Adopt a Pet

Things to Consider Before You Adopt

• Are you looking for a companion for your child or a dog to exercise with? Why you want to adopt can help you determine the species and breed that will fit your lifestyle.
• When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the pet for the rest of its life. This can be up to 20 years. For a shorter commitment, consider adopting an older pet.
• How much time and space you have. Dogs and cats need exercise, play and companionship every day.
• Food, veterinary care, pet licence and other supplies will be a consistent expense.
• There are important information you should consider when adopting pets from overseas to ensure animals and humans are protected against diseases. Learn more about Adopting & Importing Pets from Overseas.

Living Large with a Big Dog: Are You the Right Fit?

Big dogs are often overlooked next to their smaller pals, but they deserve just as much love, including homes that fit their needs. Fostering or adopting a larger dog can be rewarding, offering a loyal and social companion who brings joy and connection to your life. Large dogs, once mature, can often be more calm and quiet than smaller dogs. However, this can vary depending on the breed and how much daily exercise and enrichment they receive.

Before you adopt a large dog, prepare for its needs by considering:

• Higher costs: Food, grooming and veterinary care can be more expensive for larger dogs.
• Space and exercise: Make sure you have enough space and time to provide regular exercise and enrichment. Needs vary by breed, so do your research and check with Toronto Animal Services if your preferred activities and lifestyle are a good fit for the breed you have in mind.
• Training and socialization: This is essential for all dogs, but especially important for large breeds. Due to their size and strength, big dogs need owners who can manage them safely and confidently. Remember that all dogs in Toronto must be kept on a leash in public except for dogs off-leash areas.

Learn more about the dogs currently available for adoption.

Fees and What to Bring with You When You Adopt

What to Provide

1. A driver’s licence or identification with your current address
2. Payment of the adoption fee in cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard or American Express

Whenever possible, all family members should come into to the shelter to select a new pet.

Adoption Fees

View available animals.

Animal/Pet	Adoption Fee
bird (budgie, finch)	$5
bird (cockatiel)	$20
bird (small parrot)	$50
bird (large parrot)	$100
fish	$5
cat	$75
dog (male)	$185
dog (female)	$215
rabbit	$40
mammals	$40
rodent	$5

Preparing Your Home for a New Pet

• Have all necessary supplies ready for your dog or cat – food, bowls, leash or harness, collar, brush, toys, scratching posts, bed, crates, litter box.
• Put away household chemicals such as cleaners, insecticides and antifreeze.
• Place houseplants out of reach – some are poisonous to animals.
• Keep potentially harmful household items out of reach including garbage, medicine, pins, elastics, thread, needles, etc.
• Have separate areas for your new pet and existing pets. Pets need to be introduced to one another slowly.
• Keep doors closed including the doors to your washer and dryer, closets and cupboards.

If Your New Pet is the Wrong Match

• Pet adoptions are usually successful.
• If the adoption is not a good match for the new owner or the pet, you can return the pet to the shelter. Please call us first to make arrangements: 416-338-7297.