Maija Robillard, Author at Ontario SPCA

Leaving your dog behind when you go away can be hard, so it’s not surprising when pet owners choose to take their dog with them. Now that summer is here, you might be considering traveling on a long or short trip with your dog.

Ahead of the big day, it’s worth spending some time preparing for what they’ll need during the journey and throughout the trip. Check out our tips from our friends at Royal Canin Canada to help make your trip as safe and stress-free as possible.

A dog lying on the beach

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A dog in a carrier

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A person and a dog in the back of a car

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A dog lying in the trunk of a car

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A dog running on a beach

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Traveling with your dog may feel daunting at first, but with some forward planning, you can ease into your summer break (hopefully) stress-free.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Midland, ON (July 2, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, will host a free vaccination and wellness clinic in Midland on Saturday, July 11, to increase access to essential veterinary care for pet families in the community.

Taking place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Midland Curling Club, located at 474 King St., the clinic will provide preventive services for cats and dogs, including core vaccinations, booster vaccinations, and general wellness examinations to those who qualify. Pet food and supplies, as well as nail trims, will also be available on site for those who need it for their pets.

Cats will be seen by appointment from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., while dogs will be seen on a walk-in basis from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Made possible thanks to the County of Simcoe’s Social and Community Investment Fund, 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 for all attendees.

“Access to care looks different for every family,” says Krista Grant, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre. “By offering services within the community, we’re helping make sure more pets can get the care they need and stay with the people who love them.”

This clinic is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to care and supporting animals across the province. During a wellness clinic held in Midland in June, 22 dogs and 10 cats received examinations and 53 vaccines were administered.

The Ontario SPCA also operates high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Sudbury, York Region, Durham and Thunder Bay.

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to deliver programs and services to help animals in the community. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Media contact

Krista Grant

Community Outreach Coordinator

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre

[email protected]

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.

Enjoy an afternoon of music, food and fun while supporting the new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic build

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Long Sault, ON (July 2, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is inviting the community to raise a glass for animals at Bark & Brews, a fundraiser in support of the new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary clinic.

Taking place Sunday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lost Villages Brewery in Long Sault, Bark & Brews is a free, dog-friendly fundraiser that will bring together animal lovers, families and their four-legged companions for an afternoon of live music, food trucks, games, door prizes, pet photo opportunities and great local brews – all in support of a transformational project for animals and families in Cornwall and the surrounding region.

The event comes on the heels of the public launch of the Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign, which is raising the final $2.2 million needed to complete the new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic. The $8 million project is already 73 per cent funded, with $5.8 million raised thanks to the generosity of donors, businesses and community supporters throughout the region.

Expected to open in 2027, the new 8,000-square-foot Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will replace the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s aging facility on Boundary Road. The new centre will increase animal intake and adoption capacity by approximately 30 per cent and will have room to care for up to 57 animals at a time – more than double the capacity of the current building.

The facility will also feature a 1,400-square-foot charity-based veterinary clinic that will provide high-volume spay/neuter services, vaccinations, dental care and other basic veterinary services. The clinic will be capable of performing up to 3,400 spay and neuter surgeries each year, helping prevent an estimated 50,000 unplanned puppies and kittens annually while improving access to veterinary care for families who may otherwise struggle to access these services.

“Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’re already well on our way to reaching our goal, but there’s still more work to do,” says Christina Morgan, Campaign Cabinet member of the Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign. “Bark & Brews is an opportunity for people to come together, have fun and learn more about how this new facility will create a brighter future for pets and people across Cornwall and the surrounding region.”

To learn more about the Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign, or to support the new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, visit ontariospca.ca/cornwall

Media contact

Arianne Kirkey
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre
(613) 937-7622
[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre, formerly the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, is located on the landsof 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

Orillia, ON (July 2, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will host a free wellness and vaccine clinic for dogs in Orillia on July 19, continuing efforts to support pet families with access to essential veterinary care.

Taking place from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at St. Paul’s United Church in Orillia, the clinic will provide free preventive services for dogs, including wellness examinations, core vaccinations and rabies vaccinations to those who qualify. Pet food and supplies, as well as nail trims, will also be available on site for those who need it for their pets.

Made possible thanks to the Community Foundation of Orillia and Area, the clinic will operate on a walk-in basis, with no registration required. It is open to eligible residents of Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara, and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation 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.

“Access to basic veterinary care for their animals can be a challenge for many people,” says Victoria Hiorth, Central Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “These clinics help bridge that gap, ensuring animals stay healthy and with the families who love them.”

This clinic is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing commitment to increasing access to care and supporting animals across the province. During a wellness clinic held in Orillia in June, 34 dogs received important preventative care, including wellness exams, and vaccinations. More than 350 lbs of pet food, as well as supplies, were also distributed during that clinic to help families in need.

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to deliver programs like this. To learn more, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Media contact

Media Relations

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

905-898-7122 x 375

[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orillia and District Animal Centre is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (June 30, 2026) – With a heat warning issued for parts of the province, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding pet parents to take precautions to help keep their animals safe. Extreme heat can pose serious health risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and animals rely on us to help protect them from dangerous temperatures.

One of the most dangerous places for an animal during hot weather is inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly climb, putting animals at risk of heatstroke within minutes. Even on mild days, in the shade, or with the windows down, a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly for an animal. The safest option is to leave pets at home where they can stay cool and comfortable.

As part of its No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is asking pet parents and animal lovers to take the No Hot Pets pledge, promising never to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle.

Hot weather can also be hazardous for animals outdoors. Make sure pets have access to fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and be mindful that pavement and sand can become hot enough to burn paws. Consider walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Animals left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water are also at risk during periods of extreme heat.

“Hot weather can become dangerous for animals very quickly,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By taking a few simple precautions, pet parents can help keep their animals safe, comfortable and cool during periods of extreme heat.”

Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of heat-related illness, which can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Puppies, senior animals, brachycephalic breeds and animals with underlying health conditions may be especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area and seek immediate veterinary attention.

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 about keeping animals safe during hot weather, or to take the No Hot Pets pledge, visit nohotpets.ca

Dog drinking water from a person’s cupped hand beside a water bowl while outdoors on a grassy lawn.

Dog looking out the open window of a parked vehicle with its tongue out.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
[email protected]

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

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.

If you’ve visited the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Animal Centre over the past few months, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Lauren Davies. Lauren stepped into the role of Manager at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre after starting with the organization as an Animal Care Attendant last June. She’s been hard at work ever since getting to know the team, the animals, and the Sudbury community she now calls home.

A path rooted in making a difference

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph, along with a Diploma in Human Resources Management. Her career has touched on conservation, environmental stewardship, and health and safety, but helping animals has always been the thread running through it.

“I’ve always wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference, whether that was helping animals, people, or the community around me,” Lauren says.

When she applied for an Animal Care Attendant position last June, she had no idea where it would lead.

“The more time I spent at the animal centre, the more I fell in love with helping animals and the impact we can have on both animals and the people who care about them,” she says.

A family tradition of compassion

Lauren’s connection to animals goes back to childhood, shaped largely by her mother.

“My mom cared for a colony of stray cats in our neighbourhood, making sure they were fed, taking them to the vet when they were sick,” Lauren says.

She remembers her parents building insulated shelters so the cats could get through the cold winters safely.

“The compassion they showed for animals had a lasting impact on me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and the values they instilled in me,” she says.

There was always room for one more animal in her childhood home, and that spirit followed her straight into her career.

Settling into her new role

Now leading the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre, Lauren says what excites her most is the variety the role brings.

“Leading the animal centre is incredibly rewarding because no two days are the same,” she says. “Whether it’s helping a fearful animal gain confidence, supporting an adopter as they welcome a new family member, or finding solutions for an animal in need, there are constant opportunities to create positive change.”

Lauren is quick to credit the people around her for making the centre what it is. She’s excited to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and foster families.

“The Sudbury community is incredibly passionate about animal welfare, and I’m grateful to be part of that,” she says.

Foster fails of her own

Lauren practices what she preaches at home, where she shares her life with three cats. Her cat Forest came from the BC SPCA and made the long drive across the country when Lauren relocated to Ontario. Her cats Felix Sr. and Smokey both started out as residents at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre before becoming what Lauren calls “foster fails.”

Life outside the centre

Lauren lives in Sudbury with her boyfriend, and the two have settled comfortably into the area. Her parents live in Muskoka, with more family scattered across Southern Ontario and BC, so a good road trip is never far from her mind.

Lauren believes an Ontario winter is hard to beat.

“I enjoy the cold weather, snow, and everything that comes with an Ontario winter,” she says.

Come summer, she’s drawn to the water, whether that means kayaking, boating, or hitting local hiking trails. Her background in Wildlife Biology and Conservation still shows up in her downtime too, and she has a particular soft spot for observing wildlife, especially insects.

Join us

Since stepping into the role, Lauren has brought steady, compassionate leadership to the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre. Her dedication to animals, her team, and the Sudbury community reflects exactly the kind of leadership that helps animals and the people who love them thrive.

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.

A girl smiling while holding a black cat close to their face in a sunlit room.

A gray kitten lounges across a black-and-white cat while both sit together on a windowsill, looking toward the camera.

The first time a veterinary student completes a solo spay surgery under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian is a moment they will never forget. It’s a milestone that represents years of study, hours of practice, and the beginning of a career dedicated to helping animals.

Through partnerships with Georgian College and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is helping students reach moments like these by providing hands-on experience in shelter medicine and veterinary care. These opportunities help students develop practical skills and confidence, along with creating lasting benefits for the veterinary profession.

Where learning meets real life

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orillia and District Animal Centre, five Veterinary Technician students from Georgian College completed placements focused on animal care and shelter operations.

Throughout their placements, students worked three to five days a week, spending approximately three hours each day assisting staff and caring for animals. From providing enrichment and daily animal care to supporting shelter operations, the students gained firsthand experience while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in our care.

For the students, every shift offered a new opportunity to build practical skills and learn what a career in shelter medicine can look like.

The success of the partnership was reflected not only in the experience gained by students, but also in the opportunities it created. One participant was ultimately hired through the program, demonstrating the value of hands-on learning and industry partnerships.

The moment confidence takes hold

While Georgian College students were gaining experience in shelter operations and animal care, OVC students were developing their clinical skills through hands-on veterinary training.

The Ontario SPCA has welcomed multiple groups of OVC students for external rotations focused on surgical skills and shelter medicine. Students participating in the rotation work under direct supervision of experienced veterinary professionals to perform spay/neuter surgeries on animals available for adoption through the Ontario SPCA.

“Providing hands-on learning opportunities is one of the most valuable ways we can help prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Giving them the opportunity to gain supervised surgical experience helps build confidence, refine technical skills and ultimately leads to better outcomes for animals throughout their careers.”

For Dr. Tang, some of the most rewarding moments are seeing students realize how much they have learned and accomplished.

“One of the most rewarding moments is watching a student complete their first solo spay surgery under supervision,” he says. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment they feel in that moment is incredibly meaningful.”

A new perspective on animal welfare

For many students, the placement provided exposure to an area of veterinary medicine they had not previously experienced while helping them build practical skills and confidence in veterinary settings.

“This placement has strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care,” says Victoria Borrelli, a student veterinarian at the Ontario Veterinary College. “It has shown me the value of teamwork, adaptability and always considering an animal’s quality of life when making clinical decisions. These experiences will shape the way I approach veterinary medicine throughout my career.”

Dr. Tang says placements within the Ontario SPCA complement veterinary education by giving students hands-on experience in shelter medicine and community care.

“By learning alongside our teams, students gain a greater understanding of community medicine and the innovative approaches that help keep animals with the families who love them,” says Dr. Tang.

Creating lasting connections

Beyond building technical skills, these partnerships are helping foster stronger connections between future veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations.

“These partnerships create a lasting impact beyond the placement itself,” says Dr. Tang. “Students leave with a greater understanding of animal welfare and shelter medicine, and many go on to support organizations like the Ontario SPCA throughout their careers.”

One particularly memorable success story involved a veterinary intern who enjoyed her placement experience so much that she requested a second week with the Ontario SPCA later in the year.

For students considering a future in veterinary medicine or animal care, experiences like these provide far more than technical skills. They build confidence, create connections, and offer a deeper understanding of the role animal welfare organizations play in supporting both animals and the people who care for them.

As the Ontario SPCA continues to invest in educational partnerships, these experiences are helping shape the next generation of animal care professionals while strengthening the future of animal welfare across Ontario.

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. Please consider donating today.

Two veterinary professionals in surgical attire work together during a procedure under an overhead surgical light.

Veterinary professionals prepare and monitor a patient during a surgical procedure in a clinic operating room.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (June 22, 2026) – As summer adventures heat up, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is launching its annual No Hot Pets campaign and calling on animal lovers across the province to help keep pets safe by taking the pledge at nohotpets.ca

Cars can heat up quickly, putting animals in danger within minutes – even on mild days. By pledging to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, you’ll help spread an important message. Plus, you will also be entered for a chance to win a YETI prize pack.

“Summer should be about making memories with your pets, not putting them at risk,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Taking a few moments to think ahead helps ensure pets stay safe, cool, and happy all summer long.”

The Ontario SPCA is encouraging everyone to help keep the message going strong this summer. Animal lovers can:

Take the pledge at nohotpets.ca and encourage friends and family to do the same
Share the No Hot Pets message on social media using downloadable graphics and resources
Encourage pet-friendly businesses to help spread awareness
Access free digital tools, care tips, and resources at nohotpets.ca

Hot weather dangers aren’t limited to parked cars. Animals left outside without shade or fresh water can overheat quickly, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

If you see an animal in distress due to the heat, act quickly. Call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

This summer, take the No Hot Pets pledge, spread the word, and help keep pets cool and safe across Ontario. Visit nohotpets.ca,

Australian shepherd–type dog with one blue eye and one brown eye drinking water from a person’s hand beside a water bowl outdoors.

Australian shepherd–type dog standing in a blue kiddie pool in a grassy backyard on a warm day.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
[email protected]

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

As temperatures rise, so does the danger for animals left unattended in vehicles. This summer, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is once again reminding pet parents that there is no safe amount of time to leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle.

Through the No Hot Pets campaign, we’re asking animal lovers across Ontario to take the pledge to never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle and help spread this lifesaving message throughout their communities.

Take the pledge and you could win

By taking the No Hot Pets pledge, you’re making a commitment to help keep animals safe this summer. As a thank you, everyone who takes the pledge will be entered for a chance to win a cool YETI prize pack!

Take the pledge

Cars heat up faster than you think

Many people underestimate how quickly temperatures can rise inside a parked vehicle. Even on relatively mild days, a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes. Cracking the windows, parking in the shade, or running errands “just for a minute” does not eliminate the risk.

If something unexpected delays your return to the vehicle, it could have tragic consequences for your furry family member.

The safest option is always to leave your pet at home where they can stay cool, comfortable and safe.

Help spread the message

Everyone can play a role in protecting animals this summer.

In addition to taking the pledge, you can help by:

Sharing the No Hot Pets message on social media
Encouraging friends and family to take the pledge
Asking pet-friendly businesses in your community to get involved
Downloading and sharing free campaign resources from our website

Together, we can raise awareness and prevent animals from suffering in hot vehicles.

What to do if you see an animal left in a vehicle

If you see an animal unattended in a vehicle, act immediately. Report it by callingProvincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or contact your local police service. If the animal appears to be in distress , call 911.

While waiting for help to arrive:

Note the vehicle’s license plate number
Stay near the vehicle and monitor the animal
Ask nearby businesses to page the owner and request they return to their vehicle

It is illegal to break a vehicle window. The best course of action is to contact authorities right away and remain with the animal until help arrives.

Other summer safety reminders

Hot vehicles aren’t the only danger animals face during the summer months. Pets who are left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water can also suffer from heat-related illnesses.

Signs of heat stroke may include:

Increased heart rate
Excessive panting or drooling
Dry, sticky, or abnormally coloured gums
Weakness, lethargy, or disorientation
Vomiting or diarrhea
Body temperature above 40°C
Collapse, unconsciousness, seizures, or coma

If you suspect an animal is suffering from heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. In the meantime, move the animal to a shaded area, offer water if they are able to drink, and wet their fur with lukewarm to cool (not cold) water.

Join the movement

A few moments of planning can save a life. If you’re travelling with your pet this summer, plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly stops along your route and ensuring your animal is never left unattended in a vehicle.

Take the No Hot Pets pledge today and help keep animals safe all summer long. Visit nohotpets.ca to learn more, access free resources, and help spread the message.

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day? Whether he’s a devoted pet parent, an animal lover, or simply someone who enjoys making a difference, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Paws & Give™ symbolic giving catalogue offers gifts that help animals in need across Ontario.

Give Dad a gift that creates a lasting impact for vulnerable animals. With Paws & Give™, you can honour a special father figure while helping provide care, comfort, and hope to animals waiting for their second chance.

Help keep pets and families together

For many families facing financial hardship, accessing pet food can be a challenge. A symbolic gift to the Pet Food Pantry helps provide food and supplies that are distributed through community partners, ensuring beloved pets can stay with the families who love them. By helping fill empty bowls, you’re giving both animals and their people a helping hand when they need it most.

Give animals the care they urgently need

When animals arrive in the care of the Ontario SPCA, some require immediate medical attention, transportation, vaccinations, assessments, and specialized treatment before they can begin their journey toward adoption. A Gift of Urgent Need helps provide critical support for animals requiring immediate care, giving them the opportunity to heal and thrive. Every contribution helps ensure animals receive the treatment and compassion they deserve.

Bring comfort and joy to shelter animals

A simple toy can make a world of difference to an animal awaiting adoption. Toys provide enrichment, reduce stress, encourage exercise, and help keep animals mentally stimulated during their stay at our animal centres. By giving a Toy for a Shelter Pet, you’re helping brighten an animal’s day while supporting their overall wellbeing.

A Father’s Day gift with heart

One of the best things about symbolic gifts is that they give twice: once to Dad and once to an animal in need. You can even pair your gift with an e-card to let Dad know a donation has been made in his honour. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the compassion, kindness, and generosity that fathers and father figures bring to our lives.

This Father’s Day, make your gift count for animals in need. Explore the Paws & Give™ symbolic giving catalogue and discover how your Father’s Day gift can help provide food, care, comfort, and hope to animals across Ontario.

Shop Father’s Day Paws & Give™ today.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Constance Lake First Nation, ON (June 15, 2026) – More than 130 animals received vital veterinary care during a four-day animal wellness clinic hosted by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in partnership with Constance Lake First Nation.

From June 1-4, the Ontario SPCA’s mobile MASH-style clinic provided spay/neuter surgeries for 48 cats and dogs, helping prevent close to an estimated 1,800 unplanned puppies and kittens. The clinic also provided 84 wellness appointments to animals in the community and administered 119 rabies vaccinations. The Ontario SPCA has also transported more than 5,200 lbs of pet food to Constance Lake to date this year, with more on the way.

The Ontario SPCA is committed to improving access to veterinary care in underserved communities with its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics. These portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities.

“Access to veterinary care can be a challenge in remote and underserved communities,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Through this clinic, we were able to provide spay/neuter services, wellness care and vaccinations to support animal health in Constance Lake First Nation.”

“On behalf of Constance Lake First Nation, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to PetSmart and the Ontario SPCA for their continued partnership and support in delivering pet wellness clinics within our community,” says Chief Richard Allen of Constance Lake First Nation. “Through this ongoing collaboration, we have seen meaningful improvements in the health and well-being of animals in Constance Lake. These clinics have increased access to essential veterinary services, supported responsible pet ownership, and contributed to a stronger, healthier animal population. As a result, many of our community dogs are healthier, better cared for, and receiving the support they need, which has had a positive impact on both animal welfare and overall community safety. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing this important work together.”

The wellness event was made possible thanks to an Incubator grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada® to address challenges in accessing veterinary care in Constance Lake First Nation. This clinic is the third pet wellness clinic hosted in the community, continuing a strong and valued partnership between Constance Lake First Nation, PetSmart, and the Ontario SPCA.

Rising costs combined with geographical and cultural barriers have left many communities out of the veterinary care system altogether. The Incubator grant program supports innovative and culturally relevant veterinary programs targeted toward Indigenous communities across Canada.

For more information on the Ontario SPCA’s mobile animal wellness services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Person in a cream beanie and gray hoodie holding a large brindle dog with tan legs and a white chest inside a community animal clinic.

Veterinary staff speak with a pet owner while another staff member in purple scrubs kneels beside a large husky-type dog during a community animal wellness event.

Media Contact

Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
[email protected]

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall, ON (June 15, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a wellness and vaccination clinic for cats in Cornwall on June 14, helping remove barriers to essential veterinary care and supporting pet families in the community.

Held at Agora Catholic Centre in Cornwall, the clinic provided free wellness resources and vaccinations to 43 cats whose families may otherwise face barriers accessing veterinary care for their pets. A total of 2,100 lbs of cat food was also distributed during the event, along with other essential pet items for families who needed additional support.

“When barriers such as cost or accessibility prevent pets from receiving routine care, community wellness clinics can make a meaningful difference,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “These events help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them.”

The Ontario SPCA is grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for donating vaccines, as well as the veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, community partners and volunteers whose support helped make the event possible. A booster event will take place on July 12 at the same location.

The wellness clinic for cats builds on the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to increase access to veterinary care in Cornwall. Last month the Ontario SPCA hosted a canine wellness and vaccination clinic on May 24, where 87 dogs received Parvo vaccinations.

These community-based services will continue to expand with the future Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, currently under construction and expected to open in 2027. The new centre will help increase access to veterinary care and community support services, making it easier for families to access the resources they need to keep their pets healthy. Visit ontariospca.ca/brighter-future-cornwall-and-region to learn more and donate.

For more information about Ontario SPCA community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Person holding a small gray tabby kitten indoors while smiling down at it.

Veterinary volunteers examine a gray tabby kitten on an exam table during a community animal wellness clinic.

Media contact

Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

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.