Advocating for the animals... read more

OHS Pilots Groundbreaking Wellness Clinic

This week, the Ottawa Humane Society piloted its first Wellness Clinic for at-risk pet owners in Ottawa who are unable to afford veterinary care. Servicing cats and dogs, the clinic provides wellness exams, core vaccines and a few basic services at heavily subsidized rates.

Preventive veterinary care is essential in protecting a pet against more serious health problems. The clinics help keep families together by reducing the likelihood an animal will need intensive or emergency veterinary care that the animal’s family does not have the resources to provide.

During the pilot phase, the OHS is reaching out to families in community housing neighbourhoods, clients of the OHS Emergency Pet Food Bank and the OHS’s Mobile Spay/Neuter Service who would not typically have been able to access veterinary care for their pet.

A limited number of clinics is planned at this time, but after the pilot phase, the OHS is aiming to expand the program.

The Outdoors is No Place for a Cat

Sputnik, a two-year-old cat, was found lost and alone on a brutally cold day wandering around a construction site. She had suffered frostbite and was shivering when she arrived at the OHS.

Thanks to a caring community, Sputnik was able to receive the care she needed to recover from her frostbite and ensure she wasn’t suffering from any other injuries.

Caring people who stand up for the animals make sure that Sputnik and other cats just like her have somewhere warm and safe where they can go in their time of need. Caring people also help keep families together by sharing the dangers the outdoors poses to a cat along with safe and responsible ways for cats to enjoy the outdoors. 

Attitudes that Save

Providing your pet with regular veterinary care is essential and helps them to live a long, happy life. But one question on the minds of pet parents everywhere is, how do I avoid unexpected visits to the veterinarian?

The answer is simple, but complex: Responsible pet ownership.

The simple part is what most people know about pets. You need to feed them, groom them, play with them, and take them for regular checkups with a veterinarian.

The hard part is how to do all of the above in a way that works best for your pet.

Your pet’s diet should meet their nutritional needs. Avoid food and other common household objects that are toxic to pets. Pets have different nutritional needs based on their health and age; talk to your vet about the best diet for your pet.

Much like diets, an animal’s exercise needs can vary drastically. Some dogs may be content with a light walk while others need hours of outdoor time, and a cat’s exercise needs should not be overlooked.

Pets need regular grooming to stay healthy. Grooming also helps families find other problems like fleas or wounds that might have gone unnoticed. Cats, dogs and rabbits also need nail trimmings to stay healthy.

Before bringing a pet home, researching the pet’s breed-specific needs, their lifespan, and ensuring that the pet is coming from an ethical source like the OHS will get your relationship started on the right foot.

The outdoors and your pet are another big question. Dogs of course require time outdoors on a leash and harness, unless in the safety of a fenced in area where they will not run away. It is best to keep cats indoors, but they can also enjoy the outdoors while on a leash and harness with their owner or in the safety of a catio.

There is still so much more that goes into being a responsible pet owner. Find out the key steps you can take to help your pet live their best life.

Co-Existing With Wildlife

Spring is coming and you might soon have more encounters with wildlife.

If you see a juvenile animal in a questionable circumstance, consider the situation before intervening. Is there an immediate threat present? Does the animal seem injured? Often their mothers are nearby, and it's best to leave wild animals alone. If there is a wild animal in need, call the Ottawa Humane Society at 613-725-3166 ext. 221 for help.

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

The Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is also available for help at 613-258-9480.

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.