Blog | Ottawa Humane Society

No-Kill: A Pat on the Back for People, Suffering for Animals

In a world that thrives on five-word sound bites, it’s extremely harmful to animals to reduce an extremely complex issue to so few words...

Meeting a Growing and Essential Need

I’m writing this after an all-day marathon to sterilize homeless dogs and cats. In the end, our incredible team at the Ottawa Humane Society managed to spay and neuter 39 pets in need today!

This was no small effort and was a part of World Spay Day. At the OHS we celebrate World Spay Day the same way year after year — with a massive push to help break the cycle of homeless animals. When pets have unwanted litters, it often leads to suffering for kittens and puppies who have nowhere else to turn and no one to care for them.

Voting Next Week? You Need to Read This

Just today, I was contacted by a supporter who asked me who they should vote for to do the most for animal welfare. At the OHS, we don’t stand for any one political party. We stand for the animals — enthusiastically supporting efforts to improve animal welfare and staunchly opposing attempts to harm animals, ignore or undermine the importance of their well-being. Throughout the years, we’ve seen successes and setbacks regardless of which party is in office.

Must Read: Another Step Forward in Keeping Animals and Their People SAFE

People will endure the weight of incredible hardships for the sake of others — including their pets. At our pet food bank, some pet owners share that they would choose to feed their pets before feeding themselves. With much of our work at the OHS, our goal is to make sure that pets can stay with the people who love them and to help remove barriers that might cause heartbreak and suffering for a person and their pets.

Too Few People Know This…

There is nothing wrong with giving up your pet to the OHS, another reputable animal shelter or someone who is ready to take on responsibility of the pet.

Life happens, situations change and sometimes we are no longer in a position to give an animal the care and attention they need. The most loving and responsible thing to do when this happens? Giving the animal a second chance at a bright and happy future with a new family.

Makings of a Leader

Justin Trudeau’s resignation and the incoming US president’s alarming comments about our country have had me thinking a lot about leadership. Specifically, the increased leadership role that charities hold in times of crisis. As Canadian leadership enters uncertain territory and we face greater internal pressures and external threats, it will be the leadership of charities that raises up and protects our most vulnerable community members.

Have Your Say about Animal Cruelty Enforcement in Ontario

On January 2, 2019, in a case brought against the Attorney General of Ontario, an Ontario Superior Court Justice found that the enforcement powers held by the OSPCA are unconstitutional.

Why 2025 Will Be Unstoppable for the Animals

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.

The Reality of a Shelter on Christmas

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.

Increasing Need on Both Ends of the Leash

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.