Toronto's Coordinated Animal Rescue Network
A real-time platform connecting shelters, rescues, foster homes, vet partners, and transport volunteers across the Greater Toronto Area.
Our mission
Toronto Rescue Network exists to eliminate placement gaps — the critical window between an animal in crisis and a safe, confirmed placement. Every hour matters when a case is urgent.
We built a shared coordination layer so that no rescue organization has to work in isolation. When one shelter is full, another can claim the case in minutes. When a transport volunteer is available, they can be matched to a need across the city.
Our goal is simple: more animals placed faster, with less duplicated effort and fewer animals falling through the cracks.
How it started
The network grew out of a recurring frustration shared by Toronto rescue coordinators: critical cases were being posted in scattered Facebook groups, email chains, and text threads — with no single place to track status, claim responsibility, or coordinate transport.
In 2023, a small group of rescue organizations began piloting a shared spreadsheet. It worked, but it didn't scale. The Toronto Rescue Network platform replaced that spreadsheet with a live, structured board that any verified member can access and act on.
The 8-stage placement pipeline
Every urgent case moves through a structured pipeline so the whole network can see its status at a glance.
Two ways to join
Organizations & Rescues
Shelters, rescue groups, vet partners, and foster networks. Register to post urgent cases, list available spaces, and coordinate placements across the network.
Individual Volunteers
Foster homes and transport volunteers. Sign up to receive placement requests, offer temporary care, and help move animals safely across the GTA.
Frequently asked questions
What is Toronto Rescue Network?
It's a shared coordination platform for animal rescue organizations and volunteers in the Greater Toronto Area. Members can post urgent cases, list available foster spaces, request supplies, and coordinate transport — all in one place.
Who can join?
Any registered rescue organization, shelter, vet partner, foster home, or transport volunteer operating in the GTA. Applications are reviewed by our network coordinator before a member is activated and listed in the directory.
How do urgent cases work?
Any verified member can post an urgent case. Cases move through an 8-stage pipeline from Submitted to Placed. Members can claim a case and advance its stage — keeping the whole network informed of its status in real time.
Is there a cost to join?
No. Toronto Rescue Network is a free coordination tool for the rescue community. There are no membership fees.
Ready to join the network?
Register your organization or sign up as a volunteer today.
Join the Network