The Toronto Humane Society initiated the Canine Services Program in 2002, in order to ensure that all dogs adopted out to the public are suitable for the home environment. Our group of canine experts assess and work with every dog that enters through our doors to determine their:

• level of socialization with people and other dogs;
• level of training;
• and the dog’s history with respect to behaviour issues.

Some of our dogs are strays, in which case we do not know the dogs history. However, our skilled group of trainers quickly understand the dogs personality and place the dog in the appropriate home.

It is often very difficult for our canine experts to work with certain dogs that are placed into our possession. Many of our dogs have had an incredibly difficult life with previous owners or as strays. Often we rehabilitate dogs that have been through serious physical abuse and neglect. Although, our Canine Coordinators and volunteers work with all our dogs until they are ready to be placed into a loving home. The Toronto Humane Society adopts out thousands of dogs every year to loving homes where they can have a fresh start on life.

Dog Categories

Dogs at the Toronto Humane Society are classified into two main categories:

Family Dogs:

Family Dogs are easy to handle, lower energy dogs that are good-natured and mannerly. These dogs will have no known issues (such as dog aggression etc.) and may include puppies and older dogs. Volunteers will include first-time dog walkers, individuals with limited physical strength or anyone uncomfortable with the more difficult dogs.

Experienced Owner Dogs:

Experienced Owner Dogs typically have a dominant personality. Experienced Owner Dog Walkers will be very experienced walkers, often having walked for several years. They will be taught how to address each dog’s problem area.