Compassion Cabinet
Strengthen Ottawa's Safety Net for Animals
The Compassion Campaign
The Compassion Campaign is a $15 million initiative led by the Ottawa Humane Society to remove barriers to veterinary care and strengthen support for animals across our community.
At the heart of the campaign is a new Community Veterinary Clinic, which will expand access to urgent and affordable veterinary care for pets and families who might otherwise be unable to access these essential services. The campaign will also support the expansion of the West Hunt Club Road shelter to include a dedicated Behaviour and Rehabilitation Campus, helping animals recover from trauma, reduce stress, and have more opportunities to find loving homes.
A Leadership Opportunity to Advance Animal Welfare
Serving on the Capital Campaign Cabinet is a significant leadership opportunity to help solve a critical community need and shape the future of animal care in Ottawa. Cabinet members will work alongside community leaders, volunteers, and the Ottawa Humane Society team to help create and champion the vision for the Compassion Campaign—an initiative that will transform how animals in our community receive care, protection, and second chances.
As ambassadors and advocates, Cabinet members will inspire philanthropic support and rally others to be part of this important solution. Their leadership will help address growing demands for animal welfare services while building a stronger, more compassionate community.
What Is the Capital Cabinet?
The Capital Cabinet is a select group of respected business and community leaders who will help guide and champion the Compassion Campaign.
Members act as ambassadors and strategic advocates, helping to elevate awareness, strengthen partnerships, and advance long-term outcomes for animal welfare in Ottawa.
This is a leadership role focused on legacy and community impact, not an operational volunteer position.
What We Are Looking For
- A commitment to animal welfare and the mission of the Ottawa Humane Society.
- Strong community or professional networks in Ottawa.
- Experience in fundraising, leadership, or community involvement.
- The ability to act as a positive ambassador for the campaign.
Ideal candidates include executives, founders, business owners, and senior decision-makers who value strategic philanthropy and lasting community outcomes.
Roles and Expectations
- Attend Campaign Cabinet meetings (at least 75% attendance).
- Make a personal gift of $10,000 or more to the campaign.
- Help identify and connect potential donors through personal and professional networks.
- Participate in donor meetings, campaign events, and outreach activities.
- Promote the campaign within the community.
- Provide advice and feedback to staff on campaign strategy.
- Respect the confidentiality of donor and campaign information.
Engagement is structured to respect professional schedules while focusing on high-impact contributions.
The New Community Veterinary Clinic in Vanier
The new Community Veterinary Clinic will provide veterinary care for animals whose families face barriers to accessing treatment, community support programs, and a central location for learning about animal welfare.
By offering care at critical moments and preventing crisis before it strikes, the clinic will keep loving families together and ensure more pets can live a happy, healthy life.
The clinic will:
- Provide subsidized veterinary services for animals whose owners meet income qualifications;
- Centralize community support programs like the OHS Emergency Pet Food Bank;
- Improve animal health and well-being through early intervention;
- Keep pets with the people who love them and help ensure the OHS is available for the animals who truly have no one else; and,
- Strengthen Ottawa’s ecosystem of care for animals.
Why This Clinic Matters
When a pet can’t access veterinary care, it means suffering for them and the people who love them. Delayed treatment can lead to worsening medical conditions, preventable suffering, and, in some cases, the separation of a loving family.
The Community Veterinary Clinic will keep families together, protect the human-animal bond, and support responsible pet ownership across Ottawa. The clinic will be a much-needed addition to Ottawa’s ecosystem of animal care.
In addition to the new clinic in Vanier, the Compassion Campaign will expand the West Hunt Club Road shelter to include a dedicated Behaviour and Rehabilitation Campus (BARC).
The BARC is a revolution in shelter care, creating specialized environments that support behavioural recovery, reduce stress, and improve the total welfare of homeless cats and dogs with complex behavioural needs.
The BARC will include:
- Larger kennels designed to improve comfort and recovery conditions;
- Enriched quiet zones that support behavioural rehabilitation;
- Dedicated walking paths that encourage movement and enrichment;
- Outdoor dog runs that promote physical and behavioural health; and,
- Dedicated walking paths with trees that encourage movement and enrichment.
The BARC will make more second chances possible for an increasing number of animals coming to the OHS with complex behavioural needs.
Behaviour and Rehabilitation Campus (BARC) at the West Hunt Club Road Shelter
Reach the OHS Compassion Campaign Team
President & CEO
Sharon Miko
Sharon has worked for the Ottawa Humane Society for more than 20 years and has seen firsthand the progress Ottawa has made for the animals in the past few decades.
Sharon is thrilled for this project to come to life and keep even more pets with their loving families.
You can reach Sharon at sharonm@ottawahumane.ca or 613-725-3166 ext. 232.
Director: Strategy & Development
Joshua Shaw
Josh has a wealth of experience in leading both charities and private businesses through transformational projects.
He knows the community veterinary clinic is the next essential step building a stronger safety net for Ottawa's animals.
You can reach Josh at joshuas@ottawahumane.ca or 613-725-3166 ext. 260.
Manager: Major Giving & Campaign
Tina Labelle
Tina is passionate both for supporting Ottawa's homeless animals and helping people align their giving to a cause that is truly meaningful for them.
Tina can't wait to build the community veterinary clinic together with Ottawa's caring community.
You can reach Tina at tinal@ottawahumane.ca or 613-725-3166 ext. 268.
