​​BRAMPTON, ON (December 10, 2024) – The City of Brampton’s Animal Services​ has been distinguished with the prestigious Animal Welfare Innovation Award by the Animal Shelter Professionals of Ontario (ASPO). This recognition celebrates their exceptional contributions to animal welfare and innovative approaches significantly improving the lives of animals and the well-being of the community.

Brampton Animal Services team recognized for innovative animal welfare. Credit: City of Brampton

The ASPO is a professional organization representing more than 40 animal shelters and welfare organizations since 1981. As a long-standing member of ASPO and avid animal welfare advocate, Brampton Animal Services, has consistently demonstrated leadership in animal welfare through a series of groundbreaking initiatives:

• Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage (TNRM): This initiative has effectively reduced the number of cats entering the shelter while promoting responsible pet ownership. This year alone, 50 community cats will be sterilized, helping to control the stray cat population.​​
• Wellness Clinics: These clinics provide essential veterinary care to pets of low-income residents, ensuring animals remain healthy and safe in their homes.
  
• Wildlife Conflict Management: The introduction of a dedicated response team has improved the City’s ability to manage wildlife conflicts. The team conducts aversion conditioning and enforces regulations against illegal wildlife feeding to foster coexistence between residents and local wildlife.
• Commitment to Diversity and Accessibility: Brampton Animal Services has prioritized diversity within its staffing and outreach efforts, ensuring its programs and services are inclusive and accessible to all community members.
  

Brampton Animal Services’ forward-thinking approach has set a standard for animal welfare, addressing the unique needs of the community and enhancing the well-being of animals.

In addition to these initiatives, Brampton Animals Services also supports the community through: 

Brampton Animal Services Emergency Food Pantry

Brampton Animal Services believes that no one should face the difficult decision of having to surrender their pet because they cannot afford the cost of food.

The Emergency Pet Food Pantry​ aims to support pet owners with one week to one month of pet supplies at a time, depending on demand and donations. In 2023, the Pet Food Pantry helped hundreds of animals by providing more than 26,000 pounds of food.

Pet owners in need can access the Emergency Pet Food Pantry by calling 905.458.5800 to speak to an Animal Services representative, emailing PetFoodPantry@brampton.ca, or submitting a form online.

Brampton Animal Services HOPE Fund

The Helping Orphaned Pets in Emergencies (HOPE) Fund ​was established in 2001 to raise money for sick and injured animals so they can be rehabilitated and adopted into loving forever homes. One hundred per cent of donations to the HOPE Fund are used to provide extended medical procedures for the animals in our care. 

Pet adoption in Brampton

Animal Services has a variety of pets looking for homes. You may visit animals at the shelter during adoption viewing hours​ and ask staff about pet ownership responsibilities and the needs of a new pet. In addition, you can see adoptable pets online.

For more information about Brampton Animal Services and their programs, visit brampton.ca/animalservices.​

Interested in making a difference in your community?

Whether you walk a dog, socialize with our amazing cats, transport injured and domestic animals to a rehab centre or assist in fundraising events, they all contribute to your community and help animals in care. You can make a difference in several ways:

• Become a Brampton Animal Service Volunteer.
• Become a foster parent. 
• Donate to the food pantry or HOPE Fund.
  

Contacting Brampton Animal Services 

If in doubt, contact Brampton Animal Services. Animal Services is always available to educate and inform, rescue and respond to all inquiries about pets and wildlife in Brampton. They can be reached at 905.458.5800 or visit brampton.ca/animalservices​ for resources and information. 

About Animal Shelter Professionals of Ontario

​Established in 1981, ASPO is dedicated to educating, networking, and sharing resources to advance the animal care, control, and welfare professions across Ontario. With over 100 members and 40 shelters represented across the province, the association offers networking opportunities, educational offerings, an annual conference and is a growing resource hub for animal shelters.

Quotes

[draft] “This award is a demonstration of the dedication and compassion of Brampton Animal Services. Their innovative programs and deep commitment to animal welfare have made a lasting impact on our community. From supporting pet owners who face barriers to pet care to addressing wildlife conflicts responsibly, they have set a new standard for how cities can care for animals and promote responsible pet ownership, and we are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition.” - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

​"Brampton Animal Services continues to lead the way in animal welfare through groundbreaking initiatives that support both pets and people in our community. Programs such as the Trap-Neuter-Return-Manage initiative, wellness clinics and the Emergency Pet Food Pantry highlight their wrap-around approach to animal care. This award is a reflection of their tireless efforts to ensure every animal has a chance at a healthy and happy life. Congratulations to the entire team!”- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair, Legislative Services, City of Brampton

​“Receiving the Animal Welfare Innovation Award from the Animal Shelter Professionals of Ontario is an incredible honour. It recognizes not just the hard work of our team, but also the incredible support we receive from our community. Every program we have implemented, from wildlife conflict management to the HOPE Fund, has been made possible by the dedication of our staff, volunteers and generosity from the community. We look forward to continuing to innovate and enhance animal welfare in Brampton.”- Mike Mulick, Manager, Animal Service, City of Brampton​