Toronto Animal Services presents the 12 Strays of Christmas

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  December 12, 2013

Toronto Animal Services presents the 12 Strays of Christmas

The City of Toronto's 12 Strays of Christmas is an animal adoption event presented to heighten awareness of the adoptable animals available in its shelters. These strays and many others are available for adoption at one of Toronto's four shelters, as well as at adoption partner locations.

The 12 Strays of Christmas features three animals from each of the four City of Toronto shelters. You can view the 12 strays (and all the other animals up for adoption) at http://www.toronto.ca/animalservices.

From Friday, December 13 to Monday, December 23, all cat adoptions are just $25 (a saving of almost $50) plus tax and a licence. Adoption rates for all other animals remain unchanged. For a list of all adoption rates go to http://bit.ly/1h47rhj.

Toronto residents are required to purchase a licence for all cats and dogs in Toronto. Licences for sterilized cats are $15 ($7.50 for seniors); sterilized dogs licences are $25, ($12.50 for seniors).

All cats and dogs up for adoption are vaccinated, micro-chipped, spayed or neutered, vet checked and de-wormed.

There is a wide variety of animals available for adoption at each of Toronto's shelters, including cats, dogs, hamsters, guinea pigs, bunnies, and birds.

For anyone unable to adopt a pet but who wants to contribute to an improved life for these animals, a donation can be made on the website or in person at any one of the shelters.

Torontonians may also drop off a holiday gift for the animals, who are always in need of blankets and towels (new or used), cat treats, dog cookies, leashes, collars and halti-leads, toys, hot water bottles and can openers.

Pets are available for adoption at these locations:

Toronto Animal Services Shelters

Open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• West Region - 146 The East Mall, Highway 427 and Dundas Street West 

• North Region - 1300 Sheppard Ave. W., Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West 

• East Region - 821 Progress Ave., Highway 401 and Markham Road 

• South Region - 140 Princes’ Blvd., Exhibition Place, Horse Palace

Adoption Partners

Toronto Animal Services partners with a number of retailers in Toronto to adopt out pets. A link to a list of all adoption partners is located on the "Adopt-A-Pet" section of the City's website.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Media contact: Tammy Robbinson, Senior Communications Coordinator, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca