Toronto is stepping up with a powerful message for pet lovers in 2026 — sometimes, the biggest companions bring the biggest rewards. Under its new campaign “Big Dogs, Big Love,” Toronto Animal Services is offering free adoption for large dogs and large-breed puppies in a city-wide push to address a growing shelter gap and help overlooked animals finally find their forever homes.
The campaign will run from March 23 to April 23, 2026, and is being rolled out in partnership with NutriCanine, a Toronto-based fresh dog food company. Together, they aim to shift public perception and encourage more families across the Greater Toronto Area to consider going big when adopting a pet.
Large dogs wait up to 2x longer in shelters
One of the biggest challenges driving this campaign is a simple but striking statistic. According to Toronto Animal Services, large dogs can spend one-and-a-half to two times longer in shelters compared to other animals. And importantly, this delay is not due to behavior or compatibility issues.
Instead, it comes down to hesitation. Many potential adopters feel intimidated by larger dogs, often worrying about space requirements, exercise needs, and whether their lifestyle is a good fit. These concerns, while understandable, often prevent people from even meeting dogs that could be perfect companions.
“These dogs have so much love to give,” said Elana Trainoff, partnerships manager at Toronto Animal Services. “If you give them a chance, it could change your life.”
Toronto removes adoption fees to boost demand
To break this cycle, Toronto Animal Services is removing one of the most immediate barriers — cost. During the campaign, all adoption fees will be waived for dogs weighing over 50 pounds and puppies expected to reach that size.
The goal is simple: make it easier for families to take that first step and meet a large dog without financial hesitation. The city hopes this approach will not only increase adoption numbers but also help people rethink what it means to own a big dog.
The impact of this strategy is already visible. Last year’s campaign led to 58 successful adoptions, giving dozens of dogs a second chance at a loving home. With stronger awareness this year, the city expects even better results.
Big dogs aren’t always high-energy pets
One of the biggest myths the campaign aims to challenge is that large dogs are always energetic and demanding. In reality, many of them are surprisingly relaxed.
Toronto Animal Services says it has plenty of “couch potato” dogs — animals that are perfectly happy with a daily walk and a comfortable place to rest. These dogs can adapt well to smaller homes or apartments, making them suitable for urban living.
“We have lots of couch potatoes that are very happy to go for a walk and live in a smaller space,” Trainoff explained.
This highlights a key message: size does not define personality. Every dog is different, and assumptions based purely on weight can lead to missed opportunities for both pets and adopters.
Every dog has a unique story waiting to be discovered
Another important part of the campaign is encouraging people to move beyond generalizations. Shelter staff emphasize that every dog has its own backstory, personality, and needs.
The only way to truly understand whether a dog is the right fit is to meet them in person. Some may be calm and affectionate, others playful and energetic, and many fall somewhere in between. By spending time with a dog, potential adopters can discover traits that don’t show up in online listings.
This is why Toronto Animal Services is urging people not to rule out large dogs before giving them a chance.
How the adoption process works
While the fees are waived, the adoption process itself remains unchanged to ensure responsible placements. Interested adopters can begin by visiting the official Toronto pet adoption page to browse available dogs.
Once a suitable match is found, the next step is to contact the shelter where the dog is located and book an appointment. Families are encouraged to bring all household members, and even existing pets if possible, to ensure compatibility before finalizing the adoption.
Additional details about shelter locations and visiting guidelines can be found on the Toronto Animal Services shelters page.
A campaign that could change lives on both ends
At its core, “Big Dogs, Big Love” is more than just an adoption drive. It is an effort to reshape how people think about size, responsibility, and companionship.
Large dogs are often described as loyal, affectionate, and deeply bonded to their owners. For many adopters, they become not just pets but family members who provide emotional support, security, and unconditional love.
By removing fees and addressing misconceptions head-on, Toronto Animal Services is giving these animals a better chance — and giving residents a unique opportunity to welcome a life-changing companion into their homes.
For anyone considering adoption, this campaign may be the perfect moment to act. Because sometimes, choosing a bigger dog doesn’t just fill your home — it fills your life in ways you never expected.
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