Honour Animals in War with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is honouring animals who have served in war by recognizing their contributions through our Animals in War campaign, launching on Oct. 11 and running until Remembrance Day.  

A variety of animals have served during times of war. Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages, dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers while cats served as companions and kept ships free of vermin. 

Read our blog to learn more about animals who served in the World Wars and keep an eye on our social media accounts for interesting facts about animals in war. 

Animals in War Pin 

The Ontario SPCA is selling  commemorative Animals in War pins leading up to Remembrance Day. The pin is intended to be worn as a complement to the poppy in remembrance of our veterans and the animals who bravely served by their sides. 

The first Animals in War pin was launched in 2017, with the current collection including a dog, a pigeon and a cat. The animal on the pin symbolizes the wartime contributions of all animals.  

Funds from the sale of the pin help provide care for animals in need, as well as support our veterans. For each pin sold, $1 will be donated to Royal Canadian Legion branches in our animal centre communities. In 2021, $3,186 was donated to Legion branches. 

Visit ontariospca.ca/remember to purchase a pin and support animals in need. Be sure to order pins by Sunday, Nov. 6 if you hope to receive them by Remembrance Day. This will also be the last year to order these pins.