As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to personally thank you for being part of the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton. Your support, generosity, and belief in our mission mean so much to our team, and to the animals who depend on us.
Every day, animals arrive here needing care, patience, and sometimes a second or third chance. And every day, because of people like you, they leave safer, healthier, and ready to begin again. That quiet transformation is at the heart of everything we do.
It’s been an incredible year for adoptions, with 560 animals finding loving homes so far compared to 485 last year, an increase of about 15% with a busy week still to go in the year. Each number represents an animal’s story and a family finding a new companion.
My family and I were part of some of those stories this year as we had the privilege of fostering three dogs, Leo, Nala, and Hazel (pictured with me below). Each of them reminded me how much can change when an animal is given a place to feel safe.
We have seen a growing need among dogs arriving with behavioural challenges. In response, we introduced an Advanced Behavioural Analysis and Training Program, giving these dogs the individualized support they need to build confidence and successfully find their forever homes.
Over the summer, thanks to generous donor support, we opened two new dog exercise pens, giving dogs in our care more room to play and train, making a meaningful difference in their daily care.
We continued to invest in the next generation of animal advocates, reaching more than 1,900 children through our kids’ programs, camps, and school visits, including the launch of our popular new Humane Heroes program for teens.
2025 was also a year of meaningful progress behind the scenes. In May, we finalized the sale of our property to the Town of Oakville, opening the door to exciting possibilities ahead. We are actively exploring several promising options for a future space that will better support our animals, staff, volunteers, and growing community.
In November, we proudly launched our new brand and website, a refreshed look that reflects who we are today and the future we are building together.
None of this happens without you. Whether you donated, volunteered, fostered, adopted, or shared our work with others, you played a role in every life changed this year.
On behalf of our board, staff, volunteers, and the thousands of animals whose lives you’ve touched, thank you. I wish you and your loved ones a warm holiday season and a new year filled with hope.
With sincere gratitude,
Jeff Vallentin
Executive Director
The Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton
