The Animal Guardian Society

The Animal Guardian Society

Our Mission

The Animal Guardian Society (TAGS) is a registered charity dedicated to providing re-homing and medical care to displaced companion animals. We are committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, providing behaviour counseling, and fostering a community rooted in compassion.

Our Story

What began over 30 years ago with a single puppy found on the street has grown into Durham Region’s first established animal rescue program. Founded by Kathy Asling in 1987, TAGS was built on the belief that every displaced animal deserves a second chance at a loving home. Today, our dedicated team continues to work tirelessly to improve the lives of our canine and feline citizens.

How We Operate

TAGS is a 100% volunteer-operated organization; we have no paid staff and rely entirely on the dedication of our supporters. Our rescues are housed in a network of loving foster homes rather than a central kennel, ensuring every animal receives personal care and attention. We limit our adoptions to the Durham Region to ensure we can provide lifetime support and training to our alumni.

Your Adoption Journey

We believe in building lifelong partnerships between pets and their new families. Our thorough adoption process includes an application, home visit, and an extended trial period to ensure the perfect match for your home. We are proud to provide every adopted dog with mandatory behaviour training, setting both you and your new companion up for long-term success.

Join Our Community

Ready to meet your new best friend? We invite you to explore our available pets or reach out to our volunteer team with any questions. Together, we can continue to create happy tails and ensure every animal finds a safe and nurturing forever home.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 7, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedFoster-Based
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Staff dedication and support
  • Structured adoption process
Visit Us At

1970 Concession Rd 9, Blackstock, ON L0B 1B0, Canada

905-263-8247
Filters