Summer has almost arrived in Toronto, which means you’ll soon be spending more time outside with your furry friend. And the more time spent outdoors, the more chance your dog will encounter ticks.

Ticks are more common in cities than we think, often found in urban parks, backyards, and near bodies of water. In fact, tick sightings in the GTA have increased by 38% from previous years.

The amount of ticks in the city is on the rise – and these little critters need homes too! That’s why the world’s first Tick Adoption Centre is set to open in Toronto this month.

Photo by Joe Caione/Unsplash

Toronto's newest Tick Adoption Centre, located at 663 Queen Street West, is running on May 13 and May 14. The centre's focus is on providing your doggo with its very own emotional support tick. Its expert team of well-esteemed tickticians will carefully match your pooch with their perfect tick friend.

Among the ticks currently waiting for a buddy at the Tick Adoption Centre is Jellybean. A small and sweet little lady, Jellybean loves being outside, where she can nuzzle up close with her doggie. Once you meet her, you’ll wonder how you and your dog ever got along without her.

Photo by Alexander Klimm/Unsplash

When you think about it, ticks really have a lot in common with dogs. They've got an appreciation for the great outdoors, an appetite for affection, and a seriously strong attachment style, which makes them great emotional support companions.

They're also social butterflies, and they love the company of others, especially those with fur. If they don’t find the companionship they so desperately need, these creepy eight-legged parasites will end up feeling pretty down in the dumps.

However, it's important to remember that once your dog and its tick form a bond, things can get pretty toxic... Tick adoption isn't for everyone. If you want to save your dog from a one-sided, parasitic relationship and potential diseases like Lyme, there's one surefire way to do so: use prevention products.

K9 Advantix II is a vet-approved topical treatment that is applied monthly to protect dogs from fleas and ticks, as well as lice, mosquitoes, and stable flies.

K9 Advantix II stays on your dog's skin and works through contact to kill fleas and ticks. If ticks can't bite, they can't spread harmful diseases.

Photo by Kirill Iudin/Unsplash

K9 Advantix II can treat fur babies of all sizes. Whether you have a pint-sized pup or a big ol' pooch, it's got you covered. So, you can have peace of mind and enjoy more tail-wagging fun.

To find out more, head down to the pop-up "Tick Adoption Centre" at 663 Queen Street West on May 13 and May 14, or visit tickadoption.ca

TICKSclaimer: There is no tick adoption centre, obviously, nor is this a tick adoption initiative. While cute in size, ticks bite, suck, and transmit dangerous diseases. This information has been provided for educational and tick-prevention purposes. Because ticks are totally ick!