Mention the pet early
Pet policies vary by site and situation. The safest first step is to say there is a pet before travelling or accepting a referral, then ask what options are actually available today.
Call first
Content pending verification: confirm pet policies, supplies, kennel options, and any documents before travelling.Key contacts to confirm
Toronto Animal Services
City information and support pathways for pet owners.
Call first to confirm
Toronto Humane Society Pet Food Bank
Pet food support pathway to confirm before visiting.
- Address
- 11 River St, Toronto
Call first to confirm
Confirm current process, hours, and eligibility.
Farley Foundation
Veterinary-cost support pathway through participating veterinary clinics.
Referral pathwayCall first to confirm
Funding is not guaranteed. Ask a participating vet about current process.
Central Intake
Mention the pet when asking about shelter or overnight options.
Call first to confirm
Shelter questions to ask
- Can the person and pet stay together at this option?
- If not, what temporary care or kennel pathway is available?
- Are there limits by animal type, size, vaccination status, supplies, or carrier?
- Can the person bring food, medication, leash, carrier, or proof of ownership if they have it?
- What is the fallback if the first option is full or cannot take pets today?
Peer worker tips
- Do not minimize the bond. Losing a pet can make a referral impossible.
- Confirm details before transit is spent.
- Document the practical plan: pet present, provider called, answer given, and fallback.
Sources
All sources accessed July 2, 2026. Service details change often — call first to confirm hours, intake, and availability before travelling.
- Support for Pet Owners — City of Toronto
- Pet Food Bank — Toronto Humane Society
- Who We Help — Farley Foundation
- Emergency shelter help — City of Toronto