Advocating for the animals... read more

The Next Step for a Cruelty-Free Canada 

Last month, the Canadian government introduced its 2023 federal budget, which included a proposal to ban cosmetic animal testing and trade. If passed, the bill would prohibit testing on animals in Canada, selling cosmetics that rely on animal testing data to establish the product's safety, and false labelling pertaining to testing of cosmetics on animals.

More than 40 countries have already banned cosmetic testing on animals, and it's time for Canada to implement this overdue legislation.

Cosmetic products tested on animals can range from makeup, perfume, lotions, hair products, nail polish, shaving creams, deodorant and more.

Millions of rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, and mice in Canada are subject to this cruelty every year. These experiments often cause the animals extreme distress, discomfort and pain.

Despite effective and efficient alternatives, many companies still test their products on animals.

If you believe animals shouldn't suffer to test cosmetics or ingredients, take action now. Write to your MP and let them know that all cosmetics should be cruelty-free and to put an end to cosmetic animal testing in Canada.

Emergency Care for Animals in Need

Meet Dakota, a five-year-old black papillon who came to the OHS after being hit by a car. She was in terrible shape when she arrived — she had a bruised eye, missing teeth and a broken pelvis. While her story is heart-wrenching, caring people like you gave her hope.

Dakota received the surgery she needed to repair her broken hip and is now recovering under the loving care of an experienced foster volunteer. She has a long road to recovery but with a friend like you, she will receive the care and second chance she desperately deserves. Once her recovery journey is complete, she will be ready to find her forever home.

Making the Right Call: Baby Wildlife

You've seen it. A nest of baby rabbits tucked into your yard. A fledging bird who fell from their nest. A juvenile raccoon scurrying around during the day.

Your first reaction might be to intervene, scoop up the baby animal and bring them to safety, but this isn’t always the right thing to do. Often juvenile wildlife has the best chance without intervention from people.

Depending on the species of animal, there are a few ways you can help. The best thing you can do right away is to take time to observe the baby animal and consider when they need intervention or should be safely left alone.

Avian Flu: Be Cautious, Don't Panic

Last month, a dog in Oshawa, Ontario died of avian flu. The dog had been exposed to the disease after chewing on the carcass of an infected wild goose. The disease passing from birds to mammals, especially pets, is worrying, however there is no need to panic.

Dr. Scott Weese shares that with simple precautions, your pets are unlikely to catch avian flu.

The most crucial advice Dr. Weese provides is the importance of keeping your pet away from wildlife, living or dead. Even without avian flu, this is good advice for the wellbeing of your pet and wild animals.

For cats, the best way to prevent them from interacting with wildlife is to keep them indoors unless supervised on leash and harness, or allowing them to enjoy the outdoors in the safety of an enclosed catio.

Dogs should also be supervised on a leash and harness while outdoors. If you let your dog roam in your backyard or in an off-leash dog park, take a moment to check the area for anything your dog shouldn’t be getting into.

Avian flu is an evolving situation and more information will likely be available as millions of birds return to Canada from migration. For now, staying calm and taking the usual precautions with your pet are likely to keep your pet safe and healthy.

Thank You for Supporting Ottawa's Animals!

Because of you, Bono has found his forever home!

This two-year-old cat was brought to the Ottawa Humane Society after he was found wandering starving and alone. Your PAW monthly gift gave Bono food and shelter when he needed it most.

Once he made a full recovery, Bono started the search for his forever family and soon found his perfect match.

Thank you for being a hero to animals like Bono 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.