Greater Toronto Area (GTA homeowners deal with raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and bats every season – and the damage they leave behind adds up fast. We reviewed six wildlife removal companies serving Toronto, and Critter Hero tops the list for humane methods, 24/7 availability, and full-service damage repair.
This guide covers all six providers, a side-by-side comparison, and a checklist of what to verify before signing any agreement.
1. Critter Hero – Best Overall for Humane Wildlife Removal Near Toronto
Critter Hero has protected GTA and Hamilton homes from wildlife for over 15 years, delivering ethical, same-day removal backed by full-service repair [4]. Their team covers raccoon removal, squirrel exclusion, skunk control, bat eviction, and attic restoration – all under one roof.
Technicians at Critter Hero use live traps and one-way door systems to safely relocate animals without harm, keeping their approach consistent with Ontario’s animal welfare standards [2]. No poisons, no shortcuts, and no damage to the animals being removed.
Critter Hero also offers flexible monthly installment plans, making emergency wildlife removal more manageable for families facing unexpected repair costs.
Pros:
- 15+ years of experience across the GTA and Hamilton
- Strictly humane methods: live traps and one-way doors only
- Same-day assessments and 24/7 emergency response
- Full-service: removal, attic restoration, and structural repair
- Flexible monthly payment plans
Cons:
- Based in Ancaster – travel times to far-eastern GTA communities may be longer
- Fewer third-party review platforms compared to larger national brands
Best For: GTA homeowners who need fast, humane, end-to-end wildlife removal from a locally rooted GTA provider.
2. SWAT Wildlife
SWAT Wildlife provides professional raccoon removal and full animal exclusion services across Toronto and the GTA, with a focus on structural prevention and long-term results. Their five-year premium value packs bundle removal, proofing, and a one-year workmanship guarantee into a single competitive price.
Every SWAT Wildlife job begins with a full property assessment so homeowners understand the scope of work and costs before any technician starts.
Pros:
- Strong specialization in raccoon exclusion and structural proofing
- Five-year value pack with a one-year workmanship guarantee
- Transparent pre-job property assessments
Cons:
- Central Toronto base – Easter GTA bookings may require advance scheduling
- Certifications are not prominently displayed on their website
Best For: Homeowners with recurring raccoon entry points who want a bundled removal-and-prevention package with a multi-year value plan.
3. SOS Wildlife Control
SOS Wildlife Control earns a 10/10 HomeStars rating from more than 280 verified customer reviews, placing them among the most trusted wildlife removal services in the GTA. Every job includes a thorough 360-degree property inspection, and all completed work comes with a fully backed warranty.
Their team runs regular hours Monday through Sunday from 7 am to 7 pm, with a dedicated 24/7 emergency line for active wildlife intrusions across Toronto and surrounding communities.
Pros:
- 10/10 HomeStars rating with 280+ verified reviews
- 360-degree property inspection with every job
- Fully backed warranty on all completed work
- 24/7 emergency line; regular hours Monday-Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Cons:
- Visits are by appointment only – no walk-in or immediate drop-in service
- Email contact is not prominently listed on their website
Best For: Homeowners who want documented inspections and warranty-backed protection before signing off on any wildlife removal work.
4. Empire Wildlife Control
Empire Wildlife Control operates directly in Eastern GTA with guaranteed wildlife removal and animal control services. Their local footprint makes them one of the few providers specifically calibrated to the area’s suburban and semi-rural wildlife patterns.
The company backs every job with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and runs 24/7, handling raccoons, squirrels, skunks, and birds across residential and commercial properties throughout the region.
Pros:
- Directly serves Eastern GTA communities
- 100% satisfaction guarantee on all completed jobs
- 24/7 availability for homeowners
- Local knowledge of Eastern GTA-specific wildlife behaviour
Cons:
- Smaller team – complex, multi-point jobs may need longer lead times
- Publicly listed certifications are limited
Best For: Eastern GTA residents who want a locally based company with direct knowledge of wildlife activity in their specific neighborhood.
5. Wildlife Removal Pro
Wildlife Removal Pro delivers round-the-clock emergency wildlife control across Toronto and the GTA, backed by more than 20 years of hands-on industry experience. Their rapid-response model suits homeowners who cannot wait for a next-day appointment when an animal has already breached the attic or walls.
The team handles raccoons, squirrels, bats, skunks, and snakes using humane trapping and exclusion methods consistent with Ontario’s wildlife handling standards [1].
Pros:
- True 24/7 emergency service, including weekends and holidays
- 20+ years of GTA wildlife removal experience
- Handles both residential and commercial properties
Cons:
- Pricing transparency on their website is limited
- Social media presence is relatively thin
Best For: Homeowners facing urgent, after-hours wildlife emergencies who need a technician on-site as quickly as possible.
6. Brilliex Pest Control
Brilliex Pest Control brings 15+ years of experience in both pest management and wildlife removal across Toronto and the GTA, with a base in Richmond Hill. They hold membership with the Structural Pest Management Association of Ontario (SPMAO), confirming verified industry training and professional compliance standards.
Their dual specialization makes them a practical choice for homeowners facing pests and wildlife simultaneously in the same roof.
Pros:
- SPMAO member – verified professional training and compliance
- Handles pest control and wildlife removal in a single service visit
- 24-hour emergency line available
- 15+ years of experience across the GTA
Cons:
- Richmond Hill base means longer travel times to eastern communities
Best For: Homeowners dealing with both a pest infestation and a wildlife problem who want one provider to handle both issues efficiently.
Quick Comparison: 6 Best Wildlife Removal Companies Near Toronto
| Company | Best For | Serves Eastern GTA? | 24/7 | Warranty | Notable Feature |
| Critter Hero | Best Overall | Yes – GTA-wide | Yes | Yes | Payment plans + full repairs |
| SWAT Wildlife | Raccoon Specialists | Yes – GTA | Yes | 1-year guarantee | 5-year value packs |
| SOS Wildlife Control | Warranty-Backed Inspections | Yes – GTA | Yes | Fully backed | 10/10 HomeStars, 280+ reviews |
| Empire Wildlife Control | Eastern GTA Locals | Yes – East GTA -specific | Yes | 100% satisfaction | East GTA based |
| Wildlife Removal Pro | 24/7 Emergency | Yes – GTA | Yes | Yes | 20+ years experience |
| Brilliex Pest Control | Pest + Wildlife Combo | Yes – GTA | Yes | Yes | SPMAO member |
What to Look for in a Wildlife Removal Company
GTA homeowners need more than a quick search to find a reliable wildlife removal provider. These are the factors that matter most before signing any agreement.
- Ontario Licensing Requirements
Ontario law requires all wildlife removal operators to hold a Nuisance Wildlife Control Operator (NWCO) licence under the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act [1]. Always ask to see this licence before allowing any technician onto your property – unlicensed operators may use methods that are both illegal and harmful.
- Humane Practices
Reputable companies rely on live trapping, one-way door systems, and exclusion strategies over extermination [2]. Ontario’s animal welfare framework strongly discourages lethal removal for non-dangerous species, so confirm the company’s methods before booking.
- Guarantees and Warranties
A trustworthy wildlife removal company offers a re-entry guarantee and an exclusion warranty ranging from 1 to 5 years. If an animal re-enters through a sealed point during the warranty period, the company should return at no additional cost.
- Response Time
Same-day availability protects homeowners when animals are actively nesting in attics or crawlspaces. Confirm whether the company offers true after-hours emergency service before you need it.
- Damage Repair Services
Many wildlife removal providers also handle the aftermath – insulation replacement, soffit repair, and entry point sealing. Choosing a company that covers both removal and repair saves homeowners the hassle of coordinating two separate contractors.
- Red Flags to Avoid
Unlicensed operators present real risks for homeowners – as do companies that use poison on non-rodent animals, refuse to provide a written quote, or rely on pressure tactics to close a sale [1]. If a company cannot produce a valid NWCO licence on request, do not proceed.
- Insurance and Liability
General liability insurance protects homeowners if property damage occurs during the removal process. Confirm that the company carries this coverage before any work begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does wildlife removal cost?
Wildlife removal in the GTA generally ranges from $150 to $500+, depending on the species, severity of the intrusion, and the scope of repair work required. Most reputable companies offer a free or low-cost property inspection before providing a written quote, so homeowners know what to expect upfront.
Is wildlife removal covered by home insurance in Ontario?
Home insurance in Ontario typically does not cover wildlife removal as a standalone service [3]. Some policies may cover property damage caused by the intrusion itself, such as chewed wiring or compromised insulation – homeowners should contact their insurer directly to confirm what is and is not included before hiring a removal company.
What animals are most commonly removed near Toronto?
Raccoons, squirrels, skunks, bats, and starlings are the most frequently removed wildlife across Toronto [1]. Raccoons are especially active in suburban communities during spring and late summer nesting seasons.
Does Critter Hero serve Eastern GTA?
Critter Hero serves the Greater Toronto Area, including its eastern communities [4]. Homeowners can book a same-day assessment by calling (289) 270-5764 or visiting critterhero.com directly.
What makes Critter Hero different from other wildlife removal companies near Toronto?
Critter Hero combines 15+ years of hands-on GTA experience with strictly humane removal methods, full-service attic restoration, and flexible monthly payment plans – a combination most competitors do not offer [4]. Their payment options make unexpected wildlife emergencies significantly more manageable for families on a budget.
Bottom Line
GTA homeowners need a wildlife removal company that shows up fast, works humanely, and handles the full job from removal to repair. Critter Hero delivers all three.
With 15+ years of GTA experience, strictly humane methods, same-day response, and flexible monthly payment plans, Critter Hero stands out as the most complete option for homeowners across GTA, and surrounding communities.
If a raccoon has breached your attic or a skunk has moved under your deck, Critter Hero is the call to make first. You may reach them at (289) 270-5764 or critterhero.com.
References
[1] Government of Ontario. (1997). Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1997. Ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/97f41
[2] Government of Ontario. (n.d.). Harass, capture or kill a wild animal damaging private property. Ontario.ca. https://www.ontario.ca/page/harass-capture-or-kill-wild-animal-damaging-private-property
[3] Financial Consumer Agency of Canada. (n.d.). Home insurance. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/insurance/home.html
[4] Critter Hero. (n.d.). About Critter Hero | 15 years of experience in wildlife removal. critterhero.com. https://critterhero.com/about-us