News

In the very first week of 2024, I wrote:

Between the worries of pet owners who are concerned that finances may drive them and their pets apart, Ontario struggling to provide effective protections against animal cruelty and neglect, and surges of pets in need arriving at the OHS, it’s easy to be apprehensive about what’s to come in 2024.

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The beginning of Hanukkah and Christmas have fallen on the same day this year. Tomorrow will be a great day of celebrations and gathering for many, and at the Ottawa Humane Society, our team will be here for the animals.

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The temperature is expected to plummet this weekend, and the Ottawa Humane Society is warning pet owners about the dangers cold weather can pose to pets — especially cats allowed to roam outdoors.

The OHS is encouraging members of the public who find stray cats in the cold to contact 613-725-3166 ext. 223 to ensure the cat can return home safely or to arrange for the cat to be brought to the OHS. If a cat is in danger, call Ottawa By-law Services at 3-1-1.

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Right now, there are close to 500 animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society, a 20% increase from where we were at this time last year. Not only do more animals need shelter and care, but more families in the community are seeking support to keep their pets. Our wellness clinics have provided for 70% more pets and our pet food bank has provided 20% more food for pet owners in need.   

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On Sunday, Dec. 15, Whiskers in a Winter Wonderland, a holiday event for the whole family, is happening at the OHS. From 1 to 4 p.m., all are welcome to come to the OHS for holiday fun, including:

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The past week, the Ottawa Humane Society has been caring for close to 500 animals every day. These animals may have been found as strays, surrendered by a family who was no longer able to care for them or arrived from another source.

To help provide life-saving care for the animals, donations made towards the OHS will be doubled until GivingTuesday on Dec. 3.

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Right now, we’ve got a quarantine room filled to the brim with sick cats like Sprinkle and Sparkle. The kitties are fighting through upper respiratory infections (also known as cat colds). The infection makes them congested, sneeze constantly and gunks up their adorable faces with goopies.

Sprinkle and Sparkle can almost always be found cuddled up together. They always greet me with a chirp and a purr, putting on a brave face even if they aren’t feeling their best.

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In 2013, we lost a friend and colleague, Julie Laporte, to cancer. She was a beloved member of our team for nearly ten years. Her compassion, kindness and dedication to helping Ottawa’s animals shone in everything she did.

Here at the Ottawa Humane Society, we haven’t forgotten Julie and her devotion to the animals. Her actions continue to inspire me, the clinic team and everyone at the OHS — a constant reminder that Ottawa is a community that cares.   

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I remember the first time my kids asked me about Remembrance Day and why we wear poppies. If you’ve ever had to explain war and conflict to a child, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s challenging. Explaining the human side of war is difficult and so is coming to terms with how animals were used and sacrificed in war without a choice.

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If you’ve been watching local news, you likely have heard of the province’s recent and ongoing investigation into allegations of mistreatment of animals at a rescue in the Ottawa area.

The allegations are gut-wrenching and have an impact on everyone in the animal welfare community. There are many great rescue groups in Ottawa, and at the OHS, we are proud to partner with many of them to weave a safety net for Ottawa’s animals.

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