About Us
We are a community of dedicated canine rescues working together to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of dogs in need across Ontario. United by a shared Code of Ethics, our members are committed to operating with integrity, transparency, and compassion by always placing the needs of the dogs first. Through collaboration, education, and a strong network of support, we uphold responsible rescue practices and work to mentor and empower the next generation of ethical rescue organizations.
We are driven by a collective mission: to protect, care for, and advocate for dogs in need. By aligning our work with the internationally recognized Five Freedoms for Animals—freedom from hunger and thirst; discomfort; pain, injury, or disease; fear and distress; and the freedom to express natural behavior—we ensure every dog receives the care, respect, and dignity they deserve. Together, we strive to create positive, lasting outcomes for dogs and the families who welcome them home.
Code of Ethics and Operations
Sec.1 Conduct
1.a Members and their volunteers agree to conduct themselves professionally, ensuring they represent the association in a positive and responsible manner.
1.b Members agree to commit to ongoing professional development and/or continuing education as required by the association.
1.c Members agree to work collaboratively with other association rescues to share resources, knowledge, and efforts, for the betterment of dogs in need.
1.d Members agree to operate with liability insurance to protect both dogs and people involved in rescue activities.
1.e Members agree to report any reasonable ground of abuse or neglect to the Provincial Animal Welfare Service (PAWS). Reports of dogs that are injured, in pain, sick, suffering or abused, or who lack proper care, water, food, or shelter shall be reported immediately.
1.f Members agree to follow all relevant commercial import rules, especially for international dogs, focusing on rabies regulations.
1.g Members agree to cooperate and participate in an open and transparent manner in any investigation conducted by The Ontario Association of Canine Rescues.
1.h Members agree to remit annual dues as requested by the association
Sec. 2 Financial
2.a Members agree to provide annual and accessible financial statements online to maintain transparency and trust.
2.b Members with Canadian Registered Charity status agree to maintain good standing with the Canada Revenue Agency.
Sec. 3 Medical and Behavioural
3.a Members agree to always offer transparent, forthright, and up-to-date information in writing regarding the health and behaviour of each dog, ensuring that all findings are accurately shared with potential adopters and fosters.
3.b Members agree that all dogs will receive prompt and appropriate medical care whenever it is needed; always prioritizing their health and well-being.
3.c Members agree that all dogs must be spayed or neutered before adoption unless a licensed veterinarian deems them unfit to withstand surgery. For young dogs, the rescue will ensure that adopters must agree to a contract that includes a set surgery date and a penalty for noncompliance ensuring follow-through on the procedure.
3.d Members agree that dogs shall not be allowed to be bred, and that spay/neuter surgeries will be scheduled promptly. This highlights the importance of timely action to prevent unwanted litters.
3.e Members agree that all dogs must be vaccinated with age-appropriate core vaccines as per OVMA guidelines, unless a licensed veterinarian provides an exemption. This policy helps protect both the dog and the public from preventable diseases.
3.f Members agree to conduct heartworm, tick, and fecal testing in Ontario before adoption. If a dog tests positive, prompt treatment is mandatory.
3.g Members agree to send adopted dogs’ medical records to new owners or their veterinarian within two weeks of adoption, or as requested.
3.h Members agree to be familiar with the prevalent diseases from intake areas. Conduct necessary tests and provide prompt treatment based on regional disease risks.
3.i Members agree to microchip all dogs before adoption to facilitate identification should the dog get lost or displaced.
3.j Members agree to collaborate and seek professional assistance for training and behaviour issues to ensure the highest standard of care and rehabilitation for the dogs. Trainers with certification are recommended.
Sec. 4 Adoptions and Fostering
4.a Members agree to implement appropriate and thorough screening procedures for adopters, foster parents and volunteers to ensure the best possible outcomes for the dogs.
4.b Members agree to conduct home visits, either in person or virtually, to verify a safe and appropriate environment for the dogs before approval of adopter or foster home.
4.c Members agree to utilize formal applications and contracts for all adoptions, foster placements, and volunteers to ensure proper vetting and accountability.
4.d Members agree to discuss the advantages of pet health insurance and financial preparedness with adopters to encourage responsible planning of future medical and training needs.
4.e Members agree to provide continuous support to all adopted dogs. If a dog needs to be returned, handle the situation responsibly and professionally, prioritizing arrangements for the dog's care. Options include working with the owner, placing the dog in a foster home, a boarding facility, or considering alternative solutions like transfer to another rescue group or, when necessary, euthanasia.
