This project started in 2011 and we were finally able to unveil it in 2015! We have collected a list of over 500 organizations that help pets, animals and pet guardians in Ontario. It is the most complete list of animal shelters and rescues you’ll find on the Internet, and also includes lists of wildlife rescues, sanctuaries, lost/found pet resources, pet food banks and more! This list is updated yearly.
Instructions for use:
In list view, you can search through all the organizations/locations by ‘sorting’. Hover over the column header (col C, col D, column descriptions etc. – font is blue & underlined) and click. This will sort the column in alphabetical order.
You can also use your computers ‘find’ function to search for a specific location or organization. On a mac this function is keying ‘command’ & ‘F’ at the same time on your keyboard.
Please note there are three spreadsheets! (You can find them at the very bottom of the page!)
1. Pet shelters, rescues and sanctuaries.
2. Wildlife Sanctuaries and Rehabilitators
3. Animal Welfare and Advocacy Organizations
Want to add information? See something that is incorrect? Find a dead link or an organization no longer operating? Contact us!
*Please note that we have listed the organizations as we find them for the purposes of helping people and organizations connect. We have not screened organizations to ensure they are reputable (with the exception of Second Hope Circle’s shelter/rescue program members as marked in the notes section). Please use your own discretion when getting assistance from an organization.
Page last updated July 2016.
Second Hope Circle 
Hi there, my moms cat who is 15 has been living in the basement for about a year now by himself ever since he starting becoming incontinent. I recently purchased diapers so he could come upstairs and socialize, as my mother has no issues just making sure he has food and water in the basement, not even a light on for him. I did just get him a timer lamp. Today I checked his diaper after his first overnight, and it was full of blood. Upon flipping it you could see it was dark red inside. I have no idea what to do as I’m on ei and my mother has already said she won’t be taking him to the vet as “he hasn’t been in 13 years, and he’s still in good condition”. I know he needs vet care immediately but I’m literally unable to do anything about it. If you have any resources please let me know, I would like to do my best to take care of him and see that he’s comfortable.
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Hi Emilee,
I agree with your assessment, kitty needs to go to the vet now. If you are unable to pay for care, options include the vet clinic applying to Farley Funding on your behalf, Petcard.ca (veterinary financing), or surrendering the cat to the vet clinic/local shelter. Additionally euthanasia may be recommended by the clinic depending on their assessment. We are not a veterinary clinic and cannot assess your cat or determine what’s going on, they need veterinary care. Please feel free to email to discuss the financial aspect further.
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Hi,
I am a senior looking for a vet in Oshawa/Clarington for dental help for my 9 year old male dog and 1 year old female dog.
I need my female puppy fixed.
Vets are asking for too much money that I don’t have. Can you help me
with vets that can help financially.
Thank you.
June
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Hello! Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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Hi I need help I’m low income and I’ve lost one of my dogs Lexus at the beginning of March of this year and now my other dog Karma has a cyst that maybe cancer that has triple in size in the last 2 weeks and I need help to save her before it’s to late. I called the get we generally use and they let me down by saying. Most of their Farley Foundation money has been used so there’s no help for us has you have to be with a vet for 12 months or more before they can refer you to the Farley Foundation. We normally can afford the vet but the last 2 years of our lives have been extremely hard and I’m so scared that I’m going to lose Karma now as well; these fur babies are my children has I cannot have human babies due to medically issues. Karma is just 9 this month and I don’t think that mentally I will last losing her too, she is my rock and my best friend and I have Extreme Mental and anxiety disorders and she helps keep me sane and safe. Please someone help or lead me in the right direction. I’m so desperate.
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Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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Hi.. my dog is 2 years old and he really need to neutered because he keeps humping everyone.. but im on weafe OW I can’t afford to pay that much to fix him… any low cost for neuter him ???
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Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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Hi i have two kitten 4 months old i need help with vaccinations please
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Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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Hello
I am writing to get some help for my sister-in-laws Shitz Shu.
The dog requires dental surgery. They gave her a cost of $944.00 dollars. Also they checked the dog over and said it has a heart murmur and want another $200.00 dollars now to do blood work. This is to decide if they can do the surgery.
All she receives monthly is OAS and the Guaranteed Income Supplement. And half of that goes on rent.
Is there anywhere she can get some help with paying for this work that needs to be done?
I am Sharon’s caregiver.
Thank you,
Darcy Colvin
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Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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Hello, I recently took in this 8 week old kitten a couple days ago from a couple who said he’s been living in their barn, they’ve been feeding him and he looks fine definitely not malnourished. I then noticed his runny nose, sneezing, and coughing I’m sure it’s a respiratory infection, I’ve really grown to love this kitten but can’t afford to get him help I’m not sure what to do
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Hi Shay, please send us an email or use our contact form. We’ll be able to find some resources for you! Thanks 🙂
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Hello
I could use some help with pet food banks but more importantly I have rescued 2 make kittens and need to have them neutered and really can’t afford it. Please let me know if you can help.
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Hi Laura, please send us an email or use our contact form. We’ll be able to find some resources for you! Thanks 🙂
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Hi there. My 12 year old cat was diagnosed with diabetes today. Now the monthly costs wi will be ok with however the initial testing and beginning supplies etc. I am unable to afford right now as I’m in school, not working and don’t get more osap till mid-May and I’m looking for some funding help if there is any available, please. I don’t want to put the cat down he is my baby, and my kids are so upset with this right now
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Hello! Please send us an email so we can share some resources with you. info @ secondhopecircle.org (no space)
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