
Does right by their adopters, fosters, and most importantly, dogs
“A fantastic organization that does right by their adopters, fosters, and most importantly, the dogs.”
Natalie Wood, Google Review
5. Dog Tales Rescue & Sanctuary
Dog Tales, founded in 2014 by animal-loving couple Rob and Danielle, offers a unique and luxurious approach to animal rescue.
Their 50-acre property—with all the bells and whistles—is impressive. It features kilometers of walking trails, therapy pools, and a grooming spa, providing an ideal setting for animals to heal and be rehabilitated.
They do a great job caring for their animals, providing medical care and lots of love and attention.
In addition to dog and cat adoptions, Dog Tales cares for over 60 old, abused, and retired horses, cows, and donkeys. They even offer sponsorship opportunities for those interested in supporting a farm animal.
While their facilities and care seem top-notch, it’s a bummer to hear about unexplained adoption denials. Transparency is key when it comes to finding the right home for an animal.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Has a 50-acre property
- Walking trails, therapy pools, and a grooming spa
- Provides medical care
- Also takes care of retired horses, cows, and donkeys
- Offers farm animal sponsorship
Cons
- Unexplained adoption denials
Amazing animal shelter
“This is an amazing animal shelter. It is run by a fantastic team that takes the best care of all of the animals living here. There are many dogs looking for their forever homes. I definitely recommend visiting on a Sunday (between noon and 4pm) during one of their open houses. You’ll get to meet some of the terrific dogs plus see the rest of the farm animals that are cared for here.”
Chris Raponi, Google Review
Most amazing animal rescue sanctuary ever!
“Dog tales is the most amazing animal rescue sanctuary ever! I volunteer there regularly so I can tell you from first hand experience, they absolutely love all their animals! The grounds are huge , the dogs get walked many times per day. The horses are groomed and loved dearly by the handlers. Whether you’re looking to adopt or volunteer, you will love dog tales.”
Julia Gourlie, Google Review
