About Our Cause
For hearts of all sizes.
In Canada, pets - from dogs and cats to bunnies and hamsters - are cherished members of millions of households. Roughly two-thirds of Canadians share their lives with animal companions who provide joy, comfort, and emotional support.
It's truly a symbiotic relationship: pets enrich their families in so many ways, while caregivers provide much more than just the basics of housing and food. Pets and their humans create a deep bond, and from these bonds arises a growing concern and dedication to animal welfare causes.
That's where Steps for Pets comes in. This event is a community-focused fundraising walk where participants & their pets walk together to raise money and awareness for the care and support of animals. The event benefits local animal rescues, shelters and adoption organizations, providing funding for shelter care, medical treatment, adoption services, and other pet-related programs. By encouraging people to walk with their pets and fundraise, the event brings people and pets together for good.
Stats
Canada by the numbers
Nearly 30 million pets lived in Canadian homes in 2024 - and that number continues to grow.
About 80% of Canadian households have at least one pet.
Canada is truly a nation of pet lovers! 4 out of 5 households share their lives with an animal.
Pets outnumber children in Canada by nearly 4 to 1.
Animals in Need
In the first quarter of 2024 alone, Canadian shelters recorded over 21,000 animal admissions - a 20% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Thousands of animals are rescued from neglect or dangerous situations every year in communities across Canada.
Millions of cats and dogs rely on community support for care, shelter, and the chance to find loving homes.
Canadian shelters and humane societies perform thousands of spay and neuter surgeries every year to prevent overpopulation and improve animal welfare.