Press Releases | Ottawa Humane Society

Humane Society Says No Costumes for Fido

The Ottawa Humane Society is advising pet owners to not dress up their pets for Halloween. The OHS says that at best your pet will not care they are dressed up, and at worst, the costume could stress out or injure your pet.

Haunting Event Returns to Ottawa Humane Society

On Sunday, Oct. 30, Howl-o-ween, a spook-tacular event for the whole family, returns to the OHS. From 1 – 3:30 p.m., all are welcome to come to the OHS for free Halloween fun, including:

Creepy, crawly crafts;
A phantasmagorical photo booth;
A devilish craft sale; and,
Reverse trick-or-treating where goblins and ghouls can deliver treats to Ottawa’s homeless animals.

Historic Wait Times for Foster Homes at the Ottawa Humane Society

More than 40 animals are currently waiting for foster homes at the Ottawa Humane Society, and some have been waiting for more than a month.

“The summer is when our need for foster homes is the greatest,” said Kestrel Wraggett, OHS manager: volunteers. “We’ve never seen wait times like this before. Usually it only takes an animal about three to five days to find a foster home.”

Seven Abandoned Bunnies Arrive at Ottawa Humane Society

Last night, seven rabbits were found abandoned on the shared yard of an apartment building near McEwan Avenue in Ambleside and brought to the Ottawa Humane Society.

The OHS had recently declared the week of July 24 to 30 as Rabbit Week in an effort to find homes for the more than 20 rabbits already in its care.

Ottawa Humane Society Hopping with Rabbits

More than 20 rabbits at the Ottawa Humane Society are looking for forever homes. The OHS has declared the week of July 24 to 30 as Rabbit Week in an effort to find homes for these bunnies in need.

“Since the fall, we’ve consistently had more than 20 rabbits available for adoption at any given time,” said Stephen Smith, OHS manager: communications. “They’re being adopted out at a steady pace, but more continue to come into our care.”

Rising Temperatures Pose a Danger to Pets

After a relatively mild June and July, high temperatures forecasted for Ottawa this week pose a great danger to pets left alone in cars, warns the Ottawa Humane Society.

“Dogs die in hot cars,” said Bruce Roney, OHS President & CEO. “Temperatures in vehicles rise extremely quickly — even with windows open. Pets can quickly overheat, leading to brain damage and even death.”

Ottawa Humane Society President & CEO Announces Retirement

After more than 20 years of service for Ottawa’s animals, Bruce Roney, Ottawa Humane Society President & CEO, has announced he will be retiring in November 2022.

“It has been an incredible journey and honour,” said Roney. “The OHS has made leaps and bounds to provide more and more support for the animals and our community. I couldn’t be happier to be a part of this team’s work.”

Canada Day Celebrations Pose a Risk to Pets

The Ottawa Humane Society is preparing for a possible spike in lost dogs as Canada Day celebrations and fireworks return in force.

Dozens of pets become lost or injured because they are spooked by fireworks. As restrictions from the public health crisis are lifted and the community moves away from virtual celebrations, pet owners may not be prepared to protect their pets from the increased noise and activity. Dogs in particular fill the OHS shelter in what continues to be a consequence of loud Canada Day festivities.

Ottawa Humane Society Dog Seeking Foster Family

The Ottawa Humane Society is seeking a temporary foster home that can take care of Harley, a four-year-old Presa Canario, until late August.

Harley has received specialty surgery to repair her knees, and needs the comfort of a home while she recovers.

Ottawa’s Biggest Event for the Animals Returns After Two Years of COVID

The Ottawa Humane Society’s Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run presented by Hill’s Pet Nutrition will be returning on Sept. 25 at Lansdowne Park’s Great Lawn.

Registration opens today. The public health crisis had placed the event on hold since 2020, but this year’s event is expected to be bigger and better than ever.