Whitby, ON (May 7, 2024) – To reach underserved communities and help keep pets with the people who love them, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is hosting a one-day wellness event in Durham today. The one-day clinic, which is being held at the Humane Society of Durham Region, is offering vaccinations and microchip services for pets with appointments. The wellness event is one of the Ontario SPCA’s new portable outreach events, designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed. “The Ontario SPCA is excited to be able to offer this pop-up event to serve ..read more

Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America  Welcoming a kitten into your home is an exciting journey filled with love, laughter, and countless moments of joy. Yet, amidst the joy and excitement this furry bundle of joy brings, it’s easy to forget that for the kitten, this transition is as daunting as it is thrilling. Indeed, the echoes of a mother’s purr fading in the background, the familiar scent of siblings replaced by a collage of strange new odours, the kitten enters an entirely new universe. The purpose of this blog? To gu ..read more

Felines love to hide and perch, but did you know that these behaviours aren’t just whims of a cat’s personality? They are essential for their well-being and comfort.   Cats are instinctively drawn to hiding spots as a means of security. Whether it’s retreating from perceived threats or simply finding solace in a quiet corner, having a designated hiding space allows cats to feel safe and secure. A hiding spot provides them with a sense of control over their environment, reducing stress and anxiety levels.  Perching is another behaviour deeply ingrained in a cat’s nature. Cats love to ..read more

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (May 6, 2024) – This week is Emergency Preparedness Week and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) are asking you to promise to prepare and have an emergency preparedness plan in place that includes your furry family members. Promise to prepare by visiting ontariospca.ca/ep and you will be entered in a draw to win a pet first aid kit, plus you will receive our free digital Emergency Preparedness Workbook outlining everything you need to include when assembling your pet’s survival kit. The Ontario SPCA i ..read more

In the face of an unexpected emergency requiring evacuation or sheltering in place, readiness is key. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, want to remind you to have an emergency preparedness plan in place that includes your furry family members.   Your plan should include a survival kit equipped with the essentials for the initial 72 hours.  Some items to include in your pet’s emergency survival kit:   72- hour food and water supply   Blankets/towels, cleaning supplies, waste bags and a litter box ..read more

Pembroke, ON (May 1, 2024) – To kick off Emergency Preparedness Week, the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre is partnering with the Pembroke Fire Department and Nice Dog, Scarlett! for a free event to help keep your pets safe during an emergency. Sit, stay and learn on Monday, May 6 from 6-7 p.m. at the Pembroke Fire Department at 200 International Dr. in Pembroke. Participants will learn how to plan for their pet’s safety, including creating an emergency plan that includes their furry family members. The one-hour session will include considerations when planning an emergency escape rou ..read more

Jagger is a big guy, with even bigger fears. Adopted as a puppy, but then rehomed to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society just over a year later, Jagger needed help to find his happily ever after.  Being in an animal centre setting was stressful for Jagger. He became reactive whenever he was unsure, worried, or fearful. It was soon clear Jagger would benefit from the additional resources at the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre in Peterborough.  “Basically, he just had really big feelings and he didn’t know where to put them,” says Kassie Dickson, Animal Behaviour Coor ..read more

It’s not just people who feel the change of seasons – our furry friends are right there with us, navigating the shifts in weather and daylight. These seasonal shifts can affect their routines and well-being so it’s important that we help ease the transition to keep our beloved companions happy.  Adjusting feeding and sleeping schedules  The internal clocks of our animal friends can be thrown out of whack with the shifting hours of sunlight. Just like us, they might need a bit of time to adapt to the new rhythm of the day. You can try adjusting their feeding and sleeping schedules gra ..read more

IMMEDIATE RELEASE Whitby, ON (April 26, 2024) – To help prepare for kitten season, a time when animal shelters typically see an increase in the number of tiny felines coming into their care, the Humane Society of Durham Region is hosting a “kitten shower” tomorrow.  Drop by the animal centre on Saturday, April 27 between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to meet animals available for adoption, learn more about volunteer opportunities, and discover the many community programs and services offered by the Humane Society of Durham Region. Animal lovers are encouraged to make a donation, drop off items such ..read more

As a responsible animal lover, it’s our job to care for our furry friends. And while caring for the animals, we should also think about the environmental impact they have on our planet. From the food they eat to the waste they produce, the animals in our lives contribute to our carbon footprint. But fear not, there are steps we can take to reduce their environmental impact while still providing them with the love and care they deserve.  Diet  One of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by choosing sustainable pet food and treat options. Opting for brands that ..read more