Putting People and Their Pets First: Ottawa Humane Society Planning the Organization’s Next Five Years

August 24, 2023 — Today, the Ottawa Humane Society opened a survey to receive the community’s feedback on the greatest needs of Ottawa’s pets and their owners. The survey is open until Sept. 5 and the OHS will be using the feedback to inform the organization’s strategic plan for the next five years.

“During the public health crisis, it became clear that in order to help more animals, we need to make it possible for more animals to stay in homes where they are already loved and cared for,” said Heather Hunter, OHS Director: Outreach. “The best way to do that? Find out directly from Ottawa’s pet owners what challenges might separate them and their pet and what support they need to avoid a heartbreaking decision.”

The rising cost of living has caused more pet owners to surrender their pets to the OHS. The OHS’s draft plan includes exploring the possibility of opening a new veterinary clinic to provide reduced-cost services for pet owners who typically would not be able to afford veterinary care.

The OHS is looking for feedback from the community on a variety of topics ranging from programs to support pets and their owners, to advocating for stronger legislation for animals, to developing more resources for children to learn about animals and taking care of pets.

The survey is available online and all residents of Ottawa are welcome to complete it.

Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Manager: Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca