Humane Insider - April 2024

HUMANEINSIDER

FEATURED ARTICLES

Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Heartfelt Thank You

During National Volunteer Week

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Celebrating Animal Care Workers: A Heartfelt Thank You

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Celebrating World Veterinary Day: Recognizing Veterinarians as Essential Health Workers

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Toronto Humane Society in the News

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Introducing Online Pet Parent Courses from Toronto Humane Society

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Volunteer Updates

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Public Training and Behaviour Spring Schedule

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Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities

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Expanding Our Admissions Reach to Include the GTA

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Empowering Pet Parents through the Pet Parent Support Network

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Toronto Humane Society's March Community Day Event and Pet Food Bank Statistics

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Upcoming Events

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Celebrating Our Volunteers: A Heartfelt Thank You During National Volunteer Week

As National Volunteer Week (NVW) approaches, we are filled with gratitude and admiration for the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, skills, and compassion to our cause. From assisting as foster parents to providing care for our animals and serving in client-facing roles, our volunteers play an indispensable role in everything we do.

NVW, taking place from April 14th to April 20th, serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions made by volunteers This year, the theme for National Volunteer Week is "Every Moment Matters," emphasizing the significance of every volunteer and the impact of each contribution they make

At Toronto Humane Society, we understand the importance of every moment shared by our volunteers Whether it's a moment spent comforting an animal, a moment of connection with a client in need, or a moment of joy witnessing a foster pet find their forever home, each instance is meaningful and cherished

The sharing of time, skills, empathy, and creativity by our volunteers is vital to the success of our organization and to the inclusivity, strength, and well-being of our community Their dedication and generosity embody the spirit of volunteerism, making our world a brighter and more compassionate place.

To all our volunteers, we extend our deepest gratitude Your selflessness, commitment, and unwavering support enrich the lives of animals and people alike. Your kindness and compassion shine through in every interaction, making a difference in the lives of those you touch

In celebration of all your incredible work and support of Toronto Humane Society we have the following planned:

Volunteer and Foster Awards, including certificates and gift cards

Volunteer spotlights each day on our social media

Lots of yummy food around the building Prize draws and giveaways!

Also, Volunteer Toronto has contests and offers all week including 20% off Cirque du Soleil Tickets and Hot Docs International Tickets. For more information click here

As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, let us reflect on the profound impact of volunteerism and express our heartfelt thanks to each volunteer who dedicates their time and energy to making a difference

To each volunteer, thank you for being the heartbeat of Toronto Humane Society Your contributions truly make every moment matter

Caring Hands, Loving Hearts: Celebrating Those Who Care for Animals

In a world where compassion can sometimes feel scarce, Toronto Humane Society’s Animal Care Workers stand as beacons of empathy and kindness. Their job extends far beyond mere tasks; it's a labour of love From feeding to cleaning and enrichment activities, they tend to every aspect of an animal's well-being with dedication and tenderness. Their actions speak volumes, echoing the sentiment that every animal, no matter size, breed, or age, is precious and deserving of care

It's not just the animals whose lives you touch; it's also the countless individuals who have had the privilege of witnessing your work You inspire us to be better, to extend our empathy beyond ourselves, and to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings.

s we celebrate Animal Care Worker Appreciation Week, let us take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your selflessness, resilience, and unwavering dedication do not go unnoticed.

Thank you to every Animal Care Worker at Toronto Humane Society. Thank you for your compassion, your tireless efforts, and your boundless love for animals. You make the world a better place, one helping hand at a time

Meet a few of our Animal Care Workers!

Kyla Jean Alyssa

Michelle

Celebrating World Veterinary Day: Recognizing Veterinarians as Essential Health Workers

As we approach the 2024 World Veterinary Day, which falls on April 27th this year, it's crucial to reflect on the indispensable role that veterinarians play in our society This year's theme, "Veterinarians are essential health workers," resonates deeply with the values we uphold here at Toronto Humane Society

Veterinarians possess a unique set of competencies that extend far beyond the care of animals. While their primary focus may be on animal health and well-being, their contributions reverberate throughout communities, impacting human physical, mental, and social well-being. It's imperative that we recognize and celebrate the holistic impact of veterinary science

Here at Toronto Humane Society, we witness firsthand the dedication and passion that veterinarians bring to their work, both inside and outside the shelter Whether it's providing medical care to our resident animals, participating in community outreach programs, or advocating for animal welfare, veterinarians are at the forefront of our mission

As we commemorate World Veterinary Day 2024, let us take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to all veterinarians for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts Your compassion, expertise, and dedication make a profound difference in the lives of animals and humans alike Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our community

Toronto Humane Society in the News

In February 2024, Toronto Humane Society was mentioned in over 84 media clips and reached over 50,122,003 earned media impressions through radio, online news and television! Here’s what Toronto Humane Society news was buzzing in the media last month

Spread the Love Campaign

Toronto Humane Society launched its ‘Spread the Love’ campaign, offering a range of gifts priced from $5 to $125 to benefit shelter and community animals. The Sun interviewed Melissa Shupak, Director of Animal Sheltering and Shelter Care, who emphasized the opportunity for people to contribute meaningful gifts to animals in need through the online store

Adoptable Animals

Several news articles feature pets up for adoption at Toronto Humane Society, including Kiara, Slider, Bug and Rocky

Why Owning a Cat or Dog in Canada Has Become Expensive

Toronto Humane Society describes an "unprecedented crisis" as high pet care costs and affordability challenges lead to growing numbers of families surrendering their pets in an article by the Global and Mail

Introducing Online Pet Parent Courses from Toronto Humane Society

We are thrilled to announce the launch of two exciting new resources aimed at empowering pet parents and promoting humane pet guardianship: The Pet Parent’s Guide to Dog Guardianship and The Pet Parent’s Guide to Cat Guardianship

These online courses are designed to provide comprehensive insights into the various aspects of pet guardianship, including enrichment, training, husbandry, veterinary care requirements, speciesspecific behaviours, and general costs associated with pet care. Each course is one hour in length and combines engaging video content with informative PDF materials

One of the key benefits of these courses is their flexibility. Pet parents can learn at their own pace, revisiting the content as needed and applying their newfound knowledge in real-life situations

Whether you're a first-time pet parent or a seasoned guardian, there's something to be gained from these informative resources

Our goal is to arm pet parents with evidencebased knowledge, enabling them to confidently

care for their pets and strengthen the humananimal bond. By providing a comprehensive overview of pet guardianship considerations and building essential skills, we aim to contribute to a community of informed pet guardians

As an added incentive, adoption fee discounts are available to adopters who complete either of these courses It's our way of encouraging humane pet guardianship and rewarding those who take proactive steps to educate themselves on pet care best practices.

We believe that education is key to fostering happy, healthy relationships between pets and their families. These courses represent an exciting opportunity for pet parents to deepen their understanding of their animal companions and provide them with the best possible care

We encourage all members of our community to take advantage of these valuable resources and join us in our mission to promote humane pet guardianship

Volunteer Updates

Volunteer Spotlight: Gage Sousa - Feline Champion at Toronto Humane Society

Gage Sousa, a Feline Volunteer Training Assistant, has been an invaluable member of our team for a year and a half, bringing reliability, enthusiasm, and a profound love for cats to their role.

A Lifelong Connection with Animal Welfare

Gage's journey with Toronto Humane Society traces back to their teenage years in western Quebec during the early '90s. They used to watch our TV donation drives and was captivated by the organization's vast reach and unwavering commitment to animal welfare Gage was inspired to support Toronto Humane Society in any way they could. Despite their dream of becoming a veterinarian not coming to fruition, Gage's passion for animals endured They adopted two cats and a dog from Toronto Humane Society over the years, participated in events like Paws in the Park, and maintained a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to our mission

Discovering a New Passion for Cats

Although Gage initially considered themselves more of a dog person due to childhood circumstances, their time volunteering at Toronto Humane Society reshaped their perspective While enjoying their experience with dogs, an unfortunate injury led Gage to explore working with cats more regularly, ultimately solidifying their transition to becoming a dedicated feline volunteer Gage found fulfillment in providing care and support to cats, particularly those with unique needs requiring extra TLC. Fond memories with cats like Momo and Moriarty, with their endearing quirks, underscored the joy and fulfillment Gage found in their role.

A Commitment to the Cause

What keeps Gage coming back to Toronto Humane Society week after week? It's a combination of factors: the cats, the dedicated staff and volunteers, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals While some visitors may catch their attention, Gage's heart lies with the cats in the Behavior Hall, where they can provide specialized care and attention to those in need.

Gage's dedication to Toronto Humane Society and their feline companions is evident in their unwavering commitment to the cause. While they may not be able to adopt every cat themselves, the satisfaction of knowing they played a role in facilitating adoptions for those in need is immeasurable. Through their reliability, enthusiasm, and genuine love for animals, Gage Sousa embodies the spirit of volunteerism and the transformative power of compassion at the Toronto Humane Society. We are grateful to have them as part of our team.

Anniversaries

Please join us in celebrating volunteers who are reaching a milestone anniversary this month!

1 Year:

Darren H, Canine Care

10 Years:

Erman A, Canine Care, Feline Care

Clicker Training Club Evening Date

This meeting will be on Wednesday April 10th, 2024, at 6:00pm and will be hosted by Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, Director of Behaviour. Please bring your clicker with you If you don’t already own one, they are available for purchase at the front desk Capacity is limited, so please sign up online in advance to ensure your spot.

What to expect:

Learn about the theory and application of clicker training

Practice your skills and timing with a clicker

No animals will be present, but the skills you learn can be applied to working with ANY animal

All experience levels welcome, from complete beginners or expert trainers

Who is invited: All Staff, Volunteers and Foster Parents are welcome!

Where: Board Room, 2nd floor, 11 River Street Registration Link: Clicker Training Booking

Volunteer Opportunity - Doors Open Tour Guides and Welcome Volunteers

Doors Open Toronto is coming up on May 25th and 26th, and we are looking for 7 volunteers each day to guide tour groups consisting of 15-20 people through the building while answering questions and providing information about the various Toronto Humane Society programs

There will be two shifts per day, one from 9:30 AM2PM and the other from 1:30PM-5:30PM and we are looking for 4 volunteers for the morning shift and 3 for the evening shift. There will be virtual training before the event and on-site directions and instructions Tour notes will also be provided to volunteers but having knowledge of Toronto Humane Society’s building is a strong asset. This role will provide experience giving tours and make you more comfortable with the building's layout Furthermore, when not giving tours, volunteers will be stationed at a welcome desk where they will help with the lineup of attendees, crowd control and will provide information to visitors

Dates and Needs:

Saturday, May 25 9:30am-2:00pm (4 volunteers) & 1:30pm-5:30pm (3 volunteers)

Sunday, May 26 9:30am-2:00pm (4 volunteers) & 1:30pm-5:30pm (3 volunteers)

If you are available, please email Chris (cbuchner@torontohumanesocietycom) to join and let them know which day/shift you are available for.

Volunteer and Foster Parent Town Hall

Date: Thursday, May 23rd from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Event Details: This is forum for us to connect with our volunteers and foster parents to share important updates, get your input and/or answer any questions you may have! In this town hall participants will hear from:

Volunteer Department

Foster Department

Shelter Care Adoption Department

Location: Zoom - Town Hall Registration to register

Public Training and Behaviour Spring Schedule

We are thrilled to announce the programming of our spring schedule for group training classes at Toronto Humane Society. With a steadfast focus on preventative wellness from a behavioural perspective, we are committed to offering a diverse range of classes to meet the needs of our community and their beloved pets

We will be offering five group training classes daily, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for all

Our classes cover a wide spectrum of needs and interests, catering to pets of all ages, breeds, and behavioural backgrounds. Whether it's building foundational skills, fostering puppy manners and socialization, addressing the needs of fearful or reactive dogs in small group settings, or delving into the world of dog sports through our "introduction to" series, there's something for everyone

We believe in making quality training accessible to all pet parents That's why our classes are offered at a very affordable price point, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to providing our furry companions with evidence-based, effective, and fun positive reinforcement training

As we embark on another season of training and growth, our goal remains steadfast: to empower every pet parent and pet with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive together Through our commitment to providing evidence-based, effective, and enjoyable training experiences, we aim to strengthen the bond between pets and their families while promoting a happier, healthier community for all

To sign up for a group training class, please visit wwwtorontohumanesocietycom/training

Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities

Staff Announcements

Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!

Here is a list of new staff members who have joined our team or moved internally

Ally Destacamento, Client Service Agent

Kyla Guercio, Certified Animal Trainer

Career Opportunities

Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving the the Lives of Animals Our team of talented, dedicated staff work to support this mission. If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please forward your resume to our Human Resource Department via email at hiring@torontohumanesocietycom

Current Job Openings: Coordinator, Annual Fund Associate, Annual Fund Part-Time Certified Animal Trainer Veterinarian

Expanding Our Admissions Reach to Include the GTA

Since July 2023, Toronto Humane Society has focused our admissions solely on the City of Toronto However, as our shelter programs continue to reach a wider community and pets when our public programs are not suitable, we will be expanding our admissions beyond the City of Toronto to include the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) when able

Starting March 7, 2024, we will be accepting surrenders and requests for assistance from pet parents in the GTA, in addition to our existing local, City of Toronto admissions This expansion will continue to follow our shelter admissions and capacity for quality care policies.

Our primary focus remains on prioritizing pets from the City of Toronto However, we will consider those from the GTA following the overall intent of proximity to the city.

For example, if there is a medical request from a location such as Ajax or Richmond Hill, it will be given priority over a pet from farther areas like Caledon or Oshawa, if there are no pending local cases at that time and we have the capacity to assist.

We believe that this expansion will allow us to make a greater impact for more pets, ultimately helping more pets find loving homes.

This expansion marks an exciting renewal for Toronto Humane Society as we extend our reach to help even more animals in need We're grateful for the ongoing support of our community and look forward to making a positive impact in the lives of pets and pet parents across the GTA

Empowering Pet Parents through the Pet Parent Support Network

At Toronto Humane Society, we understand the profound bond between humans and animals. It's a bond that enriches our lives in countless ways, but it can also face challenges That's where our Pet Parent Support Network (PPSN) comes in

Our dedicated team of PPSN volunteers works tirelessly to support pet parents, especially when that bond may be starting to fray We believe that no pet parent should have to give up their beloved companion due to financial constraints or behavioural issues. That's why our PPSN volunteers go above and beyond to ensure that every pet parent submitting a request knows about the supplies and support services available to them, not only through Toronto Humane Society but also through other agencies in the community.

Recently, a distraught pet parent reached out to us with a request for declawing surgery for their cat, who had been scratching regularly on the furniture PPSN volunteer Tanu stepped in with patience and compassion, gently explaining why declawing is not recommended and providing a wealth of alternative solutions to address the

behaviour From increasing enrichment to providing scratching posts and using claw caps, Tanu offered evidence-based solutions, preventing a potential surrender, and ensuring that the animal's welfare needs were met

While it's common knowledge to those of us who work in animal welfare that declawing is a painful and unnecessary practice, it is not something that many pet parents may realize can cause their cat’s distress. Through Tanu's kind and informative approach, a member of our community was gently educated on the importance of considering their pet's well-being Thank you, Tanu!

The PPSN receives an average of 115 requests per week and is entirely volunteer run. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the entire volunteer team who so patiently and diligently ensure that every pet guardian has the information and support they need to navigate the challenges of pet guardianship

Toronto Humane Society's March Community Day Event and Pet Food Bank Statistics

At the heart of Toronto Humane Society's mission lies a deep commitment to serving not just animals, but also the members of our community who are in need Our Community Day events are a testament to this dedication, providing vital support to those facing challenging circumstances

On March 13, we hosted our third event of the year, and it was nothing short of a resounding success.

With the dedication of our staff and volunteers, we implemented a more structured approach to keeping track of our impact, ensuring that we can better anticipate and meet our community's needs

Through a simple system that logs the number of visitors we see both daily in our Pet Food Bank and monthly at our Community Day events, we've gained valuable insights into the scope of our impact. Since implementing this system, we've discovered that we've had an average of 25 Pet Food Bank visitors per day between March 1 and March 15, representing an average food value of $230 given out each day

For our March Community Day, our incredible team of volunteers, supported by gracious staff members who took time from their day to help, implemented a streamlined process to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for our clients A simple take-a-number system was put in place, allowing visitors to browse supplies and pick up food in groups of 10, following a structured path that facilitated a relaxed and efficient flow

The results were truly remarkable. 240 visitors were served, and the impact on our community was profound Through the allocation of resources, including 3 large bins of blankets and towels, 3,105 pounds of dog food, 2,010 pounds of cat food, 41 boxes of pet essentials such as leashes, toys, collars, and coats, 14 pet carriers, and 38 pet beds, we were able to provide much-needed support to those in need

It is through the collective commitment of our staff, volunteers, and supporters that we continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of both animals and people in our community Together, we are creating a brighter future for all.

Upcoming Events

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

A month to raise awareness of animal cruelty and the steps that can be taken to prevent it and save lives

International Day of Pink

April 10th

A day to stand up against homophobia, transphobia, transmisogyny, bullying and discrimination through wearing pink and organizing activities that celebrate diversity.

Baisakhi

April 13th

A day to celebrate the Sikh New Year and commemorate the creation of Sikhism as well as the day of the Punjab Harvest Festival

Puthandu

April 14th

A day that is recognized as the birth of the new year where a lamp is placed on illustrations made of rice powder to keep darkness away; food, jewelry, coins, flowers, and mirrors are placed before prayer rooms; and decluttering is done to remove negativity.

Pesach (Passover)

April 22nd - April 30th

Passover celebrates freedom by commemorating the Israelites’ Exodus (departure) from Egypt and their transition from slavery to freedom

Earth Day

April 22nd

day to show support for the restoration and protection of the Earth

(Theravada) Buddhist New Year

April 24th

A day to partake in festival activities and think about the birth, birth and overall enlightenment of the Buddha.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

April 30th

A day to raise awareness for all the pets who are waiting to be adopted from a shelter.

Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month.