Farley Foundation

We raised over $75,000 on Giving Tuesday!

We’re thrilled to share that the Farley Foundation’s 2025 Giving Tuesday campaign raised $77,843 and counting! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community of supporters, pets and families across Ontario will receive the care and support they need when it matters most. A few very special thank-yous: Our dedicated anonymous Farley donor, who once again matched the first $2,500 in donations for the third consecutive year! Your ongoing generosity continues to change lives and bring hope to pet families across Ontario. Boehringer Ingelheim, which returned this year with a $10,000 challenge match that kept the momentum strong all day long. We’re so grateful for your continued partnership and commitment to helping pets in need. And mostly importantly, the over 355 generous supporters who came together on Giving Tuesday to make this campaign such a success. Because of you, more than 128 pet families will receive care, and the Farley Foundation can help provide: Life-saving diagnostic tests that guide the best possible care. Emergency surgeries that offer pets a second chance at life. Critical hospitalizations and recovery care to help pets heal. Hope and peace of mind for families who can’t imagine life without their beloved companions. On behalf of the Farley Foundation, and the pet families we’re able to help, thank you for being the reason behind so many second chances. Your generosity ensures families across Ontario can stay together, no matter the circumstances. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. P.S. Missed Giving Tuesday? It’s not too late to make a difference. Donate now and help us continue this vital work.

Mark your calendar for Giving Tuesday!

The Farley Foundation is once again participating in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2! This incredible global day of giving harnesses the power of people like you to create real change and uplift communities. Together, we’re joining a movement where millions of hearts beat as one to do good, and we invite you to join us for this powerful, feel-good day! Our goal: $50,000 to keep pets healthy and happy Imagine a world where every pet has access to the veterinary care they need. At the Farley Foundation, we believe that no pet parent should have to choose between their pet’s health and their own financial stability. With your help, we can reach our goal of $50,000 and keep more pets with their families where they belong. Double the impact of your gift Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, the first $2,500 in donations on Dec. 2 will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your $50 gift becomes $100, and your $100 turns into $200, doubling the power of your kindness to help even more pets. And there’s more! Once we reach a milestone of 100 donors, an additional $10,000 matching gift from our friends at Boehringer Ingelheim will be unlocked, helping us make an even greater impact. Your gift doesn’t just change one life, it changes two. Like it did for Gabi and her family. Gabi, a nine-year-old Labrador retriever, developed painful bladder stones and required urgent surgery. “She was in so much discomfort, and without your generous assistance, we wouldn’t have been able to move forward with the treatment she so badly needed,” say owners Erin and Lester. “Three weeks after her surgery, she was back to her happy, playful self again. Seeing her pain-free has been such a tremendous relief and joy. This life-changing surgery would not have been possible without The Farley Foundation. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.” Because of supporters like you, Gabi’s story has a happy ending, but there are still so many pets waiting for their chance. Are you ready to make a difference this Giving Tuesday? Mark your calendar and visit our Giving Tuesday donation page on Dec. 2! Every share, every dollar, and every act of kindness counts! Let’s come together this Giving Tuesday to be part of something bigger—a wave of generosity and love that reaches pets and families across our community. Join us and make an impact that lasts! Make your Giving Tuesday donation and change lives today!

Fundraise for Farley Month is here: learn how you can support the campaign

Cat with Farley Foundation keychain.

Fundraise for Farley Month is officially here, and we couldn’t be more excited to launch this year’s campaign! Every year, we’re amazed by the incredible support from veterinary clinics, dedicated staff, industry partners and generous supporters who rally together to make a difference for the foundation. Thanks to your generosity, last year’s campaign raised over $230,000 during our month-long fundraiser. Although this was an amazing achievement, we’re setting our sights even higher and aiming to raise $240,000 this year. By participating in this year’s campaign, you can help us meet this ambitious target and directly impact pets and families in need.   What is Fundraise for Farley month? Held annually in October, Fundraise for Farley Month is the foundation’s largest fundraising event. During the month-long campaign, hundreds of veterinary clinics across Ontario hold special events and fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the Farley Foundation. As the foundation’s largest campaign, Fundraise for Farley Month generates hundreds of thousands of dollars for the foundation, enabling us to continue our vital work of keeping pets with the people who love them.   How you can support the campaign There are several ways—from big to small—that supporters can contribute to the campaign. With over 300 clinics participating this year, we encourage you to check the list of participating clinics, find one near you and discover how you can support their efforts (don’t forget to ask about this year’s donor keychain!). Can’t make it to a participating clinic? No worries—you can still be a part of the action! By donating online, your contribution goes straight toward our Fundraise for Farley Month goal, helping pets and families in need. Every dollar counts, and your support will have an immediate impact! Want to do more? Consider hosting your own fundraiser! Whether you engage your family and friends or plan a physical event in support of the foundation, your creativity can help raise both awareness and funds for the foundation. If the above suggestions aren’t possible for you, you can still make an impact by engaging with our social media posts on Facebook, Instagram and X. You can also help us spread the word by sharing our campaign with your family, friends and coworkers.   Why your support matters Fundraise for Farley Month isn’t just about raising money—it’s about saving lives, preserving families, and offering hope. When pets are in need of urgent care, families often face impossible choices. Your support ensures that no pet has to be left behind because of financial hardship. By donating to Fundraise for Farley Month, you’re not just giving money—you’re giving a family more time with a beloved companion, helping a pet in pain find relief, and restoring hope to those who feel helpless. Every contribution, no matter the size, can change a life. Together, we can keep more pets where they belong—in the arms of the families who cherish them.   Join us to make this year’s Fundraise for Farley Month the most impactful yet! Help us reach our goal of raising $240,000 by making a gift online or supporting a participating clinic—your support will enable more people to provide their pets with essential veterinary care. Let’s make a difference, one paw at a time!

Ride for Farley recap: cycling for pets in need

Ride for Farley cyclists smiling.

After months of dedicated planning, the Farley Foundation proudly kicked off the 2024 Ride for Farley on Sept. 14 in Milton, Ont., bringing together animal lovers and supporters for a memorable day of cycling and community. The day began with our team cheering off animal lovers cycling for pets in need and ended on a high note with crowds of supporters joining us for a celebratory gathering. Together, we raised more than $66,000 for people and pets in need! For those who were unable to join us, here’s a recap of the remarkable day.   Nine cyclists (and one dog) cruising around Milton in record-breaking time With the sun shining and spirits high, nine cyclists (and one loyal dog) took to Milton’s scenic roads for a 50-km ride in support of pets in need. The riders were divided into two teams: Team Green, with five cyclists, set off at 9:20 a.m., followed 10 minutes later by Team Blue, which included four riders and Abby the dog. While it isn’t a competition, we want to highlight that our first group of riders broke a record by returning in less than three hours! Adding to the day’s success, three more supporters participated remotely, cycling in their own communities.   A special tribute to a beloved colleague This year’s Ride for Farley commemorated a very special colleague, Dr. Dave Heaton of Three Island Veterinary Services in Bobcaygeon, Ont., whom we sadly lost earlier this year. Dr. Heaton was an avid Farley Foundation supporter, participating in the Ride for Farley for 10 years and raising more than $20,000. To pay tribute to his legacy, a group of Dr. Heaton’s family and colleagues came together in Peterborough, Ont., to honour and celebrate his life. Ten individuals from the group rallied together to raise more than $8,000 and cycle 40 km along country roads, while the remaining group of Dr. Heaton’s loved ones, including his beloved dog Pickle, walked along the river. “It was a very memorable day to honour Dave among his co-workers and family,” says Dr. Tamara Lightbody, participant and Dr. Heaton’s colleague. To further honour Dr. Heaton, a custom paw print with his initials was printed on each rider’s jersey.   A barbecue celebration to mark the occasion After the cyclists completed their journey, the celebration continued with a lively barbecue at our office. Guests enjoyed delicious barbecue dishes, live music from a DJ, complimentary pet photos, face painting and an array of games and family-friendly activities. We were also honoured to welcome Milton’s Mayor, Gordon Krantz, and MPP Zee Hamid, who joined us to show their support and take part in the festivities. More than 100 supporters joined us at the event, taking the opportunity to meet our team, learn more about the foundation’s mission, and connect with fellow animal advocates. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to support this new initiative, cheer on the cyclists, and show their dedication to making a difference for people and pets alike.   Over $61,000 raised to help people and pets in need We are so excited to announce that our 2024 Ride for Farley and community barbecue raised more than $66,000 – over $20,000 more than last year! This is an incredible accomplishment, and one that we couldn’t have achieved without the support of our sponsors, cyclists, community members and vendors. A huge thank you goes out to VetCPA, Three Island Veterinary Services, Dechra, IDEXX, Reflex Integrated, Smokin’ Bones BBQ Catering, DJ Ugo Flo, Right Choice Children’s Entertainment and Happy Tails Pet Photography for their contributions to this extremely successful event.   Help make a bigger impact Although this year’s event has come to a close, the opportunity to make a difference continues. Contribute to the Ride for Farley campaign by making a gift online or exploring other ways to support the Farley Foundation. Every donation helps pets in need. We’re already looking ahead with excitement to next year’s Ride for Farley! Keep an eye on our events page for updates and join us in changing lives for pets and their families.

Cycle, eat, celebrate: join us at our Milton community event!

Farley Foundation Milton community event promotional image.

The Farley Foundation is excited to invite our supporters and animal lovers in Halton Region to our first ever Milton community event: the Ride for Farley Community BBQ on Sept. 14. The family-friendly event will not disappoint! It’s completely free and open to everyone (including your pets). Bring your family, friends and furry companions along and join us from noon to 4 p.m. at 420 Bronte St. S. in Milton, Ont. for a great day filled with fun, food and philanthropy! Food and activities Attendees can enjoy mouth-watering food from Smokin’ Bones BBQ Catering (including options for our vegan and gluten-free friends) while grooving to the beats of Toronto’s DJ Ugo Flo. While you eat, watch your kids have a blast at our children’s activity station, where they can colour custom Farley Foundation cartoons and get their face painted by Right Choice Children’s Entertainment. In between the fun and food, don’t forget to stop by Happy Tails Pet Photography’s photo station for a free photo of your pet! We’re so excited to also welcome Milton’s Mayor, Gordon Krantz, and MPP Zee Hamid to the festivities. Farley Foundation President, Dr. Gwen Jeun, will also address our supporters and share more about our mission. “We’re thrilled to bring our community together in support of such a meaningful cause,” says Kristy Hoffmann, manager of community and donor relations. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the incredible work we do and the impact we have on people and pets in need.” The Ride for Farley The Ride for Farley Community BBQ is a new addition to our annual Ride for Farley event. The ride brings veterinary professionals, families, friends and the community together to cycle 50 or 100 km around the Milton area. Each rider raises funds to support the foundation’s vision that every pet deserves access to veterinary care. The ride officially started in 2005 with one lone cyclist navigating the hilly terrain of northern Ontario and raising $3,000 for the foundation. Today, the event has evolved into dozens of participants getting active in different ways across the province. To date, the Ride for Farley has raised more than $1.1 million. This year, we’re aiming to raise $50,000 to continue helping people and pets in need. Whether you want to participate in the ride or come to the community barbecue, we’d love for you to join us! Make a difference The Ride for Farley is a great opportunity to get active and accomplish a goal while supporting a great cause. If you’re interested in joining the cycling event but you’re a little leery, don’t worry; our support vehicles will be with you along the way to help you however you may need—from motivation to snacks! If you’re interested in cycling, review our FAQ sheet and rider registration form. You can also contact us for more information. Our Milton community event is all about unity. Help us congratulate the cyclists, celebrate the foundation’s work, raise awareness and generate funds. “We hope everyone comes out to enjoy a day of fun and philanthropy,” says Hoffmann. “Your support helps us continue our mission and make a difference in many lives.” Ready to join the fun? RSVP for the free Ride for Farley Community BBQ to let us know you’re coming. If you can’t make it but still want to show your support,  you can help us reach our fundraising goal by making a gift online. We can’t wait to see you there. Let’s make this day unforgettable!

Your impact: 500 pets helped in three months

Farley Foundation recipient Lucy recovering from extensive dental surgery.

As we reflect on the first three months of 2024 as a pet charity in Ontario, we’re filled with gratitude for the unwavering support from our community and the countless lives we’ve touched together. From Jan. 1 to March 31, a total of 266 veterinary clinics across Ontario used Farley Foundation funding. These clinics helped an incredible 536 pets, with an additional 37 pets benefiting from our Pets to Vets program. These veterinary clinics are Ontario Veterinary Medical Association member clinics. One of the foundation’s current strategic goals is to increase member clinic participation, and to encourage more clinics to access Farley Foundation funding to support more communities across Ontario. Farley Foundation funding covers a wide array of non-elective veterinary care to assist pets in need. In the first three months of 2024, we funded 24 different veterinary treatments. These ranged from essential dental care to critical surgical interventions. A deep dive into the care received and conditions treated shows amputations, fracture repairs, exploratory surgeries, mass removals and more. The 536 pets we helped this quarter included 298 dogs, 231 cats, four birds, two rabbit, and one rat, showcasing the breadth of our impact. From the bustling streets of Toronto to the picturesque corners of Niagara and our nation’s capital of Ottawa, as a pet charity in Ontario we touched lives in 39 communities across the province in the first three months of the year. Notable locations include York (18), Wellington (24), Waterloo (20), Toronto (90), Simcoe (25), Peel (35), Ottawa (32), Niagara (25), Middlesex (12), Halton (31) and Dufferin (50). During this time, the Farley Foundation distributed nearly $245,000 in funding to subsidize non-elective veterinary care, transforming each dollar into a lifeline for those who need it most. None of this would be possible without the generosity of our supporters. We remain steadfast in our belief that every pet deserves access to veterinary care, and each day we inch closer towards our goal of doubling our impact by 2027. Together, we will continue to write stories of compassion, resilience and unwavering love—one pet and one family at a time.

2022 Fundraise for Farley Month raises more than $170,000!

Last October, more than 240 veterinary clinics participated in the 2022 Fundraise for Farley Month campaign, raising more than $170,000 to assist low-income pet owners in Ontario with the cost of veterinary care. Fundraise for Farley Month was first established in 2002 and has since grown to be the foundation’s largest fundraising event. During the annual month-long campaign, hundreds of veterinary clinics across Ontario hold special events and fundraisers to raise funds and awareness for the Farley Foundation. Over the last decade, Fundraise for Farley Month has raised nearly $2.5 million. Funds raised from the event are directly used to assist low-income pet owners, including those receiving government assistance, disabled individuals, seniors and women at risk of abuse, by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. In 2022, the Farley Foundation helped more than 1,250 pets and pet owners. Since its inception in 2001, the foundation has helped nearly 14,000 companion animals. Congratulations to the 2022 top fundraisers: Mississippi Veterinary Services ($16,100), Orillia & District Veterinary Services ($8,650) and Lake Country Animal Hospital ($8,031) Thank you to all the foundation’s donors and supporters for making this event such a success!

2021 Fundraise for Farley Month raises more than $120,000

Mississippi Veterinary Services team

After being cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fundraise for Farley Month returned in October 2021 with more than 290 veterinary clinics across the province raising over $120,000 to help low-income pet owners in Ontario. Fundraise for Farley Month is the foundation’s largest annual fundraiser. Funds raised help pet owners in financial need, including seniors, disabled individuals, women at risk of abuse and others receiving government assistance, by subsidizing the cost of veterinary care for their sick or injured pets. In 2021, the foundation helped more than 1,000 pets and pet owners. Congratulations to the top fundraisers: Mississippi Veterinary Services (pictured), which raised $10,000, and Orillia & District Veterinary Services, which raised $6,445. Since its establishment in 2002 by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Farley Foundation has disbursed more than $5 million to help over 12,500 pets in need. It subsidizes the cost of vital treatments, including diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization and medications. Pet owners demonstrating financial need can apply for funding through their veterinarian. The Farley Foundation extends a big thank you to the OVMA Pet Health Insurance team at Petline Insurance Company for their help distributing fundraising kits to clinics across the province. Thank you to all of the foundation’s donors and supporters for making this event such a success!  

How to fundraise during a pandemic

After postponing its largest annual fundraiser last year to help prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Farley Foundation is once again holding its annual Fundraise for Farley Month campaign in October. For veterinary clinics, businesses and supporters who are interested in fundraising but are concerned about both time management and staying safe, here are some ideas on how you can fundraise during a pandemic. Raise money online Raising money online is an easy and safe alternative to in-person fundraisers. The best way to fundraise online is through our website. By creating a fundraiser through the Farley Foundation’s giving page, fundraisers can easily collect donations while the platform handles the details, including providing instant tax receipts. Get outside Moving your event outside is a great option to ensure everyone stays safe while having fun. Some great options for outdoor fundraisers include a fun run/walk, an outdoor pet photo shoot, or a car or dog wash. There are many creative ways to host an event outside—just be follow your local public health unit’s guidelines, mandate mask-wearing, set up sanitizing stations and maintain social distancing. Maximize invoices Whether you own a veterinary clinic or a small business, such as a pet shop or grooming salon, you can use invoices to help raise money. Just like many big-box stores, when it comes time for your client or customer to pay, ask them if they would like to add $5 or $10 to their bill in support of Farley. In exchange for their donation, you can have them sign a Farley paw print to display in your window or you can gift them this year’s grocery bag fundraising item stuffed with a bunch of goodies. Request a free fundraising kit. Stick to the basics For veterinary clinics, classic fundraisers, such as donating proceeds from pet nail trims, grooming and microchips, are simple and effective, and since clients don’t need to be in the room with you, it won’t affect your clinic’s COVID-19 health and safety protocols. If your clinic has previously had success with these types of fundraisers, try them out again this year. If you run a small business, you can quickly raise funds by donating proceeds from product sales or by running a gift-matching campaign (i.e. for every $1 a customer donates, you’ll also contribute $1). Host a virtual event Virtual fundraisers, such as online auctions, trivia, paint nights and raffles, are great ways to get numerous people involved without stepping foot into the clinic or after the shop is closed. To spread awareness about your virtual fundraiser, add a special note about it on your invoices, post signs in your store, send an email to clients and customers, post about it on social media, and tell everyone in your network. Run a low commitment fundraiser If you’re simply too busy to host an event or prepare goodie bags for donors, try implementing a low commitment fundraiser such as an electronic recycling program, 50/50 draw or a bottle and can drive. These types of fundraisers require very minimal time and effort but can garner great results. Ideas for individuals You don’t need to work in a veterinary hospital or own a business to get involved. There are many individuals who volunteer their personal time to raise money for Fundraise for Farley Month. If you’re interested in running an individual fundraiser, consider hosting a yard sale or lemonade stand in support of the foundation. If you have a birthday around the campaign, you can hold a birthday fundraiser through Facebook and ask your family and friends to contribute in lieu of a gift. If you’re crafty, you can also try selling your handmade goods through a driveway pop-up shop. The possibilities are endless! Spread awareness If you’re unable to host a fundraiser, that’s OK! There are plenty of other ways that you can support the foundation, such as telling your network about the campaign and how they can contribute, sharing posts about Fundraise for Farley Month events and by donating online. Better yet, if you or your pet have a great social media following, you can help spread awareness through your platforms. Whatever you choose, don’t lose sight of the goal of Fundraise for Farley Month: to help people and pets in need. Regardless of the amount of money you raise, your support will be used to help a beloved companion animal live a happy and healthy life.

Get active at home to help people and pets

For many, the last few months have been difficult. From wearing a mask in public to establishing our social circles, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we all think and carry out everyday tasks. Although it’s been a tough adjustment, many people have taken advantage of the opportunity to spend more quality time with family, brush up on old hobbies and set new goals for themselves, just like Dr. Steph Marquette from Cassells Animal Hospital in North Bay, Ont. To make the most out of the situation, Dr. Marquette decided to challenge herself to cycle 1,000 km in one month. “In July, I decided I needed to do something for my mental and physical health to cope with the stress of COVID,” says Dr. Marquette. “I’ve always been a cyclist, as well as a very goal-oriented person, so I figured 1,000 km would be a suitable challenge for me.” Dr. Marquette set out on her journey, cycling almost every day while proudly sporting her past Ride for Farley jerseys. By the end of the month, she had surpassed her initial goal by riding a total of 1,112 km. “When I first started the ride, it was all about me,” says Dr. Marquette. “However, as I continued through the month, I realized I could be doing more – that’s when I reached out to the Farley Foundation and let them know I’d be donating $1 for each kilometre I rode.” Giving back to help people and pets As an avid supporter of the foundation, Dr. Marquette understands the impact the Farley Foundation has on the lives of countless Ontario families. With many pet owners resorting to government assistance to make ends meet during the pandemic, it’s never been more important to provide aid to individuals with pets in need of veterinary care. “The Farley Foundation provides an avenue to save a pet’s life when financial limitations are presented,” says Dr. Marquette. “In a world of gloom and doom, it feels really spectacular to tell a client, ‘We’ve got this’.” Between participating in the annual Summit Veterinary Ride for Farley for 12 years and raising money for the foundation through her clinic, Dr. Marquette continues to find ways to give back to the foundation. “As veterinary professionals, it’s important that we do our part to ensure our community has access to resources like the Farley Foundation,” says Dr. Marquette. “That involves giving back to the foundation so it can continue helping those in need.” In addition to supporting a cause that she’s passionate about, Dr. Marquette’s 1,000 km ride provided her with experiences that she’ll never forget, including catching a bright red morning sun rising over the lake and cycling three hours in non-stop rain to meet with friends. This year, the Farley Foundation is encouraging the community to get active while giving back, like Dr. Marquette. With the pandemic causing numerous job cutbacks, many individuals are forced to make difficult financial decisions, including whether they should get their sick pet help. On Sept. 12, for the first time ever, the Farley Foundation’s annual Summit Veterinary Pharmacy Ride for Farley will be held from the comfort of your own home and community. This year’s event welcomes participants of all ages to exercise however they choose. Whether you’re interested in biking, walking, swimming or spinning, you can get active to help people and pets in Ontario. With no minimum donation amount, registration fee or distance requirements, it’s easier than ever to participate.