Staying Ahead of the Curve: Ottawa Humane Society Taking Steps to Keep Families Together

Sept. 21, 2023 — The Ottawa Humane Society is taking preventive action to help keep pets and their families together. The public health crisis limited opportunities for pets to socialize and receive essential training, and the OHS is concerned about reports from other communities noting increases in pets surrendered because of behaviour challenges.

While the OHS has not yet seen this influx, it receives frequent calls from struggling pet owners and is taking proactive steps to keep Ottawa’s pets with their families.

“During the pandemic, dogs were being rehomed through online sites at record speed – and at record prices, regardless of their needs,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “So we have more dogs in the community, more with training and socialization needs, and less demand for dogs. The OHS needs to be available to the animals who truly have no one else. To do so, we must support families who just need a little help to keep their pets.”

A group of dog owners have embarked on training for their pups at the OHS. At the classes, dog parents learn how to help their pet be on their best behaviour, teach them basic commands, and how to be even more comfortable around new people and new dogs.

“The classes really help build a stronger bond between the dog and their person,” said Melissa Lefebvre, OHS Manager: Outreach. “It’s also a lot fun and a great chance to socialize with other people and their pets.”

The training classes are one of the ways the OHS works to help keep pets and families together. The OHS also offers private training classes, a series of workshops and webinars to support people and their pets, and free consultations to support families who are considering surrendering their pet because they are struggling with their pet’s behaviour.

Lefebvre added, “The OHS is here for every pet who needs us, but if we can meet that need by keeping a pet with their family, that’s a win-win.”

More information on the OHS’s dog training programs is available on the OHS’s website.

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