2024 Media Releases

Senior Cat Adoption Fee Dropped at Ottawa Humane Society

April 19, 2024 — The Ottawa Humane Society has removed the adoption fee for all cats seven years of age and up. The OHS expects removing the fee will help these often overlooked pets find loving forever homes even faster.

“Historically, older cats are the pets who have the hardest time finding their perfect match,” said Carley Davidson, OHS Senior Manager: Operations. “We want these cats to spend their golden years with a family who loves them.”

There are currently five senior cats available for adoption at the OHS and one has been in the shelter since January.

“Kitten season is right around the corner,” explained Davidson. “There will soon be many kittens who need new homes, which means some of our older cats will have an even harder time finding their perfect match.”

The OHS states that adopting an older pet has many benefits, including knowing the pet’s personality, the pet will likely be more calm than their younger counterparts and that it takes a long time for a pet to be as sweet as a senior.

All adoptable cats are available on the OHS’s website.

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

Donations to Ottawa Humane Society Doubled

April 18, 2024 — The OHS is approaching its busiest season of the year, and is turning to the community to help support the thousands of animals who will need its care this spring and summer.

Donations made towards the Ottawa Humane Society will be doubled today to provide shelter and care for these many animals.

“It’s incredible how our community has rallied to save lives and help complete so many families,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “If you’ve ever thought about donating to help Ottawa’s most vulnerable pets, there’s never been a better time to make a huge difference.”

The OHS relies on community support to provide life-saving surgeries, medications and care for Ottawa’s animals.

The extra support goes a long way for animals like Panda, a 10-week-old puppy who arrived at the OHS lost and alone with nowhere else to turn. She was sluggish and had very low energy, possibly from suffering trauma while she was fending for herself. The OHS veterinary team closely monitored her and supported her recovery. In OHS care, she made a full recovery, received a spay surgery and will soon be starting the search for her forever home.

Donations will be matched up to $120,000 by a group of generous donors. Visit the Ottawa Humane Society’s website to double your impact.

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

“Heroes for Ottawa’s Animals” Ottawa Humane Society Celebrates National Volunteer Week

April 15, 2024 — For National Volunteer Week, the Ottawa Humane Society will be celebrating the contributions of its close to 800 volunteers.

“Our volunteers are lifesavers,” said Heather Kotelniski, OHS Manager: Volunteers. “They are involved in everything the OHS does, from caring for the animals, providing loving foster homes and even some administration tasks.”

From animal enrichment volunteers, to helping hands at the OHS pet food bank, to volunteers who help comfort animals waking up from surgery — volunteers are involved in every aspect of the OHS.

Recently, the OHS expanded its volunteer offerings for youth by introducing a youth foster volunteer program. These youth provide a loving, temporary home for a rabbit in need and learn skills to become the best pet owners possible.

All volunteer opportunities are available on the OHS’s website.

Interviews with OHS volunteers may be arranged upon request.

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

Protecting Pets in the Spring

April 9, 2024 — The Ottawa Humane Society is advising the community to be wary of spring hazards for their pets.

As temperatures rise, cat owners living in apartments may be tempted to let their pets onto their balcony. Cats often seek out perches in high, dangerous places and if watching a bird, cats have been known to become so focused that they will step out onto thin air — a sometimes deadly phenomena known as High-Rise Syndrome.

Unless in an enclosed “catio,” cats should never be left outside without a leash and harness and constant supervision. If a cat falls from a balcony, the owner should not assume that their pet has been killed, they should not give up on looking for their pet and they should call their veterinarian immediately.

High-Rise Syndrome is only one of the dangers warmer temperatures pose to pets.

During the spring, streams, rivers, ponds and lakes are a danger to pets. The OHS urges people to keep their dogs on a leash when near these bodies of water, as dogs can easily fall through ice or be stranded on a piece of ice that breaks away from a shoreline.

When close to any body of water, slippery and unstable streambanks can lead to dangerous conditions for pets and their owners.

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

New OHS Program Gives Homeless Rabbits Second Chances with Teens

March 27, 2024 —The OHS recently launched a brand new program that gives Ottawa’s youth the experience of caring for OHS rabbits in their homes as foster volunteers, while earning community service hours required to graduate from high school.

Nine rabbits went home with eager teens last weekend for the launch of the Youth Foster Program. Before meeting their foster bunnies, the youth participated in an in-depth educational workshop where they learned all the basics of caring for rabbits. They were sent home with all the supplies they need to take care of their foster rabbits, who will stay with them for up to 40 days.

“This is truly a win-win program,” said Heather Hunter, director: outreach & community services at the OHS. “Our rabbits get a break from the shelter environment and teens get the chance to learn about rabbits while benefiting from the companionship of a furry friend,” she said. “For the OHS, the opportunity to reach youth with messaging about responsible pet ownership through this program is amazing. We know that pets offer many benefits to our lives, including emotional support and reduced stress levels – being able to share that with our future generation of pet owners is fantastic.”

Youth will earn hours towards their Ontario Community Involvement graduation requirement – one hour per day to account for the care and enrichment they provide. While parents provide oversight, the daily animal care and reporting requirements are the youth’s responsibility.

The program comes at a critical time: the OHS has seen a steady rise in rabbit admissions over the past few years and has been struggling to provide for their daily care needs. There are more than 25 rabbits currently in the care of the OHS, most of whom are ready for adoption but just haven’t met their match yet. “At the same time,” says Hunter, “we have teens calling all the time looking for a way to be involved with the OHS. So this program helps the bunnies, it helps the kids – truly a win-win.”

The program, in its pilot phase, is not currently recruiting new volunteers, but interested youth are welcome to learn more about the program and put their name on a waitlist for the next opening.

Photos are available upon request.

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Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Gillian Lemieux, Acting Manager: Communications
marketing@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca

Ottawa Humane Society Launches Lottery to Support the Animals

Feb. 16, 2024 — Tickets are now available for the Ottawa Humane Society’s For the Love of Animals Lottery.

The grand prize is a brand new 2024 Audi Q5 Progressiv 45 TFSI Quattro Luxury SUV by Audi West Ottawa.

Other great early bird prizes include a $5,900 custom jewelry couple’s engagement set drawn on Tuesday, Feb. 27 and one-of-a-kind architect-designed cat condo and dog bed, designed by Kariouk Architects, drawn on Wednesday, March 7. Lottery participants will also be able to purchase tickets for the Bonus 50/50 cash draw.

Proceeds from the lottery will provide life-saving care for the thousands of animals the OHS cares for each year.

“Our community is fantastic and always willing to support animals who desperately need their help,” says Lori Marcantonio, OHS director: development. “It’s always exciting to provide opportunities for our supporters to help the animals.”

Funds raised from the lottery will help animals like Pretzel, an 11-month-old cat who was found lost and alone with a badly injured leg. He needed life-saving care at the OHS to remove his leg and ensure he could live his best, pain-free life.

Tickets are on sale until Thursday, March 28, and can be purchased at: ForTheLoveLottery.ca.

Only people 18 years of age or older who are in Ontario at the time of purchase may purchase tickets.

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

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.

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

Fall in Love at the Ottawa Humane Society

Feb. 7, 2024 — The Ottawa Humane Society is inviting the community to fall in love with Ottawa’s homeless animals. On Sunday, Feb. 11, Tails of Love, a sweet event for the whole family, is happening at the OHS. From 1 to 4 p.m. lots of family fun is planned for the day including:

•       Princess Meet & Greet and Storytime;
•       Valentine’s Day crafts;
•       Craft sale supporting Ottawa’s homeless animals;
•       Children and youth drawing contest;
•       Face painting;
•       Meeting and learning with an OHS Program Dog;
•       And more!

Tails of Love will be happening at the OHS on 245 West Hunt Club Road.

The OHS welcomes donations to support this Valentine’s Day fun and Ottawa’s animals.

More information and registration is available on the OHS’s website or through OHS supervisor: programs at programs@ottawahumane.ca or 613-725-3166 ext. 298.

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

Ottawa Humane Society Seeking New Board Members

Feb. 2, 2024 — Applications are open for the Ottawa Humane Society’s board of directors until March 22, 2024. The board will play a key role in supporting the OHS as it embarks on its five-year strategic plan in supporting Ottawa’s pets and their people.

The OHS is recruiting for three board positions whose term will begin in September 2024.

The board of directors is crucial to the work of the OHS, providing oversight for the organization to be successful in being a community leader for animal welfare, creating opportunities for young people to learn about animals and compassion, and providing a safe haven for Ottawa’s homeless animals.

“Our board members contribute specific skills to help us advance our mission and reflect varied lived experiences in our community,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “Individuals’ unique perspectives and talents together provide the OHS with direction on how to meet the needs of our community.”

The OHS board of directors serves many purposes. The board helps create the OHS’s mission and purpose, supports and evaluates the President & CEO, participates in strategic planning, monitors and strengthens the OHS’s programs, and many other duties.

Successful candidates will serve on the board for six years. For more information or to apply, visit the OHS’s website or email ceo@ottawahumane.ca.

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

Helping Pet Owners Handle Post-Pandemic Anxiety — Ottawa Humane Society

Jan. 29, 2024 — The Ottawa Humane Society is launching a special webinar series, Anxiety and Pets: The Essentials, to help pet owners better understand what makes pets anxious and stressed.

The pandemic limited opportunities for families to train and socialize their pets — this webinars series will help pet owners bridge the gap.

“Sometimes families surrender their pets to the OHS when they aren’t able to manage a challenging behaviour,” said Melissa Lefebvre, OHS senior manager: outreach & community services. “Our new webinar series will give families the tools they need to best care for their pet and will ultimately help more families avoid the heartbreaking decision of surrendering their pet.”

The OHS is partnering with renowned experts in veterinary care and animal behaviour. Dr. Karen Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, DACVB; Dr. Jessica Hekman, DVM, PhD; and Chantal Mills, CSAT will present on how families can better understand their pet’s anxiety.

From better understanding stress and anxiety in pet body language, exploring what makes a pet anxious and supporting dogs who experience separation anxiety, the webinars are packed with essential information for pet owners.

Webinars cost $35 each or $90 for all three. Registrants can save an extra 15% by registering before Feb. 16.

Registration for the webinars and more information is available on the OHS’s website.

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

Ottawa Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Take Caution During Cold Snap

Jan. 16, 2024 — The temperature is expected to plummet this week, and the Ottawa Humane Society is warning pet owners about the dangers cold weather can pose to pets — especially cats allowed to roam outdoors.

The OHS is encouraging members of the public who find stray cats in the cold to contact 613-725-3166 ext. 223 to ensure the cat can return home safely or to arrange for the cat to be brought to the OHS. If a cat is in danger, call Ottawa By-law Services at 3-1-1.

As well, the OHS urges pet owners to take additional precautions to protect their pets from freezing temperatures:

• Limit the time dogs spend outside.
• Take dogs for shorter, more frequent walks, and consider a sweater or coat for the dog.
• After a walk, wipe the dog’s paws to remove salt, sand and other harmful substances.
• Monitor outdoor water bowls to ensure the water hasn’t frozen.
• Avoid leaving pets in a cold car.
• Be mindful of animals hiding in cars to keep warm. Bang on the hood a couple times to scare away cats and wildlife.

Dogs who live outside are required by law to have an insulated doghouse built from weather-proof material, facing away from prevailing winds. The shelter must be elevated from the ground with a door flap and bedding.

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