Did you know dogs and cats can get sunburned? Or that short-nosed dog breeds have more trouble cooling down through panting? Or that shaving your dog’s fur coat may be more harmful than not?
Summer heat and sunshine are serious issues for our dogs and cats, which depend on us to keep them protected. Keep reading for some more useful tips from our friends at Royal Canin Canada!
Summer heat tips
For example, did you know dogs and cats can get sunburned? Or that short-nosed dog breeds have more trouble cooling down through panting? Or that shaving your dog’s coat may be more harmful than not? Here are a few tips to consider to keep your pet comfortable in the summer heat.
- Sunburn: Animals need sun protection on their sensitive areas such as the tips of their ears, their noses and other areas exposed to sunlight. Pets with pink skin or light-colored coats can be vulnerable. Staffordshire Terriers, Boxers, Bull Terriers, German Shorthaired Pointers, and Chinese Crested are among the breeds prone to sunburn. Apply pet-friendly sunscreen—not zinc oxide-based treatments, which are toxic—about half an hour before exposure.
- Panting is cooling: It’s well known that dogs and cats don’t sweat. They eliminate heat through their respiration. Short-nosed dog such as Pugs and English Bulldogs tend to be more vulnerable to heat stroke. Panting can mean that it’s incredibly important for your dog to stay hydrated in warm weather. If your dog overheats, there are a number of indicators to be aware of. Heat stroke signs include excessive or exaggerated panting, lethargy, weakness, drooling, high fever, dark red gums, rapid heartbeat, unresponsiveness to surroundings and vomiting.
- Overheating cars: A Stanford University study showed that the temperature within a car increases by over 22°C within an hour, no matter the ambient temperature outside of the vehicle.
- Avoid hot surfaces: Hot sidewalks, beaches and other surfaces can severely injure your pet’s paw pads. You might be surprised how often vets diagnose this injury. The rule of thumb is simple: If the surface is too hot for you to handle barefoot, it’s too hot for your dog.
- No shaving: A dog’s coat insulates them from the heat, so shaving isn’t the best strategy. That being said, trimming a long-haired dog’s coat, particularly if it hangs around his legs, is acceptable. Vets suggest that owners should brush their dogs more often in the summertime as well, which can thin out the thick coat and get rid of hair that your pet is shedding.
- Avoid the heat: make sure not to exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and be vigilant about finding shade to rest when the time comes.
If you have any other concerns about caring for your dog during the hottest months, consult a vet who will be able to offer you expert help and advice best suited to your pet.
Baby is a two-year-old cat with a story that reminds us just how important access to care can be.
For months, Baby’s pet parent, Brian, had been trying to have her spayed. With limited access to transportation, getting to an appointment wasn’t easy for the Orangeville resident, but he remained committed to getting her care. That is until he heard about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Neuter Scooter program through a local TV segment.
The Ontario SPCA’s Neuter Scooter is a monthly service that operates in communities across the province. It provides accessible transportation to and from partnering spay/neuter clinics to provide spay/neuter and wellness services.
When a clinic date became available, our team stepped in to assist Brian, arranging transportation and providing a carrier to ensure Baby could travel safely to and from her appointment.
Learn more about the Ontario SPCA’s Neuter Scooter program.
An unexpected discovery
What was expected to be a routine spay became more serious during surgery.
Veterinarians discovered that Baby was suffering from pyometra, a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can develop quickly, often without clear warning signs.
Without treatment, this condition can become fatal, making prompt veterinary care critical.
Pyometra most often affects unspayed female cats and dogs, particularly after a heat cycle, which is why spaying is so important in preventing this condition.
Learn more about pyometra and how you can protect your pet.
A second chance
Thanks to the care she received at the clinic, Baby was able to get the life-saving treatment she urgently needed.
“Access to care can make all the difference” says Shannon Bury, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orangeville and District Animal Centre. “In Baby’s case, it meant getting her the help she needed when it mattered most.”
Her surgery was successful, and Baby was able to return home to her waiting family. Now she’s back to enjoying life after surviving this close call.
Why stories like Baby’s matter
Baby’s story highlights how serious conditions can go unnoticed, and how timely veterinary care can make all the difference. By removing barriers like transportation and access to services, we can help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them.
For Shannon, the experience was one that stayed with her. “It reassures you that the work we’re doing is making a difference” she says, “Even helping one pet and one family can change everything”.
Stories like Baby’s also help raise awareness about conditions like pyometra, which can develop quickly and without obvious signs; reinforcing the importance of preventative care, such as spaying.
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depend on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. If you were inspired by Baby’s story, please consider donating today.
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 dog parenting 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.
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.
Have you ever heard of pyometra? Understanding the warning signs and acting quickly can make the difference between a routine surgery and a life-threatening emergency.
What is pyometra?
Pyometra is a serious and potentially life-threatening uterine infection that affects unspayed female dogs and cats. It most commonly occurs in middle-aged or older animals, though it can develop in younger pets as well. The condition typically develops a few weeks after a heat cycle, when hormonal changes create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow inside the uterus.
After a heat cycle, progesterone levels remain elevated to support a potential pregnancy. This hormone thickens the uterine lining and reduces uterine contractions. If pregnancy does not occur, the thickened lining and suppressed immune response can allow bacteria to multiply. The uterus can then fill with pus, leading to infection and, in severe cases, rupture or sepsis.
There are two forms of pyometra: open and closed. In open pyometra, the cervix remains open and infected discharge may be visible from the vulva. In closed pyometra, the cervix is closed, trapping infection inside the uterus and making it harder to detect and often more dangerous.
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms can vary but may include:
- Lethargy or weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Abdominal swelling or discomfort
- Fever
- Vaginal discharge (in open cases)
Closed pyometra can progress rapidly without obvious discharge, so any sudden illness in an unspayed female pet, especially weeks after a heat cycle, should be treated as urgent.
Treatment
Pyometra is a medical emergency. The most common and effective treatment is emergency spay surgery (ovariohysterectomy) to remove the infected uterus and ovaries. Supportive care, including intravenous fluids and antibiotics, is typically required. While medical (non-surgical) treatment exists in limited cases, it carries significant risk and recurrence is common.
Prompt veterinary care greatly improves the chances of recovery.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent pyometra is to have your pet spayed before her first or second heat cycle. Spaying not only eliminates the risk of pyometra but also reduces the risk of mammary tumors and unplanned litters.
If your pet is not spayed, closely monitor her after each heat cycle and speak with your veterinarian about the risks. Early action can save her life.
It’s also important to know that a routine spay is much safer, simpler and less costly than the emergency surgery required to treat pyometra. In addition to surgery, pets with pyometra often require supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids, medications and close monitoring. In some cases, hospitalization at a veterinary clinic may be necessary during recovery.
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.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cornwall, ON (June 3, 2026) – As construction continues on the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, the charity is inviting the community to a special event on June 10 to launch the Brighter Future for Pets and People campaign and learn how the new facility will expand access to services for animals and the people who love them.
The campaign kick-off takes place Wednesday, June 10 at 10 a.m. at 2151 Second St. W. in Cornwall, the future home of the Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic. Ontario SPCA representatives will share details about the transformational project, announce the results of early fundraising efforts and launch the public phase of the campaign to raise the remaining funds needed to complete the $8 million facility.
Once complete in 2027, the new 8,000-square-foot facility will replace the aging Ontario SPCA animal centre on Boundary Road. The new Cornwall Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will boost both animal intakes and adoptions by about 30% and will have the space to care for as many as 57 animals at a time – more than double the 24 spaces at the current centre. The facility has been designed for animal health and comfort to minimize stress and reduce length of stay.
The building will also contain an in-house, charity-based veterinary clinic operated by the Ontario SPCA. It will provide high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures and basic veterinary services, helping families access care for their pets that they might not otherwise have received. The 1,400-square foot veterinary clinic will have a medical treatment suite for vaccinations and basic care, and a surgical suite capable of performing thousands of spay/neuter procedures each year.
To learn more, or to RSVP to attend the campaign launch event on June 10, visit ontariospca.ca/cornwall
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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 is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre, formerly the Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre, is located on the 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.
You’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into the family – congratulations! But what vaccinations do you need to give them to make sure they stay healthy?
How do vaccines protect my pet?
Vaccines prepare the body’s immune system against the invasion of disease-causing organisms.
If a pet is ever exposed to the real disease, their immune system is now prepared to recognize and fight it off entirely or reduce the severity of the illness.
Vaccines are very important, but not every animal needs to be vaccinated for every disease. As a responsible pet parent, you need to discuss with your veterinarian which vaccines they recommend for your companion animal.
Some factors to consider include their age, medical history, environment, travel habits and lifestyle. Most veterinarians will highly recommend administering the following core vaccines to healthy companion animals.
Core vaccines
Core vaccines are considered vital to the majority of furry friends because of the risk of exposure, severity of disease or transmissibility to humans.
Dogs
- Canine parvovirus
- Distemper
- Canine hepatitis
- Rabies
Non-core (depending on dog’s exposure risk)
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Borrelia burgdorferi
- Leptospira bacteria
Cats:
- Panleukopenia
- Feline calicivirus
- Feline herpesvirus type I (rhinotracheitis)
- Rabies
Non-core (depending on the cat’s lifestyle)
- Feline leukemia virus
- Bordetella
- Chlamydophila felis
Be sure to consult your veterinarian for the vaccines your furry friend will require.
Making basic vet care more accessible
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is on a mission to make veterinary care more accessible for pets and the people who love them. Many of these vaccines are available at our veterinary clinics in Barrie, York Region, Durham Region and Sudbury, making it easier for pet families across the province to access essential preventive care.
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.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (June 1, 2026) – Pet families across Ontario now have a chance to recognize the veterinary professionals who help keep their animals healthy and thriving through the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Veterinary Appreciation Contest, presented by Ceva Animal Health.
Visit vetappreciation.ca daily from June 1-12 to vote for your furry friend’s veterinary clinic. Veterinary teams show compassion, expertise and dedication in every appointment, helping animals live healthier, happier lives. This contest is a chance to say thank you in a meaningful way.
The clinic with the most votes will receive a commemorative plaque and a complimentary lunch for staff – a small gesture of appreciation for the big impact they make every day.
“Veterinary professionals make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them, and this contest is a chance to recognize their incredible impact,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We hope pet families across Ontario will take a moment to show their appreciation by voting for the clinic that has cared for their beloved companions with such skill and compassion.”
Ceva Animal Health is committed to advancing animal health and champions the veterinary professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of pets and the people who love them.
To learn more or vote for your pet’s veterinary clinic, visit vetappreciation.ca
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Media Contact
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.
Veterinary professionals are there for us through every stage of our pets’ lives, from routine checkups and vaccinations to emergency care and difficult goodbyes. Their compassion, dedication and expertise help keep the animals we love healthy and thriving. That’s why the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is once again celebrating veterinary teams across the province through our Veterinary Appreciation Contest, presented by Ceva Animal Health.
Ceva Animal Health is committed to advancing animal health and champions the veterinary professionals who make a difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them every day.
A chance to say thank you
Now in its fifth year, the contest is an opportunity for pet parents to recognize the incredible work veterinary professionals do every single day. Whether it’s the veterinarian who helped your nervous rescue dog feel safe, the veterinary technician who comforted your cat during an appointment, or the clinic staff who always greet your pet by name, this is your chance to say thank you.
From June 1-12, visit vetappreciation.ca and cast your vote for your favourite veterinary clinic in Ontario. You can also encourage friends and family members with pets to vote for the clinic they appreciate most. The clinic that receives the most votes will receive a plaque and a complimentary lunch for their team as a small token of appreciation for the care they provide to animals and the people who love them.
Why veterinary care matters
The contest also shines a light on the important role veterinary professionals play in animal health. Routine and preventative veterinary care helps pets live longer, healthier lives and can catch health concerns before they become more serious. Establishing a relationship with a local veterinarian is one of the best things pet parents can do for their furry family members.
Supporting veterinary teams across Ontario
At the same time, veterinary professionals across Ontario continue to face significant challenges. Communities across the province, especially in rural and Northern areas, are experiencing veterinary shortages, making it harder for families to access care for their pets. This can lead to longer wait times, difficulty finding clinics accepting new patients, and increased pressure on veterinary teams already working tirelessly to meet demand.
The Ontario SPCA is committed to advocating for increased access to veterinary care and supporting initiatives that help keep pets and families together. Through programs like our community support services, spay/neuter services and wellness clinics, we work to reach underserved communities and connect families with ongoing veterinary care.
Small actions make a big difference
Pet parents can also help support veterinary teams by booking routine appointments early, prioritizing preventative care, and showing kindness and patience during visits. A little appreciation can go a long way.
This June, take a moment to celebrate the people who dedicate their lives to helping animals. Cast your vote, share the contest with fellow pet lovers, and help recognize the veterinary professionals who make a difference in the lives of pets every day.
As the weather warms up across Ontario, many pet parents look forward to longer walks, hikes, cottage weekends, and more time outdoors with their furry companions. Unfortunately, warmer temperatures also signal the start of flea, tick, and mosquito season, and with it comes an increased risk of serious illnesses for pets.
While fleas and ticks may seem like minor nuisances, they can carry dangerous diseases and create health complications that are stressful, expensive, and sometimes life-threatening. Prevention is one of the easiest and most effective ways to keep your pet healthy year-round.
Fleas: more than just an itch
Fleas are tiny parasites that feed on your pet’s blood, but the problems they cause can be much bigger than simple scratching. Flea infestations can lead to:
- Severe itching and skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Hair loss and skin infections
- Tapeworm infections
- Anemia in severe cases, especially in puppies and kittens
Fleas live on pets and can spread throughout your home in carpets, furniture, bedding, and cracks in flooring.
Because fleas reproduce quickly, treating an infestation often becomes much more difficult and costly than preventing one in the first place.
Ticks and Lyme Disease are increasing in Ontario
Ticks are becoming increasingly common across Ontario, particularly during the spring, summer months. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, which can affect both people and pets.
Dogs infected with Lyme disease may experience:
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Joint pain or limping
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Loss of appetite
In some cases, Lyme disease can lead to more serious complications involving the kidneys or nervous system if left untreated.
Ticks can be found in wooded areas, tall grasses, parks, trails, and even backyards. Because ticks are so small, especially in their immature stages, they can easily go unnoticed.
Heartworm: costly and preventable
Heartworm disease is caused by parasitic worms transmitted through mosquito bites. Once infected, worms live in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of affected animals, causing damage over time.
Early symptoms may include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue
- Difficulty exercising
- Weight loss
As the disease progresses, it can lead to heart failure and severe lung disease.
What many pet parents don’t realize is that heartworm treatment for dogs is lengthy, costly, and hard on the animal’s body. Treatment often involves multiple veterinary visits, strict exercise restriction for several months, bloodwork, imaging, and a series of injections to kill the worms safely. There can also be serious complications during treatment.
Learn more about heartworm in dogs.
Cats face unique risks, as well. There is no approved treatment to eliminate heartworms in cats, making prevention especially important.
Ways to protect your pet
Along with preventatives prescribed by your veterinarian, pet parents can help reduce risk by:
- Performing regular tick checks after outdoor activities
- Keeping grass and brush trimmed
- Avoiding areas with tall grass and dense vegetation when possible
- Washing pet bedding regularly
- Staying up to date on veterinary exams and testing
Pay special attention to areas where ticks commonly hide, including around the ears, neck, chest, belly, armpits, groin, and between the toes.
If you’re unsure which prevention plan is right for your pet, speak with your veterinarian. Together, you can choose a strategy tailored to your pet’s lifestyle, age, and risk level, helping them stay happy, healthy, and protected all season long.
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.
Some journeys take unexpected turns, but with patience, care and the right support, new beginnings are possible. For the team at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Durham Region Animal Centre, Cotton’s story became a reminder that healing looks different for every animal and sometimes the perfect match appears when it is needed most.
Small steps toward healing
Cotton, a seven-year-old cat, came into our care after experiencing a serious leg injury. Due to changes in her family’s circumstances and the care required for her recovery, Cotton was brought to the Durham Region Animal Centre for rehoming so she could receive the medical support she needed.
Tests confirmed that Cotton had suffered a broken leg. Due to the severity of the injury and the time that had passed before treatment, her veterinary team determined that amputation would give her the best chance at a comfortable future.
An unexpected turn
While Cotton initially began recovering well after surgery, she soon faced an unexpected challenge.
“I brought Cotton home with me as a foster during her recovery so we could better support her healing,” says Shannon Stephenson, Operations Manager at the Durham Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic. “We started noticing that she seemed distressed and uncomfortable. After working with our veterinary team, we learned that Cotton was experiencing phantom limb pain.”
With additional treatment, close monitoring and lots of patience, Cotton slowly began feeling more like herself again.
During her time in foster care, Shannon helped Cotton adjust to life on three legs by giving her a safe and comfortable space to build confidence and learn her new balance. Before long, Cotton was climbing and proving that she was adapting quickly.
Then came a connection that changed everything.
A purr-fect match
Once Cotton had recovered, she returned to the centre for adoption.
Her adopter is a physical therapist who works with individuals experiencing phantom limb pain, bringing a unique understanding of Cotton’s journey. The connection felt like fate.
Cotton’s story is a testament to the resilience of animals and the compassion of the people who help them along the way. Thanks to dedicated animal care teams, foster families and adopters, animals like Cotton are given the opportunity to begin their next chapter.
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 like Cotton.
Please consider donating today to make second chances possible.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Midland, ON (May 27, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in partnership with the County of Simcoe, is offering a free vaccination and wellness clinic in Midland on Saturday, June 6, helping remove barriers to essential veterinary care for local pet families.
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 for 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.
“When cost is a barrier, pets can miss out on essential care,” says Krista Grant, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Bringing these services directly into the community helps ensure animals are healthy and can stay with the families who love them.”
This clinic is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to increase access to care and support animals across the province. By offering community-based wellness services, the organization helps reduce barriers that can prevent pets from receiving timely, preventative care. The Ontario SPCA also operates high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Sudbury, York Region, Durham and Thunder Bay.
To learn more about the upcoming vaccination and wellness event, visit ontariospca.ca/midland
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Media contact
Krista Grant
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre
705-534-4459 x 374
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.
The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Midland and District Animal Centre is located on land which is the traditional and treaty territory of the Anishinabek people, now known as the Chippewa Tri-Council comprised of Beausoleil First Nation, Rama First Nation and the Georgina Island First Nation.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (May 27, 2026) – Registration is now open for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Neuter Scooter, which will be rolling into York Region in June to provide accessible spay/neuter services aimed at reducing pet overpopulation and improving access to basic veterinary care in the community.
The Neuter Scooter will pick up pre-registered cats on June 17 from the Link, located at 20849 Dalton Rd. in Sutton, and transport them to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Veterinary Clinic, one of five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics operated by the charity. The cats will be transported back to their families later that same day. The program is open to individuals on a subsidized income and is for cats between four months and eight years of age requiring routine spay or neuter surgery.
To help reduce barriers to accessing spay/neuter services, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society launched its Neuter Scooter pilot program in 2024. The service transports animals to veterinary clinics for surgery and returns them home at the end of the day, helping make these important services more accessible for pets and the families who love them.
“Programs like the Neuter Scooter are helping make essential veterinary care more accessible for families who may otherwise face barriers to service,” says Lori MacLeod, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre. “By improving access to spay/neuter services, we can help prevent pet overpopulation and keep more animals healthy, cared for and with the families who love them.”
In 2025, Ontario SPCA Neuter Scooters made 42 trips to communities across the province, providing 765 cats with spay/neuter surgeries and preventing more than an estimated 50,000 potential offspring.
Families interested in participating are encouraged to register early as space is limited and advance registration is required. To learn more or register, visit: ontariospca.ca/neuter-scooter
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Media Contact
Lori MacLeod
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society York Region Animal Centre
905-505-0941
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 York Region Animal Centre 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.
