My name is Taz. I’m a single mother with a disability that prevents me from working full-time. I receive a modest income from the Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP). But I do not have the money for emergency veterinary care.       

And so, when my cat, Groot, began vomiting almost nonstop, you can imagine what was going through my head as I rushed her to my local veterinary clinic.  

Sure enough, after the exam, the vet told me Groot’s condition was serious. On top of the $250 I just paid for the exam, I would have to pay, upfront, another $1,000 for the testing. This didn’t even include the costs of further treatment Groot would likely need.   

Having explained my situation to the vet, she told me that, considering Groot’s condition and my financial circumstances, humane euthanasia might be the best option. I could barely breathe, let alone speak. Groot was cuddling with me the day before. Now here I was, in a clinic preparing to say goodbye to her forever.    

But the next morning, something amazing happened. I connected with Toronto Humane Society’s Public Veterinary Services, which offers subsidized and discounted veterinary services for low-income families receiving government assistance. Families like mine.  

Their team examined Groot and, after speaking with me, immediately performed surgery. Thanks to people like you who support Toronto Humane Society’s programs and services, my cat’s life was saved.*  

If it wasn’t for Toronto Humane Society’s subsidized services, services made possible by people like you, my family would be left with a hole that could never be filled.  

It breaks my heart that there are more animal-loving families out there who don’t have access to emergency pet care. Families faced with an impossible choice simply because they cannot afford the rising costs of veterinary care. They need your help, and they need it now.  

I ask you, from the bottom of my heart, to please consider supporting Toronto Humane Society’s efforts in providing more accessible care to people and their pets. With a gift of just 60, 120, or even 150, you can keep families together and save lives. 

No family should be faced with unnecessary euthanasia because of costs.  

Please give generously. 

Taz 

Groot’s Mom