Page 10 – Ontario SPCA

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Sept. 22, 2025) – To help more animals find loving homes, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reducing adoption fees by 20 per cent, courtesy of HomeEquity Bank – and waiving adoption fees entirely for senior pets – from Sept. 26-28 at its animal centres across the province.

iAdopt: Furever Homes, presented by HomeEquity Bank, is intended to connect people and pets so both can thrive. The goal of the three-day adoption event is to place as many animals as possible into loving homes, with a special emphasis on creating perfect matches between our senior animals in care and adopters 55+.

Despite having so much to offer, senior animals are often overlooked in shelters and wait longer to find a loving home. They are typically calm, well-mannered, and already house-trained, making them an ideal match for older adopters seeking a steady, reliable friend. Adopting a pet can provide life-enriching benefits for older Canadians – from improved mental and physical well-being to a stronger sense of community and purpose.

“Pets offer so much more than just companionship. Research consistently reveals pets provide a sense of purpose, routine, physical activity and a reduced sense of loneliness some older adults may experience,” says Niary Toodakian, Vice President, Customer Insights and Brand, HomeEquity Bank. “Older Canadians are living vibrant, active, connected lives. They show us that age brings the wisdom, compassion, and commitment that makes them the perfect pet owners.”

If you’re not able to adopt, you can make a difference for an animal by becoming a foster volunteer. For empty nesters facing lonely houses this time of year as their kids head off to school, fostering can be a happy distraction.

“If you could use some companionship or purpose in your life, fostering might be the perfect way to give back to animals in need,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “It makes a world of difference for animals who need a bit more TLC than an animal centre can provide to help prepare them for adoption.”

To see animals available for adoption, or to learn more about becoming a foster volunteer, visit ontariospca.ca

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 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.

For many Canadians, the “empty nest” stage of life brings a touch of quiet. For some parents, this new chapter brings freedom, but for others it can also bring loneliness. With children grown and busy with their own lives, parents may find themselves looking for new ways to fill their days with purpose and joy. If you’ve been thinking of adopting, welcoming an animal into your life can fill your heart, and your home.

Empty nesters typically have the time to provide the love and stability pets need and, in return, they gain unwavering loyalty and countless heartwarming moments each day. Caring for a furry family member weaves joy back into daily routines, while research shows pet parents are 158% happier than the average Canadian.

Here are just a few of the benefits of having animals in your life:

Companionship: A pet’s unconditional love eases loneliness and fills quiet moments with comfort.
Routine and purpose: Feeding, walking, and caring for an animal brings structure to daily life and a renewed sense of purpose.
Physical health: Regular walks or playtime encourage gentle, consistent activity that supports healthy aging.
Mental health: Pets are known to help increase happiness in their pet parents, with reduced stress and improved overall well-being.
Social connection: Pets are wonderful icebreakers, helping their parents feel more connected to neighbours and their community.
Lifestyle: Senior pets, in particular, are calm, steady and typically already trained, making them an ideal fit for adopters 55+. Learn more about the benefits of adopting a senior pet.

If adoption isn’t an option right now, fostering is another wonderful way to help. Fostering gives animals a safe and loving environment while also providing their temporary caregivers with companionship and a deeper connection to their community.

Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer.

iAdopt: Furever Homes

From Sept. 26-28, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is hosting a special adoption event to place as many animals as possible into new homes, with a special emphasis on creating perfect matches between our senior animals in care and adopters 55+. Thanks to the support of HomeEquity Bank, adoption fees will be reduced by 20% and waived for senior pets at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province over the three-day event, helping more animals find the loving homes they deserve.

Check out our tips for adopting a senior animal.

To see our animals currently available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt

If you’ve ever walked into the kitchen to find your dog with their paws up on the counter and a missing sandwich, you’re not alone. “Counter surfing” is a common behaviour in dogs, especially those who are curious, food motivated, or simply bored. Counter surfing is not only frustrating, it can be dangerous if your dog ingests harmful foods or kitchen items. The good news is that with consistency and patience, you can prevent this unwanted behaviour.

Why dogs counter surf

Dogs explore the world with their noses, and kitchen counters often smell like a buffet of irresistible scents. If they’ve had success grabbing food before, they’ll likely try again – it’s rewarding! Understanding this helps us tackle the root of the problem: access and temptation.

Prevention tips and tricks

Manage the environment. Keep counters clear of food and enticing objects. If there’s nothing rewarding to find, your dog will be less motivated to check.
Provide alternatives. Make sure your dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys, puzzle feeders, or snuffle mats. Mental stimulation can reduce the urge to scavenge.
Reward good behaviour. When your dog chooses to stay on the floor while you’re preparing food, praise and reward them. Consistently reinforcing calm, polite behaviour teaches them that good things happen away from the counters.
Teach a solid “leave it.” This command is helpful not just in the kitchen but in many situations. Start with low value items (like kibble, plain dog treats, or veggies) on the floor and reward your dog for ignoring them, gradually working up to higher temptations.
Use baby gates. If you’re cooking and can’t supervise, create barriers to keep your dog out of the kitchen.

For more training tips, visit our blog.

Tips for adopted adult dogs

If you’ve welcomed an adult dog into your home who has a history of counter surfing, don’t worry– adult dogs can learn new habits, too! Be patient and consistent:

Set them up for success. Don’t leave food unattended where they can reach it. Preventing the behaviour is easier than correcting it.
Stick to routines. Predictable mealtimes and regular training sessions help your new dog settle in and understand boundaries.
Use positive reinforcement. Avoid punishment, which can create fear or confusion. Instead, reward behaviours you want to see repeated.

With time, patience, and consistency, your dog can learn that the counter is off limits. By providing structure, enrichment, and clear boundaries, you’ll help keep your four-legged friend safe and your snacks secure!

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.

A well-balanced diet is the foundation of a healthy, happy life for small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. While feed pellets can provide essential nutrients, hay should make up the roughly 85 per cent of your small animal’s daily intake. Not only does hay promote proper digestion, but it also supports dental health and encourages natural foraging behaviour.

Hay… it matters

Hay is high in fiber, which helps keep your bunny or guinea pig’s digestive system moving smoothly. It also wears down their ever-growing teeth, preventing painful dental issues. Without enough hay, small animals can suffer from digestive upset or tooth overgrowth – two common but preventable problems.

Choosing the right hay

Not all hay is created equal! For adult rabbits and guinea pigs, Timothy hay is the gold standard. It’s high in fiber, low in calcium and calories, and ideal for daily feeding. Other options like orchard grass or meadow hay can add variety, while alfalfa hay (richer in calcium, protein and higher in calories) is best suited for young, growing animals or nursing mothers. Speak to your veterinarian for their recommendation.

When selecting hay, look for fresh, green, and fragrant varieties without signs of mold or dust. Store hay in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.

How to introduce hay

If your pet is new to hay or has been more focused on pellets, don’t worry – it’s never too late to start! Begin by offering small handfuls of hay alongside their usual pellets and veggies. You can tuck it into toys, hide small treats inside, or place it in a hay feeder to encourage interest.

It might take some animals time to adjust. Gradually increase the amount of hay you offer until it becomes the primary part of their diet. The goal is for your small animal to always have access to fresh hay.

Hay isn’t just food, it’s enrichment! By incorporating high-quality hay into your pet’s daily routine, you’re helping them stay healthy, active, and satisfied. Looking for more tips? Check out our blog for keeping your small animal happy and healthy.

Your sweet kitty cat is coming home! You and your family can’t wait for your new furry family member to arrive and start playing with their new toys. Moving to a new home can be very stressful for cats, as they become very tied to their environment. It’s best to take a slow approach when welcoming them into their new home. Here are some tips for bringing your new furry friend home in a stress-free way.

Set up your “base of operations”

Find a room in your home that will be the cat’s safe zone. Set up their food, water, litterbox and some toys. If you were provided with any towels, blankets or hiding boxes that your cat used in the animal centre, make sure they have these handy. Familiar scents will help your cat relax in their new space. There should be places for them to hide, but nothing that is inaccessible to you.

Cat-proof the area from any toxic plants, things that could tip over and shatter, or anything else unsafe. Make sure that cords are hidden or raised off the floor. To help your cat feel safe, ensure there is somewhere high for them to go. It can also help your cat if you place them in their new litter box when they first arrive. If you choose to move their litter box to a new location later, place your cat in the litter box in this new location so they know where to find it.

Give them time

There is no set timeframe for this integration, and it’s important for them to trust you, so don’t try to force it. Spend lots of time with them in their room and try to introduce new people to them slowly so they don’t get overwhelmed. If they’re very timid, just sit in the middle of the room and speak softly; they’ll come around when they’re ready.

“Scent swapping” can be helpful in getting them used to their bigger world. Bring in items from the main areas of the house so the cat can get used to the scent so it won’t be as jarring when they start exploring the rest of the house. You can also implement a Feliway diffuser to help provide comfort to your cat in your home. Special treats like tuna can help too! When they are ready to explore more of the house, they’ll tell you by doing things like rushing the door when it opens, slipping their paws under the door, or trying to get out.

The wide world of home!

Once your new cat decides to come out of their temporary home base, always make sure that they have easy access back to it if they get scared. Let them explore slowly. If they run back immediately, don’t worry; that’s completely normal! Continue to monitor their litterbox and eating habits regularly to ensure they are staying healthy as they adjust to their new home.

Remember, your local Ontario SPCA animal centre is just a phone call away if you need support. We hope you and your new furry friends have many purr-fect moments together!

Losing an animal is devastating at any age, but it can be especially difficult for children. Pets are often their best friends and share an intimate space in their lives. While everyone deals with grief differently, the one thing that brings comfort for many is sharing stories and memories of their beloved pet.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s AnimalSmart™ Humane Education Program offers free presentations to school and community groups in our animal centre communities for Grades 1-8, with the goal of fostering empathy, promoting responsibility and inspiring a connection with animals. During these classroom presentations, a common topic brought up by students is the loss of a furry friend.

Pet loss resources for kids

While in the classroom delivering AnimalSmart™ humane education presentations, we found that kids felt a natural sense of openness to be able to talk about their animals, current or past. To support presenters in fostering these discussions, we created pet loss resources for kids.

Whether it’s an aunt, babysitter, teacher, or a parent, these resources will help a child commemorate the loss of an animal.

Additional resources include a reading list of books that stimulate ideas and conversations that can help a grieving child understand their feelings, as well as activities such as a poem about crossing “over the rainbow bridge,” creating a memory box, and activities to inspire children to reflect on happy times with their beloved furry friend. The activities are designed to commemorate and honour memories and feelings shared.

The pet loss support guide is free to download at animalsmart.ca

Download the free guide today.

Having an impact on grieving hearts

The pet loss support guide has been impactful and well received by teachers and parents. Students enjoy the choices and working through the activities. It’s an important resource to have, as our furry friends are such valuable members of the family. It is hard to process the loss, and there aren’t many resources out there to guide this process.

Pet loss resources for adults

In addition to these pet loss resources for children, there is also support available for adults who are grieving the loss of a pet. Ontario Pet Loss offers an online support group to help people navigate the grieving process.

Learn more on our website.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to offer these programs and services. Please consider donating today.

It’s time to head back to school and return to your family’s regular activities, which means your animal may be alone for longer periods during the day. This is a great opportunity for some enrichment time for your furry friend. It will help them adjust, as well as make your transition back to school smoother.

Let’s talk about enrichment

It’s important to remember that animal enrichment is an ongoing process, not a single object or event, and it is usually delivered on a routine schedule. If you haven’t had your pet’s enrichment scheduled before, don’t worry! It’s never too late to start.

Goals for enrichment:

Improving quality of life
Increasing the ability to successfully cope with daily stressors
Encouraging natural behaviours, such as hunting, chasing, and climbing

Here are a few enrichment ideas and activities to help your animals adjust to your family being out of the home more.

Cat enrichment

Food puzzles
- Puzzle feeders, toys or devices that contain food encourage your cats to engage in predatory behaviour. Manipulating the device provides stimulation and exercise.
Fishing game
- Fill a shallow container with water and a few floating toys (such as ping pong balls). This can be done in a playroom or communal room where there is lots of space. This may be a good activity for when everyone is back from school/work and you can supervise the fun!

Dog enrichment

Food dispensing toys
These types of toys help dogs work for their food, and provide enrichment, especially when the dog is alone.
For information on cereal box dispensers, click here. You can also watch this how-to video.
Music
The right music can calm your dog and provide them with enrichment. Make sure to select dog-friendly music, such as classical music, or music created specifically for dogs. Learn more here.

Small animal enrichment

Nesting material
- Nesting material should be provided for your small animal to build a nest or resting place for themselves. This provides physical and mental stimulation.
- Examples of nesting material include cotton balls, pieces of fleece, shredded newspaper, toilet paper and hay.
White noise
- White noise can have a calming effect and promote relaxation for small animals.
- White noise should be used for shorter periods of time (about 2 hours long) to prevent them from becoming habituated to it or “tuning it out.”

Separation anxiety and enrichment

Keep in mind, if your furry friend is used to having people at home, they may be susceptible to developing separation anxiety when normal routines resume. Animals that experience a great deal of change, such as a new environment or new schedule, can be at higher risk.

Some signs of separation anxiety include:

Howling
Barking, or whining excessively
House-trained dogs may also have “accidents” indoors and inappropriate chewing or eating of household items

For more information and what to do if you notice these signs, read this blog.

We hope you found these ideas helpful and that they help to smooth the transition back to school for your family!

Bed bugs… just the name is enough to make you itch! These tiny hitchhikers are experts at sneaking into homes — and once they’re in, they can be tough to evict. But what about your companion animals? Are they at risk of becoming a bed bug buffet? Let’s bust a few myths and help keep everyone in your household — two- or four-legged — comfy and bug-free.

Where do bed bugs come from?

Bed bugs are like the worst kind of house guests — they show up uninvited and refuse to leave. They can hitch a ride on luggage, used furniture, clothing, or even on you after a stay in a hotel or public place. Once inside, they make themselves at home in mattresses, furniture, baseboards — anywhere cozy and close to where humans (and sometimes animals) hang out.

Do bed bugs affect animals?

Good news: bed bugs prefer to snack on humans. But in a bad infestation, they won’t turn their noses up at a nearby animal. Dogs, cats, rabbits — if your pet’s bed is close to an infested area, they may get bitten. Bed bugs won’t live on your four-legged friends like fleas or ticks do, but they can hide out in their bedding and blankets.

Need more info on ticks… read our blog, “Tick Prevention”.

Signs of bed bugs in the home

How do you know if you’ve got unwanted visitors? Look for:

Tiny reddish-brown bugs (about the size of an apple seed)
Little white eggs or shed skins in bedding or furniture
Rust-coloured stains on fabrics
Furry companions that seem itchy or restless (though not all animals will react)

How to kick bed bugs to the curb

If you suspect bed bugs have moved in:

Wash all bedding, including your animal’s, on the hottest setting and dry on high heat.
Vacuum thoroughly — especially spots where your animals sleep. Empty the vacuum right away.
Call a licensed pest control professional for safe, effective treatment.

While bed bugs don’t spread disease, they do cause stress and sleepless nights. Staying vigilant, inspecting bedding regularly, and acting fast will help protect both you and your furry family members. After all, everyone deserves a good night’s sleep — without extra critters in the bed!

Cats may seem independent, but their happiness and wellbeing depend on how their home environment is set up. At home, your cat builds her routine around four essentials: resting, playing, eating, and cuddling. Our friends at Royal Canin Canada share some tips for setting up dedicated spaces for each of these activities helps her feel secure, enriched, and content.

Eating area

Must be distant from her litter box and in a calm area. You can use a feeding toy to satisfy her hunting instinct and make her “earn” her food.

Resting area

Several resting spaces to provide your cat with some privacy is ideal. They will have to be soft, comfortable and easy to keep clean. You can have a resting place near a heat source and some high up so she can see what is going on in the house. However, your bedroom may not be the right place as cats can be active at night.

Playing area

Toys help to entertain a cat when you are not home, but the best for her is when you can spend some time playing with her! Have a scratching post in your home to help prevent the cat from scratching the furniture.

Litter box

The litter box must always be easily accessible, placed away from their food bowl and cleaned both regularly and often.

From cozy resting spots to stimulating play areas, every detail of their space contributes to their comfort. By organizing your home around your cat’s natural instincts, you can help her thrive.

We’re excited to shine a spotlight on the incredible organizations chosen to receive funding through the Ontario SPCA’s CARES Fund in 2025, and the inspiring work they’re about to embark on to improve the lives of animals in their communities.

The Community Animal Resources, Education & Support (CARES) Fund is a new initiative by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society aimed at supporting and strengthening the efforts of local SPCAs and Humane Societies working in underserved communities across Ontario. This initiative helps bring vital animal care and resources to the people and pets who need them most.

From across the province, passionate organizations submitted thoughtful, community-driven proposals, and after a thorough review process, six outstanding projects rose to the top. These initiatives stood out for their innovation, compassion, and potential to make a real difference in the lives of animals.

These grants are more than just funding; they’re fuel for change. We’re proud to stand alongside these passionate organizations as they lead the charge in making Ontario a better place for animals and the people who love them.

2025 CARES funded projects

In total, $122,152 in funding has been awarded to six inspiring initiatives that reflect the heart of the CARES fund: removing barriers to care, enhancing shelter infrastructure, and building stronger, healthier communities for animals and the people who love them.

The Pet Pantry Food Assistance Program at The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo and Stratford Perth will establish a permanent pet pantry to help families facing pet food insecurity, ensuring animals can stay in loving homes.

The Fort Erie SPCA will support the creation of a new Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) role, helping expand access to veterinary services within their community. This one-year pilot will allow the organization to assess the long-term impact of the position.

The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society will support Helping Paws, a program delivering veterinary outreach and spay/neuter services to at-risk pet parents. This initiative builds on community partnerships to improve access to care for those who need it most.

The Alliston & District Humane Society will launch their “From Sad to Rad” cat area renovation, enhancing feline housing and enrichment to improve welfare, increase shelter capacity, and boost volunteer engagement.

The Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (Quinte Humane Society) will support a student animal care work experience program. This short-term training opportunity helps prepare the next generation of animal care professionals while supporting shelter operations.

Finally, the Arnprior and District Humane Society will support a subsidized spay/neuter program aimed at helping low-income pet parents access essential preventative care and support population control efforts in their region.

Investing in stronger communities

The CARES funded projects represent innovative, compassionate approaches to improving animal welfare and strengthening the human-animal bond across the province. Stay tuned, you’re going to want to see the amazing impact they’ll have on pets, people and communities across Ontario.

Penny was in rough shape when she came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre in Napanee. The 10-year-old cat needed urgent care to treat her ruptured eye.

After undergoing surgery, she made a remarkable recovery. But while her body healed quickly, finding her loving home took a little longer. Many potential adopters overlooked her, hesitant about her age and medical history, even though she greeted everyone with her warm and gentle spirit.

Then there’s Mia, a 15-year-old cat who came into the Lennox & Addington Animal Centre for rehoming. Like Penny, she faced medical challenges. She was bright and alert, but tests revealed she was battling hyperthyroidism. We knew that with proper treatment her condition could be managed, and Mia could enjoy many more happy years.

A second chance together

Both Penny and Mia were long-term residents at the centre, overlooked by potential adopters due to their age. But sometimes, all it takes is one caring heart to change a life – or two.

A devoted volunteer at the animal centre felt a strong bond with these two senior cats, recognizing their resilience and loving personalities. Inspired by their unwavering spirit, the volunteer decided to adopt them both, ensuring they experienced the love and security of a forever home together.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is dedicated to helping every animal get the second chance that they deserve, no matter how long it takes.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 to help more animals like Penny and Mia.

Interested in adopting? Visit our adoption page to see animals waiting for their second chance.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Sept. 3, 2025) – With kids heading back to school and the house a little quieter, empty nesters now have a unique opportunity to open their hearts and homes to animals in need. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is urgently seeking foster volunteers to provide temporary, loving care for animals who need extra support before they’re ready for adoption.

The foster program supports animals who are too young, sick, injured, under-socialized, or stressed to thrive in an animal centre environment. The Ontario SPCA is currently looking for foster volunteers who can:

Provide a temporary home for dogs and cats needing a little extra help learning new behaviours
Care for animals with medical needs, such as those taking medication or recovering from surgery
Support pregnant dogs and help care for their puppies after birth
Provide bottle feeding and round-the-clock care
And have no other cats or dogs already in the home

“Fostering not only gives an animal in need a loving home, it also brings joy, companionship, and purpose to the foster family,” says Kim Dooley, Provincial Manager, Volunteer Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “It’s a meaningful way to fill an empty house – and heart – while making a life-changing difference.”

To apply to become a foster volunteer and change an animal’s life, visit ontariospca.ca/foster

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of volunteers and donors. If you’re not in a position to foster, please consider making a donation to help provide care and shelter to animals in need by visiting ontariospca.ca/donate

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 is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for 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.