One of Canada’s most respected voices in animal advocacy, Suzana Gartner has spent years championing compassion, care, and stronger protections for animals, inspiring admiration among animal lovers and community members.

On June 6th, Suzana will bring that mission to Toronto with a book signing at Indigo Manulife Centre, where her book tour will help spotlight animal adoption and the organizations working to give dogs a second chance. The event runs from noon to 4:00 pm and is part of a broader community-focused effort that connects people to the urgent, deeply human work of animal welfare.

With a background as an animal lawyer and former Director at the Etobicoke Humane Society, Suzana’s work sits at the intersection of law, education, storytelling, and advocacy. Through her book, A Voice for Animals: The Social Movement That Provides Dignity and Compassion to Animals, she delves into creating a more compassionate world for animals while encouraging people to see advocacy as something they can take part in within their own communities.

Ahead of her Toronto stop, we connected with Suzana to discuss her journey, the importance of animal advocacy, the inspiration behind her book, and how her tour is helping shine a light on animal adoption.

Editor’s Note: Responses have been edited for length and clarity.

How did you first get involved in animal advocacy?

My journey into animal advocacy started when I was a child. I felt a deep empathy for animals early on. I first read the book “Bambi” and related to the animals as my friends, and spent time with neighborhood cats feeding them. I think I was already an animal advocate. Then we adopted a small Chihuahua named George, but our building didn’t allow us to keep him, so my mom found a family to take him. That injustice fueled my path in animal advocacy. As a teenager, I volunteered at animal shelters as a dog walker. Later, I volunteered for a municipal council, and we worked to update municipal animal protection bylaws to address and prevent the euthanasia of shelter animals, which inspired my law career

Why is animal advocacy important, and what do you wish more people understood about the movement?

Animal advocacy is about social justice. It’s important because it inspires us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. I wish more people understood that there is so much that can be done to help animals, including making compassionate choices in our everyday lives, from adopting shelter animals to speaking up for them to our consumer choices.

How has your background as an animal lawyer and former Director at the Etobicoke Humane Society shaped your approach to animal advocacy?

Being an animal lawyer defending animals in a legal system that still views animals as “property” was challenging, but it motivated me to speak up for systemic change. Launching the first animal rights law firm in Canada helped me to understand the challenges and what is needed for animals to have legal standing. My background as a Director at the Etobicoke Humane Society taught me firsthand about the realities in shelters, rescuing animals, learning their stories, and their resilience.

These experiences made me a stronger advocate, and they led me to advocate for stronger legal protections for animals in our legal system and in shelters.

What is your inspiration for the book?

The inspiration for my book, A Voice for Animals, began when I lost my best canine friend, Charlie. As I began writing to honor my dog’s memory, we lost our beloved cat, Jackson. What started as a personal tribute and way to cope with these losses turned into a mission to speak up for other shelter animals, who are often overlooked. I want to shine a light on shelter animals and include heartwarming stories. I went back to volunteering at animal shelters and met another dog, Gucci, who was abandoned, but luckily my mom adopted him. I also started visiting farms and wildlife sanctuaries and connecting with other animals. I became inspired to speak up for all animals, advocating for their dignity, respect, and compassion.

I was taken on a personal journey to relate to animals, which transformed me and helped me to create a roadmap for others to hopefully become inspired.

Your book focuses on dignity and compassion for animals. What message do you hope readers take away from it?

I hope readers walk away understanding that their individual actions can make a difference for animals. Compassion for animals can be practiced through small, everyday choices. I provide readers with takeaway messages and offer practical tools to make a difference. I want to inspire readers to take action for animals in whatever way they feel comfortable.

For people who care about animals but do not know where to start, what are some simple ways they can support animal welfare in their own communities?

I would suggest they start with their hearts and follow their passions. For instance, I share my personal journey and experience volunteering with animal shelters, as they always need help. Still, they can also contact their local wildlife rescue or reach out to animal organizations or advocacy groups in their area. In my book, I offer a resource list at the back.

Suzana reminds people that advocacy can begin in simple but meaningful ways: learning more, supporting local Humane Societies, sharing resources, opening conversations, and recognizing the dignity of the animals around us.

You can meet Suzana in person on June 6th, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Indigo Manulife Centre during her book tour, supporting animal welfare initiatives.

You can keep up with her activities on Instagram and website.

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