WHO WE ARE > About Us
About Us
Link T.O. was established in 2017 by a group of three women. As both feminists and animal lovers, they saw a need in Toronto and the G.T.A. for a program that helped survivors of domestic violence find safe places for their pets while the survivors themselves found safety. Inspired by similar pet fostering programs in the States, they decided to create a program unique to Toronto and
surrounding areas.
Their goal is to remove one major barrier facing many survivors and their families.
Mission, Vision, and Values
MISSION
Link T.O. aims to end the abuse of humans and animals in Ontario by educating community health workers, law enforcement officials, animal care professionals, and the public about the interconnectedness of all types of violence, and by establishing programs that provide direct assistance to those who experience abuse.
VISION
Our vision is an informed and supportive community, where violence against one is understood as violence against all, whether human or animal.
VALUES
Our work is guided by the following values:
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Respect: We believe that all living beings have inherent value and are deserving of respect in thought and in action;
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Solidarity: We understand “the link” to be a community-based problem, requiring a community-based solution from diverse individuals united by a common purpose;
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Inclusivity: We recognize the significance of the human-animal bond, and we therefore strive to alleviate suffering in all family relationships, regardless of species (human or non-human) or of age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, or religious affiliation;
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Humility: We aim to unite all front-line professionals and academics who are interested in understanding “the link” and working towards ending violence in families. Our goal is to alleviate suffering, and individual/professional egos are secondary in so far as they interfere with this goal.
