Going Beyond Adoption
As Ottawa’s local animal shelter, it’s not uncommon for people to assume that taking in animals, caring for them, and finding them new homes is all the OHS does. Don’t get me wrong, that work alone is an enormous task, but we’re up to a lot more, and the impact it has for the animals is staggering.
In the last week, we connected with kids through day camp, birthday parties, tours of the shelter with local Scouts and Guides, and many presentations to classes throughout the community to ignite compassion in the young minds of Ottawa. We reached older kids too, with a crash course on starting their own pet sitting business.
We worked with Ottawa’s pet parents in training classes, workshops and a pet first aid course. This work helps more people build strong connections with their pets, and we’re also working to ensure the bond between a pet and their person never breaks. We offered spay/neuter clinics for Ottawa’s cats. Through microchip clinics, we ensured more pets have a ticket home if they are ever lost. And our Emergency Pet Food Bank stayed busy, providing essential supplies that protect pets and their people who are facing hardships.
A common goal binds all these initiatives: building a more humane and compassionate community. Nurturing young people’s love of animals means the next generation will be prepared to carry on life-saving work for the animals. Protecting the bond between a pet and their person means that pet has the best chance of staying in a loving home for their entire life.
Building a community that cares about animals means the OHS can help even more animals who truly have no one else.
We do a lot beyond sheltering and adopting out pets, and every effort is in the name of helping animals and building a brighter future for all.
Because life is simply better with animals.
Heather Hunter
Director: Outreach & Community Service