At Toronto Humane Society, improving the lives of animals means continuously learning, asking new questions, and applying evidence-based practices to the care we provide.

Our work extends beyond the walls of our shelter and clinics. Through research, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, our team contributes to a growing body of evidence that helps improve outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

In 2025, Toronto Humane Society team members contributed to research and professional guidelines spanning shelter medicine, animal behaviour, veterinary social work, and access to veterinary care. These contributions help advance more compassionate, effective, and accessible approaches to animal welfare.

Improving Adoption Outcomes Through Feline Behaviour Research

Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, PhD CAAB CSB-C, Director of Behaviour at Toronto Humane Society, collaborated with researchers on a study examining how cats with different levels of socialization adjust after adoption and how these differences influence adopter satisfaction.

Published in the Journal of Shelter Medicine and Community Animal Health, “Post-Adoption Behaviour and Adopter Satisfaction of Cats Across Socialization Likelihoods” provides valuable insights to support informed adoption decisions, strengthen matching practices, and improve long-term outcomes for cats and adopters. Read the full study.

Advancing Evidence-Based Care for Cats with Ringworm

Shelter medicine requires practical solutions that improve animal welfare while supporting efficient, effective care. Dr. Linda Jacobson, BVSc MMedVet(Med) PhD, Director of Science and Advancement, along with Lena DeTar and Kyrsten Jade Janke, contributed to research examining treatment approaches for dermatophytosis (ringworm) in shelter cats.

Published in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, this multi-shelter clinical trial evaluated treatment protocols under real-world shelter conditions. The findings provide evidence-based guidance to refine care approaches, reduce transmission, shorten length of stay, and improve outcomes for cats in care. Read the full study.

Creating More Objective Approaches to Cat Behaviour Assessment

Dr. Jacklyn Ellis, PhD CAAB CSB-C, also led research focused on improving how feline behaviour and well-being are assessed in shelter environments.

Published in the IAABC Foundation Journal, “Beyond Doing Better: Improving the Objectivity of Cat Behaviour Assessment” introduced standardized behavioural rating scales designed to improve consistency, communication, and decision-making among caregivers. By turning observations into measurable data, this work supports more individualized care for cats. Read the full research.

Understanding Barriers to Veterinary Care Across Canada

Access to veterinary care is a growing concern for many families, and understanding these challenges is an important step toward developing solutions.

Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, “Access to veterinary care in Canada: a cross-sectional survey of animal healthcare organizations and interventions” examined how organizations across Canada are addressing barriers to veterinary services. Co-authored by Toronto Humane Society’s Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. Karen Ward, the study provides insight into access-to-care initiatives and opportunities to expand community-based support. Read the full study.

Advancing Veterinary Social Work in Animal Welfare

Supporting animals also means supporting the people who care for them. Dillon Dodson, RSW, Psychotherapist & Somatic Stress Release™ Practitioner, Director of Social Work at Toronto Humane Society, contributed to the development of the Social Work in Animal Welfare (SWAW) Guidelines alongside 24 veterinary social work professionals.

These guidelines establish best practices for integrating social work into animal welfare settings, helping organizations provide more compassionate, trauma-informed support for people and pets. Read the full guidelines.

Building a More Compassionate Future for Animals and Families

Research is a powerful tool for creating lasting change. Every publication, guideline, and collaboration helps strengthen the animal welfare field and improve the ways we support animals and the people who care for them.

Toronto Humane Society remains committed to advancing evidence-based practices, sharing knowledge, and working alongside partners to create a more compassionate future for animals and families.