Blog | Ottawa Humane Society

What do You Think the Animals Really NEED?

I can never express just how much I love plans. The goal, the direction, collaboration, imagining a way to do something big. It’s thrilling. The past three years were especially hard because planning was next to impossible as the basis of a plan relies on the predictability of the future — something the public health crisis thoroughly shorted.

Animal Welfare in the UK

The UK has always been known for strong animal welfare standards — it is, after all, the birthplace of the Five Freedoms, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been a frequent stop in a lot of the OHS’s research.

The Shocking Reality of Ottawa’s Rabbit Crisis

Ottawa is in a rabbit crisis, and there’s more to it than the droves of bunnies arriving at the OHS. Our Rabbit Week promotion has helped 10 bunnies find their forever home so far, but during the same period, 18 more have arrived in our care.

It’s like trying to save a leaky boat with a bucket.

Local Rabbit Sets the Record Straight: Why Bunnies are the Best Pets Ever

You know what gets my ears in a twist? People always say they’re dog or cat people and totally ignore rabbits like me and my buddy, Pooh.

I don’t get it.

Beyond Sheltering: Unexpected Ways to Help Animals Everywhere

The OHS is here for pets and their families today. The mother cat and her kittens who were found fending for themselves. The dog who got loose from his family and was reunited at our lost & found department. The pets whose family unexpectedly could no longer care for them and had to make the difficult decision to surrender to the OHS.

One of the Greatest Challenges Facing Ottawa’s Animals

Working at the OHS is a caring job. From our team who provide for the animals every day, to our staff who complete adoption matches, to those who help the animals from their desks — we are staffed with people who care.

Canada Day: When More Animals Need Us

We’re just a day away from what is — traditionally, at least — our busiest day of the year at the Ottawa Humane Society: Canada Day. Why Canada Day? There are a few reasons: First, Canada Day is a very busy day helping dogs brought into our care. This is mainly because of the many fireworks displays on July 1: the big one on Parliament Hill, and the many smaller ones throughout the City. The thing is, most dogs are terrified of fireworks.

Major Victories for Animal Welfare

June has been an excellent month for animal welfare in Canada. Here are some of the big wins:

Bills S-5 and C-47 have passed – two pieces of landmark legislation that ban cosmetic animal testing and trade, and phase out toxic chemical testing on animals

The End of Chemical Testing on Animals

Animal welfare in Canada took a huge step forward this week. Bill S-5 passed the Senate, amending the Canadian Environmental Protection Act and creating a clear path for Canada to phase out the cruel and unnecessary practice of chemical testing on animals.

More than 40 countries worldwide have already banned chemical testing on animals, and Canada is committed to joining their ranks.

Lost in Smoke: The Unseen Victims of Canada’s Forest Fires

Today is clear skies and clean air for Ottawa.

The smog was obviously top of mind this week. After waking up Tuesday morning to a red sky and air thick with the smell of burning pine, it was hard to think about anything else.