Our Network
Working Together makes us Stronger
Below is our network of contacts for various animal-related issues, sanctuaries and rescues.
Animal Justice Canada
Animal Justice Canada is Canada’s only national animal law advocacy organization.
1. Animal Justice Canada is a Canadian Registered Charity, 803997212RR0001.
2. Animal Justice Canada Legislative Fund (“Animal Justice”) is a federally incorporated not-for-profit dedicated to advocating for the humane treatment of animals.
Animal Welfare Services (AWS)
Animal Welfare Services (AWS) within Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General is responsible for enforcing the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act, 2019 (PAWS Act). The PAWS Act came into force on January 1, 2020. Enabled by the PAWS Act, Ontario’s animal welfare system includes a provincial enforcement model comprised of a Chief Animal Welfare Inspector and teams of provincially deployed and specialized animal welfare inspectors who have powers to conduct investigations and help animals in distress. The PAWS Act also empowers police officers and First Nations Constables to take action when an animal is in distress.
The PAWS Act and its regulations help to ensure that animals are protected and treated in a humane manner. Protections include setting out basic standards of care that apply to all animals covered under the Act, specific standards of care that apply to dogs kept outdoors, standards of care for captive primates, marine mammals and captive wildlife, standards for enclosures for captive wildlife, and prohibitions against causing or permitting distress to an animal.
If you believe an animal is in distress or being mistreated, please call the Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre (OAPCC) at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) to report the details of your concerns so that they can be fully investigated. Based on the location and nature of the incident, the OAPCC may flag the ticket for further investigation with the appropriate authorities, such as a provincial inspector or the local police.
The OAPCC is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Reporting to the OAPCC ensures prompt and appropriate triaging. Please bear in mind that they receive a very high volume of calls. Calls made to AWS are received through the OAPCC. The OAPCC cannot provide information about what calls have been received or the status of ongoing inspections and/or investigations.
Call 911 in an emergency when any life is in immediate danger. The PAWS Act provides police and First Nations Constables with authority to enforce the PAWS Act.
Please also note that any alleged violations of the Criminal Code of Canada should be directed to the local police of the relevant jurisdiction.
Authorized Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitators
Here is the list of all Ontario Wildlife Rehabilitators who have a valid Wildlife Custodian Authorization.
Coexisting With Wildlife
- Bears — To discuss problems with bears, phone Ontario’s BearWise at 1-866-514-2327. If a bear is posing an immediate threat by showing threatening or aggressive behaviour, remain calm and call 911.
- Beavers
- Deer
- Turtles — Saving Turtles At Risk Today (START) hotline 705-955-4284.
- Other Wild Species — Canada Geese, Ducks, Foxes, Coyotes, Rabbits, Raccoons, Skunks, Squirrels, Ground Hogs, Pigeons and Rodents.
Farm Animal Sanctuaries
Here is a list of Ontario’s Farm Animal Sanctuaries. Please note: this is not all-inclusive list and some listed also are a farming business. Visting various farm animal sanctuaries is an excellent alternative to a zoo.
Bear Creek Sanctuary
Located in Barrie, ON
Website: bearcreeksanctuary.com
Focus: rescuing and rehabilitating wild and exotic animals, but also provides refuge for farm animals.
Black Goat Farm and Sanctuary
Located between Hamilton, Smithville, and Grimsby, ON
Contact: [email protected]
Website: blackgoatsanctuary.com
Focus: saving abused and orphaned animals, including goats, pigs, chickens, and turkeys.
Cedar Row Farm Sanctuary
Road 15, RR 1, Lakeside, ON, N0M 2G0
Contact: [email protected] | Phone: 519-274-9917
Website: cedarrow.org
Focus: rehabilitation of farm animals with programs like farm hand experiences.
Farmhouse Garden Animal Home
Uxbridge, ON
Email: [email protected]
Website: farmhousegardenanimalhome.com
Foster Farm Animal Sanctuary
495 Concession Rd 4 E, Warkworth, ON, K0K 3K0
Contact: [email protected] | Phone: 705-924-1552
Website: fosterfarmanimalsanctuary.ca
Happily Ever Esther Farm Sanctuary
Campbellville, ON
Contact: [email protected]
Website: happilyeveresther.ca
Pegasus Animal Sanctuary
Port Perry, ON
Website: pegasussanctuary.com
Focus: to provide care and a safe environment for farm animals and offers tours to support its mission.
Promised Land Animal Sanctuary
Cambellford, ON
Website: promisedlandsanctuary.org
Saunders Country Critter Zoo and Sanctuary
1058 County Road 44, North Grenville, ON K0G 1T0
Contact phone: 613-258-1108
Website: saunderscountry.com
Serenity Lane Animal Sanctuary
2556 N 5 Line, Norwood, ON, K0L 2V0
Website: serenitylaneanimalsanctuary.ca
The Sweet Sanctuary
1785 Quarry Road, Carleton Place, ON
Website: thesweetsanctuary.ca
Focus: to provide care for rescued farm animals.
Sunnyside Farms Animal Sanctuary
Located in Wainfleet, ON
Address: 147 Pietz Road, Wainfleet, ON
Website: sunnysidefarmsanimalsanctuary.com
Ruby Ranch Pig and Farm Animal Sanctuary
Located in Kenilworth, ON
Contact: [email protected]
Website: rubyranch.ca
Runaways Farm Animal Sanctuary and Rescue
Located in Amherstburg, ON
Website: runawaysfarm.com
Wishing Well Sanctuary
2710 Line 10, Bradford, ON
Website: wishingwellsanctuary.org
Focus: rescued farm animals and educational programs.
Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR)
The MNR protects Ontario’s biodiversity. They also promote economic opportunities in the resource sector and support outdoor recreation opportunities. This is the Ministry to contact should you wish to apply for Ontario’s Wildlife Custodian Authorization.
Ottawa-Carleton Wildlife Centre
Ottawa Humane Society (OHS)
The OHS provides a safe haven for domestic animals with nowhere else to turn. They are involved with rescuing, reuniting and re-homing these animals.
Ottawa Rabbit Rescue
Search For Wildlife Rehabilitators
If you find a wild animal who needs help, you can use the following search tools to find a Wildlife Rehabilitator in your area.
1. For wild animals found in Ontario, Canada: Search Tool
2. For wild animals found in Quebec, Canada: Détenteurs
3. For wild animals found in the United States: Animal Help Now
Social Media Animal Cruelty Coalition (SMACC)
SMACC strongly discourages people from watching or sharing cruelty content. However, if you have seen cruelty content on social media, first and foremost please report it to the platform even if you think that they will ignore your report.
Then please report it to SMACC. Information provided by the public is a valuable part of SMACC’s strategy to combat the proliferation of online animal cruelty content.
Wildlife Diseases
1. Reporting Dead or Diseased Wildlife. Or please call 519-824-4120.
3. Rabies Unit. Or please call 1-888-574-6656.
Wildlife Transport Services
Below is a list of wildlife transport services.
1. Canadian Wings of Rescue (CWoR) is a federally regulated volunteer charity group made up of pilots and volunteers who coordinate flights with animals needing treatment. The volunteer pilots are the heart of the service and make dozens of life-saving flights every year.
2. Critter Cabs is another animal (wildlife and domestic) transport service. You can also connect with them via email at: [email protected].
3. Durham Region Wildlife transport injured and orphaned wildlife from Durham Region to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.
4. Susan Stacey at 705-772-6044.
ZooCheck
Zoocheck is a Canadian-based international wildlife protection charity (#13150 2072 RR0001) established in 1984 to promote and protect the interests and well-being of wild animals.
Additional Information
In Canada ...
For animals in immediate danger, please call police at 911.
In Ontario ...
llegal activity related to plants and wildlife can be reported to the Ministry of Natural Resources — 1-877-TIPS-MNR (1-877-847-7667).
You can report suspected animal abuse and welfare issues to:
- Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625). The call centre is open 24/7.
To submit reports, photographs and other evidence, contact:
The Ministry of the Solicitor General
18th Floor, 25 Grosvenor Street
Toronto, Ontario M7A 1Y6
Phone: (416) 326-5000
Online Form: Ministry of the Solicitor General
- The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) at 310-7722 (a 24/7 hotline), 1-888-668-7722 ext. 327, or email [email protected].
- Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
- The RCMP.
- Your local police department.
- Your local Humane Society.
In Ottawa, Ontario ...
The city of Ottawa Bylaw Services transports injured stray domestic pets and wildlife. The Bylaw Services brings these animals to the Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) for temporary care. Therefore, for sick or injured wildlife and stray pets please call 311.
For large wildlife such as deer, moose and bear, please call Ottawa Police Services at 613-236-1222.
In Quebec ...
If you have information regarding animal cruelty or neglect please call the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Western Quebec at 819-770-7722.
Please report any illegal activity related to plants and wildlife to the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs.