Markham Animal Adoption & Education Centre (MAAEC)

Located at the Thornhill Community Centre and Library, the MAAEC operates in partnership with the Ontario SPCA. It is the first municipally funded adoption storefront in Ontario and works to reduce euthanasia rates in York Region.

Since opening in 2016, the MAAEC has helped find new homes for more than 1,170 animals, welcomed approximately 60,000 visitors, hosted countless community events and logged over 3,000 volunteer hours.

Keep an eye out for education events and other exciting pet adoption news.


The Markham Animal Adoption & Education Centre (MAAEC) is open on dedicated dates only for adoption events. Appointments are not required for these events, please just drop in!

2025 Adoption Events

  • Saturday, August 16th to Sunday, August 17th
  • Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, September 21st
  • Saturday, October 18th to Sunday, October 19th
  • Saturday, November 15th to Sunday, November 16th
  • Saturday, December 13th to Sunday, December 14th

View all available animals for adoption through the Ontario SPCA

Event Information

Date: Ongoing
Location: Markham Animal Adoption & Education Centre