Page 11 – Ontario SPCA

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.

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.

With the school season coming back in full swing, your family will be adjusting to the new schedule – and that includes your pets!

Your furry family member may need time to adjust to a change in schedule. Separation anxiety can occur for pets when they are used to having you around all the time. Keep reading for signs to watch for, and how to help prevent separation anxiety.

Symptoms of separation anxiety

Some symptoms include any of the following when left alone:

Urinating and defecating
Barking and howling
Chewing, digging and destruction of the house
Escaping from their enclosure
Pacing in a fixed pattern
Coprophagia, when the dog defecates and consumes all or some of their excrement

If these actions are a result of separation anxiety, they typically are not performed in front of the guardian.

Tips to help prevent separation anxiety

Keep a schedule to fulfil your dog’s physical and social needs through daily activities such as play, positive reinforcement training, leashed walks, and environmental enrichment.
Teach your dog to be comfortable being left alone or separated from you by implementing a doggy gate or a door.
If you spend most of your day at home with your dog, make sure to give them some space, as receiving constant attention can make it harder for them when you leave.
Plan alone time for your dog each day while you pick up groceries, take a short drive, or take a shower.
Offer your dog a food puzzle toy when you are leaving to give them something fun to do.
Play calming music, such as classical or species-specific music at times throughout the day and when you leave home.
Reward your dog for any calm behaviour.
Make your arrivals and departures calm. Avoid high emotional responses when you leave the house or when you first arrive home.

To learn tips on overcoming this anxiety with your pet, read our blog: How to Help a Pet with Separation Anxiety.

For more information on the condition, read: Anxiety, pets, and mental health.

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.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is seeking foster volunteers to provide temporary, loving care for animals who need extra support before they’re ready for adoption! With kids heading back to school and the house a little quieter, now is the perfect opportunity to open your heart and home to animals in need.

The Foster Program benefits animals who are not ready for adoption and are either too young, sick, injured, under-socialized or stressed to thrive in the animal centre environment. Instead, animals are cared for in a nurturing foster home.

We are currently looking for specialized 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 (*All foster homes wishing to do bottle feeding will be provided with a mandatory online training course.)

Priority will be given to applicants who do not have other pets in the home.

Interested in becoming a foster volunteer?

Here are the answers to our most frequently asked questions to help you determine if becoming a foster volunteer is right for you:

What experience do I need to foster?

Experience in animal care, training and giving medications is helpful in becoming a foster parent, but a willingness to learn is the most important thing. Foster parents must be at least 18 years old and be able to set aside time to socialize with your foster animal and monitor their health. You also need reliable access to transportation to take the animal to any necessary appointments.

What will I need to provide my foster animal?

To thrive, foster animals need a peaceful, loving environment. Daily care and interaction are necessary to ensure their social, emotional and physical needs are met. That one-on-one time also gives the foster caregivers a chance to monitor the health and behaviour of the animal. For their comfort and well-being, foster animals will need a quiet space within the home that can be easily cleaned and segregated from other animals. They may also require routine health checks and veterinary appointments.

What support is available to me?

Foster pet parents receive a detailed animal care plan developed by the Ontario SPCA . If questions come up, the animal centre staff are available to provide any resources or support required to ensure a successful foster placement. The foster program coordinator will periodically check in to monitor the foster animal’s progress.

Can people adopt the animals they foster?

The foster care program provides temporary housing for animals in loving homes until they are ready for adoption. There are times when a foster volunteer develops a special bond with a foster animal and considers adoption. If that happens, we work with the foster volunteer to help them officially adopt the animal.

Is there a training process?

Yes, we will provide online training courses, manuals, and resources, as well as any hands-on training as needed.

What happens if a foster animal needs vet care?

The team at your local Ontario SPCA animal centre is available to answer any non-emergency health questions that a foster volunteer might have. Ontario SPCA foster volunteers will also have free access to Vetster, which provides on-demand online veterinary appointment with licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. We also work closely with local veterinary hospitals to provide any additional or urgent care required.

Does the Ontario SPCA send fosters home with all the food and supplies they need?

Yes, all our foster families are provided with food, medication and other supplies the animal will require for their care.

How long does the foster animal usually stay in the foster home?

It depends on the type of animal, its care needs, and the availability of the foster home. Some fosters are able to take on animals recovering from surgery, so they may only have the foster until they are healthy. Or some may stay in the home until they are old enough to be adopted, which could be a few weeks. Some exceptional cases have even been in homes for a few months! It depends on what you can handle and what the animal needs.

What are the benefits of becoming a foster volunteer?

Being a foster volunteer gives you the opportunity to help animals by giving them the TLC they need to thrive while helping prepare them for life with a loving family. It is a rewarding experience that will light up your life in ways you could never imagine, allowing you to spend time with some new furry friends.

To give vulnerable animals the best opportunity at the second chance they deserve, we’re asking anyone who can help to join our team. For more information on becoming a foster volunteer, visit ontariospca.ca/foster

Are there other volunteer opportunities available?

We encourage anyone interested in volunteering to keep an eye on our website ontariospca.ca/volunteer for updates and opportunities.

Adopting a dog is a life-changing decision, but one that can bring great love and joy to your life. To help you decide if you’re ready to adopt a dog, we’ve put together information on caregiver responsibilities and considerations before adopting!

How does adopting a dog impact your life?

By adopting a dog, you gain a loving companion who greets your homecomings with joyful abandon (regardless if you were gone five minutes or five hours), an eager partner to join you on every adventure (whether it’s placing your recycling at the curb or visiting a park), and an inspirational sidekick who lives each moment to the fullest.

Adoption also changes some of the people in your life (dogs attract new friends!), your activity level (lace up those walking shoes), your schedule (dogs need companionship and can’t be left alone for long hours) and your spending habits. As you consider whether you are ready to adopt, keep in mind the commitment and responsibilities involved.

General considerations

Dogs need regular exercise and should be walked two or three times a day (the backyard does not provide enough exercise, stimulation or fun). Some dogs also require vigorous exercise.
If your dog hasn’t been trained, you may need to attend training classes to help you understand your dog and develop a clear and consistent way of communicating.
Dogs require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and clean. You will need to do this yourself or take your dog to a groomer. Cost per year depends on the breed and frequency.
Dogs require regular nail trimming and teeth brushing (note: there is special toothpaste available at pet stores that is safe for dogs).
Dogs need and crave companionship and require lots of time with their family.
The cost of adopting a dog is only the initial expense. You will need to provide food, identification (dog tags and licensing your pet); ongoing veterinary care, including vaccinations and routine health care, and supplies, such as food, dishes, toys and grooming tools.
You’ll also need to be prepared to puppy/dog proof your home. Before bringing home a dog it’s important to have a safe space in your home for the dog to reside when you’re away from the house. This space will help them get comfortable until they’re ready to safely roam free in the house without supervision.

With all of this in mind, dogs bring joy, comfort, and companionship to our lives, helping us stay healthier and better able to handle life’s challenges!

Now what?

If you are convinced that you are ready for a dog in your life, please visit our website to see animals available for adoption. Animal centre staff will guide you through every step of finding your special friend – one that is just right for you.

2025 CARES funded projects

Investing in stronger communities

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orangeville, ON (Aug. 28, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society would like to officially welcome Julie Woods as the new manager of the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre.

Woods brings with her a life-long love of animals, and over 20 years of customer service and leadership experience. She has worked in the pet industry in the past and is looking forward to bringing her passion for animals to her new role.

“I’ve had pets since I was a kid. My family has always had all kinds of animals – some adopted, and some found us,” says Woods. “It’s just so wonderful to work with animals again. I think working at the Ontario SPCA has just given me more of a purpose.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of her role as centre manager is getting to know each animal and helping them find loving homes. Woods’ goal is to find loving homes for more than 650 animals this year, and the animal centre is well on its way, with close to 400 having already been adopted to date this year.

“I love seeing the different personalities of the cats and their playfulness, and spending time outside with our dogs is really fun,” she says. “Sometimes they come in a little bit shy and within a couple days of routine and attention from our caring staff and volunteers, they come around and win everyone over. That’s really special.”

When she’s not changing lives at the animal centre, Woods enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and furry family members at their farm in Belwood.

Woods takes the reigns from Dawn Lyons, who was the manager of the Orangeville & District Animal Centre for five years before moving into a new role as Provincial Operations Manager of Clinical Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

To learn more about the Orangeville & District Animal Centre, and to view animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/orangeville

Follow the centre on Facebook and Instagram for news, updates, animals available for adoption, and care tips.

Media Contact

Shannon Bury
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Orangeville & 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 Orangeville & District Animal Centre is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people, including the Ojibway, Potawatomi and Odawa of the Three Fires Confederacy.

When a caring community member found two young dogs living outdoors, they knew the pair needed help. They brought the sisters to the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre – marking the start of a life-changing journey, made possible through patience and teamwork.

A rocky start

At just eight months old, the Rottweiler mix sisters had spent most of their early lives outdoors, so adjusting to indoor life proved challenging. Our team lovingly named the pair Bonnie and Miss Clyde. While Bonnie quickly found her footing and was adopted, Miss Clyde struggled with the unfamiliar – things like stairs, car rides, and house-training were overwhelming.

Specialized support at PDRC

To set her up for success, Miss Clyde was transferred to the Ontario SPCA’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre (PDRC). There, our team of animal behaviour experts can focus on each dog’s individual needs, offering the kind of one-on-one care that goes beyond what a typical animal centre can provide.

Overcoming challenges

Upon arrival, Miss Clyde was showing signs of fear, anxiety, stress, and frustration. Her intake exam also revealed she had hip dysplasia – a condition that would require life-long management and possibly surgery.

Despite these challenges, the PDRC team created a customized plan to help Miss Clyde build confidence and improve her fear-based avoidance behaviours.

With her newly learned skills, Miss Clyde continued her journey a few weeks later at the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre in Napanee as we broadened the search for her perfect family. Thanks to collaboration across our 12 animal centres, we’re able to reach more potential adopters and give more animals the second chances they deserve.

Despite her young age and affectionate personality, some adopters were hesitant to take a chance on this sweet girl due to concerns about her hip dysplasia and the long-term care it may require.

Building trust

She soon formed a special bond with a dedicated volunteer dog walker named Mac. After losing his own beloved dog at Christmas, Mac began volunteering, and it wasn’t long before Miss Clyde became his regular walking buddy.

His gentle presence and steady companionship played a big role in her rehabilitation, helping her build trust and showing potential adopters just how sweet and affectionate she truly was.

Steps toward forever

“After a few visits – playing catch and walking within the centre – we built the beginning of a trusting and fun-filled relationship,” says Mac.

What neither Miss Clyde nor Mac knew was that one of their walks would lead her straight into the heart of her future family.

“She was on a walk with a volunteer and passed by my husband’s work,” says Tricia, her adopter. “She went right up to him and his coworkers and was so friendly, rolling onto her back for a belly rub.”

Preparing for the journey ahead

Though initially unsure about managing Miss Clyde’s hip dysplasia on top of caring for their two resident canines and two feline furry family members, the couple visited the animal centre four times to make an informed decision. In the end, they opened their hearts and home, committed to giving Miss Clyde the patience and love she needed to thrive.

“It’s a very special feeling I experience when I learn of one of our dogs has gone to their new home,” Mac says. “Missy’s adoption, I must confess, was extra special! She has taken a little piece of me with her.”

From Miss Clyde to Xena

Today, Miss Clyde – now lovingly named Xena – is thriving in her forever home, adjusting beautifully and growing more confident every day.

Although Xena is the first dog the couple has adopted from the Lennox & Addington Animal Centre, she is the fourth animal they’ve welcomed into their home from the animal centre.

“We’ve had great experiences every time,” says Tricia. “The staff are friendly and very helpful – I would definitely recommend them to others.”

Sometimes, all it takes is a little extra TLC to prepare an animal for the next step of their journey, and Xena’s story is a powerful reminder of that. Through the teamwork, patience, and compassion of our staff and volunteers – and the kindness of adopters willing to embrace furry friends with special needs – we ensure every animal gets their second chance.

Consider adopting

If you’re interested in providing a loving home to an animal in need, please visit our adoption page to meet the animals patiently waiting for their forever families: ontariospca.ca/adopt

During summer months, many families will head to the cottage! The cottage setting is very different than your furry friend’s normal routine at home and there are safety considerations to keep in mind to make it an enjoyable cottage season for everyone.

Arriving safely

For your animal’s safety and your own, keep them in the back seat, either in a carrier or pet seatbelt (a special harness that attaches to the car’s seatbelt) when driving to the cottage. To help keep your animal comfortable throughout the trip:

Keep the car at a comfortable temperature, using air conditioning when necessary. Never leave your animal alone inside the vehicle, even with windows partially open. Even a short time in a hot environment can be life-threatening for your pet. 
Run errands before you hit the road to minimize the need for stops. This is critical if you are travelling alone and do not have someone to stay with your pet if you need to leave the vehicle.
Feed your furry friend a light meal at least four hours before the trip (to help prevent car sickness).
Prevent your animal from sticking their head out the window (sudden stops and debris can cause injury).
Schedule rest stops every two to four hours for exercise, bathroom and water breaks (bring a litter box for cats).
Attach your animal’s leash before opening the car door to prevent them from accidentally escaping.
If your pet is not used to travelling, use a harness (it’s more difficult for your pet to wriggle out of).
Keep the car sound system volume moderate as cats and dogs have sensitive hearing.

Pets on the loose!

People sometimes think that in a cottage setting, companion animals can be allowed to run free. The sad truth is that many of these animals become lost, are hit by cars, get into fights, or run into situations with wildlife.

It’s important our furry friends stay within a safe radius of your cottage property and wear identification that has the address and phone number of your cottage. If your animal is microchipped, contact the microchip company and inform them of your weekend address and phone number. Be prepared and have the phone number of the local animal control facility and the local animal shelters in your cottage region.

Healthy = happy at the cottage

A preventative care plan for your animal will help protect them against disease and parasites, especially while at the cottage. It is recommended to speak with your veterinarian about preventative flea and tick medications, as well as to ensure your pet is up to date with all their vaccines. It is recommended to have the phone number of an emergency veterinary clinic serving your cottage area, just in case emergency veterinary attention for your animal is required.

Water safety

If you plan to take your animal out on the water boating with you, be sure to invest in a pet life jacket. Even good swimmers can tire easily in rough water, and banks and rocks along the shore may be slippery or too steep to climb up. Life jackets not only keep your pet afloat if they decide to “jump ship,” they can also help protect against hypothermia in cold water and can also make it easier to pull them back onboard. Learn how to fit your dog for a lifejacket.

It’s important to remember that it can get very hot on the boat so be sure to provide a shaded area for your pet to rest and bring plenty of fresh water to prevent dehydration and/or heatstroke. Plan stops at public rest areas where you can disembark and give your dog a break on land.

If you are planning to be on the water for a long period of time, you may need to bring a portable potty system (some dogs will use a pee pad, a square piece of turf may work for others, or look up “pets and portable potty system” for available options).

Swimming tips

Always ensure your dog is supervised at all times. Life jackets are also a good idea, particularly for older dogs, or dogs who are not strong swimmers.
Remove chain or slip collars before your dog goes into the water. These collars can snag a dog on hidden underwater obstacles, such as plants, branches or debris.
Watch the water before allowing your dog to swim. Moving water can be dangerous. Even if the water appears to be moving slowly, the volume of moving water can make it difficult for a dog to swim against the current. If the current or wind appears too strong, let your dog splash close to shore instead.
Check the water temperature. A dog will generally tire out more quickly in cold water and can lose energy, develop cramps and be at risk for hypothermia.
Call your dog out of the water before they are too tired – a tired dog has a much higher risk of drowning.

Pets and wildlife – Be aware!

Problems can arise when your pet encounters a wild animal. Pets should NOT be allowed to chase and/or injure wildlife. Keeping your pet on leash will help protect them from wildlife as well. For example, quills from a porcupine can be a very painful experience, and skunk spray can sting the eyes – plus that’s not a smell you want in your cottage! There are also illnesses that can be passed from wildlife to domestic animals.

Follow these simple suggestions to help ensure that you and your animals enjoy a relaxing time at the cottage this summer.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Midland, ON (Aug. 25, 2025) – In an effort to help protect pets and support pet families, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a vaccination clinic on Aug. 23 at Royal Canadian Legion Branch 80 in Midland. The clinic provided free wellness resources and core vaccinations to 18 pets whose families may otherwise face barriers to veterinary care.

With funding support from the County of Simcoe and Tay Township, as well a sponsorship from Pet Valu’s Companions for Change™ program, the event was open to individuals referred through social service agencies, and those on a subsidized income who do not have regular access to veterinary care, or don’t have a veterinarian.

In addition to vaccinations and basic wellness exams, administered by the team from the Mountainview Veterinary Clinic in Midland, attendees also had access to vital outreach services for their pets. A total of 250 lbs of pet food was distributed at the event, as well as essential pet care supplies like leashes, collars, brushes, bowls and more, ensuring that pets are not only protected, but also supported with the essentials they need to thrive. Nail trims were also generously provided by The Groomers in Midland.

A second clinic will be held at the same location on Sept. 20 to provide booster shots. Vaccinations and wellness examinations will also be available at that event for those who qualify and were unable to attend the August clinic.

“The Ontario SPCA is committed to helping keep animals with the families who love them, and one of the ways we are doing that is by ensuring underserved communities can also access the care they need for their furry family members,” says Victoria Hiorth, Central Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By providing accessible veterinary care, we’re helping animals stay happy and healthy, while also supporting the well-being of our community. When pets thrive, families and communities do, too.”

For more information on how to support community outreach efforts, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Media Contact:

Krista Grant
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre
[email protected]705-534-4459 x 374

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA Midland & 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.