Auxiliary

Ottawa Humane Society Auxiliary

The OHS Auxiliary supports the work of the Ottawa Humane Society through fundraisers such as craft, bake and garage sales and by participating in OHS events. 

It was in 1949 when the fledgling “Women’s Auxiliary of the Ottawa Humane Society” committed themselves to a huge project — raising money for the construction of a new animal shelter for the city. Only a few months earlier, this small gathering of caring and well-connected women had met to consider officially becoming the Auxiliary. It was a volunteer group formed to support the aims of the Ottawa Humane Society and to raise funds for animal care.

Through their many events, the Auxiliary helped fulfill the dream of building a large new shelter. The Bayview Road Shelter opened in 1951.

In its over 75-year history, The OHS Auxiliary has twice more devoted its fund-raising efforts to help build new shelters — the Champagne Avenue site in 1968 and the West Hunt Club building in 2011. In addition, funds raised by the Auxiliary have contributed to the purchase of much needed equipment — stainless steel cages, an ambulance (also used as a snowplow), a van for transporting animals, the replacement of appliances and the refurbishment of the cat room. They were also instrumental in the funding of the spay/neuter clinic.

With membership averaging about 50 volunteers, the Auxiliary continues to be hard working and innovative in raising funds. What started with strawberry teas and theatre parties has evolved into the production and selling of high-quality handmade items at local venues.

Auxiliary fundraising on behalf of the OHS has supported foster care, adoptions, medicine and health care, food and equipment. We thank you all for your continued support to help make 2026 another successful fundraising year.

Auxiliary Meetings - Join Us!

The Auxiliary meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. (except July, August and December) at the OHS, 245 West Hunt Club Road. We often have a speaker on an animal welfare-related topic to start the meeting in addition to our regular business. Sharon Miko, OHS President and CEO, shares the latest news about the shelter with the members. We end the meeting with free refreshments and social time. 

As part of the Auxiliary, you can volunteer in a variety of ways -- by making and donating crafts or jewelry (our craft group meets twice monthly), baking, working a shift at a fundraising event to help us interact with the community and/or taking on an administrative role. The funds we raise go to support the work of the OHS and to improve the welfare of the animals in its care.

Our annual auxiliary membership fee is $15. 

All are welcome. We are a very friendly active group and would love to have you join us!

For more information, please email auxiliaryinfo@ottawahumane.ca

Learn more about the OHS Auxiliary on Facebook.

Meeting Dates:

• Wednesday, Jan. 7, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 4, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, Mar. 4, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 1, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 6, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 3, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

All meetings take place in the OHS Education Room