IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (Dec. 29, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is celebrating a heartwarming milestone this holiday season after successfully meeting its Home for the Holidays adoption campaign goal, helping more than 500 animals find loving homes across the province.
The adoption campaign, which took place Dec. 1-24, focused on finding families for animals of all ages, including senior pets and long-term residents who had been waiting months for their chance at a fresh start. Thanks to the compassion of adopters across Ontario, 688 animals are now spending the holidays where they belong – safe, loved and at home.
“Reaching this goal is an incredible reminder of what’s possible when people come together to help animals,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Every adoption represents a life changed – not just for the animal, but for the family who opened their heart and home.”
Even as we celebrate this milestone, many animals are still waiting for someone to open their heart and home. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to meet animals hoping to start the new year with a family.
For those unable to adopt, a year-end donation is a meaningful way to help provide care and shelter to animals still waiting for their own happy story. As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of animal lovers to continue making these second chances possible.
To donate, visit ontariospca.ca/donate
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Media Contact
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
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.
While cars pose risks to animals year-round, extra precautions should be taken during the cold, dark winter months. From the dangers of being hit on the road to the hazards of seeking shelter in the wrong places, cats and wildlife are often at risk around cars.
Fortunately, there are several ways we can help protect them, both when driving and when your car is parked.
Check for cats before starting your car
In colder weather, cats may find warmth and shelter under the hoods of parked cars. They curl up in these cozy spots to escape the chill, but it can be dangerous when the car is started. To ensure you don’t accidentally harm a hidden feline, take a few simple precautions:
- Tap the hood before you start the engine. The sound may scare the cat away if there’s one hiding there.
- Honking your horn may also alert any animals in the vicinity, including a cat under the car.
- Check under your car by looking carefully around the wheels and undercarriage, especially if it’s been parked for a while.
Taking these few extra moments can save a life—both for cats and for any other small animals that might take shelter in similar spots.
Drive slowly and carefully, especially at dawn and dusk
Animals are most active during twilight hours—at dawn and dusk—when visibility is low, and they are more likely to dart across the road. Slow down during these times, especially in areas where wildlife may be active. Keep an eye out for creatures like squirrels, foxes, racoons, or deer that might suddenly cross your path.
- Be alert even if you don’t see anything right away. Animals can emerge unexpectedly.
- Use extra caution in rural or wooded areas where wildlife is more likely to be present.
- Look out for wildlife road signs as many areas with high wildlife traffic will post signs to alert drivers to the presence of animals crossing.
- Watch for eyeshine at night. Many types of animals have eyes that reflect headlights, making them easier to spot.
- Reduce speed during poor weather conditions as this can cause decreased visibility and make it harder to brake effectively. By staying vigilant, you can greatly lower the risk of a collision with an animal.
Both cats and wildlife face a variety of risks when it comes to cars—whether it’s getting hit on the road or seeking shelter in dangerous places. We have a responsibility to minimize these risks by staying alert, driving cautiously, and taking steps to protect animals. By doing so, we can all do our part to create a safer world for our furry friends.
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 depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is excited to give our supporters a chance to get to know Charmaine Brett in her role as our new President and CEO. Following the retirement of Doug Brooks, who led the organization with compassion and vision over the past four years, Charmaine has stepped into her new role with enthusiasm, experience, and a deep commitment to animal welfare.
Over 20 years of international humanitarian and development experience
A respected global leader in animal welfare and humanitarian response, Charmaine brings over 20 years of experience leading organizations, including Veterinarians Without Borders, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity, and Action Against Hunger.
Most recently, as Executive Director of Veterinarians Without Borders North America, Charmaine expanded the organization’s reach to over 13 countries and strengthened global efforts to improve the health of animals, people, and the environment. She has also led emergency operations in Ukraine, Turkey, and wildfire-affected regions across Canada, earning recognition for her calm, compassionate leadership during crises.
“Those years shaped so much of who I am,” says Charmaine. “It showed me how deeply connected people, animals, and the environment truly are.”
In Canada, Charmaine has championed access to veterinary care in remote and underserved communities, working closely with Indigenous partners in the North to introduce sustainable, community-based care models.
With such a wealth of experience in global humanitarian and development organizations, Charmaine is the perfect fit for the Ontario SPCA.
A glimpse beyond the office
Outside of her professional roles, Charmaine is an avid runner who also loves yoga and travel. Having lived abroad for over two decades, primarily across Africa and Asia, she credits these experiences for shaping her worldview.
Charmaine is also a mother of two wonderful children and loves spending time outdoors with her family.
“Camping, exploring, and finding new ways to enjoy nature are some of our favourite things to do,” she says.
A vision rooted in compassion and care
Throughout Charmaine’s international career, she often found herself supporting emergency response efforts including major earthquakes, wildfires and periods of civil unrest where animals were caught in the middle of crisis.
“Helping keep them safe became an incredibly meaningful part of my work,” she says. “I also witnessed firsthand the challenges of dog population management and the lack of access to veterinary care in many communities.”
Those experiences left a lasting impact on her and ultimately drew her to the Ontario SPCA.
“What motivated me to join the Ontario SPCA is the belief that everyone deserves the chance to have a furry companion in their life and that access to care should never be a barrier,” says Charmaine. “I am deeply committed to ensuring animals receive the support they need to be healthy and happy, and to helping keep pets and people together. This is the heart of our work, and I am grateful every day to be part of it.”
Join us
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities dedicated to supporting animal well-being across Ontario. If you’re passionate about making a difference for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/employment to learn more.
The holidays truly are a time for compassion, connection and fresh starts, and thanks to our incredible supporters, this season was one to remember for animals in need across Ontario.
During our Home for the Holidays adoption campaign, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society set out a goal to help 500 animals find loving homes in time for the holidays. We’re thrilled to share that not only did we reach this goal, but we exceeded it, with 688 animals adopted.
From playful puppies and curious kittens to senior companions and long-term residents who had been patiently waiting, animals of all ages and personalities found the families they’d been dreaming of. Each adoption represents a life changed and a future filled with comfort, care and love.
Thank you for making it possible
The success of this campaign is about more than numbers; it’s about families opening their hearts and homes, and animals starting their next chapter surrounded by warmth and love. Many adopters are able to spend extra time at home over the holidays, creating those important early bonding moments that help animals settle into their new routines.
To help set families up for success, animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA go home spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and with food from Royal Canin to support a smooth transition.
This incredible outcome wouldn’t have been possible without our compassionate community. From adopters and foster families to donors, volunteers and staff, your support helped ensure animals across Ontario received the care and love they deserve.
Whether you donated, shopped our Paws & Give™ holiday catalogue, shared our campaign, or welcomed a new furry family member into your home, you played a role in helping animals in need find their Home for the Holidays.
The joy doesn’t end here
While the holidays may be coming to a close, animals continue to arrive at our animal centres every day, each one hoping for a second chance. If you’re thinking about adopting, fostering, or supporting our work, visit our website to learn more.
Together, you helped make this holiday season brighter than ever for animals across Ontario. Thank you for being part of their journey home.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We are sharing a few activities to do with your furry family members this holiday season!
- Go for a short, brisk walk with your fur baby to enjoy the lights in your neighborhood! There’s nothing like some twinkly lights to help spread the holiday cheer.
- Cuddle up by the fire and put on a favourite holiday movie to watch together.
- If there’s snow where you are in Ontario, get outside to enjoy it! Build a snowman or make some snow angels. Make sure to dress for the weather, and watch for signs your furry friend is getting too cold.
- Make or buy a special holiday toy for our companion animals to help boost their indoor enrichment on cold days, such as food puzzles, or cat wands (use under supervision!), etc.
- Have an at-home “spa” day and include your furry friend in the fun! Try bathing your dog at home or trimming their nails.
There are a few Christmas activity ideas for your holiday fun with your companion animals. We wish you a happy, and safe holiday!
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.
Regular daily exercise and fresh air are vital for your dog’s well-being. But when the temperature dips and the darkness descends early, walks can be daunting. During the winter months, there are things to consider to make the dark, cold treks safer.
How cold is too cold?
It’s natural to want to include our canine companions in wintertime fun. But knowing your dog’s limits is important. Breeds with thick coats like Huskies, Samoyeds or Saint Bernards may be able to tolerate colder temperatures. But other breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers have short, thin coats. Additionally, small dogs with thin builds are more sensitive to cold than the larger, heftier builds.
A dog’s age also affects their ability to regulate body temperature. Both senior dogs and puppies have a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Dogs with health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney problems are also more vulnerable to cold, even among breeds well adapted to colder temperatures.
Learning your furry friend’s body language and behavioral cues will let you know when it’s time to head home. Some signs that a dog is too cold include shivering, whining, lifting or licking paws, tucked tail, walking slowly, and shallow breathing.
If your dog is sensitive to cold, consider getting them a coat and a set of boots to help keep them safe and comfortable. Another advantage to boots is that it will protect their paws from road salt and poisonous chemicals like antifreeze and other ice melters.
Plan ahead
Before setting out, it helps to be aware of the risks so you can prepare accordingly. Checking the weather forecast to avoid extreme conditions will avoid a potentially dangerous situation.
Planning your route is also a good strategy for winter walks with your four-legged friend. That way, there is no chance of getting lost or caught out in the elements. Knowing where you’ll be walking and how long the route will take will be a game-changer.
In addition to dressing for the cold, it’s also important to dress for the dark. Wearing reflective clothing and other gear, keeping your dog leashed, and ensuring you have a functioning flashlight are valuable defenses against the darkness. When driving conditions are hazardous, it’s especially important to be visible.
Lastly, ensuring your phone is fully charged before leaving the house is always good to remember in case of emergency.
With these strategies in mind, a winter walk can feel less like a chore, and more like a fun adventure for you and your best friend.
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.
Adjusting to a new home can be a frightening and anxious experience for any cat, particularly if there is already a resident cat in the home who may also be stressed by the changes. Below are some tips and tricks to help your adopted cat to accept – and be accepted by – the rest of your furry family. We’ll also share tips to help your resident cat feel more comfortable with the transition as well.
Important notes
Don’t be discouraged if your new and resident cat(s) do not become immediate friends. It can take many cats eight to 12 months to develop a friendship. Others may never become friends and simply learn to live together comfortably.
While there is no definitive way to determine whether your cat will get along with a particular animal, often the cats that adjust easiest are those who have previously with other animals.
Regardless of the age or background of the cat you’ve adopted, they should be introduced to other animals gradually to help encourage appropriate and positive interactions. Prior to bringing a new cat home, check with your veterinarian to ensure all your resident pets are healthy. Your new addition to the family should also receive a clean bill of health before you bring them home.
Note: Keep in mind that while some cats will be able to breeze through each step after a short time, other cats will require longer at each step before they are able to take the introductions further. Be patient and allow your cat the freedom to move through each step at his or her own comfort level.
Step one: Creating a good first impression
During the early stages of the introduction period, it’s important that your new and resident cats can smell and hear one another but not touch. Introducing a sanctuary space to the new cat and ensuring your resident cat also has safe spaces can be very important. To prevent accidental face-to-face confrontations, keep your new cat in a medium-sized room or “sanctuary space” with their food, water, litter box and a bed. Plan for your cat’s arrival by ensuring your resident animals are temporarily separated until your new cat is in their room.
To help your furry friends associate positive experiences with one another, start feeding their meals on either side of the door to this room so they are in proximity. At first, their dishes should be placed at least a few feet apart on each side. If they remain calm, gradually move the dishes closer until they can eat comfortably standing directly on either side of the door. If either animal has a negative reaction, move the dishes further apart and repeat the process at a slower pace.
Allowing your furry friends to gradually become accustomed to each other’s scents is an important part of the introduction process. You can do this scent exchange by rubbing a towel on your new addition and putting it under the food dishes of the resident pets (and vice versa). You can also switch beds or sleeping blankets between your resident animals and your new cat.
Once these methods have been used to familiarize your animals with each other’s scents, and your new cat is eating regularly and using their litter box, move to the next step.
Step two: Allowing for sight introductions
Once you’ve returned your animals to their original designated parts of the house you can start the visual process. Use two doorstops to prop open the dividing door enough to allow your new and resident furry friends to see each other while eating. Do this supervised to ensure they do not interact directly. Over a period of days (or longer if necessary) try feeding your animals at a distance from the door.
You can gradually bring the dishes closer together if all cats display calm behaviours. Continue the scent swapping throughout. If either cat begins to display fear or aggression, attempt to distract them with higher value food or play and try again later at a further distance. Close the door when you are not there to supervise and ensure to remove all food.
Step three: Making the introductions (cat-to-cat)
When you first allow your cats to meet each other face-to-face, keep your resident cat distracted with play, food or pets and allow the other cat to enter the room. If you have two people, have the second person do the same. If either animal becomes fearful or aggressive, distract them away from each other or separate them, and start back at step one taking small, gradual steps forward again.
Continue to do small sessions together daily and slowly increase the amount of time the cats are together, using distraction when possible if they become uncomfortable.
When the cats are actively spending time together you can begin to allow them freedom when supervised, being sure to watch for fearful behaviours. Slowly allow them more time together until they can be left alone. If you are having issues with introductions, separate your pets and contact your veterinarian or a positive reinforcement-based animal behaviour expert immediately for assistance.
To help ease the adjustment period for your cats, ensure that you have one extra litter box than there are cats (e.g. two cats = three litter boxes).This helps keep the resident pets’ schedules close to what they were before the newcomer’s arrival and helps prevent out-of-box elimination that may occur with sharing of litter boxes.
For tips on making cat-to-dog introductions, visit our blog here!
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.
If cats have nine lives, Vinny may be down to eight after his astonishing adventure this summer. His journey began when a couple, returning from a trip from Ajax to Port Perry, spotted something unusual – a tail hanging from the bumper of their vehicle.
A shocking discovery
Realizing they had a furry stowaway, the couple tried to free the frightened feline themselves, but when they couldn’t coax him out, they sought help from the Humane Society of Durham Region.
“It is amazing that Vinny traveled all that way,” says Shannon Stephenson, Manager, Humane Society of Durham Region.
The rescue required tools, teamwork, and a lot of patience. While Vinny was extremely scared and reluctant to accept help, the animal care team gently worked to coax him from his hiding place. Eventually, he crept just far enough out that staff were able to wrap him safely in a blanket and transfer him into a cat carrier.
Despite everything he had been through, Vinny was miraculously unharmed
“Vinny was very lucky to have been found when he was,” says Shannon.
A new journey ahead
Once indoors and evaluated, staff discovered that Vinny was in good physical condition. All he needed was time to decompress and recover from the stress of his unexpected road trip. Soon, he would show off his winning personality.
The animal care team worked with Vinny every day to help him feel comfortable and adapt to his new surroundings. It took no time for him to become a social butterfly.
“He would greet any visitors to his room by rubbing on the cage bars and meowing for attention,” Shannon says.
A happy tail
Vinny’s loving disposition got him noticed and before long, he was adopted. Now, he lives in a quiet home with two parents who provide all the love and attention he desires.
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. If you were inspired by Vinny’s story, please consider donating today.
Planning to bring home a new dog? Here are some helpful adoption tips for dog-to-dog introductions.
Introducing two unfamiliar dogs can be an exciting and stressful event for all involved, but with a solid plan in place, you can help things go smoothly and facilitate a lifelong friendship.
Important tips:
- Leave your current dog at home when you pick up your new dog. This is a safer idea for everyone involved. Managing the interaction of two new dogs while you are driving a car will not be possible and could cause tension in the confined space of your vehicle.
- Don’t make any unnecessary stops on the way home.
- Recruit a helper(s) for the introduction. You will need two people; one to handle each dog.
- Have treats available to reward and encourage good behaviour!
- Plan for the introduction to take place in a neutral setting (park, open field, parking lot). Allowing one dog to have the “home court advantage” is unfair.
Step 1: Introductions/getting started
Take a walk together. The goal of this step is to release some nervous energy and get the dogs feeling calm and happy around each other.
- Take the dogs on a walk in the neutral setting, keeping a safe distance between them (two to four metres) to prevent the leashes from tangling and the dogs from greeting each other just yet. This will help them relax and adjust to each other’s presence.
- Both dogs should be on sturdy leashes handled by calm, relaxed adults.
- Try to keep the leashes slack as you walk. Tension or tightness may translate as stress on your part and cause the dogs to become anxious in response.
- Provide treats or praise to both dogs to reward good behaviour while walking.
- If all is going well, allow them to meet, sniff each other, check each other out, again ensuring you keep the leashes as slack as possible. Provide verbal encouragement such as “Good dogs” or “Good job.” Keep your treats in your pocket for this part.
- When first meeting, dogs will gradually sniff down one side, to the rear, and back up the other side, both sniffing each other at the same time. Beware of nose-to-nose greeting, as this can be intimidating for some dogs.
- Continue the walk closer together, allowing short moments of contact between the dogs as you walk.
Step 2: Initiate a short, monitored play session
If the dogs have made it this far without lunging, growling or showing signs of distress towards one another, you can proceed to letting them interact more freely with each other. Keep your treats in your pocket for this part; a dropped treat could cause conflict between the dogs.
- It may seem counterintuitive, but it is best to drop the leashes and allow a bit of freedom here. Take them to a large, enclosed area like a fenced yard or quiet park – the more space, the less tension there will be.
- Drop their leashes, resist your urge to micro-manage, and allow them to investigate each other. As they approach, watch their body language closely. They may puff themselves up or even vocalize a bit, but neither dog should appear frightened or overly aggressive.
- Try not to hover over the dogs and keep yourself moving – both people should walk around separately, keep things light, and continue to offer verbal praise.
- Give them about two or three minutes to get to know one another without interference.
- If play is initiated between them (i.e. the dogs try to play by pawing or play-bowing with their legs stretched out in front of them), allow them to continue, and give praise for each nice interaction.
- Even if they are playing and getting along well, keep it short. It is best to end these initial sessions on a positive note.
Step 3: Taking things inside
- Once at home, allow the new dog to enter the house first so he can have some time to explore the new space without the resident dog interfering.
- Make sure all treats, toys, food bowls and bones are out of reach and out of sight to prevent conflicts.
- Be sure to feed them and give them treats separately until they have developed a secure relationship.
- Set the new dog up with a safe space blocked off from other pets and family members so he has a place to decompress when feeling overwhelmed. Keep each interaction between the two dogs short and pleasant and separate them immediately if tensions arise.
With these tips in mind, we hope you enjoy this special time with your new furry family member!
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.
Donna and Peter made their initial donation to the Ontario SPCA after the passing of their beloved dog Dalwood, memorializing him with a plaque at our York Region Animal Centre.
Since learning more of our other work in the province, they have made additional donations and a three-year pledge commitment to our Provincial Dog Rehab Centre campaign. This donation also memorializes Dalwood at the new site.
Peter’s work history involved working extensively in Northern Ontario, and as such he’s extremely interested in our programs supporting the North, partnering with dozens of communities to help pet overpopulation and bring critically needed animal welfare services to the remote north.
“We love all animals (dogs in particular). Yet, we know that many animals need help, through no fault of their own. Therefore, the welfare of animals has become our cause of choice and the Ontario SPCA our charity of choice to help lost, abused or abandoned animals find their chance for a happier life and a forever home. Caring for animals simply makes the world a better place, and we’re happy to do our part.”
On behalf of the animals, we thank Donna and Peter for the generous support they provide.
Brock has been a guardian angel for the animals, with a focus in the Muskoka region. A well-known business leader and philanthropist, he assisted our Muskoka Animal Centre in Bracebridge with the funding of their new building in 2011, and the 18 acres on which it stands. Brock also influenced others in the community to support the new build. He has been awarded “Muskoka Citizen of the Year” at the 2013 Muskoka Awards, and the “Citizen of the Year Award” by the Rotary Club of Bracebridge in 2015.
Brock continues to be a big supporter of the centre in Bracebridge through ongoing donations, payment of invoices for the shelter and advising during projects and renovations.
Brock also supported renovations at our SPCA Animal Rescue headquarters in Midland, Ontario to ensure the site was able to accommodate larger quantities of animals for longer periods of time.
“I’ve had dogs since I was five years old – I’ll be 77 this year. I’m proud to remain deeply involved with my furry critters and the Ontario SPCA and hope to continue for many years to come.”
On behalf of the animals, we thank Brock for the generous support he provides to the Muskoka Region.