Latest news with #AimeeGilbreath
Toronto Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
FELINE FRENZY: These are the Canadian cities that love cats the most
There are those who like cats and then there are cat lovers. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account And felines have become more popular than ever, with cat adoptions outpacing dog adoptions in the last several years. A list of the top 10 cat-loving cities in Canada was released by pet retailer, PetSmart, which analyzed adoption rates, and purchases of kitty toys, treats, and other products. While Toronto didn't top the list, it did appear twice: Once for the former municipality of East York, and a second time for the former municipality of Scarborough. 'We've been following this trend as cat adoptions outpace dog adoptions — and it's fair to say cats are having a moment,' Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada, said in a news release. Langley, B.C., topped the list, followed by East York — which was amalgamated into Toronto in 1998 — and two other Ontario cities: Cambridge and Nepean. Scarborough, another former municipality which is now part of Toronto, garnered the eighth spot. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Cat parenting is more universal than you might think, and those old stereotypes no longer apply,' said Gilbreath, referring to the old, lonely cat lady stereotype. Yes, the insult that refers to childless women who live alone with their feline companions needs to go. 'More people than ever are enjoying the playful nature of cat companionship,' Gilbreath continued. Closeup of cat stretching up on mans side as he pets his head. (Getty Images) Getty Images The Top 10 cat-loving cities: 1. Langley, B.C. 2. Toronto (East York) 3. Cambridge, Ont. 4. Nepean, Ont. 5. Nanaimo, B.C. 6. Kitchener, Ont. 7. Kelowna, B.C. 8. Toronto (Scarborough) 9. St. Catharines, Ont. 10. Victoria, B.C. RECOMMENDED VIDEO Summer marks the height of 'kitten season,' when the majority are born, according to PetSmart. Naturally, that coincides with shelters and rescues often becoming overwhelmed with vulnerable felines in need of loving homes. Four persian kittens sitting on cat climbing tower. (Getty Images) Getty Images Gilbreath urged those who are looking to share a little more love to 'consider adding a new feline family member' to their lives. 'Cats can thrive in smaller living spaces, and their independence often makes them incredibly appealing to pet parents who can't get out for regular walks.' Toronto & GTA Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA Toronto Blue Jays World
CTV News
15-07-2025
- General
- CTV News
Kitchener and Cambridge make top 10 list of cat-loving cities
An orange kitten looks out from a cage in this undated image. (Nothing Ahead/ A new report suggests Kitchener and Cambridge may be the cat's meow when it come to feline affection. PetSmart Canada put out a news release ahead of their PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, revealing their top 10 cat-loving cities based on an index including cat adoptions and the sale of cat-related products. Cambridge came in at number three, behind East York and Langley, B.C. Kitchener, meanwhile, claimed the sixth spot. The data was collected between June 17, 2024 and June 16, 2025. 'We're seeing an incredible rise in cat appreciation across Canada, and our index of the top cat-loving cities truly highlights this passion,' Charndeep Grewal, vice president of merchandising at PetSmart Canada, said. The release said cat adoptions have outpaced dog adoptions for the past several years. 'It's fair to say cats are having a moment,' said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. 'This index shows us that cat parenting is more universal than you might think, and those old stereotypes no longer apply. More people than ever are enjoying the playful nature of cat companionship. Cats can thrive in smaller living spaces, and their independence often makes them incredibly appealing to pet parents who can't get out for regular walks.' PetSmart teams up with local rescues and animal shelters to provide adoption opportunities in-store and at special events. Full list
Cision Canada
15-07-2025
- General
- Cision Canada
PetSmart Names Top 10 Cat-Loving Cities in Canada
BURLINGTON, ON, July 15, 2025 /CNW/ -- Move over dogs, cats are now more popular than ever. For the past several years, cat adoptions have outpaced dog adoptions, fueling a rising feline fandom. Ahead of PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, PetSmart today unveiled the top 10 cat-loving cities in Canada leading this trend – where residents are not only adopting more cats but spoiling them most with the highest purchases of cat toys, treats and other pampering products from PetSmart. "We've been following this trend as cat adoptions outpace dog adoptions – and it's fair to say cats are having a moment," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "This index shows us that cat parenting is more universal than you might think, and those old stereotypes no longer apply. More people than ever are enjoying the playful nature of cat companionship. Cats can thrive in smaller living spaces, and their independence often makes them incredibly appealing to pet parents who can't get out for regular walks. We encourage all Canadians to consider adding a new feline family member during PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, July 21-27 at PetSmart stores." These are the top 10 Canadian cities where residents have invested the most in their love for cats, based on an index encompassing PetSmart Charities of Canada cat adoptions and sales of cat pampering products purchased from PetSmart Canada stores.* Langley, BC East York, ON Cambridge, ON Nepean, ON Nanaimo, BC Kitchener, ON Kelowna, BC Scarborough, ON St. Catharines, ON Victoria, BC July is the perfect time for people across Canada to show their love of cats and adopt a cat or kitten during PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week, July 21-27. PetSmart stores across the country will host adoption events where prospective pet parents will get the chance to meet adoptable pets from local animal welfare organizations to find their perfect match. Summer marks the height of "kitten season," the time of year when the majority of kittens are born. This creates an urgent need for adoptions as shelters and rescues are often overwhelmed with vulnerable cats and kittens in need of loving homes. To encourage adoptions, PetSmart is offering new pet parents who adopt a pet during July's PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week the opportunity to claim VIPP (Very Important Pet Parent) status, the highest tier and level of savings for PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty members. PetSmart is also making it easier than ever for pet parents to welcome adopted cats into their homes celebrating Anything for Cats Month throughout July, the biggest cat event of the year. During July, pet parents can earn 5X Treats Rewards points (10% back in savings)** on all cat purchases, including products and services, and enjoy exclusive deals and additional savings all month long. "We're seeing an incredible rise in cat appreciation across Canada, and our index of the top cat-loving cities truly highlights this passion," said Charndeep Grewal, vice president of merchandising at PetSmart Canada. "With our wide assortment of products, we're helping pet parents experience more joy with their cats—especially during Anything for Cats month, where they'll find great value and savings. Cats are becoming the heart of more and more Canadian homes, and we're proud to be the trusted destination for cat families." Cat parents can find all they need for their cats and start saving during Anything for Cats Month in stores, at or in the PetSmart app. To learn more about PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week events visit *Disclaimer: Rankings are based on internal data from PetSmart Canada stores which excludes Quebec. Data was collected from June 17, 2024 through June 16, 2025. Cities were evaluated using two key metrics: the number of pet adoptions recorded in PetSmart Charities of Canada's Adoptions Database and customer spending on select cat product categories, including toys, furniture, collars and leads, scratch products and treats. To ensure fair comparison, results were adjusted for the number of PetSmart store locations in each city and indexed against national performance. Final rankings were determined using a weighted formula: 50% adoptions and 50% product sales. **Offer valid 7/1/25-8/3/25. Terms apply. Offer activation required. See offer card in your PetSmart Treats Rewards account for complete details. About PetSmart PetSmart is the leading omni-channel pet retailer in North America with a mission to help everyone experience more joy with pets. The company offers a compelling assortment of pet care essentials, exclusive brands and must-have items for each season, along with expert pet services. With over 160 stores across Canada – plus a seamless shopping experience at and through the PetSmart app – PetSmart's convenient shopping options are complete with autoship, same-day delivery and in-store pickup. Expert services include professional grooming, pet training, Doggie Day Camp and PetsHotel overnight boarding in many locations. The PetSmart Treats Rewards loyalty program provides value to pet parents th!rough personalized offers and points on every purchase that can be used for future savings. PetSmart and PetSmart Charities of Canada have a long-standing commitment to supporting pets and people in the communities they serve, and PetSmart Charities of Canada is the largest funder of animal welfare in Canada. Together, they are proud to have helped more than 400 thousand pets find loving homes through in-store pet adoption programs. For more information, visit or
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
New Study Finds Affordability and Distance Keep Many Canadian Pets From the Veterinarian
BURLINGTON, ON, June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- Half (50%) of Canadian pet parents have either skipped or declined necessary veterinary care for their pets, according to the new PetSmart Charities of Canada-Gallup State of Pet Care Study: Pet Parents' Assessment of Canadian Veterinary Care. The majority of those who skipped or declined care cite financial reasons as the primary barrier, but distance to veterinary clinics also plays a critical role — the farther pet parents must travel, the more likely they are to forgo care. The research is a first-of-its-kind look at how Canadian pet parents experience the veterinary care system and how the cost of care is impacting pets and people. The study is part of a multi-phase research effort, which will incorporate the perspectives of veterinarians early next year. Key findings from the study include: Financial Factors Are the Greatest Obstacles to Care Among Canadian pet parents who say they have declined care or forgone veterinary visits, 67% say they did so either because it was not affordable, they did not believe the services were worth the cost or a combination of both. Younger pet parents were the most likely group to skip or decline care (59%), and the rate of forgoing care does not differ significantly by income level. In fact, financial considerations affect pet parents across the income spectrum with 27% of those earning more than $90,000 saying they have declined care because they could not afford it. Even when care was deemed necessary, fewer than one in three (28%) pet parents who declined care due to cost were offered a more affordable option. Additionally, only 21% of pet parents say their veterinarian has offered them a payment plan, although 66% say an interest-free plan could double what they are able to spend on life-saving care. "This study serves as the voice of the Canadian pet parent, sounding an alarm," said Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. "We were surprised to discover veterinary care is slipping out of reach for people across a broad spectrum of income levels and the consequences of skipping care can be dire. We encourage all pet-serving businesses, nonprofits, veterinary practices and pet parents to join the conversation and advance solutions — because no single group can tackle this problem alone." Distance Is a Key Barrier to Care Geography plays a key role in whether pet parents forgo care for their pets. Just under half (46%) of those who travel under 10 kilometres to the veterinarian report skipping or declining care, but that proportion rises to 54% for those who travel more than 10 kilometres. In rural areas, where veterinary shortages are more common, just 32% of pet parents travel less than 10 kilometres to reach a veterinarian — compared to 61% of urban pet parents. Pet Parents Are Open to Non-Traditional Care While most pet parents (79%) say they consult a veterinarian when their pet is sick, nearly one in five pet parents (18%) report relying exclusively on non-veterinary sources such as the internet, friends or pet professionals, such as trainers and groomers, when their pet is sick. This reliance increases with travel distance as 28% of those travelling more than 50 kilometres to a veterinarian turn to alternative sources rather than a veterinary provider. While few in Canada say they have used services such as telemedicine or home veterinary visits, about four in 10 say they would if these options were available. This openness suggests a growing opportunity to expand non-traditional models of care, particularly in rural or underserved regions where access is limited, or regulations prevent it altogether. "These data suggest that services like community clinics and telemedicine — where permitted and available — could help make care more accessible, and many pet parents would use them if they could," said Julie Ray, Gallup's managing editor for world news. "But awareness and regulation of these services still vary across regions, pointing to opportunities for expanded infrastructure and support." For more information on how PetSmart Charities of Canada is working to expand access to veterinary care nationwide or to help support initiatives for pets and their families, visit Methodology Results for the PetSmart Charities of Canada-Gallup State of Pet Care study are based on a combined web- and phone-based survey conducted with 2,033 dog and cat owners from the 10 provinces in Canada. Gallup surveyed 1,804 Canadian adults who indicated they currently owned at least one dog or cat via a web-based survey Nov. 28-Dec. 31, 2024. Gallup also surveyed an additional 229 dog and cat owners via a telephone survey Dec. 5-23, 2024, to reach pet owners who may not have access to the internet. For results based on the total sample of 2,033 Canadian dog and cat owners, the margin of sampling error is ±2.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Margins of error for subgroups are larger. About PetSmart Charities of Canada PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada has helped over 400,000 pets find loving homes. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at while shopping at and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $40 million since its inception in 1999. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more, visit About Gallup Gallup delivers analytics and advice to help leaders and organizations solve their most pressing problems. Combining more than 85 years of experience with its global reach, Gallup knows more about the attitudes and behaviours of employees, customers, students and citizens than any other organization in the world.
Globe and Mail
11-06-2025
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Pet owners skip vet visits as affordability concerns grow, survey finds
Four days before Christina Lai's birthday, her eight-year-old Yorkshire Terrier became lethargic and withdrawn. After she rushed the dog to a clinic in Toronto, the vet confirmed symptoms of acute kidney failure. The dog passed away after three days of care, Ms. Lai said, a period that cost her $8,000. That was in addition to the nearly $30,000 she's spent on medication and surgeries for her second Yorkie. 'I work two jobs so that I can pay for these things,' said Ms. Lai, who juggles work in IT and as a realtor. While Ms. Lai has been able to afford the astronomical costs associated with pet care, she's the exception rather than the rule. Such expenses are becoming increasingly out of reach for Canadians, according to a Gallup and PetSmart Charities of Canada report published Wednesday. The study found that half of pet owners declined recommended veterinary care or skipped a vet visit in 2024, with the likelihood highest among owners aged 18 to 29. (The study surveyed 2,033 dog and cat owners across Canada between Nov. 28 and Dec. 31, 2024, with a margin of error of 2.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.) In this economy, can we even afford dogs and cats any more? Only 41 per cent of pet owners reported taking their pet to the vet last year and following through with recommended care. Among those who reported that they declined pet care, two-thirds said they did so because of financial barriers. Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada, said part of the problem is that pricey advanced treatments have become the first option offered by veterinarians. 'For [a] breed of dog very prone to blowing out their knees … you would give them pain management and you would have them rest, and they would heal,' she said. 'Now, the first option that's offered to most people for that injury is orthopedic surgery.' Only 28 per cent of pet owners who declined care because of cost were offered a more affordable option by their veterinarian, the survey found. Even fewer were offered payment plans. Among owners who declined vet care, 12 per cent reported that their pet's condition worsened or they died. Another issue was accessibility. Owners who travelled more than 10 kilometres to see a veterinarian were more likely to skip care. 'Many people cannot find a vet who is taking on new clients,' said Lia Laskaris, chief executive officer of Animal Alliance of Canada, an animal-rights advocacy group. For example, last year, residents of Regina temporarily lost access to overnight veterinary emergency services because of staffing issues, forcing people to drive 2½ hours to Saskatoon with severely ill or injured pets. The challenges facing today's pet owners have become a 'perfect storm' of rising costs, a surge in post-pandemic ownership and a strained veterinary workforce, said Stacy Murphy, a Registered Veterinary Technician at the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth. 'There was a huge influx of people who acquired new pets while they were at home,' Ms. Murphy said, referring to COVID-19 lockdowns. The boom in pet ownership hasn't corresponded to a rise in the number of professionals available to meet it. The veterinary field is facing a workforce crunch, with entry into vet schools remaining extremely competitive, even as demand soars and an older generation of vets retires, Ms. Murphy said. And while pet care costs have always been a barrier, the affordability gap has widened, she said. Rover's 2025 Cost of Dog Parenthood report, for example, found that veterinary office visits, preventative treatments and vaccinations for dogs have increased by up to 50 per cent in Canada. A dog's lifetime care costs range from $17,343 for a small breed to $53,935 for a large breed, according to the report. In addition to veterinary care, pet food costs have also soared, especially for prescription diets, said Lauralee Dorst, Toronto Humane Society's director of community animal welfare. 'Even many commercial brands are becoming out of reach for average families,' she said. Travis Dickie, 40, said the soaring cost of vet-prescribed specialty food for his family's two aging cats has led them to forego it entirely. 'It's double what we would have been paying a year and a half ago per bag,' said Mr. Dickie of Calgary. A cheaper brand 'seems to be doing the job,' he said, but 'I do feel a bit nervous.' Pet owners can save on some initial costs if they're adopted from a humane society. 'We adopt those animals out already vaccinated … already spayed or neutered, they're already microchipped, dewormed,' Ms. Murphy said. Her organization also runs affordable rabies and microchipping clinics two to three times a month, which are not income-based: 'You just have to be willing to drive to us.' According to Ms. Laskaris, some municipalities and shelters have programs to help residents by reducing or waiving the costs, such as The Farley Foundation, a charity helping low-income Ontario pet owners subsidize veterinary care.
