Advocating for the animals... read more

Exotic Animals Need Protection

This month, Greater Napanee imposed a ban on residential ownership of exotic animals. The ban is extensive, covering endangered species, animals that may pose a risk to the safety of the public, and a species specific breakdown from walruses to lemurs.

The ban came after a landlord had discovered a duplex filled with snakes, including a three-metre boa constrictor, in March 2021.

Ottawa has its own restrictions that prohibit ownership of most exotic animals in the city. Restrictions on exotic animal ownership are essential for the wellbeing of the animals, as most of these animals that are kept as pets have been displaced from their natural environment and it is likely their owner is not fully prepared to meet their needs.

The OHS supports municipalities adopting restrictions, but prohibiting exotic animal ownership needs to be at minimum a provincial issue. Municipalities creating their own laws has weaved a patchwork of legislation riddled with holes that allows animal suffering and exploitation to creep in.

This weakness opens the door for roadside zoos that can shuttle from town to town to evade animal restrictions. In 2021, four lions killed and ate a tiger kept at a roadside zoo.

Provincial legislation for exotic animals is long overdue in Ontario, and you can make a difference. Contact the Ministry of the Solicitor General and demand change for animals throughout Ontario.

Terrified and Trapped

Wedged under the hood of a car, shivering from the cold, Thomas, a five-year-old shih tzu, was found on a frigid winter day. The owner of the car discovered him and contacted by-law to rush him to the OHS.

Thomas' toes were red and he had scrapes on his pelvis and elbows possibly from trying to squeeze deeper into the car for what little warmth the engine might have provided. His fur was severely matted, hiding sad eyes pleading for help.

It's odd to find a dog sheltering under a car's hood, but it's not unusual for cats and wildlife to hide in cars on the coldest days of the year. Banging on the hood of a vehicle before starting the engine can save the lives of animals who may have been seeking warmth in the car.

Because of people who care and give a voice to the voiceless, Thomas found his forever home, and other animals have somewhere warm and safe to go on winter's most brutal days.

Will you provide shelter and care for animals who need it most?

Spay/Neuter for a Lifetime of Good Health

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. The OHS is participating in World Spay Day on Feb. 28 to spay/neuter more than 40 cats, dogs and rabbits in the care of local partners.

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.

To celebrate Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and to support affordable spay/neuter services, support  World Spay Day at the OHS on Feb. 28.

Supporting Ottawa's Firefighters

As part of their day-to-day jobs, many professionals like firefighters, health care workers, police officers, and shelter workers witness trauma. The mental toll of these occupations is very real. 

The OHS has created a new program dedicated to supporting the mental wellbeing of Ottawa's first responders. The OHS partnered with Ottawa Fire Services to visit their stations with specially assessed and selected dogs. 

The mental health benefits of spending time with animals are clear. Interacting with animals can reduce a person's stress, increase their happiness, lower their blood pressure and can help them relax after a stressful event. 

The dogs participating in this program are not dogs in the care of the OHS. They are volunteer dogs participating with their owners, and have shown that they are calm and comfortable in many situations, especially around loud noises and people who may be in distress. 

The volunteers in this program are also specially selected. They are people with skills and experience in working with first responders. 

The OHS's first visit was a success, the firefighters of Ottawa’s Station 12 were thrilled to visit with Mowgli, a five-year-old border collie. The OHS plans to bring this program to more of Ottawa's first responders in the future.

Pets Need Dental Care

February is National Pet Dental Health Month. Like people, pets need regular dental care to live their best, happy, pain-free lives. At the OHS clinic, dental operations are the second most frequent procedure, outnumbered only by spay/neuter surgeries. 

Despite how important dental care is for a pet's health, people often overlook their pet's teeth. Without regular care, dental disease can become a big issue and may result in serious health consequences. 

Unchecked and untreated, dental disease can cause a pet pain, lead to infection, cause jaw fractures, and can even affect a pet's heart, liver and kidneys. 

Brushing a pet's teeth, and providing some prescription diets or dental chews can help maintain a pet's oral health. However, regular veterinary checkups and cleanings are essential to maintaining good dental health. 

This National Pet Dental Health Month, book an appointment with your veterinarian, and make a plan for daily at-home dental care.

Thank You for Supporting Ottawa's Animals!

Sam says THANK YOU for being a PAW monthly donor. 

This two-year-old Siamese cat was brought to the OHS in desperate need of medical attention. Sam had fallen and fractured her right hind femur. OHS veterinarians amputated her leg and are closely monitoring her as she heals. 

Sam is recovering well and has been prescribed lots of cage rest in the loving home of an experienced foster volunteer. 

Thank you for being a hero to animals like Sam every day of the year!

The Standards Program Trustmark is a mark of Imagine Canada used under licence by the Ottawa Humane Society.

The Humane Canada Accreditation Program mark is a licenced mark of Humane Canada used under licence by the Ottawa Humane Society.