The OHS is sometimes called the cat and dog society — understandable as cats and dogs are the animals we most often help. However, there’s never a dull day at the shelter and we sometimes receive unexpected, surprising guests. Meet Fancy, a Polish chicken who was found wandering a Stittsville neighbourhood and needed help. A caring community member brought Fancy to us, and our team, never missing a beat, worked together to figure out how to help our feathered friend. We’re not prepared to accept chickens and other livestock and don’t have the resources to provide ongoing support for these ani ..read more

Maybe not one by itself, but I know that many people raising their voices for the animals can make a difference. I hope you’ll join me and animal advocates across the province in reaching out to Premier Doug Ford, urging him and the Solicitor General to increase the number of animal investigators and improve the transparency of the province’s investigations into animal welfare. Last month, Ontario made puppy mills illegal, marking a significant step forward for animal welfare in the province. We can take a moment to celebrate, however now is the time to push harder than ever to secure better ..read more

Dogs. Need I say more? Guest blog provided by avid Wiggle Waggler, Stephen Smith. OK, people also bring their cats on leashes and in backpacks. Last year there were even rabbits in a stroller. The Wiggle Waggle Walk & Run is a festival on a gorgeous day with pets as far as the eye can see. There is no better opportunity to meet new friends who care about pets almost as much as you do (I see you, I know the most recent photo on your camera is of your pet). It’s like Burning Man for people who don’t like crowds, sand, heat, loud noises or flashing lights. There is a ton of fun and things fo ..read more

And for good reason! I don’t know about you, but I’m happy for a day of relief after four days of a heatwave. Every year, the OHS reminds the community of the dangers parked cars pose to pets and every year, dogs are still left in hot cars and are exposed to conditions that cause extreme suffering, brain damage and death.  This summer, it seems the message is needed more than ever across the province as some municipalities have already responded to an alarming number of reports of dogs left in vehicles. In Ottawa, we’re working to do our part. We had the chance to talk with our friends a ..read more

At the OHS, we’re currently grappling with a significant setback: we do not have the staff to operate our Mobile Spay/Neuter Service. After running the program last Thursday, we are now forced to temporarily pause the service.   As we enter our busiest time of year, resources we were previously able to redirect to the program must be focused on providing for the high population of homeless animals in our care. And before anyone asks, no, the OHS is not overcapacity or turning animals away. We are always available for animals in need. To fill the gap, we are recruiting for a veterinarian ..read more

In June, Professional Bull Riders (PBR) will trundle into Ottawa, bringing with them cruel exploitation of bulls for entertainment and profit. In PBR’s display of complete disregard for animal well-being, bulls will be mounted with a flank strap tightened around their lower bellies and forced to flail in distress while a crowd roars, music blares and bright lights flash. At the OHS, we’re asking the community to not attend or support the event and to sign a petition showing that Ottawa does not want PBR or events like it to return.   Promoters claim the bulls are “born to buck” and refer ..read more

I’ve already talked about how much I love plans, so it’ll be no surprise that I am beyond thrilled to share our new five-year strategic plan! Our focus: saving more animals by helping at both ends of the leash. Last fall, Ottawa shared with us what’s needed to help pet owners and better support all animals in our community. It’s clear that in our current times of rapid change and uncertainty, we must be able to adapt nimbly and quickly, to meet our shifting environment and help more animals and the people who love them. Five key directions are the pillars of our plan and will drive us forward ..read more

Silence is a killer of animal welfare, and silence is what Ontario introduced last year with Bill 156, the so-called Security from Trespass and Protecting Food Safety Act. Thinly veiled as a means to protect biosecurity on farms, the bill targets people who report animal abuse in the farming industry — slashing transparency and accountability for how these businesses treat their animals. But this month, a group of animal advocates struck a blow against this cruel law in court, with an Ontario judge stating that parts of Bill 156 were unconstitutional, as they violate the right of freedom of e ..read more

Panda The past week, the sun has been shining, birds have been singing, people have been walking around in shorts and t-shirts, and at the OHS, we’re getting ready for a busy spring and summer. In early 2024, the OHS had already seen an unusually high, but not surprising number of animals in need. Just today, close to a dozen puppies were being scheduled for surgery! I’m expecting this trend will continue into the warmer months, with pets of all kinds needing life-saving shelter and care at the OHS. The animals rely on the support of the community to have a safe place to receive care, rest, re ..read more

From April 14 to 20, we are celebrating National Volunteer Week and the contributions of close to 800 volunteers who give their time, effort and heart to Ottawa’s homeless animals. There is no question, without the support of our volunteers, the OHS would not be able to care for thousands of animals each year. The work of volunteers is ingrained in everything we do, from volunteer veterinarians who work alongside our staff veterinarians to provide life-saving care for animals with nowhere else to turn; food bank volunteers who are essential in helping pets and their families stay together; yo ..read more