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We appreciate your generosity - and so do our animals
A Permanent Animal Shelter in Pickering
Pickering Animal Services is responsible for the care and housing of stray and homeless pets in our community. If you would like to help make a difference in a pet's life, donate today.
We thank our donors for improving the well-being of our animals, and contributing to their bright and healthy future.
The City has over $5 million in development charges earmarked for the new Animal Shelter, and over $670,000 in reserves and funds raised through the generosity of the community. Staff will also be exploring other revenue generating streams to help meet its target, including naming rights agreements and sponsorships. Ultimately, the funds will go towards the construction of a brand new, permanent animal shelter here in Pickering.
Staff are currently finalizing the site selection process and anticipate construction to begin in late 2023, early 2024.
Financial Donations
One Time Gift - your contribution will bring us one step closer to building our permanent animal shelter here in Pickering. Tax receipts will be issued for donations over $20.
Donations may be made online or can be mailed or dropped off to:
Pickering Animal Services
Clerk's Office, City of Pickering
One The Esplanade
Pickering, ON, L1V 6K7
Fundraising Events
Throughout the year the City runs a variety of fundraising events with all donations going towards the new animal shelter. We also encourage residents, community groups and animal lovers to plan and run their own fundraising events.
Special thanks to the staff and residents at Westney Gardens for helping our dogs and cats by making snuffle mats !
Residents in pet friendly retirement communities such as Westney Gardens cherish their animals, and, in doing so, recognize how lucky they are to be able to share their home and their lives with the creatures they love and care for. The residents were very eager to make and donate pet snuffle mats while working to raise awareness about the importance of pet companionship and adoption.
Mary, a resident at Westney Gardens, has a cat called Ollie and wanted to help the shelter. “I love my cat – and I’m sure there are many other people out there that would benefit from the companionship a cat like Ollie brings to their day. I want to help so more people can have animal friends like I do. It really is a great thing.”
Another resident Grace, has two dogs, named Jack & Sailor. She knows first-hand what a great support a pet can be. “Jack and Sailor make me so happy and having them here means my friends get to enjoy their company also. We wanted to support the shelter so they can help animals find good homes – their work is important to so many of us – raising awareness so that more animals will find good homes.”
Mary and Grace are just two of the resident representatives involved in the initiative and the staff and animals at the shelter cannot say thank you enough to everyone involved!
What is a snuffle mat you ask? Staff sprinkle small treats on the mats and watch as the animals sniff and search for the hidden food. Snuffle mats are an excellent way to provide enrichment to animals in the shelter and help keep them busy and stimulated.
History of Animal Sheltering in Pickering |
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Below is a brief outline of how Animal Sheltering in Pickering has evolved over time! January 1, 2006: The City of Pickering decided to take full responsibility of Animal Services. The City hired 1 Supervisor and 2 part time staff and began handling all functions of the service. At that time, a temporary agreement was made with the Municipality of Clarington for all animals to be housed at their Municipal animal shelter, approximately 30 minutes away. After a year, it was decided that due to distance, it was time to make alternate arrangements. 2011: The property was sold and purchased by a new owner. At that time it was determined that it would be more cost effective and provide better customer service to residents if the City took full ownership of running its own animal shelter. An agreement was made to rent and retrofit a building in North Pickering to be the first ever Pickering run Animal Shelter. 2019: The City entered into an agreement with the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville. All stray cats and dogs found within their municipality are temporarily housed at the Pickering Animal Shelter and ones that are not claimed are assessed and placed into the City’s adoption program. During the 2019 Capital Budget process, Council allocated money for the site selection for a new Pickering Animal Shelter. As a result of COVID19, the planning stages for this project were delayed however City staff continued investigating potential sites for the new animal shelter. 2022: Funds approved in the 2022 Capital Budget to proceed with hiring an architect and move ahead with the design and construction of a new animal shelter. 2023: Finalizing site selection and shelter design, and begin the procurement process to start construction. Site location to be revealed soon. |
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Requirements for our New Animal Shelter |
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When designing our new shelter, The City of Pickering will be incorporating the Capacity for Care model. This model helps shelters better meet the needs of animals by creating conditions necessary to provide shelter animals with the 5 Freedoms, thereby improving the welfare of each animal, including its physical and mental state. The 5 Freedoms include the following:
Below are just a few of the criteria that staff are looking for in the new animal shelter facility:
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What can I donate? |
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The shelter is always in need of many animal related items. Below is a list of some of the items we commonly need:
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Recent Donors |
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2019This past year Animal Services receive overwhelming support from our community. The amount of financial donations as well as towels, toys and treats that have been donated is just remarkable. 2019 was the first year that Animal Services participated in the Furry Friends 5K. This fundraising event resulting in over $1400 being raised for the new animal shelter.
Animal Services was also fortunate to have received donations from many young children who decided that they wanted to give back and help the animals. Both Kaylie-Anne and Yara had saved up their birthday and allowance money and were kind enough to choose our shelter to donate to.
In December, Animal Services hosted it's first ever Santa Paws Photo Session. The 2 hour event saw over 40 people and raised just under $1000. Future photo events are currently being planned.
The Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association hosted another charity BBQ for Animal Services. Thanks to the generous support of the community and local residents, they have raised over $2,6000 which will go to help build our new animal shelter. Thanks again for your support!
2018
For the second year in a row, the Fairport Beach Neighbourhood Association hosted a charity BBQ for Animal Services. Thanks to the generous support of the community, local residents, the Pickering West Shore Community Association and Joe Fischer they raised $1,119 which will go to help build our new animal shelter. Thanks again for your support! The City’s Animal Shelter, and its furry residents, were the recipients of a random act of kindness last week, after a local man dropped off $5,000 worth of donations. The generous individual, who has requested to remain anonymous, unloaded a truck full of animal supplies, which included food, toys, treats, and care items, on behalf of his animal-loving family. "We are beyond grateful for the warmth and generosity of this family," said Lindsey Narraway, Supervisor, Animal Services. "The gentleman expressed that he drives by our shelter on a daily basis, and simply wanted to give back, and provide for less fortunate animals." The donations will allow staff to provide socialization and enrichment activities for animals temporarily housed at the shelter, while waiting on their forever home. |
Animal Services received a $200 donation from attendees who participated in the first Paint Night Fundraiser held on September 26th at the George Ashe Community Centre. Everyone had a great time and the paintings turned out wonderful. Thanks to everyone who participated and Samantha from Paint Date for helping organize this fun event. Feel free to 
