75 Best Things To Do In Toronto For Young Adults Moru Li Published: April 28, 2023 1. CN Tower CN...
Read MoreThe 9 Best Dog Rescues in Toronto [2022]
Home » Best Of Toronto » The 9 Best Dog Rescues in Toronto

So you want to adopt or rescue a dog? Congratulations! Adopting or rescuing a dog is a big deal. Helping out a furry friend is not only fun, but it’s also very rewarding. That said, before you make the big commitment to adopt or rescue a dog, it’s important you do so responsibly and informed.
Is there a certain breed you’re interested in? Some of these dog shelters are breed-specific, helping you narrow your search. You can use this list of the best places to adopt or rescue dogs in Toronto to guide you to your new furry companion.
Once you find the dog perfect for you, consider looking at best Toronto dog parks or the best dog daycares in the city.
Summary
Things to Consider Before Adopting or Rescuing a Dog
Adopting or rescuing a dog is a big decision. It’s important to take the time to consider if you’re ready for the responsibility before you make any commitments. Here are some things you should think about before adopting or rescuing a dog:
Do you have enough time?
Dogs require a lot of time and attention. They need to be walked, played with, and taken out regularly. If you’re not home often or you travel frequently, it might not be the best idea to adopt or rescue a dog at this time.
Do you have enough space?
Dogs need room to move around freely. If you live in a small apartment or house, make sure you have enough space for a dog.
Do you have the patience?
Dogs can be frustrating at times. They might bark excessively, chew on your things, or have accidents inside. If you’re not patient enough to deal with these things, it might not be the right time to adopt or rescue a dog.
Are you prepared to commit?
Dogs typically have a lifespan of 10-12 years. Are you prepared to take care of a dog for that long? Adopting or rescuing a dog is a big commitment and should not be taken lightly.
These are just some things to consider before adopting or rescuing a dog. If you’re ready to take on the responsibility, then read on for the best places to adopt or rescue dogs in Toronto.
The Best Places to Adopt a Dog in Toronto
Now that you’ve considered all of these things, you’re one step closer to adopting or rescuing a dog. The next step is to find the perfect place to do so.
Here are the 9 best places to adopt or rescue dogs in Toronto:
1. Pugalug Rescue

Pugalug Pug Rescue is a Toronto-based rescue organization that acts as a bridge between a pug’s former life and its future home. They are a group of volunteers dedicated to aiding rescued pugs by providing medical care, loving care, affection, comfort, food and shelter.
Instead of a traditional animal shelter, they’re a one-in-a-kind concept, as they require you to pass an additional application process, undergo a background check, verify all of your references, and adhere to a very rigid criterion that gives you a good shot at receiving approval for adopting a pug.
They do this as they wish the adopted dog to be in the best possible condition after a tough life. If you wish to find out more about them and their organization, then visit their website as you will find various interesting and valuable information about many things.
If you are interested in adopting a pug, then Pugalug is your stop, but if you are going to adopt a dog with them, make sure you are appropriately prepared to take care of your new furry companion.
Business Information:
pugalug.com
info@pugalug.com
+14169016854
Station K, Pugalug Pug Rescue, Toronto, ON M4P 3J7, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
2. Mattie's Place

Mattie’s Place is a non-registered animal shelter organization with a mission to find compatible permanent families for pets without a home to call their own. They offer various help to pets as they rescue approximately 200 dogs per year.
Most come into the care of Mattie’s Place with urgent medical needs and would otherwise have faced euthanasia in their current situations. They are highly professional and dedicated to helping dogs regardless of their medical condition to nurture them back to health and offer them new hope.
Most of their donations cover medical bills for these dogs, and they are non-registered for the simple reason they wish to not limit their advocacy efforts when it comes to government legislation that covers dogs.
They are a loving center for dogs of all kinds that require help, so do your part and visit them. Maybe you will find your dream companion here and give them a new home!
Business Information:
mattiesplace.ca
info@mattiesplace.ca
+14165517005
159 Fallingbrook Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 2V2, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
3. Buttonnoses

Buttonnoses is a specialized animal shelter dedicated to improving the lives of pint-sized pups in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and beyond, specializing in seniors and special needs. When it comes to their services for our 4 legged small friends, they offer professional and highly specialized pet care that covers all of their needs and helps them go through challenging moments in their lives.
Additionally, they offer training sessions on how to take care of these specific breeds of dogs, as some require either particular method of handling. Overall, this is a fantastic place to get educated about smaller breeds of dogs and a great place to adopt one.
They offer a list of dogs up for adoption, which you can simply apply for and then contact the shelter. If you ever think about adopting a small dog into your family. Then Buttonnoses is your place as they will help with any nuances when it comes to the care of your dog while also offering you excellent and loveable dogs!
Business Information:
mattiesplace.ca
info@mattiesplace.ca
+14165517005
159 Fallingbrook Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 2V2, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
4. Stray to Play

Stray to Play is dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned, abused, or surrendered dogs with the assistance of volunteers, shelter partners, and rescues in their community. They primarily provide pets that individuals can adopt via their simple application system covered in simple steps that you can read about on their website.
On top of that, you may find various exciting tips and tricks for overall dog training on their website, as they provide a handy section for inexperienced dog owners. And you may even find a nice-looking merch for you and your new friend to remember the time that you met each other.
If you are looking to help a dog in need while also getting a new friend, visit Stray to Play, as there is a furry friend definitely waiting for you!
Business Information:
straytoplay.org
info@straytoplay.org
Toronto, ON, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
5. Caring Animal Rescue Team

Care Rescue Team is a non-profit organization that dedicates its life and mission to rescuing dogs/cats of all kinds and providing them with a better future. They primarily manage transportation and adoptions of rescued dogs (and sometimes cats) internationally (mainly from Eastern Europe) and within Canada.
Their rescues stay in foster homes and are assessed and vetted before finding them a permanent family. They offer their animal pals at no cost; the only thing you will have to possibly pay for is the transportation and a small fee for documentation.
They only charge money in case of a possible return of your animal friend, which is $200. Overall, this is a very wholesome and helpful organization that wishes to make a difference in an animal’s life. They want you to help them make it a reality!
Business Information:
carescueteam.com
+ 647-243-1864
161 Hidden Trail, North York, ON M2R 3S9, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
6. Toronto Animal Services

Toronto Animal Services, North Shelter is the official animal shelter of the City of Toronto that offers several services. They offer dog adoption, dog spraying/neutering, pet licensing, and more. You can find out about their services on their website.
They also have a section which shows you where you can walk your dog with or without a leash. The adoption process is easy and straightforward, and you will be able to take your new furry friend home in no time.
So if you’re looking for a place to adopt a dog or cat, be sure to check out Toronto Animal Services!
Business Information:
toronto.ca
+14163388723
1300 Sheppard Ave W, North York, ON M3K 2A6, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
7. Toronto Humane Society

The Toronto Humane Society is one of the most well-rounded animal shelters in North America. They provide industry-leading shelter care, foster care, training, behavioural consultations, and veterinary medicine.
In addition to their direct work with animals, they also provide community support programs. Their education and socialization training programs help to improve the lives of pets and their owners alike.
In other words, the Toronto Humane Society is a crucial resource for all animals and pet lovers. By working together, we can make sure that every animal has a loving home.
Business Information:
torontohumanesociety.com
info@torontohumanesociety.com
+14163922273
11 River St, Toronto, ON M5A 4C2, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
8. The Underdog Railroad Canada

Underdog Railways Canada is a not-for-profit, Toronto-based animal rescue organization. They focus on rescuing dogs and cats from high kill shelters and rehoming them in loving forever homes. In addition to finding animals their deserved homes, they also provide foster homes during the animals’ recovery process and rehabilitation, as appropriate.
They believe that every animal deserves a chance at a happy life and they work tirelessly to make that happen. In order to ensure that each animal is placed in a healthy home, they provide all the necessary vet care before adoption. This includes vaccinations and spay/neuter agreements (for puppies and some large breeds).
They are a dedicated team of animal advocates who are making a difference in the lives of animals in need. If you’re looking to adopt a furry friend, please consider adopting from Underdog Railways Canada!
Business Information:
underdograilroadcanada.com
underdograilroadcanada@gmail.com
+14166054427
Toronto, ON, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
9. Etobicoke Humane Society

The Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) is an independent, all-volunteer, federally registered charity established in 1987. They provide a safe haven for approximately 30 to 40 cats and nine dogs in the shelter. In addition, they also count on foster homes to further expand their capacity to issue care to animals.
They make sure they are well cared for by taking extra steps to address the medical needs of their animals. This may include spending additional time with veterinary professionals or other specialized trainers to work on behavioural problems.
Canines can be taken to a training facility dedicated to this. A one-on-one will be reserved with a technical professional. Furthermore, they provide a unique Sanctuary Program; it’s a particular program for animals dealing with chronic illnesses or who may be considered palliative.
They place these animals in foster homes where they can live out their days in the comfort of a home environment. If you are looking for a highly dedicated and caring shelter, then EHS is the place to go!
Business Information:
etobicokehumanesociety.com
info@etobicokehumanesociety.com
+14162496100
67 Six Point Rd, Etobicoke, ON M8Z 2X3, Canada
Customer Review Highlight:
FAQs About Adopting or Rescuing Dogs in Toronto
Final Thoughts
Known as man’s best friend, dogs make for great companions! Finding the perfect dog for you can be difficult as there are a lot of factors to consider. Just finding a reputable animal shelter can be a challenge.
If you’re ready for the responsibility, any of these Toronto adoptions or dog shelters will be perfect for you and your potential four-legged friend!
Share:
You might also like...
Best Cat Cafes in Toronto and Canada
There are several cat cafes in Toronto, Canada where you can enjoy the company of cats while having a coffee...
Read MoreBest Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Toronto
If you're looking for a romantic and picturesque way to spend your springtime, then look no further than the cherry...
Read MoreBest Sunset Viewing Spots in Toronto
Toronto is a great city with many intriguing and gorgeous sites to visit. With summer soon approaching, now is the...
Read MoreThe 11 Best Used Car Dealerships in Toronto
Used car dealerships are a great place to find quality cars at competitive prices. The staff of experts at these...
Read MoreA Homeowner’s Guide to Kitec Plumbing in Toronto
Most homeowners in Toronto know about the Kitec plumbing crisis, but many don’t know what to do about it. In...
Read More