Support for Pet Owners

Toronto Animal Services (TAS) is offering advice and resources to pet owners who are experiencing hardship and struggling to care and provide necessities for their pets.

Make a Plan for Your Pet’s Care

The best place for a pet is with their owner. However, if you become seriously ill or require hospitalization, the best place for your pet is with a family member or friend.

Follow these steps to make sure your pet is cared for:

  • Fill out an information form and attach a picture of your pet to ensure their care needs are known
    • Store the form in an obvious location
    • Complete a form for each pet in your household
  • Identify a family member or friend who can temporarily take care of your pet
  • Have crates, food and extra supplies available for your pet
    • Ensure your pet is familiarized with the crate or carrier and that it is labelled with your name, address, and phone number
    • Keep an extra two-weeks supply of your pet’s current diet on hand. Note any feeding instructions and location of the food on your pet’s information form.
    • Dogs must have a leash
  • Have your pet’s vaccination records and identify all medications, dosages, and administering directions, including the prescription name and your vet’s contact information
    • Consider placing the medications and vaccination records in a sealed bag with your pet’s information form
  • Ensure your pet has an identification tag, such as a City of Toronto license or rabies tag
    • If your pet is microchipped ensure your contact and emergency contact information is up-to-date with the registry
  • Place a list of pets in the home on your front door for emergency responders. Include a description of each animal, location in home, or on the property.

Accessing Pet Supplies

Pet owners who require assistance with pet food and supplies can contact the following organizations and food banks in Toronto. Please call or email before you go as some of these organization may require you to register or may have pet food and supplies available only on specific days.

Salvation Army Etobicoke Temple Community Church

Website: salakeshore.com/foodbank
Phone: 416-251-8372

Albion Neighbourhood Services

Website: albionneighbourhoodservices.ca
Phone: 416-740-3704

Toronto Cat Rescue/Mount Dennis Salvation Army Pet Food Bank

Website: torontocatrescue.ca
Phone: 416-538-8592
Address: Salvation Army, 1100 Weston Rd (at Eglinton) / Side door entrance off of York street and down the stairs to the basement

Note: Pet food is available only for colony caretakers residing in the area the Salvation Army services (M6A, M6B, M6L, M6M, M6N, M9A, M9N, M9P). ID is required to verify residential address. The availability of pet food is limited to the amount received from donations.

LAMP Community Health Centre

Website: lampchc.org
Phone: 416-252-6471
Email: feedback@lampchc.org

Haven on the Queensway

Website: havenontheq.com
Phone: 416-640-2005

Anida

Website: anida.org
Phone: 416-667-9333
Email: info@anida.org

North York Harvest Food Bank

Website: northyorkharvest.com
Phone: 416-635-7771 (Ext 0)
Email: info@northyorkharvest.com

Salvation Army York Community Church

Website: sayorkcc.com
Phone: 416-766-1361
Note: Pet supplies are available for residents living in postal codes M6A, M6B, M6L, M6M, M6N, M9A, M9N, M9P

Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities

Website: schcontario.ca
Phone: 416-642-9445

Agincourt Community Services Association

Website: agincourtcommunityservices.com
Phone: 416-321-6912

Fort York Food Bank

Website: fyfb.com
Phone: 416-203-3011

Parkdale Community Food Bank

Website: pcfb.ca
Phone: 416-532-2375
Email: info@pcfb.ca

Toronto Humane Society

Website: torontohumanesociety.com
Phone: 416-392-2273
Address: 11 River Street, Toronto, ON M5A 4C2
Hours: Monday – Friday, 11am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Note: Dog food, cat food, and other pet items available by donation.

St. Jamestown Community Centre

Website: stjamestown.org
Phone: 416-964-6657
Address: 200 Wellesley St E, Toronto, Ontario M4X 1G3
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. -8 p.m.
Note: Pet food available by donation on second Thursday of each month.

The Yonge Street Mission

Website: ysm.ca
Phone: 416-929-9614
Address: 306 Gerrard Street East, Toronto, ON M5A 2G7
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Note: Pet food is available for registered clients.

WoodGreen Community Services

Website: woodgreen.org
Phone: 416-645-6000
Email: info@woodgreen.org

Mattie’s Place

Website: mattiesplace.ca
Phone: 416-551-7005