Press Releases

  • Protecting Pets During Hot Weather — Ottawa Humane Society

    June 3, 2025 — High temperatures forecasted for Ottawa today and tomorrow pose a great danger to pets left alone in cars, warns the Ottawa Humane Society. “Dogs die in hot cars,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “Temperatures in vehicles rise extremely quickly — even with windows open. Pets can overheat, leading to brain damage and even death.”...

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  • Urgent Need for Volunteers to Support Families in Crisis — Ottawa Humane Society

    May 15, 2025 — The Ottawa Humane Society urgently needs 30 foster volunteers for its Sheltering Animals From Emergencies (SAFE) program. SAFE provides temporary shelter for pets whose owners are in crisis. “This week alone, we had to turn away eight pets from SAFE because we don’t have enough volunteers.” said Debbie King, OHS Manager: Veterinary Social Work. “The shelter’s population is rising and many of our foster volunteers already have another animal in their care.”...

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  • Registration Opens for Ottawa’s Biggest Event for the Animals

    The Ottawa Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition will be returning on Sept. 28 at Lansdowne Park’s Great Lawn.

    Registration opens today and all funds raised will help provide life-saving care for the thousands of animals who need shelter and care at the OHS each year.

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  • “Heroes for Ottawa’s Animals” Ottawa Humane Society Celebrates National Volunteer Week

    For National Volunteer Week from April 27 to May 3, the Ottawa Humane Society will be celebrating the contributions of its more than 800 volunteers.

    “Our volunteers are lifesavers,” said Heather Kotelniski, OHS Manager: Volunteers. “They are involved in everything the OHS does, from caring for the animals, providing loving foster homes and even some administration tasks.”

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  • Stray, Pregnant Dog Finds Shelter at Humane Society - ‘Part of a Remarkable Trend’ Says Shelter Staff

    An Ottawa community member found Petunia, a two-year-old pug, alone and pregnant. She recently gave birth in the care of an Ottawa Humane Society foster volunteer, and she and her puppies are among the thousands of animals who will need the shelter’s support this spring and summer. To meet the growing demand, the OHS is asking for community’s support and an anonymous donor is matching all donations made on April 24.

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  • Spring Means More Wildlife, Says Humane Society

    The Ottawa Humane Society is reminding community members to keep their distance from wildlife spotted in their neighbourhood. As the weather warms, people are more likely to encounter wildlife. Often, it is best to admire wildlife from afar.

    As encounters with wildlife may become more common, this can lead to more cases of concerned community members removing wildlife from its habitat and bringing it to the OHS, even if it does not need their help. Juveniles may appear abandoned, but in fact their mother may be nearby.

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  • Ice Storm Approaches - Ottawa Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Take Caution

     As Ottawa braces for the weekend’s ice storm, the Ottawa Humane Society is warning pet owners about the dangers extreme weather can pose to pets — especially cats allowed to roam outdoors.

    The OHS is encouraging members of the public who find stray cats in distress 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 immediate danger, call Ottawa By-law Services at 3-1-1.

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  • $15,000 and Rising Up for Grabs in Humane Society 50/50

    The 50/50 jackpot in the Ottawa Humane Society’s For the Love of Animals Lottery is up to $15,000 and is climbing.

    Purchasing tickets for the grand prize of a brand new 2025 Q5 Technik 45 TFSI Quattro by Audi West Ottawa unlocks access to the Bonus 50/50 draw and early bird prizes.

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  • 200 Pets Need Sterilization - Ottawa Humane Society Closes in on Goal

    Today the Ottawa Humane Society will spay and neuter close to 40 homeless cats and dogs. The effort is in recognition of World Spay Day... 

  • Seven Dogs and Puppies Abandoned in Snowstorm

    During yesterday’s snowstorm, seven abandoned dogs and puppies arrived at the Ottawa Humane Society for care and shelter. Four puppies were found in a Barrhaven park, and three dogs were found outside of West Hunt Club’s Audi dealership, only steps from the humane society’s front door.

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