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If you find a sick or injured wild animal, here are the steps you can take. If you need more help, call the City of Ottawa at 311.

From the squirrel that raids your birdfeeder to the foxes that frisk in the distance, learn about these creatures and their habits to make peaceful coexistence easier.

Read our Wildlife FAQs

Live trapping may seem like an immediate and easy fix to your wildlife problem; however, it is only a temporary solution. Find out why trapping and relocating is a bad idea.

If you can’t find the answer to your wildlife question and it’s not an emergency, contact the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 223, or send us an email.

If you find a sick or injured wild animal, here are the steps you can take. If you need more help, call the City of Ottawa at 311.

For large wildlife, such as deer, moose and bear, please call Ottawa Police Services at 613-236-1222.

Just because a baby animal is alone, does not necessarily mean they are an orphan. Many wildlife parents leave their young alone during the day, sometimes for long periods. The mother is usually nearby. Also, keep in mind that despite their small size, many young animals are actually independent enough to fend for themselves.

How can you tell if an animal needs your help or should be left alone? If an animal needs your help, you will see one or more of the following signs:

• A wild animal presented to you by a cat or dog;
• Bleeding;
• An apparent or obvious broken limb;
• Shivering or coldness to the touch;
• Evidence of a dead parent nearby;
• Unusual or uneven loss of fur;
• Difficult or raspy breathing or sneezing; and,
• Body covered in fleas.

Is the Juvenile or Baby Animal Really an Orphan?
Juvenile or Baby Deer or Moose
Juvenile or Baby Foxes
Juvenile or Baby Rabbits
Juvenile or Baby Raccoons
Juvenile or Baby Skunks
Juvenile or Baby Squirrels

Wildlife issues are frustrating. However, wildlife issues are temporary problems and there are solutions. It seems daunting, but if you work out a solution, you can make sure you never have this problem again. Property owners are responsible for dealing with their wildlife situation humanely and legally.

Here are some questions to ask a wildlife control agency to ensure their practices are humane:

• Where will the animal(s) be relocated?
  Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources regulations prohibit the moving of animals more than 1km. If the operator tells you the animal is to be moved further, they do not understand the law or are intending to break it on your behalf.

• Is your company familiar with the birthing seasons of all species of wildlife in this area?
  The company should be well versed in each species birthing season e.g. Raccoons – March and June, Squirrels – Spring and late summer/early Fall, Groundhogs – April and May, Skunks – May and June.

• Does your company provide removal of wildlife during the birthing season?
  The removal of wildlife during the birthing season may cause orphans and death if not done properly. Responsible operators will suggest a grace period until the young can be safely removed along with the mother or until they vacate on their own.

• Does your company provide humane animal proofing as part of the overall solution package before or after attempting removals?
  In most situations, this will prevent further conflict and will be cost effective for the homeowner. Responsible operators will tell you this. Others will not and are perhaps looking for repeat business.

• Does your company provide conflict resolution and education?
  The companies should be well versed in each species and may be able to give homeowners solutions that may be less risky for the animal than removal.

• Is your company familiar with the biology and behaviour of local species of small wildlife?
  In order to effectively deal with each species, they must be familiar with the habits, behaviours, etc. of the various species common to this geographical area. They should know whether or not an animal is nocturnal or diurnal, where the animal commonly makes its home, how many young each species may have, etc.

• Does your company comply with the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act?
  The OMNR will prosecute non-compliant companies or members of the public who take matters into their own hands.

• Has your staff had pre-exposure rabies vaccinations or any other vaccinations?
  This is a health and safety concern. Responsible operators will protect their staff.

• What type of training do you provide your employees?
  Wildlife operators should have hands-on training and continue to keep themselves updated on all issues around wildlife as the law and best practices change over time.

First aid is an important part of taking care of the ones you love. Your animal companion is more than just a pet – they are a member of your family! With that in mind, do you know how to recognize a potentially serious condition in your pet? Would you know how to help if they are injured?

Be the best pet owner you can be by attending Pet First Aid at the OHS!

OHS Pet First Aid courses are taught by a registered veterinary technician. Topics covered in each course include:

*These topics will include hands-on practical demonstrations using life-sized stuffed dogs.

Please note that:

• The OHS does not offer practical CPR in our Pet First Aid courses.
• OHS Pet First Aid courses are suitable for adult participants.
• Due to space, we ask that only the registered participant attend.
• For youth participants interested in pet care and related topics, please visit our Youth Programs page and check out our new OHS Youth Pet Sitting Course!

Cost: $120 per participant

A 25% discount is available for all OHS adopters who register for OHS Pet First Aid courses. Use promo code included in your Adoption Package at time of online registration.

Upcoming Courses:

• Sunday, June 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Register Now

To be placed on an interest list for future Pet First Aid classes, select the “Interest List” button below to register. Select the calendar date (Dec. 31, 2025) and time (11:59 pm) and select “Book Now”. You will remain on the mailing list until Dec. 31, 2025, or until you cancel. Registration to the Interest List is free of charge.

Interest List

Pet First Aid Refund Policy: Refund requests received 48 hours in advance of a scheduled program are eligible for a refund (a $25 administration fee is non-refundable). Refund requests received within 48 hours of the scheduled program are not eligible for a refund.

For more information, email education@ottawahumane.ca or call (613) 725-3166, ext. 204.

An indoor cat’s average life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, while cats allowed outside can only expect 2 to 5 years. This is because the outdoors presents many risks to a cat’s health and safety, like:

• Vehicles: Traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for outdoor cats. Whether in the city or the country, a cat is not safe from vehicles if she is outdoors.
• Predators: Wildlife, dogs and other cats can cause serious injury and even death to a roaming domestic cat.
• Disease: Outdoor cats are almost three times more likely to be infected by a parasite than indoor cats. The risk of disease is considered so severe, researchers believe free-roaming cats should be considered a zoonotic threat.
• Toxins: Cats and what they consume cannot be monitored while they’re exploring outside unsupervised. Many plants such as lilies are extremely toxic to cats, and can result in death if ingested.

Free virtual presentations for elementary, intermediate and high school students!

Why Teach Humane Education in the Classroom?

Humane Education delves into something that all kids love — animals! The OHS’s Humane Education Program:

• promotes and encourages character development by promoting respect and empathy toward people, animals and the environment;
• provides the knowledge and understanding necessary for children to resolve conflict situations and make responsible choices;
• fosters a sense of responsibility on the part of children to make choices and act upon their personal beliefs.

Our virtual Humane Education program is inclusive, and appropriate for children and youth of all abilities. Each presentation lasts approximately 45 minutes, and students will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with the presenter.  Presentations also include a live virtual animal visit!

COST: All humane education presentations are complimentary and intended to aid current curriculums. We happily accept donations — both financial and in-kind. For in-kind donation ideas, please visit our Wish List.

BOOK A PRESENTATION

If you encounter an animal in immediate danger, dial 911. To get help for sick or injured animals, dial 311. To report animal cruelty or neglect, dial 1-833-9ANIMAL.