Toronto Humane Society Launches “Help Keep Pets in the Picture” Campaign to Address Growing Pet Care Crisis 

TORONTO, ON – November 4, 2024. Last year, Toronto Humane Society sounded the alarm when it came to a crisis. The charity’s Toronto in Crisis campaign highlighted a serious issue impacting animals and their guardians across the city: a lack of accessible pet care options, as well a rising cost of living. In response to these ongoing challenges, the organization is launching a new initiative called Help Keep Pets in the Picture, focusing on powerful stories of animals who have faced adversity but found a path to recovery thanks to community support. Among these stories is Scrappy, a young Beagle whose resilience speaks to the essential role of accessible pet care in Toronto. 

Nine-month-old Scrappy came into Toronto Humane Society’s care after a traumatic accident left him with a suspected broken hind leg, lung contusions, and other internal injuries. Struck by a car, he initially received minimal care due to financial constraints faced by his guardians, who couldn’t afford costly emergency diagnostics. The next day, Scrappy arrived at Toronto Humane Society, where the medical team acted swiftly, providing him with critical oxygen and pain relief and sending him to ICU for further care. 

“Scrappy’s story is representative of the growing crisis we see every day in Toronto, where many families are struggling to access pet care,” said Phil Nichols, Chief Executive Officer at Toronto Humane Society. “With the support of our donors, we’re able to provide life-saving support to pets like Scrappy, keeping them with the people who love them.” 

Scrappy’s injuries were extensive, including a fractured femur, lung contusions, fractured ribs, and an abrasion on his paw. Stabilized in the ICU, he underwent surgery to repair his leg, followed by a recovery that required constant monitoring and careful attention from the organization’s behaviour team to ensure his physical and emotional healing. 

The good news is that Scrappy was reunited with his family after receiving this life changing care and he is back in the picture! 

Through the Help Keep Pets in the Picture campaign, Toronto Humane Society aims to share stories like Scrappy’s to inspire support for accessible pet care initiatives. With this campaign, Toronto Humane Society seeks to make sure that financial barriers don’t force pets out of their families’ lives. “Our goal is to support more families and their pets so that every animal has the chance to thrive,” said Nichols. “Every donation we receive goes directly towards ensuring that pets receive the medical care and attention they need, while allowing them to heal and start their next chapter.” 

To learn more about Scrappy and the campaign, click here. 

About Toronto Humane Society

Toronto Humane Society’s mission is to Improve the Lives of Animals. The organization excels in all ways an animal shelter should, with industry- leading shelter care, veterinary services, animal training and behaviour consultations. Toronto Humane Society believes in the importance of the human-animal bond, finds new homes for thousands of animals, and helps keep families together.  
 
Toronto Humane Society is more than an animal shelter. They are an educational resource and support system, a leading voice in animal welfare and accessible care. The organization is also a centre of excellence, a space where best practices and boundary-pushing knowledge meet with unyielding optimism and a love for animals to create something special. Toronto Humane Society is like no other. For more information, visit www.torontohumanesociety.com. 

For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact Lucas Solowey at communications@torontohumanesociety.com or call 416-392-2273 ext. 2196