As I sit at the turning point of another year, the impact of the past year on animal welfare, and the promise of what is ahead, fill me with hope. I am inspired and determined as we advocate compassion and respect for all living beings. We see growth and challenges both globally and in our own backyard in South Georgian Bay. We’re looking toward a year of compassion and progress, building on last year’s accomplishments to create a brighter future for pets and families in our community.
2025: Supporting Pets and Families Through Accessible Pet Services
In 2025, the need for accessible veterinary care and support continued to grow. Requests for surrenders remained steady, with a continued increase in dog surrenders specifically. Our kennels hit capacity again this summer – a trend we anticipate will become a new reality. The number of meals provided by our Pet Pantry program through our accessible pet services dramatically increased, providing a critical service keeping pets and families together. Families facing challenges were supported, and pets found new, loving homes through adoption. We were able to say yes to more unique cases where medical or behavioural obstacles were met by a team willing to step up in whatever way they were able.
Building a Brighter Future: The RCPP
This year, we are watching our future come together right before our eyes. As we see foundations and walls erected at the site of the David and Helen Capin Regional Centre for Pets and People (RCPP), even greater opportunities lie ahead, making veterinary care for pets even more accessible. This new space opens doors to care that supports pets, people, and the well-being of our community. An intentional and innovative space designed with the health and protection of pets in mind, we will be equipped in ways we never have been before. Pets will have space to rest, recover, and heal. People will have bright spaces for those first furry meets and greets, and places to gather as a community. While we are doing all we can with a space that is limited and aging in our current facility, we are anticipating many more opportunities for care in the RCPP.
You Are Creating Change
You are instrumental in building this future. You walk with us every step of the way, whether it’s checking in on building progress, asking about pets like Bruno (read his story here), or showing up with towels, food, litter, or bottles of water to make sure that pets are kept safe during unexpected crises like the one we experienced in December. You are with us in this mission, changing the lives of pets and people, and looking ahead to a future where efforts for animal welfare and advocacy are amplified.
We are shaping this future together.
Karen Marsh
Executive Director
CARE IN ACTION
A look at our campaign progress and the work shaping the future for pets and people
