April 24, 2025
The Need Doesn’t Stop
We haven’t seen this many puppies needing help in years. And they aren’t alone — kitten season is just beginning
Earlier this week, I wrote about the significant uptick in puppies needing help at the Ottawa Humane Society.
The great news? Puppies are usually adopted quickly. I’m forever grateful that Ottawa is full of people ready to open their hearts and homes to animals in need.
But even fast adoptions don’t mean a short stay at the shelter.
Before finding their forever home, every newborn puppy spends — at a minimum — more than eight weeks in our care. In that time our team gives the pups veterinary and behaviour support, sterilization surgery, and love and care every day.
While some animals are at the OHS for just a few weeks, others — like Ladybug — need months of support.
Ladybug came to us in August 2024. She went through months of intensive veterinary care and is now waiting for her forever home — facing steep competition from puppies who also need a home. Beyond her veterinary needs, Ladybug, and animals just like her, need love and support every single day.
And it’s not just dogs.
With kitten season starting, we expect to soon see more momma cats and their litters, all who have nowhere else to go.
Support for homeless pets is food, shelter, medical care and attention from our dedicated staff and amazing volunteers, as well as a team working around the clock to find Ladybug and thousands of pets a new home.
But this care doesn’t happen without you.
Sustaining this network of care relies on the support of our compassionate community — including people who make the incredible commitment to give monthly to the animals.
To build this network of care and ensure we can be there tomorrow, we are asking our caring community to consider giving $5 a month to the animals. Right now, an anonymous donor is matching gifts, which means your donation will go twice as far for the animals who need you most.
Thank you for being a part of a community that is there for Ottawa’s animals. We couldn’t do it without you.
Sharon Miko
President & CEO