Page 22 – Ontario SPCA

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Petawawa, ON (July 28, 2025) – Grab your paddle (and your pup!) for the 5th Annual Ottawa Valley Doggy Paddle Fundraiser on Sunday, Aug. 10 at Petawawa Point Beach. Presented by End of the Leash, and in partnership with the Water and Dirt Festival, this splash-tastic event supports the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre.

Whether you canoe with your canine, kayak for a kitten, or SUP with your pup, the Doggy Paddle is a fun way to make waves for a good cause. All proceeds stay local, helping the Renfrew County Animal Centre continue to provide care, shelter, and support to animals across the region.

No furry sidekick? No problem! Bring your two-legged friends and enjoy a morning on the water, followed by lunch and entertainment. Don’t have your own canoe, kayak or paddleboard? The Renfrew County Animal Centre can help you source one so you can still get in on the action.

Check in begins at 9 a.m., with the Doggy Paddle hitting the water at 10 a.m. for an approximately one-hour paddle. Lunch and more fun will follow with live music, face painting, a hydration station, cool treats for your furry pal, a raffle and a 50/50 draw. There will also be an art station where your dog can create their own Pawcasso masterpiece. The cost for the event is $60/adult and $40/youth under 18 years of age. Registration includes a branded shirt, meal, and event swag.

For those looking to turn up the friendly competition, the Community Relay Race is back! Round up your crew and paddle for the podium in this high-spirited challenge that will test your paddling skills, rubber duck wrangling, and treasure hunting abilities.

“Where else can you paddle with your pup, race for rubber ducks, and help animals in need – all before lunch?” says Heather Jobe, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre. “The Doggy Paddle is the ulti-mutt feel-good fundraiser for animal lovers.”

Spaces are limited – register early to secure your spot and support local animals in need! As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Renfrew County Animal Centre depends on community support to change the lives of animals. Visit ontariospca.ca/renfrew to register or learn more.

Media Contact:

Heather Jobe
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre
(613) 602-0760
[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 Renfrew County Animal Centre is situated on the traditional, unceded and unsurrendered territory of the Algonquin people. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis & Inuit peoples.

This summer, we’re asking you to help keep animals safe by taking the No Hot Pets pledge to never leave animals unattended in a vehicle. To help you keep your pledge, today we’re sharing some “cool” and “not cool” decisions you can make while travelling with your animals.

Not cool

You’re on a road trip and you go into a restaurant for a sit-down meal while you leave your animal in your car, parked in the shade with the window open.

Cool

Instead of dining in, you get your food to go or pack a meal for the road! Parked cars can quickly reach deadly temperatures, even on relatively mild days with the car parked in the shade and the windows open.

Not cool

You’re on your way to the park to take your dog for a walk when you realize you need to make a stop at the grocery store. You run in quickly to pick up what you need, leaving your dog in the parking lot, and then continue on to the park.

Cool

You plan your grocery trip at another time so you can bring your dog straight to the park and straight home again.

It doesn’t take long for parked cars to quickly reach deadly temperatures. For the safety of your furry friend, leave them at home where they are comfortable and safe if you’re unable to bring them with you when you leave your vehicle. If something unexpected were to delay you from returning to your vehicle, such as a long lineup or a medical emergency, it could cost your furry friend their life.

Not cool

You’ve prepared all the road-trip essentials for yourself and your family – snacks, drinks and tunes! You forget, however, to bring along a dog bowl and water for your furry friend.

Cool

Before heading out on your road trip, you make sure to have snacks and water for your furry friend, as well as yourself! You also make sure to note the signs of dehydration, so you can ensure your animal is comfortable and safe on the drive.

Not cool

While heading into the mall, you see a dog barking inside a vehicle, with no guardian in sight. You figure they’ll be back soon and walk away to continue your shopping.

Cool

When you see an animal left unattended in a vehicle, you follow the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s recommended steps! To report an animal left unattended in a vehicle, call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9Animal, or your local police. If you see an animal in immediate danger, call 911. Take down the license plate of the car and try to get someone close by to go into nearby businesses and have the owner paged back to the car, while you stay with the animal.

No Excuses. No Hot Pets.

Visit nohotpets.ca to pledge that you will never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle. If you can’t take your animal with you, leave them at home where they are safe.

You can also help save an animal’s life by sharing the No Hot Pets message on social media using the hashtag #nohotpets, asking your municipality to enact a bylaw to prevent animals from being left unattended in vehicles, and supporting businesses that welcome animals in their store.

Visit nohotpets.ca to learn how you can get involved.

When a stray cat was brought into the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre by a concerned community member, staff immediately knew he was special.

“His adventure has been so heartwarming!” says Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre Manager Amanda Eckersley.

With his pink nose, almost naked rounded ears, and shining black eyes, our Registered Veterinary Technician April Sereda-Ashcroft immediately saw a resemblance between the long-haired feline and an opossum. She dubbed him “Opawsome,” and his recovery journey began.

Community teamwork

Opawsome, now affectionately known as “Opie,” is a shining example of the profound impact teamwork can have on the life of an animal in need. When Opie arrived at the centre, tests showed he was suffering from a broken pelvis and was FIV positive. The medical team also started a care plan for a handful of other ailments.

His animal care team fell in love with Opie right away.

“He is a very special boy indeed!” says Amanda. During six weeks of rest to allow the cat’s broken pelvis to heal properly, he began to thrive. When Opie was ready to find his forever home, his care team launched “Mission Opawsomable,” featuring this sweet cat on social media, and sharing his story with local media outlets. The community rallied together to help Opie find a loving home.

A happy ending

“There were so many hands that came together to help this boy. His happy tale was truly a community effort,” Amanda says. His adoption fee was even fully sponsored by a generous supporter who is also a volunteer at the centre.

Opie was adopted in April and now enjoys plenty of love and attention from his pet parents.

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, like Opawsome. Please consider donating today.

Everyone is trying to enjoy the summer in their own way, and cats are no exception! Have a cat who wants to explore the great outdoors? We have tips to help make supervised outdoor time possible with your cat.

Fenced-in or screened porch/catio

Using a fenced-in or screened-in porch or patio gives you the ability to watch your cat to make sure they are safe. Cat enclosures, dubbed “catios,” are another alternative.

Did you know that the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has catios for cat enrichment? Currently our Muskoka, Midland, Brockville and Napanee animal centres have outdoor space for cats.

Catios are a wonderful form of enrichment. It gets them out in the fresh air and in a new environment.

The Midland & District Animal Centre has two 10’ x 15’ completely mesh-enclosed catios. They have wind chimes on the ceilings, and twirly toys outside for the cats to watch.

To keep your feline friends at home comfortable while providing outdoor enrichment, be sure to put food, water, and a litter box inside the enclosed area they are enjoying. Protection from the elements is also very important, including a shady area from the sun. You can also put a bird feeder at a safe distance from the enclosure, so the cats can engage safely.

Walks with a leash or collar

Some cats can also tolerate a leash and collar, or leash and harness. If you want to introduce this technique, do so at a low-stress time. Using treats as the harness is introduced can also be effective.

Rubbing the harness or brushing it against your cat’s fur can help with the initial introduction. This will get their scent on it so it will feel more familiar. Connect the collar or harness with good experiences, such as treat time.

Not sure how to introduce your cat to a collar, learn more by visiting our blog, How to train your cat to wear a collar.

Keep in mind that any collars or harnesses being left on long-term when your cat isn’t being monitored closely should be breakaway collars or harnesses to prevent them from becoming trapped/caught on something.

By providing your feline friend with supervised outdoor time, or allowing them to explore from a catio or enclosure, you are helping keep your cat safe and comfortable while still getting the enrichment of the outdoors.

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.

As we transition into spring and start spending more time outside with our pets, it is important to remember some tick prevention tips for your furry friend. Ticks can be harmful to your dog and can transmit Lyme disease. Ticks can also be passed on through contact with other animals, so it’s always important to check for ticks after your dog has been out playing with friends!

Here is an overview of what ticks are and how to prevent them:

What are ticks?

Ticks are members of the spider family and are strong biters. They are attracted to body motion, body heat and carbon dioxide.
Ticks are ground dwellers and are found on low shrubbery and long grass
They can be most commonly found on the body parts of your dog that are closest to the ground. These include the neck, head, around the ears, the front of the chest and the underside of the chest.
Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, a serious illness which can spread by the bite of infected blacklegged ticks. When a tick bites and begins to feed, the bacteria in the tick’s stomach begins to migrate via the bite wound to the blood stream of the dog who has been bitten. This can take four to five days to occur, so the longer the tick remains on the animal, the higher the risk of Lyme disease.

Tick prevention

There are some tick products that kill ticks before they can infect your furry friend. Speak to your veterinarian about which tick prevention products are best for your dog.
Make it a habit to check your dog every time you come in from a walk or after they have been playing outside. Don’t forget to check their underside!
Early detection is always best for treating ticks. If you find a tick on your animal, put the tick in a plastic bag and bring it to your veterinarian for identification.

Tick removal

Removing ticks improperly can cause many problems. You can develop a preventative program with your veterinarian to ensure you are taking the right precautions and know how to properly remove ticks.

Along with ticks, fleas can also become a problem for your animals as the weather warms up. Find out how to prevent, remove and treat fleas here.

Renovating your home can be exciting but also stressful for both you and your four four-legged family members. However, with a little planning and some pet friendly strategies, you can keep your dog or cat safe, comfortable, and calm throughout the process. Here are some practical tips to guide your next renovation:

Minimize stress with a safe retreat

Construction noise, unfamiliar workers, and shifting furniture can leave pets feeling anxious. Set up a quiet “renovation refuge” in a low traffic area, ideally a spare bedroom or den where your pet has access to their bed, water, toys, and a few chews. It’s also important to try and keep their daily routine consistent to help maintain a sense of security.

Protect indoor air quality

Dust, chemical odours, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints, stains, and adhesives can irritate sensitive lungs. Opt for low or zero VOC paints, sealants, and finishes labeled “pet safe” or “non-toxic.” Seal work areas off with plastic sheeting and use HEPA filter air purifiers to capture airborne particles. If possible, schedule heavy sanding or painting when your companion animals can stay with a friend or at daycare to minimize exposure.

Crate training as a comfort zone

A well introduced crate can become your furry friend’s personal den during chaotic renovation days. Begin crate training well before the work begins. Feed meals in the crate, leave the door open with beloved toys inside, and gradually increase “crate time” paired with positive reinforcement. During noisy or disruptive phases, a calm, crate trained dog or cat will often choose to rest in their familiar, secure space.

Read Crate Training Tips for more information.

Choose durable, pet friendly materials

While not strictly about stress or safety, selecting scratch and stain resistant flooring (like tile or vinyl plank) and washable wall finishes will protect your investment and make cleanup easier once construction wraps up. Slip resistant surfaces help prevent injuries, and rounded corners on new cabinetry can reduce bumps and bruises during excited play.

By anticipating your pet’s needs and building in safe havens, you’ll keep tails wagging and purrs rumbling through every hammer strike and coat of paint. A thoughtful, pet-centric approach ensures that your renovation enhances rather than disrupts your home’s harmony for every member of the family.

While your dog won’t be looking at the clock and reading the hour and minute hands to tell time, they can absolutely sense the passing of time. Especially when you have been away from the house for awhile!

Dogs can start to anticipate certain time events based on a consistent schedule, such as when you leave or come home from work. Some dogs may enjoy their alone time to relax or play with their toys, while others may experience separation anxiety and feel stressed when you’re gone. Here are just a few tips to help them pass the time while you’re away.

Open the curtains

While you aren’t home, leave the curtains to a window or two open so your dog can watch the world outside. This can keep them occupied and stimulated! However, if they have a temperament that tends to get upset at seeing other dogs or people, then this tip may not be for you.

Establish background noise

Whether it is leaving some music playing or leaving the TV tuned to an animal channel, some background noise can help your dog feel less alone than a quiet house and decrease the likelihood of them getting into trouble!

Leave time-consuming treats

A treat that will take them awhile to finish or stuffing a toy with treats or peanut butter (xylitol-free) will help pass some time. Hiding small handfuls of their kibble around your home, or puzzle toys can also help them entertain themselves and stimulate their brains.

Doggy daycare

If you find your furry friend still struggles with separation and alone time, doggy daycares are a great alternative. It can help them socialize with other dogs at the daycare and not notice the time apart nearly as much.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall, ON (July 15, 2025) – In an effort to help protect animals and support pet families, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a vaccination clinic on July 13 at the Agora Catholic Centre/Nativity Bowling Alley in Cornwall. The clinic provided free wellness resources and vaccinations – including the parvovirus vaccine – to 62 dogs whose families may otherwise face barriers to veterinary care.

The event was open to individuals referred through social service agencies, those receiving social assistance, and members of First Nations communities. In addition to the parvo vaccination, attendees had access to vital outreach services. A total of 2,100 lbs of dog food, cat food and litter were provided, as well as leashes, collars, toys, and more, ensuring that animals are not only protected, but also supported with the essentials they need to thrive.

“Parvovirus is highly contagious and can be deadly, but it’s preventable with vaccination,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This clinic helped remove barriers to care, while also connecting families with the resources they need to keep their animals safe and cared for.”

An upcoming booster clinic will be held at the same location on August 10 to ensure follow-up care is accessible for the animals seen at this clinic.

In response to a spike in deadly parvovirus cases in the Cornwall area in 2017, the Ontario SPCA’s community outreach team began holding annual parvo vaccine clinics. By 2019, 450 dogs had been vaccinated against the life-threatening illness, and only three cases of the parvovirus were reported in the community that year. The Ontario SPCA is grateful to all partners, volunteers and donors who help make these vaccination events possible.

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

Media Contact

Arianne Kirkey
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry 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 Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre is located on the lands of the Akwesasne Mohawks and their ancestors. We also acknowledge the Algonquin, Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-oshow-nee) (Iroquois), Huron-Wendat (huron-wen·dat), and Abenaki who are neighbours and partners to the Akwesasne Mohawk.

When the sun is blazing, there’s nothing better than a cold treat—especially for our furry friends. Keeping pets cool during the summer is essential. That’s why the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is encouraging pet parents to take the No Hot Pets pledge at nohotpets.ca to help prevent animals from overheating.

One fun way to keep your dog cool at home? Homemade pupsicles! These frozen dog treats are easy to make, nutritious, and a fun way to help your pup beat the heat.

Peanut butter and banana pupsicles

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1 tbsp peanut butter (xylitol-free!)
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
Splash of water

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour into ice cube trays or silicone molds and freeze for 3-4 hours. Serve frozen for a tasty, cooling treat!

Chicken broth and apple pupsicles

Ingredients:

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ apple, finely chopped (no seeds or core)

Instructions:

Add chopped apple to an ice cube tray, then pour in the broth. Freeze overnight. Your pup will love this savory andsweet surprise!

Berry coconut delight

Ingredients:

½ cup blueberries
½ cup strawberries (hulled)
1 cup coconut water (no added sugar)

Instructions:

Blend the fruit and coconut water, pour into molds, and freeze. Packed with antioxidants and hydration!

While you’re making treats to keep your pet cool, don’t forget the bigger picture—never leave an animal unattended in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Temperatures inside a vehicle can spike in moments, putting animals at serious risk. Shade and water are vital if your pet is outside, but avoiding prolonged heat exposure is even better.

Take the No Hot Pets pledge today at nohotpets.ca and help raise awareness. Share the message on social media, talk to local businesses, and ask your municipality to support pet safety. You’ll also find free resources, care tips, and a chance to win a YETI summer prize pack if you enter before August 31!

Let’s keep summer fun and safe—for everyone, two-legged and four.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ontario SPCA hosts vaccination clinic in Cornwall to help protect dogs from deadly parvovirus

An upcoming booster clinic will be held at the same location on August 10 to ensure follow-up care is accessible for the animals seen at this clinic.

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

Media Contact

Arianne Kirkey
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre
(613) 937-7622
[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bracebridge, ON (July 14, 2025) – Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre’s open house on Sunday, July 20. Come out for an afternoon of fun, meet some furry friends, and discover how the Muskoka Animal Centre is making a pawsitive impact in the community.

Visit the animal centre, located at 1234 Muskoka Rd., 118 West in Bracebridge, between 12 noon and 4 p.m. to meet adorable adoptable animals and enjoy an afternoon packed with fun. There will be delicious barbecue food provided by Turtle Jack’s in Port Carling, vendors, kids’ activities, and artwork on display by local artists, with a portion of proceeds from art sales donated back to the animal centre.

“We’re so excited to open our doors to the community for a day of fun and connection,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “Whether you’re hoping to meet some adorable animals, curious about the work we do, or just looking for a great family outing, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderful chance to step inside, ask questions, and see first-hand how we’re making a difference for animals and the people who love them.”

To learn more about the Muskoka Animal Centre, visit ontariospca.ca/muskoka

Media Contact

Leslie Barrie
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre
1-888-668-7722 ext. 442
[email protected]

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre serves communities situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. The Huron-Wendat and the Haudenosaunee Nations have also walked on this territory over time. Today Muskoka is home to three sovereign nations: Wahta Mohawks First Nations, Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Moon River Métis. These lands are covered by the Williams Treaty (of 1923), the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 and the J. Collins land purchase (of 1785).

Whether you’ve had a pet rat before, or you’re a first-time parent, here are some tips you need to know about food, enclosure size, exercise and more.

Food

In every pet supply store and feed store you should be able to find high-quality pelleted rat food. These are nutritionally balanced and should always be available to your rat.

Your rat should have access to water 24/7. The best way to do this is with a water-bottle drinking tube attached to the side of their enclosure.

You can also offer bite-sized bits of fresh fruit and vegetables daily, such as peas, broccoli, carrots, apples, and bananas.

Remember the movie Ratatouille? Well, it’s true that rats love human food. You can give occasional bits of table food like cooked pasta or pizza crust. Make sure to limit these treats so you don’t have an overweight rat! Avoid snacks like chocolate, corn, candy, caffeinated beverages, cheese and sticky foods such as peanut butter.

Creating a healthy environment

Rats are very sociable and should be kept in same-sex pairs at a minimum.

Provide a solid-bottom, powder-coated wire enclosure for your rat. The absolute minimum size for a single rat is a 2’ X 2’ X 2’ enclosure. Pairs require more space to remain as comfortable and healthy as possible. The best location for the enclosure is inside, away from drafts, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

The enclosure should be lined with bedding, but do not use cedar or pine chips as they contain oils that are dangerous to rats. Many rats like to make nests, so provide them with shredded paper towels or napkins to do this. Your rats will also appreciate a cave for sleeping and resting, which could be a small flowerpot or box.

Behaviour and handling

Rats are friendly animals, but they still need time to get used to you and being handled. You may start this process by feeding small treats by hand. Once they’re comfortable with that, you can pick them up with one hand supporting them from underneath, and the other on their back.

Once your rat is socialized you can start giving them time outside the enclosure to play. Playtime is essential and will keep your smart, active friends mentally stimulated and physically fit. They do need to be continually supervised, however, because rats like to chew.

Exercise & toys

Rats are very active animals! To keep your rat happy and healthy, try providing PVC tubes, ladders or tree branches to climb, as well as swings and ropes. If you get an exercise wheel for your rat, make sure they have a solid surface without rungs, so their tail won’t get caught when running.

Rats’ teeth grow continuously, so you will need to provide appropriate chew toys to help wear down their teeth.

Daily care

To clean your rat’s enclosure, remove the soiled bedding, droppings and stale/uneaten food daily. Your rat’s water bottle should also be cleaned and refilled every day. Once a week, replace dirty bedding and scrub down the rest of the cage with warm, soapy water.

Signs of illness

Some common signs of illness to watch for include sneezing, lethargy, weight loss, dull eyes, open wounds, diarrhea and difficulty breathing. Contact a veterinarian if you have any concerns for the health of your rat.

Why rats make great companions

Rats can be great friends because they are loyal and affectionate. They are highly intelligent animals and very playful. They can also be taught to follow cues such as responding to their name, or even learn fun tricks!

If you’re interested in adopting, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see our animals available for adoption.

For more animal care tips, visit our blog.

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation.