Toronto Animal Services staff recognized for homing efforts

Eric Coulson (Pets Plus Us) & 
James McLean (Toronto Animal Services)

Toronto Animal Services has been a major player in the Urban Animal industry. Their municipal licensing compliance rates, mobile chip truck and collaboration with local cat TNR groups has earned them respect within the Care and Control sector and across the entire industry.

James McLean, Animal Control Officer with TAS, secured the esteem of his colleagues for his drive and commitment to homeless dogs, not only at work but also during his free time. For this, McLean was presented with a 2013 Summit Award for Homing during the 2013 Summit Award Tour in October. 

His nominator, Animal Services veterinarian Esther Attard, who received the 2012 Summit Award for Individual Achievement, said McLean is a great resource for Toronto Animal Services and is often called upon to find homes for some harder to place animals. 

"James is a remarkable individual who devotes his work and home life to rehoming as many animals as he possibly can," she said. "He has developed a barn program for cats and can even find a spot for chickens, ducks and doves. The mill dogs are his latest triumph - he can see past their hopelessness and has the ability to match them up with incredible people for a truly storybook ending." 

The 2013 Summit for Homing, sponsored by IAMS Canada, recognizes an organization that demonstrates innovation, commitment and success in the homing of animals through adoption, sale, return-to-owner, rehoming and/or fostering programs.