Udon’s story of healing, hope and home
When Udon arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre in January 2026, the six-year-old tabby was in desperate need of care.
He had scabs on his face, a painful infection affecting his left eye, fleas and severe stomatitis – a painful dental condition that had gone untreated for years. For weeks, Udon barely lifted his head. But underneath everything he had been through was a sweet, affectionate cat who just needed the chance to heal.
Helping Udon heal
When Udon first arrived, the animal care team’s biggest concerns were his painful stomatitis and entropion affecting his left eye. He needed dental work as soon as possible to begin feeling better.
During his dental and entropion procedures, testing also revealed that Udon was FIV positive.
“Following his procedures, you could tell he almost immediately started to feel better,” says Crystal Brain, Manager of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre.
Cats living with FIV can still enjoy long, happy and healthy lives with appropriate care and management. Read our blog to learn more about FIV. While Udon’s diagnosis meant some additional precautions were required while he was in the animal centre, it didn’t change the loving personality that began emerging as he recovered.
Before long, Udon was showing everyone just how affectionate he could be.
“Udon’s very lovable personality definitely worked in his favour,” says Crystal. “He loved people and was very affectionate.”
Finding the right family
Finding Udon a home came with one additional consideration. Since he is FIV positive, he needed to be the only cat in his new home or live with another cat who was already FIV positive.
The team remained hopeful that the right family was out there, and they kept sharing Udon’s story.
Udon was regularly featured across the Ontario SPCA’s social media channels. Eventually, his story reached a family in Toronto who already had an FIV-positive cat and understood the care and considerations involved.
After seeing Udon online, they came to meet him. The connection that started with a social media post soon led to Udon heading home.
Settling into his new life
In his new home, Udon quickly began showing even more of the playful, affectionate personality his animal care team had come to know.
He loves jumping between the windowsills to watch everything happening outside. His adopter has also discovered that Udon has quite the impressive jump and a serious love for catnip-filled mouse toys.
“He’s got seemingly endless energy, but curls up with me in bed every night when it’s time to settle in,” says Udon’s adopter, Karen.
It’s a life that looks very different from the one Udon knew when he first arrived in our care. The cat who once barely lifted his head is now spending his days playing and soaking up all the comforts of home.
A story share can help change a life
Udon’s journey is also a reminder that you can help animals in need, even if you aren’t ready to adopt. Following the Ontario SPCA on social media, liking and sharing posts, and telling friends and family about animals waiting for adoption are all amazing ways to help.
Every interaction can introduce an animal to someone new. In Udon’s case, sharing his story helped reach the family who had exactly the kind of home he needed. You never know whether one social media share could help connect them with the person they’ve been waiting for.
Want to help more animals like Udon find their second chance? Follow the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society on Facebook and Instagram, share our posts about animals who are waiting for homes, and help their stories reach more people.
Foods that are toxic to pocket pets
Pocket pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits often get treats straight from the kitchen table, and it’s easy to assume that if a food is healthy for humans, it must be fine for them too. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Many common fruits, vegetables, and household foods that seem harmless can cause serious illness or even death in small animals. Knowing what to avoid is one of the simplest ways to keep your pocket pet safe.
Why pocket pets are so sensitive
Hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits have small bodies and delicate digestive systems, so it doesn’t take a large quantity of a toxic substance to cause harm. Guinea pigs and rabbits are also strict herbivores, with digestive systems built to process high fiber plant matter, which means foods with high sugar or fat content can throw off their gut bacteria and lead to serious digestive distress. Because these animals can’t vomit, anything toxic they eat stays in their system longer, making prevention especially important.
Foods to avoid
While the following isn’t an exhaustive list of foods that can be harmful to pocket pets, it contains some common household foods that should be avoided:
Onions, garlic, and chives: These contain compounds that damage red blood cells and can cause anemia in small animals. This applies whether the food is raw, cooked, or powdered.
Chocolate and caffeine: Both contain theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to small animals and can affect the heart and nervous system.
Avocado: Avocado contains a compound called persin, which is particularly dangerous for rabbits and guinea pigs and can cause difficulty breathing and heart damage.
Iceberg lettuce: While leafy greens are generally healthy, iceberg lettuce is low in nutrients and contains a compound called lactucarium, which can cause digestive upset in large amounts.
Rhubarb leaves: These contain high levels of oxalic acid, which can be toxic and even fatal.
Raw beans and potatoes: Both contain compounds that are toxic to small animals, especially green or sprouting potatoes.
Sugary or processed human snacks: Cookies, candy, and other processed treats offer no nutritional value and can cause obesity and digestive problems. Many items also contain xylitol, which is highly toxic to animals.
Almonds: Small animals should never be given almonds, as raw almonds contain trace amounts of cyanogenic compounds and have a high fat content.
Citrus fruits: Feeding citrus fruits to small animals can cause mouth sores and digestive upset due to their high acidity. Guinea pigs are unable to produce their own vitamin C, so while this doesn’t relate to toxicity directly, it’s worth noting that a diet lacking vitamin C can lead to serious health issues.
Dairy: Rabbits should avoid yogurt drops, and other dairy-based treats that are often sold in pet stores. Rabbits are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause significant digestive upset. Rabbits should also avoid nuts and seeds, which are too high in fat for their digestive systems.
Signs of toxicity to watch for
If your pocket pet has eaten something toxic, symptoms can include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, drooling, difficulty breathing, or unusual behaviour. Because small animals can decline quickly, any of these signs should be treated as an emergency.
If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, contact your veterinarian or 24-hour emergency poison hotline.
Call Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7661
Call ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply)
Keeping treat time safe
Pocket pets can enjoy a wide variety of safe fruits and vegetables in moderation, including small amounts of apple, carrot, romaine lettuce, and leafy greens like cilantro or basil. When introducing a new food, start with a small portion and watch for any signs of digestive upset before making it a regular part of their diet.
A little research before treat time goes a long way. By knowing which foods to avoid, you can keep snack time safe and enjoyable for your pocket pet.
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.
Teaching kids to be gentle and respectful of animals
Growing up with an animal can be a special experience for a child. Animals have the potential to become their best companions, while also teaching important lessons about respect, care, responsibility and compassion from a young age.
But as a parent, it’s also completely understandable to feel a little nervous about introducing a young child to an animal. Kids are curious, full of energy, and still learning boundaries in the world around them. They may not know how to respectfully interact with an animal, which is essential for safe and enjoyable moments together.
Learning how to live with an animal
One of the most important things we can teach kids is that animals have their own feelings and preferences. A stuffed animal can be played with whenever a child wants. A living animal has a choice. Sometimes they might want to play or cuddle and other times they might want to be left alone. Helping kids understand that differences early can set the foundation for a respectful relationship with animals.
Try explaining that just like they might not always want a hug or want someone touching their things, animals can feel the same way. Putting it into terms children understand can make the idea of an animal’s boundaries much easier to grasp.
Every animal has different boundaries
There isn’t one set of rules that apply to every animal. One dog might love having their belly rubbed, while another would rather sit beside you. One cat might happily curl up on a child’s lap, while another prefers affection on their own terms.
Encourage kids to get to know the individual animal in front of them.
Teaching children to notice when an animal walks away, turns their body, hides or otherwise shows they don’t want to interact helps them understand an important lesson: when an animal asks for space, we listen.
It can also help to show kids what the animal does enjoy. Instead of only saying, “Don’t do that,” try showing them how to gently pet the animal or explaining where they like to be touched. This helps make learning positive for both the child and the animal.
Growing up together
Having an animal in a child’s life can be about so much more than having someone to play with.
Everyday routines can teach responsibility and care. Depending on their age, children can help participate in feeding routines, or learn why their animal needs enrichment, and rest. These little moments can also encourage empathy. Asking questions like, “How do you think they’re feeling?” or “Do you think they want some space?” get kids thinking about the animal’s experience and needs.
Over time, a child isn’t just learning how to care for an animal. They’re learning what it means to be responsible for another living being. It’s okay to take it slowly. If you’re nervous about how your child and animal will interact, you don’t need to rush things.
Supervising their time together gives you the opportunity to guide your child and reinforce gentle behaviour when either the child or animal needs a break. With patience and consistency, children can learn what respectful interactions with animals look like.
And when those lessons click, the relationship that develops can be incredibly rewarding.
Helping kids become AnimalSmartä
At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we believe learning compassion for animals should start at a young age.
Through our AnimalSmart humane education program, children and youth learn about animal well-being, emotions, responsible animal care and the importance of treating animals with respect.
AnimalSmart brings these conversations into classrooms through engaging, age-appropriate lessons that encourage students to think about animals as individuals with their own needs and feelings.
Teaching a child to be gentle with an animal might feel like a small lesson today, but the respect, responsibility and compassion behind it are lessons they will carry with them for life.
To learn more about AnimalSmart, sign up to become a volunteer, or book a presentation at your school, visit ontariospca.ca/animalsmart Together we can help inspire the next generation of animal advocates!
Transporting your kitten: Tips for a calmer journey
Whether you’re bringing your new kitten home, heading to a veterinary appointment or taking a trip together, getting your kitten comfortable with travelling can help make the experience easier for everyone.
A carrier and car ride may be unfamiliar experiences for a young kitten. By introducing them to their carrier and travel gradually, you can help them build positive associations and feel more comfortable when it’s time to hit the road.
Our friends at Royal Canin Canada have three helpful tips to help you prepare your kitten for transportation and make each journey as calm and positive as possible.
Watch this video for tips on transporting your kitten.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ontario SPCA expands access to veterinary care with free Midland clinic
Midland, ON (Sept. 2, 2026) – Following a positive response to its community wellness clinics this summer, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is bringing another free vaccination and wellness clinic to Midland to help make essential veterinary care more accessible to pet families who may otherwise face barriers to accessing care.
Taking place Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Midland Curling Club, located at 474 King St., the clinic will provide preventive veterinary services for cats and dogs, including core and booster vaccinations, as well as basic wellness examinations.
The clinic is open to residents of Midland, Penetanguishene, Tay Township, Tiny Township and Christian Island who are on a subsidized income, or those who hold a valid Indigenous Status Card. Valid ID and proof of subsidy, or an Indigenous Status Card, are required.
Appointments are required for both cats and dogs. Cats will be seen from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., followed by dogs from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.
“Preventive veterinary care can make a meaningful difference in a pet’s health, but we know that cost and access can sometimes make it difficult for families to get the care their pets need,” says Krista Grant, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre. “The response to our previous clinics has shown us how valuable these services are to the community.”
The Ontario SPCA has already helped close to 100 pets through three community wellness clinics held in Midland this summer. In addition to administering 150 vaccines, the Ontario SPCA also distributed more than 1,600 lbs of pet food, as well as basic pet care supplies.
These wellness events have been made possible thanks to the County of Simcoe’s Social and Community Investment Fund, with support from Mountainview Veterinary Clinic, Pet Valu Midland, and Trooper Pet.
To learn more or to book an appointment, visit ontariospca.ca/midland
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Media contact:
Krista Grant
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre
705-534-4459 x 374
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 Midland and District Animal Centre is located on land which is the traditional and treaty territory of the Anishinabek people, now known as the Chippewa Tri-Council comprised of Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation and the Georgina Island First Nation.
Debunking rescue dog myths
Thinking about adopting? You may have heard a few things about dogs in shelters that just aren’t true. Let’s set the record straight.
Myth #1: Rescue dogs have behavioural issues
Dogs end up in shelters for all kinds of reasons, such as a move, a change in family circumstances, or financial hardship, and very rarely because something is “wrong” with them. Many adoptable dogs are happy, healthy, and well-adjusted family members simply waiting for a second chance. Our staff get to know each dog’s personality and needs, so we can help match you with a dog that’s the right fit for your home.
Myth #2: You can’t know what you’re getting with a rescue
Our staff and volunteers spend time observing the behaviour, personality and energy levels of the dogs in our care. We’re happy to answer any questions so you can make an informed decision before bringing your new best friend home. In fact, when adopting an adult dog, you often know more of what you’re getting than you would with an untrained puppy.
Myth #3: Rescue dogs aren’t good with kids
A dog’s suitability with children comes down to the individual dog, not whether they’re in a shelter. Plenty of adoptable dogs are gentle, patient, and wonderful with kids. Our staff take household details, including children, into account when helping pet parents find their match.
Myth #4: Rescue dogs will always have separation anxiety or be hard to train
Every dog is unique. Many dogs in shelters have existing training, while others may need help learning new routines or adjusting to a new environment. With patience, consistency, and the right support, adopted dogs can thrive in their new homes. Our staff is also here to provide guidance and resources.
Every dog deserves a chance to find their loving home. By choosing to adopt, you’re not just gaining a loyal companion, you’re giving a deserving dog the home they’ve been waiting for.
Check out our blog for some heartwarming happy tail stories.
Ready to meet your new best friend? Visit your local Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centre or visit our adoption page today.
Not ready to adopt? 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. Please consider donating today.
Behind the scenes of a Northern dog transfer
When people meet one of our adoptable dogs, they’re seeing the end of one journey and the beginning of another. What they don’t see is the work behind the scenes that makes it all possible. As an Animal Care Attendant at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre, I get to see firsthand where some of these second chances begin.
For me, Northern dog transfers are particularly special and are a reminder of why I love this work.
Helping Northern animals find loving homes
In many Northern communities, there are more adoptable animals than there are families who can give them homes due to a lack of access to spay/neuter services. This creates ongoing pressure on local resources and increases the need for outside support.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society works alongside local leaders and volunteers, responding when help is requested. Support may include food and supplies, mobile wellness and spay/neuter services, and safe transport to help animals access care and re-homing opportunities.
This year alone, the Ontario SPCA has welcomed close to 400 Northern dogs and cats into our care to help them find loving homes. Behind every one of those numbers is an animal with their own story. Every animal arrives with different experiences, different personalities and different needs, so we meet them exactly where they are.
Creating a safe, welcoming space
After travelling for thousands of kilometers, many of these dogs are unsure of where they are. Some have never walked on a leash before. Some have had very little interaction with people. When they come off the van or trailer, they’re just trying to figure out whether they’re safe.
Crystal Brain, the manager of the York Region Animal Centre, always reminds us, “It is our role to make them feel safe from the minute they arrive.”
Those words stick with me every time a transfer comes through our doors.
I’ve seen dogs step confidently out of their crate, ready to explore everything around them. I’ve also sat beside a crate for 30 minutes, helping a nervous dog feel comfortable. That’s one of the biggest things I’ve learned doing transfers; you can’t rush trust. Every dog tells us what they need, and it’s our job to listen.
Coming together to make second chances possible
What many people don’t realize is just how much happens before those dogs ever arrive at our centre. Ontario SPCA teams across the province spend days coordinating with Northern communities, arranging transportation, compiling veterinary records, preparing care plans, and making sure each receiving animal centre is ready to welcome these furry friends. It takes an incredible amount of teamwork to make every transfer possible.
The work doesn’t stop there. These transfers are also made possible because of our incredible volunteer drivers. At the Ontario SPCA, volunteer drivers travel to communities across Ontario, generously giving their time to safely transport dogs so they can begin their journey toward a second chance.
Transferring animals across the province to find new homes isn’t easy, but it is rewarding. Just this past June our team at the York Region Animal Centre welcomed a transfer of Northern dogs that didn’t arrive until nearly 1 a.m. While most people slept, we spent the next three hours intaking each dog and helping them settle into their new accommodations.
Getting to know the dogs
Once the dogs arrive, they begin their mandatory quarantine period. While it’s an important step to protect the health of the other animals in our care, it’s also one of my favourite parts of the process because it’s when we really get to know each dog.
Many of our Northern dogs are shy or unsure when they arrive. Every day we learn something new about them. Maybe they light up the second a tennis ball comes out. Maybe they love carrying stuffed toys around. We ultimately learn what makes them feel safe and how they can thrive.
Those little details might seem small, but they’re what makes all the difference. By the time a dog is ready for adoption, we know their personality, their favourite things and the type of home that will help them succeed. When adopters meet them, they see a confident, happy dog.
That’s why Northern dog transfers mean so much to me. They’re not just about bringing dogs from one place to another. They’re about giving them the patience and support they need to discover who they are before introducing them to the family that’s been waiting for them all along.
Every transfer is the beginning of a new story. It’s a reminder that when communities come together with one shared goal, we can change the lives of animals who need us most.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make second chances possible for animals in need. To donate to support our work in the North, visit ontariospca.ca/donate
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
65 animals vaccinated through Akwesasne Mohawk community clinic with the Ontario SPCA
Akwesasne, ON (Aug. 25, 2026) – A total of 65 pets were vaccinated at a community wellness clinic held last Saturday in Akwesasne, helping strengthen protection for pets and people against the deadly rabies virus.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society partnered with the Akwesasne Mohawk community to make essential veterinary services more accessible to local families. In addition to the rabies vaccines, core vaccines were also administered at the Aug. 22 clinic at the Kawehno:ke Recreation Center to help keep pets healthy and protected.
Rabies is a dangerous disease that can infect any mammal, including humans, pets, livestock and wildlife. Once clinical signs of rabies appear, it is almost always fatal. Keeping pets up to date on their rabies vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect them and help reduce the risk of rabies spreading in the community.
“We’re grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the Akwesasne Mohawk community to help keep pets healthy and protected,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “With recent rabies incidents in the region, making rabies vaccination accessible is especially important. It was wonderful to see families take advantage of this clinic and take an important step toward protecting their beloved pets and the broader community.”
The Ontario SPCA has been working with the Akwesasne Mohawk community for a number of years to make essential animal wellness services more accessible. The Akwesasne Compliance Department is grateful for the partnership with the Ontario SPCA.
Through community support services, the Ontario SPCA works to help keep animals healthy, safe and with the people who love them. For more information about the Ontario SPCA’s community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport
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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 Cornwall and Region Animal Centre, formerly the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, is located on the lands of the Akwesasne Mohawks and their ancestors. We also acknowledge the Algonquin, Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-oshow-nee) (Iroquois), Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat), and Abenaki who are neighbours and partners to the Akwesasne Mohawk.
When you’re scrolling through adoptable animals on the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s website, breed might be one of the first things you look for. But when it comes to finding the right companion, there’s much more to consider than a breed label.
Why we may not know an animal’s breed
When an animal arrives at our animal centre, we don’t always know their full history. They may come into our care as a stray, or without information about where they came from or what breeds may be part of their background.
Without that history or DNA testing, determining a breed based on appearance alone can be difficult. Our teams can make an educated guess based on an animal’s physical characteristics, which is why you may see descriptions such as “Shepherd mix” or another mixed-breed label on an adoption profile.
But that label is just that, our best guess. An animal’s appearance doesn’t necessarily tell us their genetic makeup, and it certainly can’t tell us everything about their personality.
The good news is that knowing an animal’s exact breed isn’t necessary to get to know who they are or find them a great home. Instead of relying on a breed label, our teams can focus on what we learn about the animal while they are in our care.
Getting to know the animal behind the kennel door
An animal’s personality may not always shine right away. Arriving in a new environment can be an adjustment, and some animals need more time than others to feel comfortable.
That’s where our animal care teams come in. They get to know each animal’s personality, energy level, behaviour and individual needs. Through daily care, enrichment, walks, playtime and one-on-one interaction, team members learn what makes each animal unique.
Over time, they may discover a favourite toy, an unexpected goofy side, or just how much that animal loves curling up beside someone they trust. These everyday moments give our teams a better understanding of the animal beyond what could ever be captured by a breed label.
These observations also help our teams understand what an animal may need from their future family and give potential adopters a clearer picture of what life with that animal could look like.
Finding a pet who fits your lifestyle
When it comes to finding the right companion, breed is only one small part of the picture. What matters most is getting to know the individual animal.
Rather than starting your adoption journey by looking for a specific breed, think about the qualities that would fit naturally into your life. How active is your household? How much time can you dedicate yourself to training? Are you looking for an adventure buddy or a companion for quieter evenings? Are you prepared for any ongoing medical or behavioural needs?
Every dog is an individual, and sometimes the best match might be one you never would have expected based on breed alone. Finding the right match is about bringing together an animal’s individual needs and personality with an adopter whose lifestyle can help them thrive.
Ready to meet your match?
Every animal has their own personality that makes them special. The best way to find your perfect match is to get to know them! Visit our adoption page, ontariospca.ca/adopt to see adoptable animals waiting to meet you, and learn more about our adoption process and the benefits of adopting.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Construction progresses on the Ontario SPCA’s new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic
Cornwall, ON (Aug. 20, 2026) – The new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic at 2151 Second St. is taking shape as construction continues on the much-anticipated new facility.
The progress is already visible from the road, with the walls up and roof now in place, but plenty is happening behind the scenes. Crews are preparing the site for utility infrastructure, while work is also underway to prepare for installation of the in-floor heating system. The floor is expected to be poured beginning in October.
Expected to open in 2027, the new 8,000-square-foot Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will replace the aging Ontario SPCA facility on Boundary Road. The new facility will also feature a 1,400-square-foot charity-based veterinary clinic operated by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Demand for animal services in the region continues to grow, with nearly twice as many animals entering the care of the current animal centre today compared to 2020. Animal intakes increased from 402 animals in 2020 to 797 in 2025. So far in 2026, more than 500 animals have entered the care of the existing Cornwall and Region Animal Centre. The team is maximizing every available space to help more animals, including through foster care. Adoptions are also increasing, with 65 animals adopted in July – a 48 per cent increase compared to July 2024.
“Every day, our team is finding creative ways to help more animals, even when space is limited,” says Candice Gordon, Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre. “The new facility will give us the space and resources we need to better serve our community and continue saying yes to animals who need us.”
One recent example is Shawna, a tiny kitten found abandoned in a Cornwall bus shelter. She arrived in extremely poor condition, with both eyes severely damaged and sealed shut by infection. She was also struggling to breathe and was dangerously underweight.
Shawna received emergency veterinary care before going into foster care, where she was given the time, medication, nourishment and round-the-clock support she needed to recover. Once she was strong enough, both of her damaged eyes were surgically removed to give her the opportunity to live comfortably. Today, Shawna is recovering in foster care and preparing for her next chapter – her forever home.
Shawna’s story is one example of the critical care the Ontario SPCA provides every day – and why a larger, modern facility is so important to the future of animal welfare in Cornwall and the surrounding region.
The Ontario SPCA has now raised $6.2 million toward the $8-million project, with $1.8 million still needed to bring the new facility to life. The community is invited to lend a paw and help make this brighter future for pets and people a reality. To learn more about the Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign, visit ontariospca.ca/cornwall
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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 Cornwall and Region Animal Centre, formerly the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, is located on the lands of the Akwesasne Mohawks and their ancestors. We also acknowledge the Algonquin, Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-oshow-nee) (Iroquois), Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat), and Abenaki who are neighbours and partners to the Akwesasne Mohawk.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Orangeville, ON (Aug. 4, 2026) – To make basic veterinary care more accessible, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orangeville and District Animal Centre is hosting a free microchip clinic for pets in Orangeville.
Taking place Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orangeville Train Station, located at 49 Townline, the clinic will provide free microchips to help increase the chances of lost pets being reunited with their families.
Thanks to the generosity of PetPlace, which donated 100 24Petwatch microchips, and the Town of Orangeville, which graciously donated the use of the Orangeville Train Station for this initiative, the Orangeville and District Animal Centre is able to provide this important service to the community at no cost.
“A microchip is one of the best ways to help protect your pet if they ever become lost,” says Shannon Bury, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orangeville and District Animal Centre. “By offering this free microchip clinic, we’re helping remove financial barriers while giving pet families peace of mind. We’re incredibly thankful to PetPlace for donating the microchips and to the Town of Orangeville for generously providing the space to make this clinic possible.”
Registration for the microchip clinic is required to help manage wait times and ensure as many families as possible can be accommodated. Appointments are limited to 50 microchips each day. While some walk-ins may be accommodated if space permits, registration is encouraged.
When registering, participants will select a one-hour arrival window and may arrive at any time within that window. Pets will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis during their selected time slot.
Microchipping is a safe, painless, and permanent identification that can greatly improve the likelihood of a lost pet being reunited with its family if they become separated. Last year the Ontario SPCA reunited 679 lost animals with their families – reunions that are often made possible thanks to microchip identification.
To learn more, or to register, visit ontariospca.ca/orangeville
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Media Contact
Shannon Bury
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orangeville and District Animal Centre
1-905-898-7122 x 433
[email protected]
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.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orangeville and District Animal Centre is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people including the Ojibway, Potawatomi and Odawa of the Three Fires Confederacy.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Ontario SPCA reminds pet parents to take extra care during extreme winter weather
Stouffville, ON (Jan. 22, 2026) – As bitter cold settles across the province, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet parents to take precautions to help keep their animals safe. Extreme winter weather can lead to serious risks like frostbite and hypothermia, and animals rely on us to protect them from the elements.
“Even a short time in severe cold can be dangerous for animals,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Interim Medical Director, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By watching for signs of discomfort and making small adjustments to your routine, you can help keep your pets safe this winter.”
Some animals love the snow, but prolonged time outdoors can quickly become hazardous in frigid temperatures. Keep a close eye when your dog is outside playing and watch for early signs of the cold, such as shivering or holding up their paws. Cats, puppies, seniors and animals with short coats are especially vulnerable during cold snaps. An insulated sweater or coat can offer much-needed protection for dogs who need an extra layer. But even with winter clothing, animals should only be outside for short periods during extreme cold.
As temperatures drop, frozen lakes and rivers may look inviting to curious pets, but ice can be unpredictable. Keep your pet close, steer clear of the water’s edge, and be mindful of thin or refrozen ice that could break without warning.
The Ontario SPCA also urges caution around vehicles. Cars cool rapidly in winter, making them unsafe places for pets. Engines remain warm for a while after being turned off and can attract cats seeking shelter. Before starting your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn to make sure no animals are hiding underneath.
If you’re worried about the safety of an animal, call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or contact your local police. In an emergency, call 911.
For more information on winter pet safety, visit ontariospca.ca
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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.
