Big canines, known for their loyalty, affection, and sweetness, often face challenges in finding homes, as per Toronto Animal Services. In an effort to shift perceptions about large dogs, the agency has partnered with NutriCanine, a local fresh dog food company, for the second consecutive year. Their joint campaign, running from March 23 to April 23, aims to facilitate the adoption of big dogs in the Greater Toronto Area.
Toronto Animal Services has announced that they will be waiving all adoption fees for large dogs and large-breed puppies throughout Toronto to encourage more families to consider adopting these pets. The definition of “large” in this context includes dogs weighing over 50 pounds or puppies expected to reach that weight.
Elana Trainoff, the partnerships manager at Toronto Animal Services, emphasized that while some people may feel hesitant about owning a large dog due to concerns about space, exercise requirements, and lifestyle compatibility, big dogs are capable of offering immense love. Trainoff stated, “These dogs have so much love to give. And I think if you give them a chance, it could change your life.”
The agency’s initiative stems from the fact that large dogs tend to wait longer for adoption solely based on their size. Trainoff highlighted that large dogs typically spend one-and-a-half to two times longer in shelters compared to other animals, despite being equally deserving of loving homes.
Last year’s campaign led to a total of 58 adoptions, showcasing the success of the program. Trainoff pointed out that many large dogs make excellent companions adaptable to various living environments. She encouraged potential adopters to visit the city’s webpage to view available dogs, then contact the respective shelter to schedule a meeting, involve family members and possibly existing pets in the decision-making process, and ultimately find the best-suited dog for their home.
The adoption procedure remains unchanged, requiring interested individuals to follow the outlined steps to bring a big dog into their family and provide a loving forever home.