Help and Donations

Adopting an animal can be a rewarding experience. Visit adoptions for more information.

Spay or Neuter

Every year, shelters receive an large number of animals. Spaying or neutering pets helps to reduce overpopulation and increases the chance of shelter animals being adopted.

Licence

Licences are required by law. Licensing helps to identify and safely reunite lost pets with their owners. Visit pet licensing for more information.

Volunteer

***CURRENTLY FULL*** Please check back with us in 2025 for volunteering opportunities.

Vaughan Animal Services has two volunteer programs for those wishing to interact with the animals. Applications are available online and at the shelter. Candidates will be interviewed and must attend an orientation session prior to commencing the program.

• Junior Volunteer Program (16 to 17 years of age) – This program does not allow youth to work with dogs. Duties include: assisting with cat socializing.  
• Adult Volunteer Program (18 years of age and older) – These volunteers have direct contact with the animals. Duties include: walking dogs around the shelter property.  

Foster

Occasionally, foster homes are required for orphaned or rehabilitating dogs and cats. Foster homes provide temporary home care until the animal is ready to return to the shelter for adoption. Contact Animal Services for more information.

Call the City first when you see a stray

The odds of finding a pet’s owner are significantly higher if Animal Services is called immediately after seeing a stray. Do not feed strays; it discourages them from remaining home.

Donations

Online monetary donations are graciously received and go directly toward helping to support shelter animals (tax receipts can be provided for amounts over $25).

The City has partnered with the Hill's Food, Shelter & Love® program, which donates pet food for dogs, puppies, cats and kittens. As a result, the City no longer requires pet food donations.

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The City has been the gracious recipient of grant funding from PetSmart Charities Canada.

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Here is a list of items still needed:

• Blankets and towels
• Dog waste bags
• KMR/ESBILAC (puppy/kitten milk replacer)
• FortiFlora
• Adaptil and Feliway Sprays/Diffusers
• Dog and cat treats (used for training)
• Collars, harnesses and leashes
• Pet apparel (coats, sweaters)
• Dog and cat toys
• Canadian Tire money (used to purchase odds and ends around the shelter)
• Rubber dishwashing gloves (all sizes)
• Buster cubes or busy balls for dogs
• Kuranda bed donations

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Please bring donation items to the shelter at 70 Tigi Crt., Unit 47, Vaughan and leave outside front door.