All ages.
Community Outreach Programs
Free!
English – translators and interpreters are welcome to assist.
Animal Education for Newcomers to Canada
There are many big adjustments for families who have moved from other countries to Canada. Among differences such as language and climate, there are also cultural differences such as pet ownership and the role that animals play in our day-to-day lives. In collaboration with key community partners, the OHS has developed a series of informative presentations designed to support newcomers to Canada by answering frequently asked questions and introducing them to the role of animals, both wild and domestic, in our community.
Presentation topics include:
- “Welcome to the OHS” Participants learn about what happens at the OHS and the role of the OHS in the community.
- “Urban Wildlife in Canada” Participants learn about common wildlife in the Ottawa area, including common conflicts and how to co-exist.
- “Dogs in Canada” Participants learn about the role of dogs in Canadian homes and communities, dog-related bylaws, dog-behaviour and body language, and dog-bite prevention.
- “Pets in Canada” Participants learn about various pets commonly kept in Canada, pet care, and the role they play in Canadian homes and communities.
- “Working and Living with Animals” Participants learn about animal-related careers, the role of pets in Canada, animal-related bylaws, and dog safety.
In-person or virtual presentations available! Content and presentation length are customizable. If requested, a visit with a temperament-tested OHS program dog can be included *subject to availability
If you have questions or would like to book a virtual presentation for your group email outreach@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 235.
Animal Education for Newcomers to Canada
There are many big adjustments for families who have moved from other countries to Canada. Among differences such as language and climate, there are also cultural differences such as pet ownership and the role that animals play in our day-to-day lives. In collaboration with key community partners, the OHS has developed a series of informative presentations designed to support newcomers to Canada by answering frequently asked questions and introducing them to the role of animals, both wild and domestic, in our community.
Presentation topics include:
- “Welcome to the OHS” Participants learn about what happens at the OHS and the role of the OHS in the community.
- “Urban Wildlife in Canada” Participants learn about common wildlife in the Ottawa area, including common conflicts and how to co-exist.
- “Dogs in Canada” Participants learn about the role of dogs in Canadian homes and communities, dog-related bylaws, dog-behaviour and body language, and dog-bite prevention.
- “Pets in Canada” Participants learn about various pets commonly kept in Canada, pet care, and the role they play in Canadian homes and communities.
- “Working and Living with Animals” Participants learn about animal-related careers, the role of pets in Canada, animal-related bylaws, and dog safety.
In-person or virtual presentations available! Content and presentation length are customizable. If requested, a visit with a temperament-tested OHS program dog can be included *subject to availability
If you have questions or would like to book a virtual presentation for your group email outreach@ottawahumane.ca or call 613-725-3166 ext. 235.
All ages.
Free!
English – translators and interpreters are welcome to assist.
Brightening Lives Animal Visits
Research shows that spending time with animals has benefits for our physical and mental health. To connect more people with the incredible power of pets, we offer Brightening Lives Animal Visits!
We offer this program for organizations that provide community-based support services and resources for people who have experienced anxiety, addiction, or other mental health challenges, may be on the autism spectrum, or have shown signs of disengagement or behavioural difficulties.
We now also offer team building sessions for corporate groups.
The OHS offers three streams of Brightening Lives Animal Visits: Community Visits, Shelter Visits and Team Visits.
Brightening Lives – Shelter Visits
Participants learn about the therapeutic benefits of pets, safe animal interactions, then engage with carefully selected shelter animals at the OHS. This program offers therapeutic benefits for participants while providing enrichment and socialization for shelter animals.
Brightening Lives – Community Visits
In collaboration with community organizations, we tailor a multi-week animal-assisted-therapy program supported by OHS volunteer dogs that helps meet specific goals such as social skill development, emotional regulation, communication and promotes the therapeutic benefits of pets.
Brightening Lives – Team Visits
Teams can unwind, connect, and make a difference through guided interactions with shelter animals and collaborative activities that support animal well-being. Each session includes a behind-the-scenes tour of the OHS, hands-on time with animals designed to reduce stress and boost morale, and a creative team project focused on enrichment and care.
Sessions are $1,125 for up to 15 participants.
For more information or to find out if your organization/school meets the requirements to qualify for Brightening Lives Animal Visits programming, please contact kristenb@ottawahumane.ca or call (613) 725-3166, ext. 235.
Pet Savvy
Pet Savvy workshops are offered to community groups free of charge in underserved communities within Ottawa, and workshops are approximately one hour in length. Workshops can be hosted at community centers, community houses, and other communal gathering locations for residents throughout the city. Participants can expect to gain valuable knowledge on a variety of preventative health-care topics, such as:
- Grooming tips and tricks;
- Parasites;
- Toxic foods;
- And more.
At the end of the workshop, all participants receive a complimentary gift bag (one per family) with take-away information and pet care essentials, such as tick removers, toothbrushes, nail clippers, treats and toys.
For more information about Pet Savvy programming, or to book a Pet Savvy workshop in your neighbourhood, please contact outreach@ottawahumane.ca, or call (613) 725-3166, ext. 235.