Latest News - Ottawa Humane Society

To Costume or Not to Costume?

If you have been a supporter of the OHS for many years, you’ll have noticed that our messaging around pets in costumes has shifted. Our previous hard line on “no costumes” has softened somewhat, to advocate for “costuming with caution.” Why is that?

Oct 30, 2023

Halloween Family Fun at Ottawa Humane Society

On Sunday, Oct. 29, Howl-O-Ween, a spook-tacular event for the whole family, is happening at the OHS. From 1 to 3:30 p.m., all are welcome to come to the OHS for free Halloween fun, including:

Oct 27, 2023

Desperately Searching for Unicorns

It’s no secret that we need foster homes all the time. We’re also fortunate that there are folks who regularly step up in the community to become foster volunteers.

Fosters take in animals of all types, shapes and sizes. But there is one type of animal who is regularly stuck waiting for a foster home, and they’re also the animals who would benefit the most.

Oct 23, 2023

More than 90 Cats Admitted to the Ottawa Humane Society

Since last Thursday, more than 90 cats have been admitted to the Ottawa Humane Society. The cats came from a number of sources such as owners who could no longer care for their pet, cats who were found lost and alone, and nursing mothers with newborn kittens. The flood of felines was unexpected and is creating additional strain on the OHS’s resources.

Oct 17, 2023

The Plight of Feral Cats

Today is National Feral Cat Day — dedicated to raising awareness and support of feral cats and ending the cycle of cat homelessness through compassionate means like trap, neuter and release programs and community education.

It’s important to know that true feral cats are distinct from semi-socialized cats who roam outdoors.

Oct 16, 2023

What Do the Animals Need Most?

It’s a question I’m asked often, and the answer is mostly straightforward:

Forever homes ready to care for a pet for their entire life;
Volunteers to support animals at the OHS and to provide foster homes in the community;
Advocates for responsible pet ownership and better protections for pets; and,
Donations to provide life-saving and day-to-day care for homeless animals, and support community programs that help keep pets and their people together.

Oct 06, 2023

Dog Destroys Tens of Thousands of Dollars-Worth of Humane Society Equipment

The Ottawa Humane Society is making an urgent appeal for community support after Boris, a homeless hound, broke an expensive piece of equipment during a routine dental procedure.

Boris was under anesthesia and a poorly timed twitch damaged a sensor, known as an infraorbital plate, that is used to X-ray an animal’s mouth.

Oct 05, 2023

Special Message from the Ottawa Humane Society: “Thanks for Wiggling and Waggling!”

Yesterday, the Ottawa Humane Society hosted its 35th annual Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run to support Ottawa’s homeless animals. Thousands of people and their pets came to Lansdowne Park to take part in the festival, run a race, and show off their love of pets.

Sep 25, 2023

Staying Ahead of the Curve: Ottawa Humane Society Taking Steps to Keep Families Together

The Ottawa Humane Society is taking preventive action to help keep pets and their families together. The public health crisis limited opportunities for pets to socialize and receive essential training, and the OHS is concerned about reports from other communities noting increases in pets surrendered because of behaviour challenges.

Sep 21, 2023

Start of the School Year: A Great Time for Training

Contrary to the title, right now is always the perfect time to train your pet. But the school year started only weeks ago, and just as educating and developing students (both new and seasoned) is absolutely crucial, so is supporting the development of our pets.

Training our pets has lots of benefits. It helps prevent undesirable behaviours. It gives our pets enrichment that supports their physical and mental well-being. And it also helps build a stronger bond between us and our pets.

Sep 15, 2023