26-07-2025
Greater Sudbury animal shelter at capacity, seeks community support
Officials in Greater Sudbury say they are struggling with capacity at its animal shelter and with people cancelling adoption appointments.
The Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter is currently operating at full capacity, housing 16 dogs and 35 cats awaiting adoption.
Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
The exterior of the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter property on Kari Road on July 25, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontairo)
Stefany Mussen, the city's director of corporate security and by-law services, provided more context on the situation to CTV News.
'For context, we've received over 250 stray animals since the beginning of 2025 and only 30% of those strays have been redeemed by the owner,' she said.
Partnerships ease strain on city shelter
Due to the high volume of stray animals, the city has collaborated with local shelters to assist in housing pets until they find permanent homes. Among these partners is the Ontario SPCA Sudbury and District Animal Centre.
'For the past several months, the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre has been taking animals from the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter into its care when the city-run shelter is at capacity. We are committed to helping animals in our community and will continue to assist the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter as we have the capacity to do so.'
— Ontario SPCA, statement to CTV News
Dog @ Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
One of the dogs available for adoption at the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter property on Kari Road on July 25, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontairo)
No-shows disrupt adoption efforts
The city shelter has faced another challenge – potential adopters failing to attend scheduled appointments without notice.
'So when someone makes an appointment and they don't show up, or call to let us know that they're not going to be able to come, the impact really is on time,' Mussen said with some frustration. 'But it's also really disappointing because our shelter staff gets excited when there's a prospect of an animal being adopted out. So it's disappointing and discouraging.'
She further explained that missed appointments complicate operations, particularly when animals are boarded at other shelters.
'The city said that sometimes appointments are made for animals who are boarded in other shelters, so it has had a major impact on the shelters' planning and availability.'
Dogs @ Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
Two of the dogs available for adoption at the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter property on Kari Road on July 25, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontairo)
Public urged to communicate changes in plans
Mussen emphasized the importance of accountability among prospective adopters.
'If you are interested in becoming an adopter of an animal or a pet from the shelter and you make an appointment, just make sure that you either attend your appointment or give us a call to let us know that you're not able to make it so that we can fit in another potential adopter,' she said.
Shelter still accepting strays, hosts adoption event
Despite being at capacity, the city continues to encourage residents to report stray animals, as alternative boarding options are available. For those interested in adopting, several dogs will be showcased Saturday at the 'Iron Arena' Armoured Combat Shelter Fundraiser at The Rock Harley-Davidson on Long Lake Road.
Meanwhile, cats will remain at the shelter, where they can stay cool in the air-conditioned facility.
Cat @ Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter
One of the cats available for adoption at the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter property on Kari Road on July 25, 2025. (Madison Marier/CTV News Northern Ontairo)
The shelter remains hopeful that community engagement will help these animals find loving homes while alleviating the strain on its resources.
