2025 Media Releases

Ice Storm Approaches - Ottawa Humane Society Urges Pet Owners to Take Caution

March 28, 2025 — As Ottawa braces for the weekend’s ice storm, the Ottawa Humane Society is warning pet owners about the dangers extreme weather can pose to pets — especially cats allowed to roam outdoors.

The OHS is encouraging members of the public who find stray cats in distress 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 immediate 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.
• 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

$15,000 and Rising Up for Grabs in Humane Society 50/50

March 7, 2025 — The 50/50 jackpot in the Ottawa Humane Society’s For the Love of Animals Lottery is up to $15,000 and is climbing.

Purchasing tickets for the grand prize of a brand new 2025 Q5 Technik 45 TFSI Quattro by Audi West Ottawa unlocks access to the Bonus 50/50 draw and early bird prizes.

Proceeds from the lottery will provide life-saving care for the hundreds of animals currently in OHS care including four puppies who were found abandoned outside during a February snowstorm.

“I couldn’t be more grateful for the support our community has shown for the animals,” said Bronwen Dearlove, OHS chief development officer. “From sheltering, veterinary care, adoptions and programs to help people and pets in need in the community, every dollar goes a long way in supporting Ottawa’s pets and the people who love them.”

Time is running out for people to buy tickets and get their shot at winning the 50/50 draw while supporting Ottawa’s animals. Tickets are on sale until Monday, March 31, and can be purchased at: theloveofanimalslottery.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

200 Pets Need Sterilization - Ottawa Humane Society Closes in on Goal

Feb. 25, 2025 — Today the Ottawa Humane Society will spay and neuter close to 40 homeless cats and dogs.

The effort is in recognition of World Spay Day, an international event to raise awareness about the importance of spaying and neutering pets and to prevent pet homelessness.

“Sterilizing pets has many benefits for their health,” explained Dr. Shelley Hutchings, OHS chief veterinarian. “It also helps reduce the number of homeless animals in our community. We’re thrilled to provide this service for animals in need.”

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and the OHS has aimed to sterilize 200 pets by the end of the month. Currently, the OHS has sterilized 137 pets and expects to reach its goal by the end of the week.

Spay/neuter is the most responsible decision an owner can make for their pet. Not only does it help the pet live a happier, healthier life, but it will prevent generations of unwanted pets to come.

Members of the public who would like to help make this life-saving care possible can donate 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

Seven Dogs and Puppies Abandoned in Snowstorm

Feb. 14, 2025 — During yesterday’s snowstorm, seven abandoned dogs and puppies arrived at the Ottawa Humane Society for care and shelter. Four puppies were found in a Barrhaven park, and three dogs were found outside of West Hunt Club’s Audi dealership, only steps from the humane society’s front door.

“There’s no defensible reason to abandon an animal,” said Sharon Miko, OHS President & CEO. “The OHS is always available for animals in need, like these pups, and we’re always here to help pet owners who are struggling.”

The snowstorm pups continue a concerning and unusual trend that has emerged in the first month and a half of 2025: 32 puppies have needed the OHS’s care compared to only 13 during the same period the year before.

While it’s unknown why these particular pups were abandoned, the OHS is investing heavily in greater supports for any pet owner whose struggles may leave them thinking of abandonment. Wellness clinics, pet food banks, temporary pet shelter, behaviour help and more are just some of the supports the OHS offers in a bid to help more animals stay with the owners who love them.  And for those for whom keeping a pet simply isn’t possible, Miko urges them to contact the OHS to make sure their pet is safely surrendered, rather than abandoning their pet and leaving it in distress.

“For stray and seemingly abandoned animals, we will always wait a few days for an owner to step forward.” Miko explained. “We don’t know for sure how these dogs ended up in their situation, and it is possible there might be a worried owner looking for them.”

Information about who the dogs may belong to can be shared with the OHS’s Lost & Found team at 613-725-3166 ext. 223 or intake@ottawahumane.ca.

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

Ottawa Humane Society Announces More Support for Pet Owners in Crisis

Feb. 11, 2025 — Today, the Ottawa Humane Society announced greater supports to help pet owners in crisis keep the animals they love.

Debbie King, OHS manager: veterinary social work, explained:

“Our Sheltering Animals From Emergencies (SAFE) program gives people in crisis the option to leave animals in our care for up to a few months. Our clients might be experiencing housing precarity, fleeing intimate partner violence, hospitalized for physical or mental illness, or going through other situations that limit their ability to care for their pet.”

More Canadians are navigating challenges with housing, mental health and intimate partner violence. Through temporary shelter for pets, the OHS aims to further protect the bond between people and their pets in the face of crisis.

From April 2023 to March 2024, the OHS provided for 16 pets through SAFE. Since April 2024, the OHS has already supported 31 pets.

“We’ve seen a clear and growing need for a stronger safety net for pets in the community. Someone in crisis can’t always immediately figure out a plan for their pet and it adds an additional pressure in what is already a difficult time. Our goal is to ease that pressure and ensure both the person and their pet get the care they need.” King continued.

The OHS has always provided short-term relief of up to a couple of weeks, but they recognized longer-term support could make a difference for many people who otherwise might have to give up a pet. Cats and dogs in SAFE may be cared for at the OHS or in a foster volunteer’s home and will receive essential vaccinations, sterilization, microchips, health tests and behaviour support at no cost to their owner.

“This isn’t a convenience boarding program,” emphasized King. “These are pets who are loved and whose owners are facing short-term hardship. By helping the person, we help the pet.”

The SAFE program is made possible through donations from the OHS’s community of supporters and is a part of the OHS’s efforts to keep more pets with the people who love them.

People in crisis who need temporary shelter for their pet can find more information on the OHS’s website or by contacting 613-725-3166 ext. 419 or safe@ottawahumane.ca.

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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

Jan. 31, 2025 — Applications are open for the Ottawa Humane Society’s board of directors until March 14, 2025. The OHS is recruiting for two board positions whose term will begin in September 2025.

The board of directors is crucial to the work of the OHS, overseeing implementation of the OHS’s current strategic plan and governing the organization as it fulfils its mission to lead Ottawa in building a humane and compassionate community for all 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 creates the OHS’s mission and purpose, supports and evaluates the President & CEO, engages 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

Cat Missing for Eight Years, Reunited at the Ottawa Humane Society

Jan. 27, 2025 — After being lost for eight years, Meow Meow, a 12-year-old cat, was reunited with his owner at the Ottawa Humane Society.

On Thursday, Jan. 23, a member of the public found Meow Meow in Nepean and brought him to the OHS. The OHS scanned him for a microchip — one of the first steps for cats and dogs admitted to the shelter — and found that the cat had an owner.

The OHS called Meow Meow’s family who rushed to the shelter that evening to collect him. Wendy, Meow Meow’s owner, said, “It was a miracle to have him back. I thought the worst, but it was like heaven to have him home. He hasn’t left my side since.”

“It’s a good news story that we love to see,” said Craig Dwyer, OHS manager: admissions & rehoming. “We scan every cat and dog who comes to us for a microchip, and it helps us get lost pets home, even when they’ve been missing for a long time.”

While Meow Meow was returned to his family, not every lost cat is as lucky. Each month, hundreds of stray cats arrive at the OHS for shelter and care. Only 10 per cent of these cats are returned to their owners. By comparison, 60 to 70 per cent of dogs are returned to their owners.

The OHS recommends cats remain indoors unless on leash and harness with their owner, and wear collars, tags, and microchips to help them return home quickly if they get lost. The OHS runs regular microchip clinics and provides microchips through its wellness clinics to ensure more pets have a permanent form of identification.

Microchip information should be updated regularly. If your pet goes missing, the OHS has resources to help them return home fast.

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

Ottawa Humane Society Launches Lottery to Support the Animals

Jan. 24, 2025 — Tickets are now available for the Ottawa Humane Society’s For the Love of Animals Lottery.

The grand prize is a brand new 2025 Audi Q5 Quattro SUV by Audi West Ottawa.

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 close to 400 animals currently in OHS care and the thousands more who will need shelter and love this year.

“Our community is fantastic and always willing to support animals who desperately need their help,” said Bronwen Dearlove, OHS chief development officer. “It’s always exciting to provide opportunities for our supporters to help the animals.”

Funds raised from the lottery will help animals like Anthony, an affectionate 11-month-old cat who was found lost and alone outdoors with a large wound on his head and matted fur. The OHS veterinary team carefully cleaned Anthony’s wound, gave him medication to ease his pain and closely monitored him to make sure he was recovering well. Once he’s fully healed, Anthony will be ready to find his loving forever home.

Tickets are on sale until Friday, March 28, and can be purchased at: TheLoveofAnimalsLottery.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

Escaped Cat from Ottawa Humane Society Saved Before Cold Snap

Jan. 20, 2025 —Just as the temperature in Ottawa plummeted, a post to a lost & found Facebook group saved a cat’s life.

Trippy, a six-year-old cat, was about to start the New Year in her new home after spending more than a month in the care of the Ottawa Humane Society – but as she and her new family were leaving the OHS building, an accident changed everything. In the blink of an eye, Trippy managed to slip out of her carrier and bolted away. Her adopter and OHS staff all searched desperately, but she was nowhere to be found.

For two weeks the OHS continued their search, knowing with each passing day she faced the dangers of weather, vehicles and predators.

Then, more than two weeks after her escape, she appeared at a kind person’s door almost four kilometres away. Thanks to a Facebook post she was quickly identified, and they managed to secure her and bring her back to the OHS, just before frigid temperatures hit Ottawa. If Trippy had stayed outside much longer she would have faced deadly weather conditions.

Trippy is doing well and is now recovering at the OHS. The OHS is thankful for the caring community that helped bring Trippy back safely and give her story a happy ending.

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