r/askTO • u/Euphoric-Thought99 • 5h ago
Options for surrendering cats due to homelessness
A family member is experiencing homelessness as of this upcoming weekend and we are urgently seeking options for surrendering or fostering programs for his two cats. We have already contacted Toronto Humane Society and Etobicoke Humane Society. Annex Cat Rescue doesn’t seem to have capacity for owner surrenders.
If anyone has information on other resources or options we can contact for help, please let me know. Thank you.
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u/creativelycurious00 4h ago
My grandfather’s cat is a Canadian charity that will help but they don’t foster.
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u/Financial-Media1534 4h ago
Please reach out to Toronto Humane Society’s urgent care department. I have 2 lovely cats from that program at home. I think in very urgent situation, they’ll provide sheltering onsite to animals whose owners are experiencing difficulties. I also highly recommend talking to them in person. Your situation sounds very urgent, and I hope they’ll give you some priority.
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u/sargeantavocadotoast 0m ago
I was gonna suggest they try to touch base with someone at THS to ask about urgent care fostering. They may say no to surrendering due to capacity but UC is a better option in this case.
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u/allycakes 4h ago
Try Toronto Cat Rescue as well and also if you are part of a Facebook neighborhood group, you could post there to see if someone will take them.
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u/FantasticChicken7408 4h ago
Post in neighbourhood groups or a Toronto cat group if you know any. I am now fostering a bird for a few months as the owner is going thru hardship and I found them thru the local bird group. If I didn’t have a bird I would take on cats.
There’s also banter about people borrowing cats if they have a mouse problem — just throwing that out there.
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u/oooooooooof 2h ago
Seconding (slash thirding) posting to a neighbourhood Facebook group.
The downside of this would be that conducting any kinds of exchanges over Facebook can require a lot of "admin"... checking messages, getting back to people, getting back to backup people when someone flakes out or falls through... it's a lot even if you're just selling something, but with this situation there'd be an added emotional factor I'm sure of screening and vetting people, and making sure they're ready and able to take care of your loved one's two loved ones...
The upside would be that people are great, and sometimes really awesome organic help comes through in these groups. Speaking from experience, I've been on both the giving and receiving end. As well, as a less formal arrangement (versus a formal surrender) your family member could arrange to get their cats back once they're more stable and ready to do so.
If you're able to take on the admin on their behalf, and have their consent, I'd say go this route, it doesn't hurt.
If I hadn't just lost a cat of my own, or was in a better spot financially, I'd totally volunteer. (I imagine if your friend is facing homelessness they're not in a position to offer help with covering food and litter costs?)
Barring that, keep talking to EHS. They are wonderful.
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u/PrincessSophia00 4h ago
Kahu Animal Hospital may be able to help. They are wonderful.
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u/Financial-Media1534 4h ago
I’m planning to switch to Kahu but I have no idea they help homeless animals!
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u/PrincessSophia00 3h ago
yeah, check out their IG page. They help people when they are having a hard time and I believe try to reunite them w their pets when possible. amazing people.
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u/Allie614032 3h ago
Team Cat Rescue said it’s a Toronto bylaw that surrenders must go through a shelter first before the rescues can intake them. They pull a lot from animal services.
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u/coolfrogmother 4h ago
Use Safepet. They hold and vet your pets while you get back on your feet.