SAVE OUR SCRUFF - REHOME & RESCUE

What SAVE OUR SCRUFF - REHOME & RESCUE does

Save Our Scruff (SOS) is a Toronto-based, volunteer-run, registered Canadian charity (Revenue Canada Charity Registration Number: 800478588RR0001) founded in 2013 by Laura Bye. The organization rescues dogs primarily from international partner organizations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Manitoba, places them in foster homes throughout Southern Ontario, and matches them with screened adoptive families through a six-step adoption process (application, reference and vet checks, interview, meet and greet, contract, and adoption trial). Its service portfolio includes the core Dog Adoption Services and Foster Program, plus the Scruff Pack monthly donor program, branded Scruff Sketch merchandise, the Tractive GPS post-adoption tracking protocol launched in April 2023, a Flight Buddy volunteer transport program, regular GTA adoption events, and Project Prevention spay and neuter initiatives supported in over 10 clinics domestically and internationally.

The business model blends one-time adoption fees ($550 for seniors, $850 for adult dogs, $950 for puppies), recurring monthly donations via the Scruff Pack, individual and corporate donations, merchandise sales through an e-commerce shop with pickup hubs in Mississauga, Hamilton, Burlington, North York, and Wasaga, and pass-through fees from required post-adoption training ($250–$850+) and Tractive GPS subscriptions (up to $144). Distribution is fully digital-plus-event: a Squarespace website serves as the central hub for applications, donations, and merchandise, while in-person adoption events at breweries, pet stores, and partner venues across the GTA handle the physical matching layer. The technology stack is intentionally lean (Squarespace, Gmail, Slack, Google Ad Grant, Petfinder, Tractive), with no proprietary platform.

The customer base spans four segments: dog adopters (primary), volunteer foster families, individual donors and Scruff Pack monthly supporters, and international partner rescue organizations. Governance sits with a 10-person Board of Directors chaired by Cynthia Vu, with Laura Bye as Founder and Jenna Bye as Executive Director. Operations are entirely volunteer-run across specialized functional teams (adoption, intake, foster, fundraising, alumni, marketing, supplies, merchandise) with 100+ active volunteers. The organization is donation-dependent and has not raised any disclosed funding rounds; it is not an investment target in the conventional venture sense but rather a community-supported non-profit with a defensible niche in international dog rescue logistics and post-adoption support.

Name

SAVE OUR SCRUFF - REHOME & RESCUE

Legal name

Save Our Scruff

Website

https://saveourscruff.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Save Our Scruff is a Toronto-based, volunteer-run Canadian charity that rescues dogs from international partner organizations, places them in Southern Ontario foster homes, and matches them with screened adopters through a structured six-step process and mandatory post-adoption training.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Rescue and Adoption Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Foster & Volunteer Network Programs (BPAGAIAF), Advocacy, Policy & Public Awareness (Animal Welfare) (BPAGAIAJ), Education & Community Outreach (Responsible Pet Ownership) (BPAGAIAK)

Keywords

• Dog rescue services
• Animal adoption
• Foster care programs
• Nonprofit spay neuter
• Pet welfare charity

Headquarters

HQ city

Toronto

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Supply Chain, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Adoption Fees: Adopters pay adoption fees ranging from $550 (seniors) to $950 (puppies up to 1 year) and $850 (dogs 1 year and older). These fees partially offset intake, supplies, vetting, training, and boarding costs. The 2024 average cost per dog ranged from $1,000-$1,800.
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization operates an online shop selling clothing (hoodies, t-shirts, track pants), hats, accessories, keychains, custom dog tags, bandanas, and gift cards. Store pickup is available at hubs in Mississauga, Hamilton, Burlington, North York, and Wasaga.
3. Donations and Monthly Giving: One-time and recurring monetary donations from individuals. The Scruff Pack monthly donor program provides predictable recurring revenue. Donors receive tax receipts (Revenue Canada Charity Registration Number: 800478588RR0001). Donate a Car Canada vehicle donation program also generates contributions.
4. Post-Adoption Services Revenue: All adopted dogs are required to enroll in formal training within 6 months of adoption, with fees ranging from $250-$850+. Adopters also pay prorated GPS subscription fees up to $144 for Tractive GPS trackers provided at adoption.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Save Our Scruff is a non-profit dog rescue organization that intakes rescue dogs from international and domestic partner organizations, places them in volunteer foster homes throughout Southern Ontario, and matches them with screened adoptive families through a multi-step application, interview, meet-and-greet, and trial adoption process. Revenue is generated through adoption fees ($550-$950), monthly donor memberships (Scruff Pack), merchandise sales, and donations, with all post-adoption support including mandatory training and Tractive GPS safety devices provided as part of the service.

Product overview

Save Our Scruff is a Toronto-based nonprofit dog rescue organization operating a single integrated service offering around dog rescue, foster care, and adoption. Its core product is the Dog Adoption Service, which coordinates the intake of rescue dogs from international and domestic partner organizations, places them in a volunteer foster network, and matches them with screened adoptive homes through a structured application, interview, and trial adoption process. Adjacent to the core adoption service, the organization runs a Foster Program for temporary dog care, a Scruff Pack monthly donor program for recurring donations, a branded merchandise line (Scruff Sketch), Project Prevention spay-and-neuter initiatives with partner rescues internationally, a Flight Buddy volunteer transport program, and regular in-person Adoption Events across Southern Ontario. The Rescue Partner Network supplies dogs from five countries (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Manitoba).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dog Adoption Services Facilitates the adoption of rescue dogs by matching them with screened adoptive homes through a structured application, reference checks, interview, meet-and-greet, and adoption trial process. Dogs are sourced from partner rescues internationally (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Manitoba) and placed in foster homes across Southern Ontario.
• Foster Program Temporary foster care program where volunteer households provide shelter, basic training, and daily care for rescue dogs until they are adopted. Save Our Scruff covers all essential supplies, vetting, and veterinary costs for fosters, who are matched with dogs based on lifestyle and experience.
• Scruff Pack Monthly Donor Program Monthly giving program where donors contribute on a recurring basis. Members receive exclusive updates, special event invites, and perks in recognition of their ongoing support.
• Scruff Sketch Merchandise Shop Branded apparel and merchandise line including hoodies, t-shirts, track pants, hats, keychains, custom dog tags, bandanas, and gift cards featuring Save Our Scruff branding and mascot Micke.
• Project Prevention Spay and Neuter Initiatives International spay and neuter prevention program coordinated through partnerships with rescue organizations in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Manitoba. Includes financial support for sponsored clinics, community education, and prevention campaigns to reduce dog overpopulation.
• Flight Buddy Program Volunteer program where individuals accompany rescue dogs on international flights from partner countries (Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Costa Rica) to Canada, serving as transport guardians during transit.
• Adoption Events In-person adoption events hosted at venues across Southern Ontario (including Left Field Brewery, Pet Valu locations, Global Pet Foods, and others) where potential adopters can meet available dogs. Events are listed on the website and promoted via newsletter and social media.

Quantifiable outcome

• Dog-Go Project has sent over 2,000 dogs to Canada; three chartered planes of 100+ dogs each have been organized.
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Montego Bay Animal Haven (Jamaica)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Partnered with SOS starting in 2020. In 2021, SOS chartered a flight taking 144 dogs from their overcrowded centre to homes in the GTA. The partnership also focuses on community spay & neuter, education, and feeding programs. SOS supported 300 community dogs at a spay & neuter campaign.
• Manitoba Animal AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019MAA works in remote areas on reserves in Northern Manitoba helping dogs and humans. SOS helps transport homeless dogs from these areas into foster homes in Ontario. MAA has no physical rescue space; SOS primarily assists with transportation. The partnership focuses on education, spay/neuter, and community dog population management.
• Charlie's Angels (Costa Rica)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018SOS founder Laura helped develop and manage the sanctuary and intake centre when it opened in 2018. SOS continues to support Charlie's Angels by flying dogs out, supplying donations, and connecting volunteers. About 25 dogs live in the shelter at a time. SOS has hosted multiple spay & neuter campaigns at the sanctuary.
• The Dog-Go Project (Mexico)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2016The Dog-Go Project is SOS's primary international rescue partner in Mexico, having sent over 2,000 dogs to Canada. Founded by Gaby, the organization built a 300-dog shelter and works with SOS on spay & neuter campaigns. SOS has chartered three planes of 100+ dogs each from this partner. The partnership supports each other's growth and rescue missions.
• Moringa's Mission (Dominican Republic)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014SOS has been financially supporting the rescue side of Moringa's Mission centre since the organization faced financial uncertainty. The partnership began when founder Laura met with a core volunteer in 2014. SOS helped establish an intake centre in 2016 and actively works to get dogs out of the shelter via flight parents and foster homes.
• Lakeview Animal Hospital (Mississauga)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary veterinary care partner. Dogs are vet checked and treated here before adoption. All foster vet appointments are coordinated through this clinic. Hand-offs between fosters and adopters can take place at this location.
• Queen West Animal Hospital (Toronto)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended vet clinic for adopters' continued dog care. Located at 923 Queen St W, Toronto, (416) 815-8387.
• Beaches Animal Hospital (Toronto)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended vet clinic for adopters' continued dog care. Located at 2304 Queen St E, Toronto, (416) 690-4040.
• Central Toronto Veterinary Referral Clinic (Toronto)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended 24-hour emergency vet clinic for adopters. Located at 1051 Eglinton Ave W, Toronto, (416) 784-4444.
• Paws Above (Recommended Trainer)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended professional dog trainer with 15 years of experience working with homeless dogs. Affiliated with 15 rescue groups in Canada, US, and Mexico. Located on a 100-acre farm offering classes and hiking groups. SOS requires all adopters to enroll in formal training.
• Unleashed in the City (Recommended Dog Services)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRecommended dog walking, daycare, boarding, and training service for adopters in downtown Toronto. Offers pack environment, orientation process, and variety of services.
• Kind Karma (Social Enterprise)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSocial enterprise employing at-risk and homeless youth in Toronto to handcraft fine jewelry. $15 from every purchase in the Save Our Scruff x Kind Karma collection is donated to SOS. Free shipping on orders over $99. Jewelry is water-resistant, tarnish-free, and fading-resistant.
• Donate A Car CanadaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerVehicle donation program. Accepts cars, trucks, RVs, boats, and motorcycles. Free towing provided in most areas. Vehicles are recycled or sold at auction, with proceeds going to SOS. Donors receive tax receipts.
• Canovas PhotographyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPet photography partner hosting pop-up photo sessions. 100% of session proceeds ($30 per 10-minute session with one professionally edited image) are donated to SOS. Hosted at Woofs & Wags Boutique in Elora, ON.
• Various Adoption Event VenuesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVenue partners hosting adoption events including Left Field Brewery (Leslieville), Pet Valu (Hamilton, Etobicoke), Global Pet Foods (Mississauga), Parker Pet Care (North York), Torchbearer Taproom (Oshawa), and Aquanova Brewery (Hamilton). These venues provide space for adoption events and community engagement.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• PetSmart Charities of Canada: National-scale animal welfare grantmaker supporting adoptions, spay/neuter, and emergency relief. Comparable in mission space and Canadian operating geography, though functions primarily as a funder rather than direct rescuer.
• Ontario SPCA and Humane Society: Provincial-scale animal welfare organization with multiple shelter locations, animal transfer programs, and Humane Society-style advocacy mandates. Comparable as a broader incumbent offering adoption and rehoming across Ontario, though operating at materially greater scale and with physical infrastructure.
• Big Dog Ranch Rescue: One of the largest US cage-free dog rescues operating a large physical ranch facility. Comparable mission (rescue, rehab, rehome of dogs), though materially larger scale and a physical-facility model rather than foster-only.

Direct peers

• Toronto Humane Society: Major Toronto-based animal welfare charity operating a physical shelter with adoption, veterinary, and community education programs. Directly comparable to SOS in target geography and primary activity (dog adoption, rehoming, community education), though it differs in operating a brick-and-mortar shelter versus SOS's foster-only model.
• Speaking of Dogs Rescue: Ontario-focused dog rescue operating a foster-based rehoming model with screening, training, and post-adoption support. Closely comparable in mission and operational structure to SOS, including community-event-driven adoption matching.
• Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (Ontario): Ontario-based rescue organization that rehomes dogs through a foster-network model similar to SOS. Comparable in operating geography, foster-based approach, and reliance on volunteers, though typically without the same international rescue flight program.

Regional players

• Misfit Manor Dog Rescue: Greater Toronto Area-based dog rescue that places dogs in foster homes and runs adoption events. Comparable in regional scope, foster model, and volunteer-driven operations.
• Fetch & Releash: Toronto-area dog rescue organization focused on rehoming dogs through volunteer networks. Comparable in regional operating geography and foster-based intake, though smaller scale than SOS's international pipeline.

Others

• Humane Society International: International animal welfare organization active in multiple countries including those where SOS sources dogs (Mexico, Costa Rica). Adjacent rather than directly competing; relevant as a global comparator for international animal welfare footprint and policy advocacy.

Emerging players

• Wags and Walks: US-based foster-driven dog rescue operating in Los Angeles and Nashville with a focus on pulling dogs from high-kill shelters. Comparable foster-only model and adoption-fee-supported structure, but US geography and municipal-shelter-pull intake differ from SOS's international sourcing.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/saveourscruff
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/save-our-scruff-rehome-rescue

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SAVE OUR SCRUFF - REHOME & RESCUE