Page 22 – Ontario SPCA

This Mother’s Day, show your appreciation with a gift that’s as beautiful as it is meaningful. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has launched a Pet-Friendly Flower Pop-Up Shop on Paws & Give™, featuring gorgeous floral gifts that help animals in need.

We’ve teamed up with a local business to offer carefully selected, pet-conscious flower baskets. With 30% of each sale donated to the Ontario SPCA, your gift helps provide life-changing care for animals across Ontario, bringing joy to people and paws alike.

Blooms that benefit Durham Region

If you’re in Durham Region, you can support local animals through a partnership with Sheridan Nurseries. Vibrant outdoor hanging baskets are available for just $29.99 and are an ideal way to add beauty to porches, patios, or gardens without worrying about curious paws.

Proceeds from each sale will directly benefit the animals at the Humane Society of Durham Region.

Why pet-friendly plants matter

While flowers and plants make thoughtful gifts, not all varieties are safe for our furry friends. Many common houseplants and blooms can be toxic to cats and dogs, causing anything from mild discomfort to serious health issues.

Before buying or gifting plants, take a moment to learn which ones are safe. Read our poisonous plants and flowers blog that covers the most common poisonous plants, prevention tips, and what to do in case of accidental exposure.

More ways to celebrate

Not in Durham Region? You can still find the purr-fect gift online at pawsandgive.ca. Shop symbolic gifts that support animals with shelter, veterinary care, or meals, or make a tribute donation in honour of a special mom or pet parent.

With a range of price points, these gifts suit any budget—and each one comes with a customizable e-card or printable card to share your love and your impact.

You’ll also find fun and functional merchandise—including “cat mom” bracelets, “dog mom” bracelets, Ontario SPCA branded apparel, spring card sets and more—shipped Canada-wide via Purolator. Every purchase helps animals in need!

Order deadlines

To ensure your gift arrives in time for Mother’s Day, be sure to place your order by the deadlines. Merchandise orders must be placed by Tuesday, May 6 at 11:59 p.m. Hanging baskets are also available until Tuesday, May 6 at 11:59pm. Looking for a last-minute option? eCards and tribute donations can be sent anytime—even on Mother’s Day!

Celebrate mom and make an impact

Honour the love and compassion that moms and pet parents show every day by supporting the Ontario SPCA this Mother’s Day. No matter which gift option you choose, you can feel good knowing you’re giving more than just a present—you’re giving animals a second chance.

Visit pawsandgive.ca to find a meaningful gift that brings joy to your loved one and hope to animals across Ontario.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ontario SPCA rolls out Neuter Scooter in Durham Region to help reduce pet overpopulation

Whitby, ON (May 2, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Neuter Scooter rolled into Durham Region yesterday, providing accessible spay/neuter services to help address pet overpopulation in the community.

On May 1, the Neuter Scooter transported 18 pre-booked cats from Durham Region to a partnering high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic in Trenton, preventing close to an estimated 1,000 potentially unwanted offspring. After their surgeries, the cats were returned to their families later that same day.

“We were thrilled to bring the Neuter Scooter to Durham Region and help reduce barriers to accessing vital spay and neuter services,” says Kayla Montes, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Humane Society of Durham Region, which is one of 12 Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. “By preventing unplanned litters, we’re supporting the health of animals and our community.”

The Neuter Scooter initiative was first piloted in 2024 to make spay/neuter services more accessible. Last year it made 36 trips to communities around the province, making 761 spay/neuter surgeries possible for cats, and preventing more than an estimated 43,000 potentially unwanted offspring.

For more information about the Neuter Scooter and other Ontario SPCA community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Media Contact

Kayla Montes
Community Outreach Coordinator
Humane Society of Durham Region
289-894-3404
[email protected]

The Humane Society of Durham Region is a registered charity. For over 30 years, the HSDR has been dedicated to protecting and providing compassionate care for unwanted and abused animals in Durham Region until they find their forever homes. Committed to improving the lives of animals, HSDR provides education and resources to the community.

In August 2022, the HSDR formally joined the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to combine the organizations. This will enable the HSDR to strengthen and grow the programs and community support services it provides to help animals and the families who love them.

The Humane Society of Durham Region acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, which is covered under the Williams Treaties. The HSDR is situated on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Ontario SPCA asks you to Promise to Prepare by including pets in emergency plans

Stouffville, ON (May 1, 2025) – With Emergency Preparedness Week just around the corner, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is asking you to Promise to Prepare by creating an emergency plan that includes your animal family members.

From May 1-10, visit ontariospca.ca/ep to Promise to Prepare and be entered to win a pet first aid kit. You’ll also receive a free digital 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Workbook to help you build your pet’s survival kit. Whether you’re evacuating due to a natural disaster such as a forest fire, or sheltering in place when a storm hits, having an emergency preparedness kit is essential for the safety and comfort of your furry family members.

The Ontario SPCA is also giving away free emergency decals and wallet cards. Place a decal on your front door to alert first responders that pets are inside your home. In emergencies like fires, this simple step can help increase the chances of rescuing them. Wallet cards let first responders know that you have pets at home who will need care if you’re ill or injured.

“Emergencies can happen without warning. Having a plan in place that includes your pets can make all the difference,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Taking a few simple steps today means you’ll be ready to act quickly and confidently to protect every member of your family when it matters most.”

Promise to Prepare by visiting ontariospca.ca/ep and drop by your local Ontario SPCA animal centre to pick up your free decal or wallet card, while supplies last.

Note to editors and producers: B-roll available at https://youtu.be/Z0M4rq2nxKA

MEDIA CONTACTS 

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
Media relations
905-898-7122 x 375 
[email protected] 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. The Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. It values all animals and advocates to treat them with respect and kindness. The Society strives to keep pets and families together and does so through a variety of community support services, such as sheltering and adoptions, including emergency sheltering, feral cat management programs, animal transfers, food distribution, humane education, animal advocacy, and spay/neuter services.

The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca. Charitable Business # 88969-1044-RR0002.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Provincial Office sits on the traditional territory of the Wendat, the Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of Scugog, Hiawatha and Alderville First Nations and the Métis Nation. This territory was the subject of the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant, an agreement between the Iroquois Confederacy and the Ojibwe and allied nations to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. The treaties that were signed for this particular parcel of land are collectively referred to as the Williams Treaties of 1923.

Adopting an animal is one of the most fulfilling decisions you can make, and the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is dedicated to helping you find the perfect companion. Whether you’re looking for a playful pup, a cozy cat, or another furry friend, our 12 animal centres across the province have many animals ready to become a beloved member of your family.

Find your perfect match

We understand that finding the right companion is crucial when adopting. Our team works diligently to match you with an animal that suits your lifestyle, whether you’re an active individual looking for a jogging partner or a homebody wanting a snuggly companion. Each animal’s personality, needs, and history are carefully considered to ensure they find a home where they will thrive.

Giving animals a second chance

Every animal at the Ontario SPCA has a unique story. Some have been rehomed due to unfortunate circumstances, while others have been rescued from neglect or abandonment. By choosing to adopt, you give these animals the second chance they deserve at a happy life. It’s a compassionate choice that makes a significant difference in the life of an animal in need.

Comprehensive health checks and care

You can rest assured that your new furry friend is well taken care of. Each animal is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before they go to their new home. This ensures they start their new life healthy and protected. These essential services are part of the adoption package, so you can focus on welcoming your new family member without any worry.

Adopting is more than just acquiring a furry friend; it’s about making a positive impact on an animal’s life and finding a companion who perfectly fits your lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to adopt today or in the future, consider the Ontario SPCA for a truly rewarding experience.

Thinking of adopting? See animals currently available.

Not ready to adopt? Consider making a donation to help an animal find their loving home.

When an emergency strikes, there’s no time to waste — and that includes making sure your furry family members are safe. That’s why the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, is encouraging pet parents to take part in Emergency Preparedness Week, happening May 5–11, by making a plan that includes their animals.

From evacuation plans to survival kits, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your whole family — paws included!

Start with a plan

Think about where you would go in an emergency and how you would bring your furry friends with you. Whether you need to shelter in place or evacuate, knowing what steps to take — and having supplies packed and ready — helps reduce stress during a crisis.

Ask yourself:

Where would I take my animal if we had to leave suddenly?
How would I transport them?
What would I need to keep them safe and comfortable?

Answering these questions ahead of time helps create a solid foundation for your emergency response plan.

Build your pet’s emergency kit

A survival kit ensures you have the essentials ready if you need to act quickly. It should include:

72-hour supply of food and water
Blankets or towels
Litter box, waste bags, and cleaning supplies
Leash, collar, or harness
Carrier or crate
Any medications, plus vet contact info
Pet first aid kit
Photo ID of your pet and your contact details
Identification tags and microchip number

Pack these items in a durable, waterproof container that’s easy to grab and go. It’s also a good idea to review the contents twice a year and refresh anything that may expire.

Promise to Prepare

Need help building your pet’s emergency kit? Take the Promise to Prepare to download our to free 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Workbook. You’ll also be entered to win one of 12 pet first aid kits.

It’s a simple step that could make a big difference.

Decals and wallet cards

From May 1–10, stop by your local Ontario SPCA animal centre to pick up a free emergency decal and wallet card, while supplies last. The decal alerts first responders that pets may be inside your home, and the wallet card informs emergency personnel that animals may need care if you’re unable to return home. These small tools can help save lives in a crisis.

Plan for the unexpected

Emergencies can happen when you’re not home, or you could become separated from your pet during a crisis. That’s why it’s important to have a back-up plan in place.

Talk to a trusted neighbour, friend, or family member who can step in to care for your furry friend if you’re unable to. Share keys, emergency contacts, and instructions for your animal’s care in advance – this buddy system can make all the difference.

Also, make sure your pet is always wearing an up-to-date ID tag and is microchipped. Keep a recent photo and description of your animal handy in case you need to share it with shelters or emergency responders.

A little planning now ensures your furry friend has the support they need when it matters most.

Be ready to act

If there’s advance notice of a natural disaster, like a wildfire or major storm, evacuate early with your animals if it’s safe to do so. Waiting too long may make it more difficult or even impossible to bring them with you.

Know where local emergency shelters are, check whether they allow pets, and consider contacting friends or family outside your area in advance to ask if they could temporarily take your animals.

Take action today

You never know when an emergency might happen – but you can be ready.

This Emergency Preparedness Week, make a plan, build a kit, and be sure your pets are included every step of the way.

Don’t wait – visit ontariospca.ca/ep today to take the Promise to Prepare. You’ll receive a free digital 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Workbook and be entered to win a pet first aid kit.

Your beloved animals are counting on you — let’s be ready, together.

The “three-pet rule” is designed to help build trust and confidence by giving animals the agency and choice to decide whether to interact. When they begin to understand that they have choice and the consequence of that choice is positive, they often begin to interact more on their own, understanding that they have the choice to move away or remove themselves from the interaction. This means after offering an interaction we stop and remove ourselves to see if the animals solicits or consents. This often reduces conflict, strengthens bonds and helps animals to understand they do not need to display discomfort by escalating to aggression.

Three-pet rule:

Whenever interacting with an animal, we should always implement the three-pet rule:

We pet for three pets or three seconds and stop
If an animal solicits attention further, we can go back to petting and periodically implement the three-pet rule throughout
If an animal’s fear, anxiety and stress begin to rise when consent testing, always stop and re-evaluate

What does it look like?

1) Three pets or three seconds

For felines it’s often best to offer a hand and see if they push into it or solicit affection. If they do, pet for three seconds or three pets then stop. If the cat continues to solicit, use the three pets or three seconds rule every so often to ensure they are enjoying, not just tolerating, the touch.
For dogs it’s best not to offer a hand to them but instead when they approach offer pets in an appropriate area, under the chin or top of the back, wait pet for three seconds or three pets then stop. If the dog continues to solicit, use the three-pet or three-second rule every so often to ensure they are enjoying, not just tolerating, the touch.

2) If the animal moves away when you stop petting, this is a clear signal that they don’t want you to continue petting. Do not follow or attempt to solicit further; wait until they come back into your space, then continue by implementing the three-pet-rule again.

3) If the animal continues to solicit attention you may continue to pet. Be mindful of body language, keep petting sessions short and continue to evaluate throughout.

If you need assistance, please contact a professional trainer or a behaviour consultant.

  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 depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.

National Volunteer Week takes place from April 27 to May 3 and this year’s theme, “Volunteers Make Waves,” recognizes the powerful impact of volunteer efforts. Like waves in the water, volunteering is a force for positive change, creating ripples that extend far beyond the initial act of kindness. At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, our volunteers are at the heart of this movement, making a difference in the lives of animals across the province.

In 2024 alone, over 824 volunteers dedicated their time to helping animals in need. Our 193 foster volunteers provided loving homes for more than 1,850 animals, ensuring they received the care they needed before finding their forever families. Another 204 volunteers supported events, food distribution, and animal transfers, helping essential services reach animals and the people who love them. Volunteers also spent thousands of hours caring for cats and dogs in our 12 animal centres, making a direct impact on their overall well-being.

Today, we wanted to introduce you to one of our incredible volunteers.

Compassion in action: Cathy’s love for animals

In September 2023, Cathy, a devoted animal lover, took the next step in a lifelong commitment to animal welfare by becoming an active volunteer with the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. Although her formal volunteering role began then, her support of the organization — through food and supply donations and fundraising efforts — stretches back much further.

Several years ago, she volunteered with a Toronto-based, volunteer-run animal rescue group, where she played a key role in fundraising. She initiated a donation box program and established food bank boxes in various local pet stores — grassroots efforts that made a big difference for animals in need.

Since joining the Ontario SPCA, she’s opened her heart and home to fostering. She provides a safe, healing space for cats and kittens that need a little extra TLC, helping them recover and prepare for adoption. One of her more recent fosters, Magnus, was a fearful and under-socialized cat who struggled in the shelter environment. With time, patience, and love, he began to come out of his shell — a testament to the power of a calm, nurturing home.

In addition to providing foster care, Cathy also takes her foster animals to veterinary appointments, ensuring they receive the medical attention they need as they prepare for adoption.

Her fostering efforts took on a deeper meaning in the spring of 2023, when she lost her beloved senior cat to kidney disease.

“I wanted to honour his memory by helping other cats and kittens get well, grow and flourish in a home environment to better their chances of obtaining a forever home,” says Cathy.

Her love for animals began in childhood. Growing up, her home was always filled with the companionship of animals— dogs, cats, or both. That deep-rooted connection to animals has followed her into adulthood, reinforcing her belief that animals offer unconditional love and make the most loyal companions.

When asked if she would recommend volunteering for the Ontario SPCA, her answer was a resounding yes.

“Whether it be fostering animals in need, driving to medical appointments, walking dogs, assisting with fundraising efforts, or spending time with shelter animals to help with their socialization, there are many ways to help,” Cathy says.

Cathy’s journey is a reminder that compassion, consistency, and community spirit can change lives — not just for animals, but for the people who love them, too.

Thank you

We extend our deepest gratitude to all of the incredible volunteers at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Their unwavering dedication, compassion, and generosity makes a world of difference in the lives of animals in our care and in the communities we serve. Whether they’re walking dogs, cuddling cats, assisting with events, fostering animals, or lending their skills behind the scenes, their contributions do not go unnoticed. They are the heart of our organization, and we are truly thankful for the time, energy, and love they give to animals in need.

Interested in creating ripples of change in your community? Learn how to become a volunteer for the Ontario SPCA at ontariospca.ca/volunteer

If you came across orphaned or injured wildlife, would you know what to do? This is the time of year when you could come across a wild animal in distress, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to help them.

Important note

Whenever young animals or birds are found, an attempt should be made to reunite them with their mother. Parents provide the best care for young wildlife. When young are inadvertently removed from their parents, it decreases the likelihood that they will survive, even with expert human care. Each wildlife species has its own specific needs and requires specialized care to recover.

Who can you call?

If you find wildlife that appears sick, injured or orphaned, don’t remove it from its natural habitat. Call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can help you assess the situation and provide advice on what to do next.

Click here for the provincial list of authorized wildlife rehabilitators.

Some larger municipalities have animal control services that will respond to calls concerning wildlife. Contact your municipality to determine if there are animal control services in place, and what types of animal calls they have the capacity to handle.

In cases of suspected animal cruelty

In the province of Ontario, the government’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services agency investigates animal cruelty concerns. Animal welfare concerns can be reported by calling 1-833-9-ANIMAL ( (1-833-926-4625)You can also call your local police services. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society does not have the legal authority to investigate animal cruelty concerns.

Visit ontario.ca to learn more about animal welfare concerns.

If this information was helpful, visit our blog to learn more about how to co-exist peacefully with wildlife.

Whitby, ON (April 24, 2025) – Are you prepared if your pet has a medical emergency? With Emergency Preparedness Month coming up in May, the Humane Society of Durham Region invites anyone who has a cat to join a feline first aid and CPR course.

On May 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Whitby, there will be a full-day feline first aid and CPR course, led by Hoof n Woof Pet First Aid. Participants will learn practical skills to handle emergencies, including:

• Basic care and prevention
• Abdominal thrusts for choking
• CPR/mouth-to-nose resuscitation
• Handling broken bones/tail injuries
• Recognizing feline leukemia symptoms
• Identifying bladder infections and pain
• Understanding diabetes in cats
• Cat-safe medications

A portion of the registration fee will be donated to the Humane Society of Durham Region to support shelter and care of animals in need. A registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Humane Society of Durham Region depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. To register, visit hsdr.org.

“Emergencies happen when you least expect them,” says Kayla Montes, Community Outreach Coordinator at the Humane Society of Durham Region. “This course empowers pet parents with the confidence to act quickly and keep their pets safe. Register now to secure your spot – it could save your pet’s life!”

To register or learn more, visit hsdr.org

Stay connected by following @HumaneSocietyOfDurhamRegion on Facebook and Instagram for news, events, adoptable animals and more.

Media Contact

Kayla Montes
Community Outreach Coordinator
Humane Society of Durham Region
289-894-3404
[email protected]

In October 2024, an adorable eight-week-old kitten named Annie arrived at the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. She was badly injured, likely from getting hit by a car, resulting in a fractured pelvis, femur and tibia, as well as a dislocated hip. Found outdoors near Atherley Bridge in Orillia, she was struggling to move, dragging herself along.g.

Fortunately, with the help of caring staff, she was placed on mandatory rest and provided with pain medication while waiting for her surgery, which depended on how well her hip healed.

Annie’s recovery

Annie, with her beautiful polydactyl paws, quickly captured hearts. Despite her injuries, Annie’s joyful spirit shone through. She was sweet, cuddly, and always eager to play, bringing warmth to everyone around her. Her “bubble,” a small mesh cube at her foster home, became her cozy spot to enjoy movie time on the couch.

“She was the most spunky, full of life little gal and despite being injured upon arrival, was trying to play,” says Krystal Abbott, Animal Care Coordinator at the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. “She is a very tough little cookie.”

A major milestone came in December, when Annie underwent her femoral head ostectomy surgery (FHO) to help heal her injuries and restore pain-free mobility.

A loving home

Annie’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Over the next month, she gradually gained more freedom, learning to navigate her new joint and leg. She mastered the stairs with ease and formed wonderful friendships with all the other pets in her foster home, especially with Finn, the English Retriever. Soon enough, she was leaping, running, and playing to her heart’s content.

The joy continued as Annie found her forever home a month later. Now, she lives with her loving new family, where she enjoys good health and endless love.

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. To help create more second chances for animals like Annie, please consider donating today.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STOUFFVILLE, Ont. (April 23, 2025) – It’s kitten season and as Ontario SPCA and Humane Society staff and volunteers work tirelessly caring for litters of orphaned kittens, pregnant cats and feline families, Pet Valu has provided a $180,000* Companions for Change sponsorship to support the felines in the Ontario SPCA’s care. The sponsorship will renew the Cat Cabin Program, which helps cats and kittens settle during their stay in a shelter or foster home and eases their transition to their forever homes.

“The unfamiliar setting of a shelter or foster home is very stressful for cats and kittens and a cat cabin can make a real difference as it provides them with a calm, enriching place where they can perch, hide and mark their scent. Cat cabins play an essential role all year round and they are particularly helpful during kitten season when we are caring and finding homes for so many cats and kittens,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Cat cabins make for happier and healthier cats and we’re very grateful for the ongoing support we receive from Pet Valu through its Companions for Change sponsorship.”

Made from sturdy cardboard, cat cabins provide a safe, comfortable place where cats and kittens can hide and play. Available in two fun themes – Cabin in the Meow-tains and Miami Beach – each cat cabin has two entrances, a flat perch and an enclosed cabin area. While kittens enjoy chasing each other through the entrances, cats and kittens alike enjoy perching securely off the floor or snuggling in the cozy cabin area. When a cat is adopted their cat cabin can be converted into a carrier to transport them safely to their forever home where the cabin can be re-assembled, providing a safe, familiar environment to help them settle.

“Pet Valu’s Companions for Change sponsorship program was created to provide impactful support for Canadian animal rescues and shelters doing vital work in communities across Canada. Through their unwavering dedication, the Ontario SPCA plays a critical role in caring for the enormous number of pets in need across the province,” says Tanbir Grover, Chief of Marketing and Digital Officer, at Pet Valu. “Following the success and impact of our initial sponsorship in Ontario SPCA’s Cat Cabin Program in 2022, we are delighted to renew and expand our support.”

Through the Companions for Change sponsorship, Pet Valu will help fund 5,000 cat cabins to be distributed to Ontario SPCA animal centres in Barrie, Whitby, Brockville, Napanee, Midland, Bracebridge, Orangeville, Orillia, Sudbury, Pembroke, Cornwall and Stouffville this year. Pet Valu will also provide its new Pet Parent Guide, which includes tips, checklists and up to $300 in savings for essentials to all devoted pet lovers who adopt a cat or small animal through an Ontario SPCA animal centre.

People who are interested in adopting a cat or a kitten should visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view animals who are waiting for their forever homes.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

About Pet Valu

Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country. For more than 45 years, Pet Valu has earned the trust and loyalty of pet parents by offering knowledgeable customer service, an extensive product offering and engaging in-store services. Through its local neighbourhood stores and digital platform, Pet Valu offers more than 10,000 competitively-priced products, including a broad assortment of exclusive, holistic and award-winning proprietary brands. The Company is headquartered in Markham, Ontario, and has distribution centres in Brampton, Ontario, Surrey, British Columbia and Calgary, Alberta. Its shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: PET). To learn more, please visit: www.petvalu.ca.

*Pet Valu provides this amount in 3 equal annual installments over the full term of the agreement, 3 years.

– 30 –

MEDIA CONTACT:

Katherine Clark

[email protected]

416-453-3288

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Petawawa, ON (April 22, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a spay/neuter and wellness clinic in Petawawa from April 15-17 to help manage pet populations and reach underserved communities.

A total of 101 spay and neuter surgeries were performed on cats and dogs during the three-day event, which was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 517 in Petawawa, preventing more than an estimated 5,400 potentially unwanted puppies and kittens. In addition, 127 vaccines were administered during the three-day event.

The Ontario SPCA’s MASH-style spay/neuter clinics are portable outreach events designed to reach underserved communities. They can be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities where road access is limited. In addition to providing spay/neuter surgeries on site, they also deliver basic veterinary services to animals who may not otherwise have had preventative care, including critical vaccines.

“We are committed to making essential veterinary services more accessible to prevent pet overpopulation and keep animals with the families who love them,” says Heather Jobe, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre. “Thank you to everyone who came together, including our incredibly dedicated volunteers, to make this spay/neuter clinic so impactful for animals in need in our community.”

Later this month, the Ontario SPCA will be hosting its first Neuter Scooter event of the year in Renfrew County. The Neuter Scooter transports animals to partnering high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics for surgery. It will depart Pembroke on April 30 and take pre-booked cats to a spay/neuter clinic in Southeastern Ontario before returning them to their families later that day. The initiative was first piloted by the Ontario SPCA last year to reduce barriers to access spay/neuter services.

To learn more about the Ontario SPCA’s community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Follow the Renfrew County Animal Centre on Facebook and Instagram for updates and upcoming events.

Media Contact

Heather Jobe

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 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.