14 Halloween safety tips to prevent your dog from being spooked
Guest blog by Ceva Animal Health
Trick-or-treating at Halloween brings endless fun to kids of all ages. Lots of sweets and candy, dressing up in scary costumes and knocking on doors can be fun for humans – but what about our dogs?
How do our canine friends cope when the doorbell constantly rings with visitors, there are bowls of tempting treats lying around, and there are people around wearing strange disguises?
Halloween can be a confusing time for dogs. It’s easy for them to become overwhelmed and anxious, but there are things that you can do to prevent your dog from being spooked.
Howl-oween safety tips
In your home
- Make sure your dog has had a long walk during the day before the celebrations begin. Remember though, that some people may decide to start early and could already be dressed up, so make sure you are able to distract your dog with a treat or a favourite toy in case you have any spooky encounters!
- At home, make sure your pooch has a safe and secure place as far away from the front door as possible. In a different room with the TV playing would help, but remember that dogs have very sensitive hearing so will probably hear the doorbell ringing. Making their bed in a crate with comfy cushions and covers over the top will help to muffle any sounds. It may also help to give your dog a chew toy or puzzle feeder to distract them, or have someone (in normal clothes!) stay with a nervous dog to keep them reassured.
- In the same room, plug in an ADAPTIL Home Calm Diffuser to help your dog stay calm. ADAPTIL releases “comforting messages” to create a safe and secure environment for your pooch, particularly in situations they are uncertain of, like loud noises or new visitors. And during Halloween – where we can expect the unexpected – providing your dog with reassurance is more important than ever.
- If you don’t have a separate space, consider keeping your dog on a lead so they can’t escape when you open the door. This will also help your visitors feel less intimidated if they encounter an excited pooch – but don’t force your dog to interact with any visitors.
- If you are dressing up too, make sure your dog is in the same room so that they can see what you are putting on and give them plenty of time to sniff and investigate this “new you.”
- If your dog gets over excited when the doorbell rings continuously, leave a note on your door asking visitors to knock (rather than ring the doorbell); your dog may be less sensitive to a knock.
- However, if your pooch is showing signs of excessive anxiety, you may find it necessary to avoid the celebrations, and turn off all lights to discourage visitors – or leave a box of treats away from the door so people can help themselves.
- If you plan to join in the fun and visit other houses, try to make sure someone stays at home with your dog so that they can be reassured when necessary.
- If you are confident to take your dog out with you Trick or Treating, keep an eye on them to make sure they are comfortable with all the noise and spooky encounters. They should be wearing a reflective vest or collar so that they can be seen clearly in the dark – some people are wary of dogs and may make sudden noises that startle your dog. Ensure you keep your dog on a lead at all times.
- Do not take your dog up to someone else’s front door – the owners may not welcome them, or there may be a resident dog which will object to another dog encroaching on their territory.
- Be aware of any sweets or chocolate on the ground which may have been dropped. These can contain xylitol (which can be fatal for dogs). If you think they may have eaten something which they should not have done, contact your vet to get them checked out immediately.
- Similarly, there will be a lot of chocolate and sweets at home after the celebrations, so keep these well out of your dog’s reach.
- Be extra cautious with Halloween decorations and keep them out of your dog’s way, particularly if your dog is naturally inquisitive and likes to chew things. For example, they may mistake a glow stick for a toy, but this contains chemicals which could be harmful.
- Think carefully before you dress your dog in a Halloween costume; although they might look cute to you, they could be uncomfortable for your pooch and even affect their ability to communicate. They may even try to scratch them off their body and ingest some small parts that could harm them.
Make sure you take precautions to help your dog stay calm and serene during Halloween and any other national celebrations by using ADAPTIL but if you are concerned about how your dog will cope, speak to your vet or behaviourist for advice and follow our top tips.
For more dog behaviour tips, continue exploring Ceva’s ADAPTIL blog online.
Helping shelter dogs get a day out across North America
Life in a shelter can be challenging for dogs waiting to find their people. Giving them a break from kennel life can offer enrichment, help them show off their personalities and open new opportunities for adoption.
That’s the idea behind Dog’s Day Out, a program VCA Charities is helping animal welfare organizations bring to their communities. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society recently participated in a VCA Charities training workshop, hosted at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre in Stouffville. The event brought together 46 participants from 17 animal welfare organizations across five Canadian provinces and four U.S. states to learn how they can offer similar experiences to shelter dogs.
Among those in attendance was Dr. Lisa Gunter, applied animal behaviourist and Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech School of Animal Sciences. Her research shows that dogs who leave the shelter on a field trip are over four times more likely to be adopted than dogs who do not participate in these programs.
A day out can make a big difference
Supported by VCA Charities, the charitable arm of VCA Animal Hospitals, Dog’s Day Out gives shelter dogs opportunities to experience the world beyond their kennel while they wait for a loving home.
VCA Charities provides grants to participating shelters to help launch the program, including supplies for field trips. Through Dog’s Day Out, approved community members are matched with a dog who is ready for an outing. They might head out for a walk, visit a dog-friendly shop or simply spend some time relaxing together at home.
For the dogs, these outings provide mental stimulation, enrichment and a welcome break from the shelter environment. They also give dogs the opportunity to show their personalities in a different setting, helping animal care teams learn more about what makes each dog unique.
The program also gives participants a chance to share their experiences with friends and family. Photos, videos and stories from an outing can help more people discover a dog who is looking for a home.
From pilot program to a new beginning
Scrappy arrived at the York Region Animal Centre in March as a stray. His goofy personality, playful energy and love of tennis balls quickly made him a staff favourite, but finding the right home took time. As a high-energy German Shepherd, he needed a family ready to provide plenty of exercise, attention and ongoing training.
When the Ontario SPCA’s Dog’s Day Out pilot launched in May, Scrappy became a regular participant. Later, when a potential adopter expressed interest, the team arranged an outing so the pair could get to know each other outside the shelter. A second outing gave them more time to build their connection.
After 139 days in our care, Scrappy found his home. Now named Toby, he’s loving daily trips to the park, making new friends and responding well to training.
Scrappy’s story shows how Dog’s Day Out can help potential adopters connect with shelter dogs and give those relationships room to grow beyond the shelter.
Helping more dogs find their people
Not everyone is able to adopt or foster, but spending a few hours with a shelter dog can still make a meaningful difference.
Dog’s Day Out is a reminder that there are many ways to help an animal in need. A walk, an adventure, some time on the couch or simply the chance to experience something new can help a dog feel more comfortable, reveal more of their personality and get noticed by someone looking for their new best friend.
Learn more about Dog’s Day Out at ontariospca.ca/dogs-day-out.
Tips for a successful adoption
Dogs are exceptional animals, and their ability and desire to form deep and loving bonds with humans is extraordinary. By adopting, you are truly giving a dog an amazing gift – a second chance.
Following an adoption, it may take a few weeks or months for you and your dog to fully adjust to your new life together, and to establish a relationship based on mutual understanding, trust and respect. Be patient. Remember, there is a reason you’ve chosen this dog, or they have chosen you!
The following adoption tips will help you bring out your dog’s superstar qualities.
Help your dog relax at home alone
Adopted dogs usually form deep bonds with their new parents, and in the beginning, separation may be emotional for you both. Help give your dog the confidence to be home alone by incorporating the following confidence-building tips into their day. Begin using these tips as soon as you bring your new friend home.
- Leave the house frequently for short periods by walking out the door, closing it, and then returning. Once your dog is comfortable with short departures, randomly include some longer departures.
- Ignore your dog during departures and arrivals (be very casual – don’t look back!).
- Practice mini departures inside by closing doors when you take a shower, use the bathroom, etc.
- Studies have shown that dogs are calmed by classical music, so consider changing your radio station.
- Try to stay relaxed (if you’re anxious, your dog’s anxiety will increase).
- Give your dog a safe chew toy stuffed with treats before you leave the house.
A dog with severe separation anxiety may destroy property, bark incessantly, scratch around doors or windows, or injure themselves in a frenzied panic. If you experience these behaviours with your new furry friend, speak to a positive reinforcement based dog trainer, animal behaviourist or veterinarian for ways to increase your dog’s comfort when they are home alone. Learn more about separation anxiety.
Establish household rules and routines
If your dog is living with more than one person, it is especially important that rules and routines are followed by every member of the household to encourage consistency and to give your dog stability. The more consistent your family is, the quicker your dog can figure things out.
Lack of routine, yelling at your dog for doing things wrong, or letting them make up their own rules will only make your dog anxious and unsettled. Consider incorporating some of the following rules and routines into your household.
- Feed your dog high-quality meals on a regular schedule in a quiet place.
- Offer your dog plenty of enrichment throughout the day, such as going for walks. Active dogs may also require vigorous off-leash exercise in a secure area.
- Until your dog is housetrained, sleeping in a crate in someone’s bedroom is recommended. Once they can hold it all night, they can graduate to sleeping on their own.
- Use treats as rewards for good behaviour (such as lying down quietly), or as training aids. Do not feed your dog from the table or when they are whining, barking or pawing you.
- Teach your dog that they must ask for things by sitting politely, rather than by making demands (e.g. barking/pawing). Before giving them the things they value, such as meals, wait for them to sit. Turn away if they start barking and/or jumping.
Take a dog training class
Taking your dog – and your family – to dog training classes is a wonderful and fun way to help you understand how your dog thinks and learns, and how to motivate him or her to repeat behaviours you like!
You can also have a trainer visit your home for private sessions. While costs vary, the investment will repay itself many times over throughout the life of your dog. A good class can put you in a room full of other new dog parents just like yourself, answer all your day-to-day questions, and help address the minor issues that may arise.
Look for a trainer that uses “positive reinforcement” techniques that are humane and fun, including “lure-rewarding” (using treats to lure dogs into position), and “clicker training” (marking the exact moment the dog is doing the desired behaviour using a small device that makes a “click” – followed by feeding a treat).
Learn more about positive reinforcement training.
Check out our blog for more training tips.
With these tips in mind, we hope you enjoy the journey of welcoming a new furry family member into your home!
If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
What to expect when adopting a guinea pig
Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to help ensure each animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new guinea pig.
Veterinary visits after adoption
A visit to your family veterinarian around two weeks after adoption is important to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.
Preventative care includes important measures such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this veterinary check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure your new family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new guinea pig friend’s medical history can be shared with your veterinarian.
Medical considerations
- Regular veterinary visits are recommended to prevent illness and to keep your new guinea pig as comfortable as possible. Because many veterinarians do not treat guinea pigs, it is highly recommended to find a suitable veterinarian before care is needed.
- The Ontario SPCA does not spay or neuter guinea pigs due to the relatively high risk of mortality during surgery. Surgery can successfully be performed, but it is best done through a veterinarian who has guinea pig surgical experience.
- Your guinea pig requires vitamin C in their diet to prevent scurvy, which can cause issues like anemia and/or pain or swelling in the limbs/body. However, most high-quality guinea pig diets are fortified with vitamin C.
- As a rodent, your guinea pig’s teeth will grow continuously throughout their life. To help wear down their ever-growing front teeth, provide your guinea pigs with chewing items such as cardboard and wooden toys. Adding hay to their diet will also help with their teeth.
- Your guinea pig’s nails will need to be trimmed regularly.
Housing your guinea pig
When selecting a cage for a guinea pig, bigger is always best. This will allow your guinea pig to express natural behaviours, which will decrease stress.
Your guinea pig friend is highly social and typically will enjoy human interaction. Because they are social, another guinea pig companion would be beneficial. Having another guinea pig of the same sex is strongly encouraged. In general, females tend to get along well. Males can sometimes find it more difficult to bond with each other, but it is possible.
Wire flooring must be avoided. Enclosures should have solid bottoms. They can be covered with shredded newspaper, grass hay, aspen or hardwood shavings to prevent foot injuries. Avoid using wood shavings made from pine or cedar, as these can be irritating to your guinea pig’s respiratory system. Guinea pigs will usually choose one area as the toilet area. Once they have selected this area, don’t put food, water or toys in the space.
As guinea pigs are startled easily, a hiding place must be provided. They should have access to a hiding place at all times for when they need some quiet time.
Enclosures should remain off the floor to decrease stress.
Guinea pig nutrition
Like rabbits, the majority of a guinea pig’s diet is Timothy hay, which should always be available. Pelleted diets made specifically for guinea pigs, vegetables, and small amounts of fruit account for the rest of a guinea pig’s dietary needs. Guinea pigs are unable to create vitamin C on their own, so this needs to come from their diet. Quality guinea pig pellets are fortified with vitamin C, but it degrades quickly. As a result, in general, pellets should be used within three months of manufacture. Vitamin C supplements are available, but it is generally recommended to provide vegetables with high levels of vitamin C to meet your guinea pig’s needs.
Failure to provide sufficient vitamin C can lead to a variety of problematic conditions, including scurvy. This can potentially occur within days of inadequate intake, so the quality and freshness of their diet are of paramount importance.
Enrichment to keep your guinea pig happy
Your guinea pig enjoys activities that allow them to express their natural behaviours, such as hiding, constructing and chewing. Enrichment is very important to help keep your guinea pig happy and healthy. For enrichment ideas, click here.
We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centre. To see animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt
Programs to help feral cats and their caregivers
Did you know Oct. 16 is National Feral Cat Day?
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society cares about all animals, including community cats! This is why we have programs to assist feral cats, also referred to as community cats.
Shelters to keep cats warm and protected
To assist feral cat caretakers in managing feral cat colonies, the Ontario SPCA offers feral cat shelters. A limited number of shelters are made each year by volunteers (or you can make your own by following the instructions below). The shelters allow caretakers to provide a safe, warm place for community cats during our cold, harsh winters.
How to build a feral cat shelter
If you’re interested in making your own shelter, visit our blog How to Build a Feral Cat Shelter 101.
The working cat program
The Ontario SPCA also has a working cat program in which community cats that end up in our centres and cannot be returned to their original colony site are given “jobs” as working cats.
As former street cats who are used to outdoor life, working cats are not typical indoor pets and have no desire to be lap cats. However, what they lack in social skills they make up for when it comes to keeping vermin problems under control.
These cats are healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear tipped and in need of a new, non-traditional home environment. Some examples of these new homes could include barns, stables, auto repair shops, woodworking shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses/nurseries/garden centres, churches, storage facilities/warehouses.
To learn more about the working cat program, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt/working-cat-program
Learn more about supporting community cats by visiting ontariospca.ca/communitycats
Veterinary care is just a click away with Vetster
Being a pet parent means staying on top of your pet’s health all year round. Routine veterinary visits for preventive care, including flea and tick prevention, help keep your pet happy and healthy through every season. When questions come up between regular veterinary visits, Vetster makes it easy to connect with a licensed veterinarian online for guidance from the comfort of home.
Thanks to a partnership between the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and Vetster, an additional level of care for the animals at our centres is just a click away. Vetster provides on-demand online appointments with thousands of licensed veterinarians. Here are some commonly asked questions you may have about this service and how it could benefit your animals.
What is Vetster?
Vetster is a pet health platform that connects pet parents with licensed veterinarians through video appointments, in as little as 15 minutes. Browse verified profiles and real reviews from other pet parents, choose your vet, and get a clear answer about what’s going on, including whether your pet needs to be seen in person. Prescriptions, when appropriate, are at the treating vet’s discretion.
Can it be used for emergencies?
For life-threatening emergencies, please proceed to your nearest emergency veterinary hospital.
Are the vets licensed in Canada?
Yes, every veterinarian on Vetster is verified and licensed to practise in their region. Simply search for a vet by province on vetster.com.
What kind of health conditions can Vetster treat?
Veterinarians on Vetster are always ready to help with a range of concerns, including:
- Puppy, kitten, and new pet parent questions
- Skin and coat issues, allergies, and irritated ears
- Digestive concerns like vomiting, diarrhea, or appetite changes
- Behaviour, nutrition, and weight management advice
- Preventive care and wellness guidance
- Chronic condition management and prescription refills
- Second opinions and follow-up care after in-person visits
How does the Ontario SPCA use Vetster to help animals?
Vetster provides an additional level of care for the animals at Ontario SPCA animal centres and in foster care. Vetster’s virtual care is designed to complement in-person veterinary care.
To help set adopters up for success, Ontario SPCA adopters receive a discounted Vetster Plus subscription, or 25% off one appointment to help their new pet settle in.
To learn more about how Vetster works and if it could be a good fit for your pet, visit vetster.com.
Keep pets safe this Thanksgiving weekend!
For many, the Thanksgiving weekend can be a time to get together with friends and family to enjoy a meal together. Before you get together, check out our animal safety tips to keep everyone happy and healthy this holiday – including our furry family members!
Food dangers
If you’re planning on letting your pet sample some of the food you’re enjoying, speak to your veterinarian first. You don’t want your furry friend to get sick, or suffer from an upset stomach, especially on a holiday weekend!
Food from the Thanksgiving table may have too much fat, protein or sugar, and this can overload your pet’s digestive system, resulting in inflamed organs, vomiting, diarrhea, or worse.
Among the toxic foods to look out for are chocolate, raisins, and grapes, which have serious poisoning side effects for pets. If you plan on enjoying these treats, keep them away from the reach of your furry friends.
It’s important to tell company not to feed your pet from the table, too. If you’re concerned they won’t comply, consider having your pet in a different room at mealtime, with treats and some of their favourite toys in with them. That way, it is a happy event for your animal, too.
Decorations
Thanksgiving decorations can also pose a danger to your pet. Things such as corn cobs and stocks or dried gourds can cause digestive problems if ingested, potentially leading to blockages that require surgery to remove. Plastic artificial leaves are also dangerous because they are made from petroleum bi-products, which can be toxic to pets if ingested.
Lit candles are also dangerous around pets, as they may knock them over. Consider battery-powered candles, which can be just as pretty, but with less risk.
Visitors
If visitors are staying overnight on Thanksgiving weekend, keep pets out of guest bedrooms. Some people may not necessarily be comfortable with animals, plus this prevents your pet from getting into your guests’ overnight bag.
It’s also important to be aware of how your pet responds to strangers. If your pet gets overly excited or anxious when company comes over, consider giving your furry friend a quiet room to wait in while Thanksgiving company arrives. Always include treats and toys for their comfort. You can let your animal out of their room or crate once everyone has settled and the excitement is over.
Holiday vet clinic closures
Pet parents need to remember many veterinary clinics may not be open Thanksgiving weekend. This means extra precautions should be taken. Always know what number to call after hours in case of an emergency.
On behalf of everyone at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ontario SPCA provides veterinary care to animals on Manitoulin Island
Manitoulin Island, ON (Oct. 6, 2026) – Close to 40 animals received spay/neuter and veterinary care during a four-day mobile clinic on Manitoulin Island, hosted by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in partnership with the United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising.
A total of 39 animals were spayed or neutered during the Oct. 1-4 clinic, preventing an estimated 2,000 potentially unplanned puppies and kittens. The clinic also provided veterinary wellness care, with 43 vaccines administered to help protect animals from preventable disease.
“Partnerships like these allow us to provide practical services that directly benefit our communities. This initiative reinforces UCCMM’s ongoing commitment to responsible animal control, community safety, and the health and well-being of animals across our member First Nations,” says Jordan Atchison, Director of Community Safety, United Chiefs and Councils of Mnidoo Mnising. “Migweetch to everyone who contributed their time, resources, and support to make this event a success.”
The Ontario SPCA’s Mobile Animal Sterilization Hospitals (MASH) are portable clinics that allow veterinary teams to provide spay/neuter and wellness services in underserved communities across Ontario. The Ontario SPCA works with communities to help improve access to veterinary care and prevent unplanned litters.
“Mobile clinics allow us to work alongside communities to provide important veterinary care where it’s needed,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We’re grateful to the communities and supporters who make these clinics possible and to everyone who helps us improve access to care for animals and the people who love them.”
For more information about the Ontario SPCA’s mobile animal wellness services, visit ontariospca.ca/mobileservices
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Media Contact
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Animal Centre is located on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. The Greater City of Sudbury also includes the traditional lands of the Wahnapitae First Nation.
Creating the purrfect space for your kitten
Bringing home a kitten is an exciting time, and creating a safe, comfortable space will help them settle in and feel at home. From keeping food and water away from the litter box to providing cozy places to sleep, climb and play, a few simple changes can make a big difference.
Watch this helpful video from our friends at Royal Canin Canada for tips on creating an environment where your kitten can feel safe, happy and ready to explore. And if you’re ready to welcome a kitten into your family, be sure to check out our adoption page to meet animals looking for loving homes.
Watch this video to help create a pawsitively welcoming home for your new furry friend.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Win big and help animals with the Ontario SPCA’s Fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery
Stouffville, ON (Oct. 5, 2026) – Ready for a chance to win big and make a difference for animals? The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery is underway, with the first Early Bird draw coming up this week.
Four Early Bird prizes of $2,000 are up for grabs, with the first draw taking place on Thursday, Oct. 8. The Grand Prize draw takes place Nov. 12 and the more tickets sold, the bigger the jackpot grows – and the greater the impact for animals in need across Ontario. The last Draws for Paws 50/50 winner took home more than $130,000.
Tickets start at just $10 and are available online at ontariospcalottery.ca
“Every ticket purchased in the Fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery helps create a brighter future for animals across Ontario, while giving you the chance to win a life-changing amount of money,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “It’s an exciting way to make a difference, and the more people who participate, the bigger the jackpot and the greater the impact for animals across Ontario.”
Funds raised through the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery support the Ontario SPCA’s Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (CARES) Fund – a grant program that helps SPCAs and humane societies across Ontario. The CARES Fund provides financial support for initiatives that enhance animal welfare, including spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, and shelter improvements.
Don’t miss your chance to make a difference and get in on the jackpot. Purchase your tickets and learn more at ontariospcalottery.ca
Lottery licence number: RAF1573470
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MEDIA CONTACT
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.
500 pets protected through World Rabies Day clinics
Over the past two weeks, communities across Ontario have come together to help protect pets from rabies.
In recognition of World Rabies Day, the Ontario SPCA provided 500 free rabies vaccinations to pets through clinics in Muskoka, Cornwall, Akwesasne First Nation, Barrie, Stouffville, Sudbury, Durham and Thunder Bay.
The clinics helped make essential preventative veterinary care more accessible for people who may otherwise have difficulty accessing it for their pets.
A community effort
Making 500 vaccinations possible took more than vaccines alone. Veterinarians, volunteers, community partners, donors and the people who brought their pets to the clinics all played a role.
The 500 rabies vaccines were donated by Boehringer Ingelheim, helping make it possible for the Ontario SPCA to offer the clinics at no cost to participating pet parents.
“Rabies is a deadly disease, but it is preventable through vaccination,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By making this essential preventative care more accessible, we’re helping protect pets, the people who love them and our communities.”
Stronger together
World Rabies Day is observed every year on Sept. 28 to raise awareness about rabies prevention and bring people together in the effort to eliminate the disease.
This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reflects the importance of that collective effort.
While the 500 pets vaccinated through these clinics are now better protected against rabies, the impact reaches beyond those animals. Vaccinating pets helps reduce the risk of rabies spreading to other animals and people, making it an important part of protecting our communities.
One step toward a rabies-free world
Rabies remains a global health concern, but vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent the disease.
The Ontario SPCA is proud to have played a part in this year’s World Rabies Day efforts and grateful to everyone who helped make the clinics possible.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of donors and partners to provide programs and services that support animals and the people who love them across Ontario.
Not sure what you know about rabies? Test your knowledge with our rabies myth-busting video.
Learn more about rabies prevention and the Ontario SPCA’s work to improve access to veterinary care at ontariospca.ca/worldrabiesday
What does an RVT do at the Ontario SPCA?
October is RVT Month, and it’s an opportunity to celebrate the Registered Veterinary Technicians who play such an important role in the lives of animals at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Across our 13 animal centres, five veterinary clinics and community outreach teams, RVTs bring their knowledge, skill and compassion to work every day. Their role goes far beyond medical care. They help animals feel safe, advocate for their needs and work closely with their teams to ensure each animal receives the care and support they need to thrive.
A day in the life of an Ontario SPCA RVT
Across the Ontario SPCA, RVTs care for animals in our centres, support community pets in our veterinary clinics and bring veterinary services to communities across the province.
For an RVT in an animal centre, the day can include conducting intake exams, monitoring animals’ health, providing nursing care and working with veterinarians and animal care teams on treatment and behaviour plans. They help prepare animals for surgery, administer medications, monitor recovery and provide individualized support for animals who are sick, recovering or experiencing fear and stress.
“I think my favourite thing about my job is bringing in an animal that is sick or wounded and being able to give them all the necessary medical care so they can thrive a, get adopted, and go on to live a wonderful life,” says Kara Olsen, RVT at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Durham Region Animal Centre. “I want to help as many animals as possible find homes and I am able to do that with the amazing team we have here at the Ontario SPCA.
At our veterinary clinics, RVTs care for animals belonging to families in the community. They welcome patients, gather medical histories, prepare animals and equipment for procedures, assist with anesthesia and surgery, and closely monitor patients throughout their procedures and recovery. They also support wellness and technician appointments, collect samples, administer vaccines and medications as directed, assist with diagnostics and answer questions from pet families.
Across both settings, RVTs play an important role in keeping animals healthy and comfortable. They maintain medical records, manage medications and supplies, support infection prevention and biosecurity, and help ensure animals receive appropriate follow-up care.
Their work also extends beyond our centres and clinics. Through mobile veterinary services and community programs, our RVTs help bring essential care closer to the people and animals who need it.
Whether they’re caring for an animal in our centre, supporting a family and their pet in a clinic or bringing veterinary care into a community, our RVTs are an essential part of helping animals receive the care they need.
Helping train the next generation
Making veterinary care more accessible also means investing in the people who provide it. The Ontario SPCA is proud to support and nurture the next generation of animal care professionals.
The Ontario SPCA partners with colleges across the province, including St. Lawrence College, Collège Boréal, Seneca College, Georgian College and Algonquin College, providing opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience in animal care and veterinary settings.
These partnerships take different forms. Students may complete placements at our animal centres or clinics, gain experience caring for animals, or work with animals from our care as part of their veterinary education. At Seneca College, for example, we provide animals for an adoption-readiness program that gives students in the Veterinary Assistant and RVT programs practical experience while helping prepare animals for adoption.
By opening our doors to students and supporting these educational partnerships, we’re helping build the knowledge and skills that will shape the future of animal care.
Thank you to our RVTs
The work of an RVT isn’t always easy. There are challenging days and difficult moments, but there are also incredible ones – seeing an animal recover, watching a frightened animal become more comfortable and confident, and knowing you played a part in helping them move forward.
This RVT Month, we’re celebrating more than 30 RVTs and Veterinary Technicians across the Ontario SPCA. Thank you for everything you do for animals and the people who love them. We’re incredibly fortunate to have you on our team.
Interested in a career as an RVT? Learn more about what they do and how to become one.
Are you an RVT interested in joining our team? View our job postings for current opportunities.
