Humane Society dog surrenders up by 25% in 2024
The Georgian Triangle Humane Society’s (GTHS) 13th annual Walk for Pets returns on June 14, The fundraising event will take place at the scenic Harbourview Park in Collingwood.
In 2024, the GTHS saw a sharp rise in pet surrenders, with dog surrenders increasing by 25 per cent. Already in 2025, its Pet Pantry has served 50 per cent more pet meals compared to the same time last year. More pet parents are seeking assistance to ensure their beloved furry friends can stay in their homes despite financial hardships, reinforcing the critical role the GTHS plays in the community.
“Our annual Walk for Pets is not only a day of fun and celebration, it is also critical to ensuring we can continue to support pets and people in our community with compassionate care and programs,” said Karen Marsh, executive director, GTHS. “In the last year, we have seen more pet surrenders, with pets staying with us much longer, and that comes at a cost. The average length of stay increased by 14 per cent in 2024, meaning roughly 180 pets went unseen, unheard, and without help because we did not have space to take them in. Longer stays also mean higher costs for food, medical care and sheltering, stretching our already limited resources razor thin.
With more families facing difficult circumstances, we are doing our best to help because we want to ensure their furry friends get to stay at home rather than in a shelter. Now more than ever we rely on the help and generosity of Walk for Pets participants and donors to raise the funds needed to ensure we can continue to provide compassionate care to animals.”
Walk for Pets is the largest and most important fundraiser of the year for the GTHS, supporting pivotal programs and services that help give animals a second chance. Last year’s
Walk for Pets event raised more than $160,000, a new fundraising record for the organization. For 2025, the goal is to raise $170,000 in order to keep up with the ever-growing demand.
Now celebrating 25 years, the GTHS has sheltered more than 15,000 animals since its inception, offering a safe-haven and a fresh start for pets in need. As one of the only accessible spay/neuter hospitals serving Bruce, Grey, and part of Simcoe County, the GTHS Hospital has performed over 7,600 spay/neuter surgeries and administered over 4,000 rabies vaccinations. GTHS Humane Education Programs have inspired and impacted more than 13,000 youth to cultivate empathy, kindness, and respect for all living beings. Annually, its adoption services help find lovinghomes for 1,300 animals, and its access to care services keep 3,000 pets out of shelters and home together with their families during crisis and emergency situations.
Runners, walkers, and dogs of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in the day’s events, which include two routes for participants, and events for everyone. The 5-km Fun Run starts at 10 a.m. and is open to adults, youth and leash-friendly dogs. The 2.5-km Fun Walk/Wheel is a kid- and dog-friendly walk that takes place on an entirely accessible trail beginning at 10:15 a.m. The event also includes a vendor market, kid zone, entertainment, food and beer garden.
Walk for Pets, sponsored by Owen and Associates, begins with participant registration at 9 a.m. at Harbourview Park in Collingwood. The day’s events will run until 2 p.m.
For more details about the event and for registration details, visit gths. ca/walk-for-pets.
To lead a team and become a team captain, or for vendor and sponsorship details, email events@gths.ca.
