Blog | Ottawa Humane Society

What Pet Food Banks Have Taught Me

Yesterday, we hosted our first-ever pop-up emergency pet food bank in partnership with our friends at the Sandy Hill Community Health Centre. Stationed right outside the centre, we served about 80 families and handed out more than 450 lbs of pet food in only three hours. Our team of three – a veterinary technician, an outreach coordinator, and a devoted...

Raccoons Are Not Roommates: A Reminder from the OHS

Wildlife are not pets. Last month, Ottawa by-law discovered a raccoon named Diesel that was being kept as a pet in an apartment. Officers brought the raccoon to the OHS and we transferred him to Holly’s Haven Wildlife Rescue for rehabilitation. Sadly, many wild animals that have spent even limited time being kept captive are never able to adapt to living in the wild again.

You Can End Cycles of Suffering

We’re no strangers to the countless animals in Ottawa who need shelter and care each summer, but the homeless cat issue is getting bigger. Homeless cat overpopulation is an urgent struggle felt throughout North America — last weekend alone, we took in close to 90 cats, including 40 kittens transferred from another animal welfare organization struggling with capacity. After a few quiet pandemic years and decades of declining numbers of homeless cats, what’s happening?

Last Chance for a Deal of Lifetime

Rabbit Week is wrapping up at the OHS and our caring community is adopting bunnies in bushels. Rabbits are amazing pets and there are still many more looking for their forever home. Want to get 20% off our rabbit adoption fee, a gift card for fresh veggies, a starting supply of hay, free access to our upcoming rabbit enrichment webinar, a stylish tote bag AND your new best friend? Adopt a rabbit or two by July 27!

Cluck Cluck, Who’s There?

The OHS is sometimes called the cat and dog society — understandable as cats and dogs are the animals we most often help.

However, there’s never a dull day at the shelter and we sometimes receive unexpected, surprising guests. Meet Fancy, a Polish chicken who was found wandering a Stittsville neighbourhood and needed help.

All Hands on Deck: Summer at the OHS

Summer is a busy time at the Ottawa Humane Society. Waves of kittens need our help, we receive far more wildlife than usual and we support a wealth of stray animals in returning to their homes — all while finding perfect matches for Ottawa’s homeless animals.

Can an Email Save Animals?

Maybe not one by itself, but I know that many people raising their voices for the animals can make a difference.

I hope you’ll join me and animal advocates across the province in reaching out to Premier Doug Ford, urging him and the Solicitor General to increase the number of animal investigators and improve the transparency of the province’s investigations into animal welfare.

You Won’t Believe How Often We Repeat This Message

And for good reason!

I don’t know about you, but I’m happy for a day of relief after four days of a heatwave. Every year, the OHS reminds the community of the dangers parked cars pose to pets and every year, dogs are still left in hot cars and are exposed to conditions that cause extreme suffering, brain damage and death.

The Crisis is Now: The Impact of the Veterinary Professional Shortage

At the OHS, we’re currently grappling with a significant setback: we do not have the staff to operate our Mobile Spay/Neuter Service. After running the program last Thursday, we are now forced to temporarily pause the service.

As we enter our busiest time of year, resources we were previously able to redirect to the program must be focused on providing for the high population of homeless animals in our care. And before anyone asks, no, the OHS is not overcapacity or turning animals away. We are always available for animals in need.

Exciting New Hop-portunity for Teens

Volunteering: it’s an incredible thing. It means donating your time and energy, towards a greater cause. It’s an integral part of keeping an organization like the OHS going. And for high school students in Ontario, it’s also a requirement for graduation.

We often get calls from eager teens hoping for the chance to earn their volunteer hours at the OHS, helping animals in need. We’re excited to have just launched a new program that will give them that chance – it’s a win-win for the animals in our care and for the youth who are passionate about them.