Unseasonable Surge of Pets and Slow Adoption Rate Rock Ottawa Humane Society

Feb. 9, 2024 — Last month, the Ottawa Humane Society saw a spike of pets in need with 15% more animals arriving at the shelter compared to January 2023. The trend is continuing into February with more than 100 animals admitted in the past week.

“We’re seeing a wide variety of animals who need our help,” said Dr. Shelley Hutchings, OHS Chief Veterinarian. “Whether found lost and alone as strays or brought to us by heartbroken families who have made the incredibly difficult decision to give up their pet, there are many animals who need veterinary care, behavioural support shelter and day-to-day love and attention at the OHS.”

While population is on the rise, fewer animals were adopted last month, a 23% decrease compared to January 2023.

“The slowdown in adoptions is unfortunate, but not surprising,” said Stephen Smith, OHS Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications. “We recently surveyed the community to find out the greatest needs of Ottawa’s pets and their people. Overwhelmingly, Ottawa identified the cost of caring for a pet as the most important issue. Families may be worried about being able to provide for a new pet financially and are more hesitant to bring a furry friend home.”

Animals are also spending more time in the shelter before finding their forever home — placing a significant strain on the OHS’s resources and causing some of the long-stay animals to become stressed.

“The shelter can be a tough place for a dog with behaviour challenges,” said Heather Kotelniski, OHS Manager: Volunteers. “There’s lots of activity, strange smells and noises, and they don’t have the companionship a home provides. We rely heavily on caring foster volunteers to give the animals a temporary home while they wait for their forever family.”

Among the many animals at the OHS, there are 13 dogs who need a foster home.

With rising costs threatening to separate pets from their families, the OHS is working to enhance and expand its community services including its Emergency Pet Food Bank, Mobile Spay/Neuter Service and wellness clinics.

To support Ottawa’s homeless animals, making a donation, fostering a dog in need, or adopting a new pet are all ways the community can make a big difference.

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