April 2026-Humane Insider

HUMANEINSIDER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Upcoming Adoption Promo: Let’s Find Homes for Our Long-Stay Pets

Page 1

Doors Open Toronto 2026 – Tours at Toronto Humane Society

Page 2

Toronto Humane Society in the News: March Coverage Recap

Page 3

Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities

Page 4

Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Melissa Shupak, Director, Animal Sheltering

Page 5, 6, 7, 8

With Gratitude for Our Animal Care Team

Page 9

National Volunteer Week: Ignite Volunteerism

Page 10

Volunteer Updates

Page 11, 12

Featured Adoptable Pet: Noor

Page 13

Happy Tails: Elliot

Page 14

Small Steps, Big Impact: Going Green for Earth Month and Beyond

Page 15, 16

May DEI Calendar

Page 17

Upcoming Adoption Promo: Let’s Find Homes for Our Long-Stay Pets

We’re excited to share an upcoming adoption campaign designed to help some of our most deserving animals find the loving homes they’ve been waiting for

Starting April 30 (National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day) and running throughout the entire month of May, Toronto Humane Society will be offering 50% off adoption fees for long-stay pets.

Long-stay pets are animals who have been in our care for 30 days or more These pets often get overlooked, but they have so much love to give and this campaign is focused on helping them start their next chapter in a loving home.

What to Expect

Onsite: Stickers will be placed on adoption kennel cards to help identify long-stay pets and highlight the promotion for visitors.

Online: Pet profiles on our website will be

How You Can Help

This campaign’s success depends on all of us staff, volunteers, and foster parents alike

Here’s how you can make an impact:

Share Toronto Humane Society social media posts on your channels

Forward pet profiles to friends, family, and your networks who may be considering adoption

Start conversations about adoption opportunities connections often begin this way

Every share, conversation, and connection brings us one step closer to finding these animals their families.

A special thank you to Dom H, our volunteer photographer, and Animal Care Workers Ethan K and Jess M for their support in coordinating and participating in a recent photoshoot featuring our long-stay dogs Your efforts are helping showcase these animals at their very best.

Doors Open Toronto 2026 – Tours at Toronto Humane Society

We’re excited to share that Toronto Humane Society will once again be participating in Doors Open Toronto 2026, taking place on May 23 and 24.

This year’s city-wide theme is “The World in a City.” It celebrates Toronto’s global, multicultural identity, especially as the city prepares for FIFA World Cup 26™ It’s a fitting theme for our organization, where compassion, community, and care for animals bring together people from all backgrounds

What’s Happening at Toronto Humane Society?

While our doors are always open to the public on weekends, Doors Open Toronto gives us a special opportunity to welcome visitors in a new way

Over the weekend, we will be offering guided tours in small groups that go beyond our usual public spaces These tours will take visitors through select non-public areas of our shelter to showcase:

The breadth of our lifesaving programs

Behind-the-scenes shelter operations

The impact of our veterinary, behaviour, foster, and adoption work

How our team and community work together to support animals in need

All tours are free of charge, and entry will be granted on a first-come, first-served basis in small groups.

Help Us Spread the Word

We encourage staff, volunteers, and foster parents to help us make this event a success by inviting friensd and families to attend by sharing information about the tours within your networks.

More information will be shared soon Please stay tuned to The Scratching Post newsletter, our social media channels, and our website for updates and details

Toronto Humane Society in the News: March Coverage Recap

March was a strong month for Toronto Humane Society in the media, with widespread coverage highlighting our expertise, adoptable animals, and the growing need for community support services

By the Numbers

Total Mentions: 161

Total Reach: 84,338,496

Coverage Highlights

This month, Toronto Humane Society was featured across major broadcast and digital outlets, helping to amplify important seasonal pet care messaging

A segment on Global News showcased Lucas Solowey, Manager of PR, who shared timely advice on spring parasite prevention. The feature emphasized the risks of fleas, ticks, and heartworm, while encouraging pet parents to take a proactive approach to their animals’ health as the weather warms.

Our adoptable animals also received fantastic visibility, with several media outlets spotlighting pets currently looking for homes. Oscar, Lima,

Ollie, Athena, and Galadriel were all featured, helping to connect them with potential adopters and raise awareness of the many animals in our care

Additionally, a feature on Radio-Canada included insights from Jessica Nichol, Senior Manager of Operations, who spoke about the increasing financial pressures facing pet parents The segment highlighted how these challenges can contribute to the surrender of senior pets, while also promoting Toronto Humane Society’s accessible supports including low-cost veterinary services, pet food bank programs, and social work support. The piece, “Costs, arthritis, end of life: how to support your aging pet?” underscored the importance of keeping pets and families together through compassionate, communitybased care.

Staff Announcements & Career Opportunities

Staff Announcements

Toronto Humane Society is continually growing!

Here is a list of new staff members who have joined our team or moved internally

James Tsu, Veterinarian

Sarah-Maude Bouchard-Canuel, RVT

Virginia Cheung, RVT

Doughlas Doyle-Baker, Veterinarian

Sandhya Ravichandar, Client Service Agent

Jota Botia Aranguren, Marketing Coordinator

Dani Boes, Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer

Neil Reilly, Program Manager, Public Veterinary

Support

Career Opportunities

Toronto Humane Society is committed to Improving the the Lives of Animals. Our team of talented, dedicated staff work to support this mission If you are interested in joining our dedicated team please view current job openings:

Registered Veterinary Technician - Public

Veterinary Services - Casual

Veterinarian -Public Veterinary ServicesCasual

Veterinarian - Public Veterinary ServicesPart Time

Veterinarian - Public Veterinary ServicesTemporary Full Time (12 months)

Meet the Team: Staff Q&A with Melissa Shupak, Director, Animal Sheltering

better serve both animals and the people connected to them

What I love most is that no two days are ever the same. This is a field that constantly challenges you to learn, adapt, and grow – I don’t think I’ll ever feel

p gg y y medicine, and I quickly realized that wasn’t the right fit for me – because math and science I ended up pursuing work in social services instead, which came from a similar place of wanting to support vulnerable populations.

The turning point came when I was in university, having a conversation at the Toronto Zoo with a family friend. I remember saying that if I could do something like this – work with animals in a meaningful way – I would And she simply said, “So why don’t you?”

That moment stuck with me The very next day, I started looking into other pathways I went back to night school to strengthen those math and science grades and slowly began to shift my direction.

Looking back, what really brought me here is the intersection of those two interests – animal welfare and human services. This work isn’t just about animals in isolation; it’s about the people connected to them You can’t support one end of the leash without considering the other That understanding is what ultimately made this field feel like the right fit.

Do you have any pets at home? Tell us about them!

I do! I have an ancient cat named Roo (aka Russo, Russo-ROO!, or Captain Barbosa) who absolutely runs the house She shared the house with two dogs; a black Lab named Diesel (aka Mr D, DD, or Deeders) and his “big little brother,” Sammi (aka Sams, Sam Sam, or Sammers).

The boys and I spend a lot of time outside – usually with the Lab finding any possible body of water, no matter the season, while Sams and I hang back and take it all in – unless I have my Diesel specific waders on, in which case we are exploring that water all together! Rain, snow, or sun, we’re out there regardless! In the nice weather, you can also find out hanging out back, snacking on some watermelon while Roo supervises from her Catio

What’s a memorable or heartwarming moment you’ve experienced while working here?

Oh gosh, there are so many moments that stand out over the years, it’s hard to choose just one!

One that I often come back to is a dog named Gia, a Rotti who came in needing surgery and rehab. She could be particular about handling and selective with people, but over time, through consistent work and collaboration with the medical team, she really came into her own. At the time, I was working as a trainer and being part of her progress; building trust, supporting her through cooperative care, and seeing those breakthrough moments was incredibly rewarding Cases like that stay with you.

I also think about some of the simpler moments –like being out with dogs during a massive snowstorm, when the world felt like it had paused, but the dogs were completely in their element, just enjoying the moment.

And during the early days of the pandemic, when everything felt uncertain, I remember a Dobie named Hershey. Walking into his kennel and being met with pure joy and enthusiasm, it was such a grounding moment In the middle of everything happening in the world, it was a reminder of why this work matters and how special these animals are.

It’s those moments, both big breakthroughs and the small everyday joys, shared alongside a dedicated team that really stays with you.

What’s one fun fact about you that your coworkers might not know?

Folks may be surprised to learn that I used to do competitive dance growing up and continued all the way through to university

I competed in both group and solo across various dance styles, but tap was always my favourite I grew up watching Fred Astaire, which definitely shaped that love early on! I still think about getting back into it one day...

What’s your go-to comfort food or favourite local spot to eat?

The hyper fixation is real over here. I’m definitely someone who goes through phases and will happily eat the same thing over and over again

Lately, it’s been comfort classics – things like a good buffalo “chicken” wrap, or honestly, a bowl of Lucky Charms at any time of day You really can’t go wrong with that!

What’s a skill or hobby you have outside of work that people might not expect?

I don’t know that I have a particularly unexpected hobby, but I do have a few things I reliably come back to.

I love being outdoors – hikes, swimming, and camping. It seems bold to even claim I am a novice bird watcher, but it is something I’d love to spend more time on If anyone has tips or is into it, I’m always open to learning more!

On the flip side, I’m equally committed to recharging at home, which usually looks like rotting on the couch watching movies or TV, or getting back into reading when I’m in the right mood.

I’m also a dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan, so during the season things revolve around keeping up with games and stealing my nephew to get onto the field for Jr. Jays Sunday whenever possible!

And, if it counts, I’m a strong advocate for sleep as a hobby – it’s very underrated, and I fully lean into it whenever possible.

Rapid-Fire Questions - Choose 1:

1. Coffee or tea?

Tea, always. Coffee is only an option if it’s iced and been sweetened to the point where it barely tastes like coffee anymore

2.Early bird or night owl?

Historically a night owl, but I’ve definitely shifted into more of an early bird the last few years.

3.Sweet or savory?

Both and it must end on something sweet. No exceptions.

4.Books or movies?

Movies I love a good book, but you’ll more often find me on the couch or at a solo matinee.

5.Summer or winter?

Summer (but I do love a perfect snowy winter day as long as I’m not shoveling or driving in it).

6.City life or country life?

Country, with an appreciation for the perks of city life

7.Spicy or mild? Mild

8.Reality shows or documentaries?

This might be the hardest question you’ve asked so far... I guess I’d have to say reality.

9.Road trip or plane?

Road trip but honestly, if it involves travel, I’m in either way!

10.Board games or video games?

Board games but with the honest caveat that I don’t play them all that often... Though I do have a soft spot for old-school Nintendo 64.

With Gratitude for Our Animal Care Team

This month, we took a moment to recognize and celebrate our incredible Animal Care team during Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week

Every day, our Animal Care Workers show up with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the animals in our care They were often the first to greet an animal as they come into our care, and the last to leave at the end of a long day making sure every animal felt safe, comfortable, and cared for in between

From feeding and cleaning to enrichment, observation, and comfort care, the work is constant, detailed, and physically demanding But beyond the tasks, it is the patience and heart behind every interaction that truly defines this team.

Whether helping a nervous animal learn to trust again, noticing subtle changes in health or behaviour, or simply offering a calm presence

during a stressful moment, their impact was felt in every corner of our organization

Animal care work was not always easy or visible, but it is foundational to everything we do. The wellbeing, recovery, and daily experience of the animals in our shelter depended on the consistency and care this team provides every single day.

To our Animal Care Workers: thank you. Your compassion, resilience, and dedication makes a profound difference in the lives of animals. We are deeply grateful for all that you do.

If you see one of our Animal Care Workers around, please take a moment to let them know how much their care, dedication, and compassion means to all of us and to the animals we support

Volunteer Updates

National Volunteer Week: Ignite Volunteerism

During National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026), Toronto Humane Society proudly celebrated the incredible contributions of our volunteers and foster parents under this year’s theme, Ignite Volunteerism.

Every day we see firsthand how every act of volunteering creates a ripple effect of compassion, connection, and meaningful impact for the animals and people we serve.

Volunteers help bring this to life in many ways from walking dogs and providing enrichment playtime for our cats, to reading to our special species animals to help them feel calm and supported Through programs like the Pet Parent Support Network and Community Day, volunteers also provide meaningful assistance and reassurance to pet parents navigating challenging circumstances

Foster parents play an equally vital role, opening their homes to fragile or recovering animals, giving long-stay pets a much-needed break from the shelter environment, and providing individualized care that helps animals heal, grow, and ultimately find their families.

To recognize and celebrate their contributions, staff shared small gestures of appreciation throughout the week through candy grams delivered to volunteers and foster parents.

Volunteers and foster parents were also nominated for Volunteer Awards across five

categories, highlighting individuals who have gone above and beyond in their commitment.

Congratulations to our winners!

Award Category 1: You’re a Gem

Volunteer Winner: Vanessa Stott

Foster Parent Winner: James Madigan

Award Category 2: Rockstar Rookie

Volunteer Winner: Colin Grimes

Foster Parent Winner: Sixuan Wu

Award Category 3: Going the Extra Mile

Volunteer Winner: Sophie Lem

Foster Parent Winner: Leaticia Kaggwa

Award Category 4: Leaticia Kaggwa

Volunteer Winner: Reena Soin

Foster Parent Winner: Shastine Buowmans

Award Category 5: Furry Fellowship

Volunteer Winner: Logan Terrence

Foster Parent Winner: Sehaj Gupta

Thank you to everyone who took part in making this week meaningful. While Volunteer Week has wrapped up, the spirit of Ignite Volunteerism continues year-round in the dedication, compassion, and partnership of our volunteer and foster teams.

Volunteer Updates Volunteer Updates

ORE Door in Laundry Room

The ORE (Owner Requested Euthanasia) door in the laundry room, the one next to the dryers with the lightbulb above it, keeps getting blocked with a laundry bin. This a serious health and safety use, so please make sure that the door is not blocked by a laundry bin Below is an image of a bin blocking the door

Nina H, Foster Parent

Anna H, Foster Parent

Hiromi K., Foster Parent

Vongvichra N., Foster Parent

Grace N, Foster Parent

Anna N, Public Training Assistant and Foster Parent

Sandi N., Foster Parent

Anant P, Foster Parent

Aaron P, Foster Parent

Joan P, Foster Parent

Tanvi R., Foster Parent

Shawna R., Foster Parent

Eitan S, Foster Parent

Matthew T, Foster Parent

Revital W., Foster Parent

Helene Y., Foster Parent

April Anniversaries

Please join us in celebrating volunteer and foster parents who have reached a milestone anniversary this month! Thank you for all your hard work and continued dedication!

1 Year:

Kristen A., Foster Parent

Jennifer B, Canine Care Volunteer and Foster Parent

Lucy B., Foster Parent

Emma C., Foster Parent

Erica D, Foster Parent

Rachel F, Foster Parent

Bonnie G., Foster Parent

Dafni G., Foster Parent

Brooke G., Foster Parent

Violet H, Feline Care Volunteer and Foster Parent

Meaghan H., Foster Parent

Volunteer Spotlight of the Month

We are so grateful for all our volunteers; we rely heavily on your support to meet our operational needs. We want to take time once a month to extend our thanks to a volunteer who has had a positive impact at Toronto Humane Society based on staff/volunteer feedback.

This Month we would like to shine a spotlight on Drew R.!

For more than 15 years, Drew has been a steady, compassionate volunteer, contributing nearly 1,400 hours of volunteer service What began as a simple desire to give back to the community has grown into a long-standing commitment rooted in kindness and a genuine love for animals of all kinds.

“I wanted to do something positive for the community, and I enjoy working with animals,”

Beyond enrichment work with the special species, Drew has taken on additional responsibilities over the years “I have done fostering, and staying with rabbits after surgery as the anesthesia wears off.” These quieter, behind-the-scenes contributions require as much care and attentiveness as more visible tasks

One particularly memorable experience highlights just how important that attentiveness can be. Drew recalls regularly visiting a tiny mouse (only about 2 cm long) that had grown comfortable enough to interact during enrichment sessions. One day, the mouse seemed unusually hesitant to leave its log hut Sensing something was off, Drew gently lifted the hut to check inside

What he found was unexpected: several newborn babies, previously unnoticed. Drew quickly alerted staff, who stepped in to ensure the safety and care of the new mother and her litter “It was a great reminder of how attentive observation can make a real difference in animal care,” Drew reflects.

What keeps Drew volunteering after all these years is not just the animals, though they remain a central part of the experience. “I’ve met some truly amazing fellow volunteers and staff members,” Drew says. “They really set a positive example and inspire me to remain committed” That sense of shared purpose and teamwork has been just as meaningful as the hands-on work itself.

After more than a decade and a half of service, Drew’s story is a testament to consistency, compassion, and the impact one person can have over time. Thank you so much for all that you do Drew, keep up the great work! Please join us in celebrating Drew this month!

Featured Adoptable Pet: Noor

Noor is a gentle, sweet, and affectionate 8-year-old senior cat with a playful spark that continues to shine through despite her medical history In foster care, she has shown herself to be social, curious, and surprisingly active often engaging happily with wand toys, exploring her environment, and even enjoying short bursts of jumping and play

Noor has a history of urinary tract disease and arthritis, both of which are being well managed She receives monthly Solensia injections for pain control, which has helped her maintain an impressive level of mobility and comfort. While she is considered a senior cat with ongoing medical needs, she continues to show excellent quality of life and resilience

In foster, Noor is described as very sweet and gentle, with a calm, easygoing personality She enjoys interaction and companionship, and has

shown she can be both relaxed and playful depending on her mood She eats a specialized urinary diet to support her long-term health

Noor would do best in a home that understands senior cat care and is committed to continuing her medical management In return, she offers quiet affection, endearing personality, and joyful little moments of play that make her truly special.

Because Noor is a senior cat who will need ongoing medical support, her adoption fee will be waived to help her find the right match.

If you are interested in adopting Noor, please connect with our Adoption Department at adoption@torontohumanesociety.com.

Noor is a lovely reminder that age and medical history don’t define spirit she still has plenty of love and personality to share

Happy Tails: Elliot

Hello wonderful Humane Society team. Just wanted to give you an update on Elliot!

Elliot is absolutely thriving here with us! It’s been over a month, with several weeks to adjust to his new home, Elliot has settled in so beautifully! He has maintained his weight very well and is very happily taking his medication His feet pads are also healing very nicely.

Over the weeks, we have seen him come out of his shell more and more He is very eager to explore and loves having his “out of cage” time. He is so friendly, and has become so accustomed to my cleaning his cage, he will often climb onto my back/shoulders/head as I’m doing so We also enjoy playing a sort of tag game, where he runs to me, I tap my fingers at him, and he runs away, only

to come back a few seconds later. It’s very endearing

He and our dog are getting along well. Truthfully, the dog is quite scared of him, but she is adjusting well. On the odd occasion, she has play bowed toward him in an attempt to play Though usually she’s running away from him He sees completely unphased by her. We gave them slow introductions to be in the same space as each other, but he seems totally unbothered

He still loves his stuffy chinchilla, sometimes sleeping on it. Other times, he’s in his hammock or on a soft blanket.

He is an absolute joy to have with us! Thank you, Toronto Humane Society for entrusting him to us!

Small Steps, Big Impact: Going Green for Earth Month and Beyond Events

April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on how our everyday actions, at home and at work, impact the planet

At Toronto Humane Society, our mission is rooted in compassion: for animals, people, and the world we share. Sustainability is a natural extension of that care, and even small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference

Make the Most of Our Recycling Programs

We already have great systems in place, let’s make sure we’re using them:

Sort waste and recycling properly in shared spaces

Take advantage of our pen recycling program

Drop off used pens, markers, and writing tools at Dr. Karen Ward’s office

Compost uneaten foodstuffs

These small actions help keep unnecessary waste out of landfills and support more sustainable practices.

Power Down When You Power Off

Energy conservation is one of the easiest ways to reduce our environmental impact:

Shut down computers at the end of your shift

Unplug chargers and small devices when not in use

Turn off the lights when you are the last to leave for the day

When we all participate, the impact across our building adds up quickly.

Choose Reusable Where You Can

A few simple swaps can significantly cut down on waste:

Bring a reusable mug, water bottle, and lunch containers

Use reusable cloths where appropriate instead of paper towels

Print only when necessary

Consider a Greener Commute

If it works for you, consider ways to reduce your commute footprint:

Take public transit Carpool with a colleague

Walk or bike to work

We have 20% discount on BikeShare available for all Toronto Humane Society staff, volunteers, and foster parents. Simply use your Toronto Huane Society email during registration to have the discount applied automatically.

Volunteers and foster parents can email volunteer@torontohumanesociety.com or foster@torontohumanesociety.com for access

To sign up:

Visit BikeShareTorontocom and click “Sign Up”

Select the Annual 30 or Annual 45 membership.

Enter your work email, then use the one-time verification code sent to you to apply the discount and complete checkout Registration takes less than a minute.

Even occasional changes can make a difference over time.

Let’s Build Greener Habits Together

Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. The small choices we make each day, from recycling a pen to turning off your computer

at the end of a shift, contribute to a bigger impact across our organization.

This Earth Month, let’s continue working together to make Toronto Humane Society a place where compassion extends beyond animal care and into everything we do.

May Community Dates

Asian Heritage Month

May 1 - 30 st th

Recognizes and honours the rich cultural diversity, histories, and contributions of Asian communities.

Jewish Heritage Month

May 1 - 30 st th

Highlights the enduring traditions, histories, and achievements of Jewish communities across the country.

Mother’s Day

May 10th

A time to recognize and appreciate mothers, caregivers, and maternal figures for the care, support, and guidance they provide

Victoria Day

May 18th

In Canada, marks the birthday of Queen Victoria and serves as the unofficial start of the summer season.

Shavuot

May 21 - 23 st th

A Jewish holiday that commemorates the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai and celebrates themes of learning, renewal, and community.

Hajj

May 24 - 29 th th

An annual Islamic pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca and one of the Five Pillars of Islam, required of all Muslims who are physically and financially able to undertake it at least once in their lifetime

Eid-al-Adh

May 26 - 30 th th

A time to recognize and appreciate mothers, caregivers, and maternal figures for the care, support, and guidance they provide.

Click here to read more dates that we are acknowledging this month