February marks World Spay and Neuter Month—a time to raise awareness about one of the most effective ways to reduce the pet population, decrease shelter intake, and improve the lives of animals across Canada.
For more than 30 years, Animal Alliance of Canada has advanced spay/neuter efforts, including through our work with the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition and through Project Jesse, which funds organizations nationwide that spay, neuter, rescue, and rehome dogs and cats.
Why Spay and Neuter Matters
- One unspayed female cat or dog can be responsible for hundreds of offspring over a seven-year period
- Spay/neuter operations have proven to be the most effective and humane way of reducing the pet population
- Spay/neuter often leads to healthier pets, with reduced risks of certain cancers and infections
- Communities benefit from fewer stray animals and reduced strain on shelters and rescue organizations
Project Jessie: Reaching Animals Across Canada
Jessie was a dog who we failed to rescue and who ended up in a research facility. We vowed never to forget her. Through our Project Jessie programme, generous donors have made it possible for us to provide grants to organizations that:
- Provide rescue, spay/neuter, and adoption programs for cats and dogs in remote and northern regions
- Conduct Indigenous-led spay/neuter programming for dogs and cats in First Nations communities
- Support rescue groups working in partnership with local shelters to rehome cats and dogs through their foster-based adoptions programs.
- All of these efforts help to keep cats and dogs out of the hands of researchers.
Toronto Feral Cat Coalition: Collaborative TNR Success
Animal Alliance of Canada is proud to have been a founding member of the Toronto Feral Cat Coalition—a collaboration that currently includes Annex Cat Rescue, Community Cats Toronto, Toronto Street Cats, the Toronto Humane Society, Toronto Cat Rescue, and Toronto Animal Services.
Since its formation in 2010, Coalition members have spayed and neutered over 20,000 cats through strategic Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs. The Coalition recently expanded to include the Pickering Animal Services, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, the Ottawa Humane Society, and Brampton Animal Services, all sharing resources and knowledge to help more animals.
Recent TNR Blitz Success
In October 2025, the Coalition organized a TNR blitz in the Driftwood area of Toronto, an area known to have a high concentration of feral cats. Volunteers, cat-trappers, and partner organizations came together to help reduce the city’s feral and stray cat populations through humane, coordinated action. It was a busy and productive two days with the clinics booked to capacity.
The Coalition continues to help reduce feral cat overpopulation through TNR and accessible spay/neuter clinics, educate and build awareness among cat owners and caregivers, and advocate for better legislation and bylaws to protect community cats.
How You Can Help
This World Spay and Neuter Month, there are several ways you can make a difference:
- Make a One-Time or Monthly Donation by Clicking Here. Your contribution helps us provide grants to rescue organizations across Canada.
- Support Local TNR Efforts: If you’re aware of feral cat colonies in your area, connect with your local TNR group .
- Give a Gift of Compassion: Send a meaningful gift to a friend or loved one with a donation to Project Jessie in their name. Contact us at 416-462-9541 ext. 24 or order online by clicking here.
- Spread the Word: Share this newsletter and help raise awareness about the importance of spay/neuter programs.
As we continue into 2026, Animal Alliance of Canada remains committed to supporting spay/neuter initiatives across the country.
Thank you for standing with us and with the animals.