What's the real cost of that doggie in the window?

Holiday shopping usually means a trip to the mall, where shining window displays entice frazzled consumers. But if you’ve ever wandered by a pet store and had your heart strings tugged by a forlorn-looking puppy, you should think twice before you reach for your wallet.

Currently there is no municipal bylaw governing Ottawa pet stores, meaning there are no local enforceable standards of care or restrictions on where animals come from. Even seven years after amalgamation, the City of Ottawa has yet to pass a pet store, kennel and breeding bylaw to protect Ottawa's animals.

If you care about animals, please consider contacting your city councillor to urge him or her act on this important issue.

• Find contact information for city councillors
• View a list of reputable pet stores that help us to adopt cats
• Read what the OHS would like to see in the bylaw
• Read the OHS position statement on companion animal suppliers

  Give with meaning

If the thought behind the gift is important to you, why not consider adding ethical gifts to your shopping bag this holiday season? Whether it's a fair-trade object, or something "green", ethical gifts can help others or help the Earth. And if you’re not keen on giving an object — especially to someone who has everything — a charitable gift can be a good solution.

For animal lovers on your list, a donation to your local humane society is a way to help homeless, neglected and abused animals in your community. For someone who already has a house full of animals, or is unable to have a pet, a humane society gift will help provide food, medical care and a new home for thousands of cats, dogs and small animals across Ottawa.

Make a tribute or Christmas gift to the OHS.

  Give a cat a home for the holidays

While winter is traditionally a less hectic time of year at the OHS, this season has seen a marked increase in the number of stray cats coming into the shelter. In the past two weeks, close to 400 cats have come through our doors, many of them suffering the effects of frigid temperatures.

Despite our best efforts, only five per cent of these cats are ever returned to their owners. If you don't have a hectic holiday planned, the festive season can be a good time to add a new pet to your family, provided you have time to spend integrating the cat into his new home.

View the cats currently available for adoption.

  Tips for a safe festive season

Seasonal celebrations can pose potential hazards for your pet, including toxic plants, dangerous decorations or sweet treats that can lead to digestive problems. Follow these tips to keep your pets safe and healthy so they can enjoy the festivities with you.