Toronto Humane Society

First impressions don’t tell the whole story. 🐾

That’s where the 3-3-3 rule can help:
🏠 3 days to decompress
🌱 3 weeks to settle into a routine
❤️ 3 months to truly feel at home

Every pet is different, and there’s no set timeline. What matters is giving them patience, consistency and space to adjust.

Sometimes the best connections take a little time to grow. ❤️

Have you ever adopted a pet who surprised you once they settled in? Tell us about your adoption experience in the comments!

Learn more about first impressions and how to help a pet settle in here: https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/looking-beyond-first-impressions-in-pet-adoption/

We asked Toronto Humane Society staff, “What noise does a cat make?” and though "meow" is the obvious answer, there are more than one way our cats communicate with us!

Cats use a variety of vocalizations to communicate with people and other animals, and the meaning behind each sound can depend on the situation, their body language and even their individual personality.
🐱 Meowing is one of the most common ways cats communicate with people. They may meow to greet us, ask for something or get our attention.
🐱 Purring is often associated with contentment, but cats can also purr when they are stressed or unwell. Looking at the rest of their body language can help us understand what they’re communicating.
🐱 Chirping and trilling are often used as friendly forms of communication, such as when a cat is greeting someone or seeking attention.
🐱 Chattering is commonly heard when cats are watching birds or other potential prey. While we may not know exactly why they do it, it is often associated with excitement or predatory behaviour.
🐱 Hissing and growling are important signals that a cat may be feeling frightened, threatened or uncomfortable. Giving them space can help them feel safer.

Learning to recognize these different sounds, along with changes in body language, can help us better understand what our cats are trying to tell us and support their individual needs.

What sound does your cat make? Let us know👇

Adoptable Animals Presented by Amazon: Benji

Age: 6 Years 2 Months
S*x: Male

Meet Benji!

If you're looking for a loyal, loving companion, Benji might just be your perfect match.

Benji is the sweetest boy with a tail that never seems to stop wagging. He absolutely loves being around his people and is happiest when he's by your side-whether you're out on an adventure or relaxing at home. He's affectionate without being demanding and will gladly soak up all the bum scratches you can give.

He's the perfect balance of playful and cuddly. Benji enjoys having fun but is just as content curling up nearby for a cozy evening. One of his favorite things? Water! Whether it's a lake, a creek, or even a splash in the backyard, Benji is always excited for a chance to get his paws wet.

Benji has wonderful manners. He walks beautifully on leash, listens exceptionally well, and sits politely for treats. He loves chewing on a good bone and settles easily at bedtime, happily sleeping on the floor beside your bed.

Benji is the kind of dog who fits seamlessly into everyday life-a kind-hearted, easygoing companion who simply wants to love and be loved. If you're searching for a best friend with a gentle soul and a happy heart, Benji is ready to meet you.

Visit us at 11 River Street to speak with an Adoption Agent and begin the adoption process.

Meet Ontario. ❤️

At just 2.5 weeks old, Ontario was tiny, growing quickly and completely dependent on her mom, North, for care.

North arrived at Toronto Humane Society with Ontario and her four siblings while she was recovering from being underweight and unwell herself. Together, this little family received the individualized care they needed—including medical treatment, spay surgery and time in a safe, loving foster home.

At eight weeks old, she was growing, thriving and getting ready for the next chapter of her story. Today, Ontario and each of her siblings have loving homes of their own.

There are more animals who will need that same care in the months ahead. Your support can help create more new beginnings.

Give $50 or more by September 30 and we’ll send you our beautiful 2027 New Beginnings Calendar as a heartfelt thank you.

Help make the next new beginning possible. ❤️

Give today: https://heyor.ca/LB6unS

Adoptable Animals Presented by Amazon: Pipkin and fiver

Age: 1 Year5 months
S*x: Male

Meet Pipkin and Fiver, a charming pair of rabbits who prove that the best things in life come in twos. These two handsome males are deeply bonded, rarely found without being side-by-side or leaning comfortably against one another. While they each have their own distinct ways of interacting with the world, their shared affection creates a calm and sweet presence that is sure to brighten any home.

Pipkin, a distinguished brown rabbit, often takes the lead in welcoming visitors. He is known to hop right up to the gate to greet new friends with quiet curiosity, showing a genuine interest in who has come to say hello. Fiver, a sleek black rabbit, offers a lovely balance to the duo with his sweet and inquisitive spirit.

Together, Pipkin and Fiver create a harmonious and heart-melting team. Their relationship is the cornerstone of their lives, and watching them interact is a joy in itself. They are seeking a home where they can stay together and continue to share their lives as a pair. If you have plenty of room for two sweet souls who enjoy soft head scratches, quiet stories, and the comfort of a close companion, Pipkin and Fiver are ready to bring their double dose of rabbit charm to your life.

Visit us at 11 River Street to speak with an Adoption Agent and begin the adoption process.

🥕 Think rabbits should be eating carrots every day? Think again!

Carrots can be a tasty treat, but they’re higher in sugar and shouldn’t be the main part of a rabbit’s diet. A healthy rabbit diet should centre around unlimited, good-quality grass hay, along with rabbit-safe leafy greens, fresh water and a small amount of high-fibre pellets.

Carrots and fruit are good as occasional treats, around once or twice a week. And some foods, like onions, garlic and avocado, should be avoided altogether.

Learn more from our blog: https://heyor.ca/kpAwNZ

Not every photo could make it into the 2027 New Beginnings Calendar… but that doesn’t mean they weren’t calendar-worthy. 🥹

Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at some of the photos that didn’t make the final cut — and a few of the moments that made choosing just 12 pets very difficult.

Our 2027 calendar celebrates new beginnings, fresh starts and the pets who have found their next chapter with the support of people like you.

📅 Get your 2027 New Beginnings Calendar with a gift of $50 or more by September 30: https://heyor.ca/hJP8EC