People will endure the weight of incredible hardships for the sake of others — including their pets. At our pet food bank, some pet owners share that they would choose to feed their pets before feeding themselves. With much of our work at the OHS, our goal is to make sure that pets can stay... Read more » The post Must Read: Another Step Forward in Keeping Animals and Their People SAFE appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

There is nothing wrong with giving up your pet to the OHS, another reputable animal shelter or someone who is ready to take on responsibility of the pet. Life happens, situations change and sometimes we are no longer in a position to give an animal the care and attention they need. The most loving and... Read more » The post Too Few People Know This… appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

Justin Trudeau’s resignation and the incoming US president’s alarming comments about our country have had me thinking a lot about leadership. Specifically, the increased leadership role that charities hold in times of crisis. As Canadian leadership enters uncertain territory and we face greater internal pressures and external threats, it will be the leadership of charities... Read more » The post Makings of a Leader appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

In the very first week of 2024, I wrote: Between the worries of pet owners who are concerned that finances may drive them and their pets apart, Ontario struggling to provide effective protections against animal cruelty and neglect, and surges of pets in need arriving at the OHS, it’s easy to be apprehensive about what’s... Read more » The post Why 2025 Will Be Unstoppable for the Animals appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

The beginning of Hanukkah and Christmas have fallen on the same day this year. Tomorrow will be a great day of celebrations and gathering for many, and at the Ottawa Humane Society, our team will be here for the animals. I am endlessly grateful for our incredible team — our staff and volunteers who dedicate... Read more » The post The Reality of a Shelter on Christmas appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

Right now, there are close to 500 animals in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society, a 20% increase from where we were at this time last year. Not only do more animals need shelter and care, but more families in the community are seeking support to keep their pets. Our wellness clinics have provided... Read more » The post Increasing Need on Both Ends of the Leash appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

Right now, we’ve got a quarantine room filled to the brim with sick cats like Sprinkle and Sparkle. The kitties are fighting through upper respiratory infections (also known as cat colds). The infection makes them congested, sneeze constantly and gunks up their adorable faces with goopies. Sprinkle and Sparkle can almost always be found cuddled... Read more » The post Twenty Sick Cats Need You appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

In 2013, we lost a friend and colleague, Julie Laporte, to cancer. She was a beloved member of our team for nearly ten years. Her compassion, kindness and dedication to helping Ottawa’s animals shone in everything she did. Here at the Ottawa Humane Society, we haven’t forgotten Julie and her devotion to the animals. Her... Read more » The post Tonight is so Important appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

I remember the first time my kids asked me about Remembrance Day and why we wear poppies. If you’ve ever had to explain war and conflict to a child, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s challenging. Explaining the human side of war is difficult and so is coming to terms with how animals were used and... Read more » The post Lessons to Remember appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more

If you’ve been watching local news, you likely have heard of the province’s recent and ongoing investigation into allegations of mistreatment of animals at a rescue in the Ottawa area. The allegations are gut-wrenching and have an impact on everyone in the animal welfare community. There are many great rescue groups in Ottawa, and at... Read more » The post Heartbreaking Limits of Care appeared first on Ottawa Humane Society ..read more