2025 Media Releases
2025
Ottawa Humane Society Seeking New Board Members (Jan. 31, 2025)
Cat Missing for Eight Years, Reunited at the Ottawa Humane Society (Jan. 27, 2025)
Ottawa Humane Society Launches Lottery to Support the Animals (Jan. 24, 2025)
Escaped Cat from Ottawa Humane Society Saved Before Cold Snap (Jan. 20, 2025)
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.
-30-
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.
-30-
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: ForTheLoveLottery.ca.
Only people 18 years of age or older who are in Ontario at the time of purchase may purchase tickets.
-30-
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.
-30-
Media Contact
Ottawa Humane Society
Stephen Smith, Senior Manager: Marketing & Communications
stephens@ottawahumane.ca
www.ottawahumane.ca