TORONTO, ON / AGILITYPR.NEWS / February 11, 2026 / Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms — including the special bond people share with their pets. While chocolates, flowers, and sweet treats are popular gifts, some traditional Valentine’s items can pose risks to animals if not handled with care. Toronto Humane Society is encouraging pet guardians to include their companions in the celebration safely, while also giving back to animals in need through its Valentine’s Day Love Basket campaign. 

Keep Chocolate and Sweets Out of Reach 

Chocolate, candies, and sugar-free treats containing xylitol can be toxic to dogs and cats. Pet guardians are reminded to store Valentine’s confections securely and to avoid sharing human sweets with animals, even in small amounts. 

Choose Pet-Friendly Gifts 

Instead of edible gifts meant for people, consider pet-safe treats, enrichment toys, or a new cozy blanket. These thoughtful alternatives allow pets to be part of the day without the health risks associated with human foods. 

Watch Decorations and Packaging 

Ribbons, cellophane, balloons, and small decorative items can be choking or ingestion hazards. Keep gift wrap and décor out of paws’ reach or dispose of packaging promptly.

Turn Love Into Lifesaving Care 

This Valentine’s Day, community members can also extend their compassion to animals who need extra support by participating in Toronto Humane Society’s Valentine’s Day Love Basket campaign. A Love Basket helps provide essential veterinary care, enrichment, and compassionate support for shelter animals and pets in the community facing barriers to care. 

Choose How You Share Your Love: 

• $25 Sweetheart Love Basket – Provides comforting treats, enrichment toys, and vaccines — helping shelter animals and community pets receive the support they need to stay healthy and feel loved.   

• $75 True Love Basket – Gifts treats, toys, and enhanced medical care and enrichment—supporting recovery, comfort, and stability.  

• $100 Ultimate Love Basket – Delivers treats, toys, and urgent medical treatment for animals in our shelter and in the community—helping pets heal, thrive, and stay with the families who cherish them.  

As a small token of appreciation, supporters receive a heartfelt love letter along with photos and a short video compilation of pets enjoying the treats and toys made possible by their generosity. 

“Valentine’s Day is a meaningful opportunity to show care not only to our own pets, but also to animals who may be waiting for medical support, comfort, or their next chapter,” said Lauralee Dorst, Director, Community Animal Welfare for Toronto Humane Society. “Simple safety steps at home, paired with community generosity, can make a life-changing difference.”

Learn more or purchase a gift at https://www.torontohumanesociety.com/lovebasket