Toronto Humane Society is a 5-star charity. It has an A Results Reporting grade, which is above average. For every dollar donated, 72 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci's reasonable range. 

Founded in 1886, Toronto Humane Society (THS) works to improve the lives of animals. The charity aims to be the leader in animal welfare and strives for a society that is caring and compassionate towards animals. In Ontario, every year more than 40,000 animals enter shelter agencies. THS claims one of the main reasons for pet surrender is the lack of access to affordable pet care. From 2016-2020, THS reports that 30% of animal surrenders occured because of the medical health of the pets and ability to access and provide care, primarily financial. Toronto Humane Society has three main programs: Animal Care and Shelter, Public Veterinary Services, and Communication, Education, and Research. In 2024, THS spent $9.3m on its programs.

In 2024, Animal Care and Shelter represented 67% of program costs. In 2024, THS cared for 1,647 animals through its shelter. 1,260 animals were adopted, and 166 animals were reunited with their families. The charity reports the median length of stay in the shelter was eight days in 2024. THS distributed 155,000 lb of food through its Pet Food Bank and supported over 15,800 interventions that helped families keep their pet at home.

In 2024, Public Veterinary Services represented 26% of program costs. To help keep pets and families together, Toronto Humane Society offers low-cost veterinary care. In 2024, THS performed 7,639 surgeries and recorded 8,265 wellness appointments. The charity reports it saved people $3.5m in veterinary costs in 2024. THS ran 18 pop-up clinics, which brought vet services to underserved areas.

In 2024, Communication, Education, and Research represented 6% of program costs. Toronto Humane Society funds research and educates people on how to reduce pet overpopulation. In 2024, THS published nine peer-reviewed articles in industry journals. The charity also launched Canada’s first hands-on training program for social workers in vet clinics. It reports this will improve how animals and their owners are cared for across North America.

Toronto Humane Society’s audited financial statements use activity-based costing, which is a best practice.

In 2024, Toronto Humane Society received $13.4m in donations. The charity also received $4.2m in adoption and vet fees. THS spent $9.3m on its programs in 2024, which is 50% of revenue, and recorded a surplus of $4.1m, which is 22% of revenue.

THS spent $2.1m on fundraising, which is 16% of donations, and $2.3m on administration, which is 12% of revenue (excluding investment income). Total overhead spending is 28%. For every dollar donated, 72 cents are available to go to the cause, which is within Ci’s reasonable range.

THS has $7.9m in reserve funds (cash and investments), which can cover under 1 year of its annual program costs. This is within Ci’s reasonable range.

This charity report is an update that has been sent to Toronto Humane Society for review.

Updated on August 1, 2025 by Liam Chapleau.