Community Veterinary Clinic
The cost of pet care is putting families at risk of losing the animals they love
More pets are surrendered because of cost
As the cost of living rises, pets are surrendered because their owners can no longer afford to care for their pet.
The OHS has been working hard to reverse this trend with new services such as the Emergency Pet Food Bank, wellness clinics and Sheltering Animals From Emergencies program. But it hasn't been enough...
Half of Canada's pets haven't seen a vet in the past year
PetSmart Charities of Canada State of Pet Care study found that: "Half of pet parents (50%) have not brought their pets to the veterinarian for care within the past year or have declined previous recommended care."
When pets don't receive regular vet care, the likelihood of the pet having serious health issues increases. Every pet needs a network of care and support...
Not every pet can be with their family in the pet's final moments
Many pet owners eventually need to seek end-of-life care for their pet to allow them to pass away peacefully. This is a tremendously important moment for a person and their pet.
Some pet owners can't afford euthanasia for their pet and seek care at the OHS which means their pet cannot be with them in its final moments. But what if this could change...
Help create a Community Veterinary Clinic to keep pets with the people who love them
In the heart of Vanier is the potential site of the OHS's upcoming Community Veterinary Clinic. The new clinic will provide subsidized veterinary care for income-qualified families, revolutionizing Ottawa's safety net for pets and the people who love them.
The new clinic will ensure more pets can stay in the homes where they are loved, and stay out of the shelter — meaning the OHS will be available for more homeless animals who truly have no one else.
A $9.4 million project to expand Ottawa's animal care network
The OHS has secured one-third of the funds needed to bring this essential Community Veterinary Clinic to life, and needs the support of Ottawa's caring community.
To close the gap, the OHS is relying on the compassion and generosity of people across Ottawa. Your support today will help build a stronger network of accessible care for Ottawa's pets and the people who love them.
Your gift will provide wellness and urgent care, spay/neuter, dental and compassionate end-of-life care for pets whose loving families would otherwise not be able to access these services.
The safety net Ottawa's pets deserve — keep pets with loving families
The OHS's Emergency Pet Food Bank, wellness clinics and Sheltering Animals From Emergencies program help bridge some gaps, it’s not enough to keep pets with families who can’t access affordable medical care.
The system is stretched and pets are paying the price.
The Community Veterinary Clinic will change that. By providing more accessible, affordable services in the community, the OHS will prevent unnecessary surrenders and help keep pets in loving homes.
Working with Ottawa’s local veterinarians for all animals
Together with Ottawa’s veterinary clinics, the OHS’s Community Veterinary Clinic will create a complete safety net for pets and the people who love them.
Guided by a committee of dedicated local veterinarians, the Community Veterinary Clinic will be built on collaboration, compassion and community need. Through the OHS’s partnership with veterinarian’s, Ottawa’s entire veterinary system will become even stronger with expanded access needed care for pets whose families face financial or other barriers.
The Community Veterinary Clinic will bridge the gap, working alongside Ottawa’s veterinary practices to ensure no animal suffers.
The OHS's plan for a more compassionate community
December 2025
Rezoning of the site approved by Ottawa City Council >
February 2026
OHS takes ownership of the building >
September 2026
Design and planning complete >
October 2026
Construction begins >
October 2027
Construction complete >
November 2027
Soft launch of Community Veterinary Clinic >
December 2027
Community Veterinary Clinic fully opens >
2028 and beyond
More pets stay with the people who love them!
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.