About Toronto Cat Rescue

Our mission is to rescue and find homes for abandoned, sick or injured cats from situations of abuse, neglect or imminent euthanasia. We provide the highest quality of care and treatment for all the cats at TCR with experience and compassion.

Our vision is to make Toronto a city where every adoptable cat knows what it means to be loved. By acting with integrity and accountability, we hope to one day make Toronto a place where organizations like us are no longer needed.

Every Day we Strive to:

 

Provide high-quality care and treatment for all the cats in our care.

Ensure that we have a sustainable foundation to meet our current and future needs.

Be accountable, transparent, and act with integrity in all aspects of our work.

Join the Toronto Cat Rescue Family

Our Philosophies and Partnerships

Our work in Toronto

Toronto Cat Rescue's leading rescue partner in the Toronto region is Toronto Animal Services (TAS). We believe that when people know there is an organization that works towards eliminating euthanasia in the city of Toronto, they are more open to leaving their cats in TAS’ care. Therefore, we strive to help TAS with cats that are too ill to thrive in the shelter environment, are geriatric, or need extra care and socialization. If owners and rescuers feel comfortable taking their cats to TAS, there will be fewer cats suffering on our city streets. By giving safe harbour to the cats and kittens in need of a little extra care, we hope to increase their chances of adoption and eliminate the euthanasia of all healthy and/or treatable cats housed in Toronto shelters.

As part of this partnership, TCR stands ready to help with any emergency situations. When catastrophic events, like finding over 100 cats in one home happen, we can mobilize our volunteers and foster homes quickly to support a rapid response

Our work in Kitchener Waterloo

Our Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) chapter of Toronto Cat Rescue (TCR) is connected but distinct from the Toronto region. KW is dedicated to helping cats from many sources, including barns and rural settings, stray cats, and people who surrender their pets. They have multiple connections in the area, including partnerships with a local shelter and numerous other individuals in the rescue community. 

Through KWCC (Kitchener Waterloo Community Cats), TCR has implemented a community-run Trap Neuter Return Manage (TNR-M) program for the region of Waterloo. Through this project, caretakers of unowned cats, stray cats and barn cats may be eligible for free spay/neuter services. TCR will take cats into our foster program through this initiative wherever possible.  

Our Partnerships

Strong partnerships are one of the ways that TCR can build and maintain a strong foundation to rescue and rehome over 2,700 cats year over year. Royal Canin, PetSmart Charities, PurrPlan, Capital One and VCA Canada are just a few of the companies/organizations that support us through grants, innovative technical solutions, food programs, and adoption support for the ongoing care of our cats and kittens.  

While Toronto and Kitchener-Waterloo are the focus of our work, we also collaborate with many other shelters throughout Ontario and Quebec. We will go where the cats need us the most. We answer the call to rescue cats from organizations like Humane Society International (HSI), SPA Beauce in Quebec, Quinte Humane Society, Georgina Animal Services, North Bay Humane Society and London Animal Control Centre (LACC) when asked. We are also open to assisting with disaster relief when we can help.

Meet our Board

Meet our Staff

In Honour of Belinda Vandersluis

 
 

In September 2021, Toronto Cat Rescue's board, staff and volunteers mourned the passing of our Executive Director. Belinda joined us in 2017 and had incredible success during her time with the organization. She was an energetic and dynamic leader with a kind heart and generous spirit. She inspired us all to reach higher and look for unique and innovative ways to rescue and save more cats and get them into their forever homes. Belinda worked hard and was very dedicated to TCR, growing and strengthening our relationships, expanding our reach, and shining a spotlight on our work. Her legacy put TCR in a great position for future success and growth. We are very grateful for her contribution over the four years she was with Toronto Cat Rescue.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) at Toronto Cat Rescue

The EDI Committee at Toronto Cat Rescue would like to hear from people who interact with Toronto Cat Rescue. Whether you are an adopter, volunteer, donor, or other interested person we would like to hear from you regarding your experiences related to EDI. If you have suggestions to make TCR more Equitable, Diverse, and/or Inclusive please click on the button below.

2023 Bridge Plan

The Board of Directors continues planning for a future where we can save even more cats, our Strategic Planning Committee has come together to create TCR’s 2023 Bridge Plan.