Page 22 – Ontario SPCA

With many parts of Canada affected by wildfires, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your pets from the harmful effects of smoke. Just like people, animals are at risk of respiratory issues and other health concerns when air quality is poor.

Safety considerations

Limit outdoor time as much as possible. While bathroom breaks are necessary, avoid long walks or extended playtime outside. Check your local air quality advisories and keep pets indoors as much as possible whenever conditions are poor.

Protect your home environment by closing windows and doors to keep smoke out. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters if available and run your air conditioner in recirculation mode to prevent bringing in outdoor air. If you notice signs of smoke irritation in your pet—such as coughing, red or watery eyes, sneezing, lethargy, or trouble breathing, contact your veterinarian right away.

Certain animals are more vulnerable to smoke, including flat-faced breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats. Puppies, kittens, senior animals, and pets with pre-existing medical conditions are also at increased risk. Be especially cautious and consult your vet if you’re unsure how to best protect them.

Looking for ways to keep your pet active indoors? Visit our blog for indoor play ideas that can help your furry companion stay stimulated without going outside.

Be prepared

If you must evacuate, take your animals with you. Have a plan in place to evacuate your family, including your animals, as early as possible. Evacuating before conditions become severe helps keep everyone safer and reduces stress levels. Learn how to include your pet in your emergency plan.

Smoke from wildfires can be dangerous—but with the right steps, you can help keep your animals safe and healthy. Stay informed, be prepared, and don’t forget to check in on your furry friends.

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 support the Ontario SPCA’s Wildfire Emergency Fund, visit ontariospca.ca

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Akwesasne, ON (June 17, 2025) – More than 60 animals were spayed or neutered during an animal wellness event in Akwesasne, hosted by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in partnership with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

A total 53 dogs and 10 cats were spayed or neutered at the event, which was held June 13-15, preventing close to an estimated 3,300 potentially unplanned puppies and kittens. The MASH-style event also included 16 animal wellness appointments. Held at the Kawehno:ke Recreation Center, the clinic provided essential services to Akwesasronon families and their beloved pets.

“Akwesasne Compliance would like to extend a heartfelt Nia:wenkowa (thank you very much) to the Ontario SPCA, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, veterinary students, volunteers, and organizers who made the recent MASH Spay and Neuter Clinic a success,” says Compliance Officer Josh Mitchell at Akwesasne Compliance. “The dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure every animal received the highest standard of care. Many cats and dogs were seen over the three days, and each family was met with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. Your efforts went above and beyond, and your kindness did not go unnoticed.”

The Ontario SPCA is committed to reaching underserved communities with its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics. These portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities.Through community support services, the Ontario SPCA wants to keep animals out of shelters and with the people who love them.

We’re proud to work alongside our neighbours in Akwesasne to bring these vital animal wellness services to the community,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Spay/neuter and wellness events like this are an important part of animal health and population management. It’s heartening to see communities so engaged in creating a healthier future for animals. Together, we’re making a difference.”

The Ontario SPCA has been working with the community of Akwesasne for a number of years to make basic animal wellness services more accessible.

For more information on the Ontario SPCA’s mobile animal wellness services, visit ontariospca.ca/mobileservices

##

Media Contact

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

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

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

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

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

Does your cat ever get the “zoomies”? Although this behaviour is quite normal, it can also be an indicator that your furry friend is looking for some additional activity and enrichment. In today’s blog, we’re going to walk you through the “Touch the target” game and why your cat will enjoy it!

Why the touch the target game?

The targeting game can be played in very short sessions, with one cat or several. It can also be played frequently or just occasionally, and by one person or several people.

Keep training sessions short, 1-2 minutes, and take many breaks to set the cat up for success. For cats who aren’t as interested in the target, add a very small amount of high-value spreadable food at the end.

You will need:

A highly preferred food treat, such as canned tuna or tuna in a pouch
A pencil, chopstick, popsicle stick, or dowel, to serve as a target
Clicker (optional)

Teaching your cat to touch the target

Hold the target item within an inch of your cat’s head to introduce the target.
The cat should naturally put their head out to sniff the target item.
As soon as the cat touches the target with their nose, mark (click or say “yes”) and reward with a high-value treat. Read more about clicker training on our blog.
Continue steps 1-3 a few times in several different sessions, taking breaks before the cat becomes disinterested and until the cat is consistently touching the target.
Once the cat is reliably touching the target, add the verbal cue “Touch” as the cat touches the target stick, then mark (click or say “yes”) and reward.
As the cat is successfully touching the target, increase difficulty by moving the target away by 1-2inches and eventually in different areas around the cat so the cat must move to get to the target.

In later sessions, try placing the target further away from your cat so he must take a step or two towards it, offering the target when your cat is in motion, or seeing if you can get your cat to follow it.

Targeting can simply be a fun activity (you can get creative with how you use it) – or it can be used to help redirect behaviours you don’t like, such as pouncing, scratching or biting.

We hope you have fun teaching your cat this enrichment technique!

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society supports Northern animals affected by wildfires

Stouffville, ON (June 16, 2025) – As wildfires continue to impact Northern Ontario and Western Canada, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is responding to support animals and families displaced by these devastating events.

“The wildfires are creating desperate situations for animals,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We stay in close contact with first responders, community partners, and First Nations Chiefs, and respond quickly when requests for assistance come in – ensuring animals get the support they need, when they need it most.”

Through 11 emergency requests coordinated via the government’s Provincial Emergency Operations Centre, the Ontario SPCA has shipped over 37,000 lbs. of pet food and supplies to affected regions. The Ontario SPCA is now preparing to expand its response and is calling on the public for support.

While government resources help cover the cost of food and supplies during evacuations, donations are needed to support animals in areas at risk. This includes providing pet food, emergency supplies, transportation, and temporary sheltering. Support will also be needed in affected communities long after the fires are extinguished to ensure animals continue to receive adequate supplies and care.

Pet Valu has stepped up to support the Ontario SPCA’s emergency efforts with a $10,000 product donation through its Companions for ChangeTM program. As part of this donation, Pet Valu is sending vital supplies – including bowls, collars, leashes, crates, and food – to Thunder Bay to support relief efforts.

Animal rescue organizations looking to support animals affected by wildfires are encouraged to contact the Ontario SPCA, which is coordinating efforts and directing support to the areas that need resources.

“Right now, our greatest need is supporting communities that haven’t been evacuated but are already facing serious challenges due to wildfires,” says Wogenstahl. “When a call for help comes in, we need to be ready to support the animals impacted by the fires, both in the short term, and in the months ahead as communities recover.”

To donate to the Ontario SPCA’s Wildfire Emergency Fund, please visit: ontariospca.ca

Media Contact:

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

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

Training your dog “four-on-the-floor” is helpful to prevent unwanted jumping by teaching them to have all four feet on the floor. In addition to making greetings safer and more enjoyable, it will also help reduce frustration and excitement in dogs. Always remember to be consistent and patient when training your dog.

Here’s what you will need:

6’ leash
Treat pouch, or bag of bite-size treats
High and medium-value treats
Clicker (optional)

Procedure with the dog under threshold

Being “under threshold” refers to a state where an animal is calm and relaxed enough that they can exhibit normal behaviours without exhibiting signs of fear, anxiety or stress.

Begin by approaching the dog, taking a couple steps in their direction.
With a treat in hand, if the dog is not displaying any unwanted behaviours (ex. jumping, pawing, barking etc.), mark (click or “Yes”), toss a treat on the ground in front of the dog. For this exercise, do not feed from the hand.
Take a few steps in the opposite direction away from the dog.
If the dog remains on “all fours” and is quiet, take another step towards them. Mark and reward by tossing/dropping treat on the floor while ensuring the dog’s feet remain on the floor.
Continue steps 1-4 several times. Keep sessions short.
Do this multiple times a day for consistency.

If you are trying to teach “four-on-the-floor” while the dog is over-aroused (ex. jumping up, barking), follow the steps below:

While dog is already excited/ jumping etc. remain standing and still. Only turn away if the dog continually jumps, rather than jumps and leaves paws up, as movement may increase jumping.
With a treat in hand, put hand directly to the dog’s nose and lure downwards. The moment the dog’s paws hit the floor, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward by dropping the treat on the floor.
While the dog is jumping, try not to give attention to the behaviour. Avoid saying “Off” or “Down” or “No.” Simply stay still and lure dog into four feet on the floor position.
If the dog continues to jump, it may be appropriate to step on their leash or hook your thumb in their collar.
Continue to reward the dog periodically if they remain with their four feet on the floor.

Note: If a dog is displaying mouthy behaviour, please see the “De-escalation and Redirection Techniques for Dogs” resource sheet.

If your dog continues to struggle with this training, reach out to a professional trainer or behaviour consultant.

Summer brings baby showers, graduations, wedding season and many other outdoor celebrations in abundance. These events also bring a plethora of balloons, which can pose potential threats to your companion animals and to wildlife. In this blog we’ll share why balloons are dangerous to pets and wildlife, and how to protect your furry friends and wildlife.

Why are balloons dangerous for animals?

Balloons help us to mark special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and more. This is all fine and good when confined in a home or building, but not as something that is going to be released outdoors.

Helium balloons, especially Mylar balloons, can travel a long way – kilometers even. If you let balloons go in a city, they could end up in the backyard of a home, in the countryside, or even lakes and forest. This results in litter and a potential choking hazard or obstruction for companion animals and wildlife.

Besides choking on a deflated balloon, the biggest concern is that animals will chew and swallow pieces of burst balloons that may float into your yard. As the balloon pieces travel down through your furry friend’s food pipe, stomach, and intestinal tract, the pieces will open up and become flat. When this happens, it can form a very effective blockage. In most cases, blockages will require surgical intervention by a vet to remove and repair any damage caused by the balloon pieces.

One common misconception is that opting for biodegradable balloons, made of biodegradable latex, is a responsible way to enjoy balloons and not have to worry about where they end up. Unfortunately, these balloons still take one or more years to break down. In addition, no balloon (nylon, latex or Mylar), will break down in an animal’s stomach.

How can you protect your furry friends from ingesting balloons?

Typically, pet parents don’t even see their furry friends ingest balloons. This is because when balloons are released, helium leaks out, they deflate and eventually burst, and then may enter your yard, while your animal is unattended.

Shiny balloons may attract dogs and cats, like a ball or toy. Animals can burst the balloon while playing and curiously sneak a taste. It’s important to watch carefully for any signs of blockage, like if your dog or cat suddenly stops eating, starts vomiting, has loose stool, or seems depressed. If you notice any of these signs – you should call your vet immediately.

Help keep wildlife balloon-free

Balloons are also hazardous to wildlife, because balloons can float into their habitat, as well. When wildlife is scavenging for food, balloons (especially Mylar) can resemble other food sources, such as fruits, berries or bright flowers.

Rodents and rabbits can be browsing for dandelions or greenery and consume bits of balloon wrapped up in their regular food source and eat it accidentally.

The string or ribbon tied on a balloon also presents a risk to wildlife. An animal can get its legs or wings caught, essentially trapping the animal and making it unable to get back to its nest or safe place.

Simple lifestyle modifications can go a long way to protect companion animals and wildlife. While you enjoy summer celebrations, remember to use balloons indoors and never release balloons outside to keep critters safe.

Choosing a veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent. Just like humans, animals need regular checkups, preventative care, and sometimes emergency attention. A trusted veterinarian becomes a partner in ensuring your pet lives a long, healthy, comfortable life.

Healthy pets start here

Veterinarians are your first line of defense when it comes to your pet’s health. They provide vaccinations, dental care, nutrition advice, and early detection of illnesses. Having a consistent vet means your fur baby builds a relationship with someone who understands their medical history and temperament. Plus, regular visits help prevent serious conditions and ensure your pet’s well-being over time.

How to find the right veterinarian

Start by asking other pet parents in your community for recommendations. Friends, family, and even local pet groups on social media can be excellent resources. Online reviews can also give insight into a clinic’s professionalism, cleanliness, and staff demeanour.

Find a veterinarian in your area through this online database, hosted by the College of Veterinarians Ontario.

When narrowing down your options, consider location and hours. Emergencies don’t always happen at convenient times, so a nearby vet with flexible or emergency hours is ideal. You should also check if they offer the services you might need—like dental cleanings, surgeries, or boarding.

Schedule a visit or consultation before committing. Observe how the staff interacts with your fur baby and whether they take time to answer your questions. A good vet listens carefully and explains things clearly, helping you feel confident in your pet’s care.

A lifelong partner for your pet’s health

A veterinarian isn’t just for when your pet is sick. They help you make informed choices about diet, exercise, spaying/neutering, and behavioural issues. Having a trusted vet gives you peace of mind and ensures your pet gets the attention they deserve throughout their life.

Whether you’re adopting a new puppy, have a senior cat, or a pocket pet, finding the right vet is essential.

Growing up in the countryside, Brenda’s best friends had fur, feathers or hooves. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian who rode her horse from farm to farm, healing animals along the way. Pets were her playmates and confidants – a connection that continued well into her senior years.

Years later, as she faced the quiet reality of living alone, she knew she needed companionship. That’s when she adopted two sibling cats, and later a dog named Lucy. Lucy, in particular, became her best friend. Lucy was her therapist on hard days and a cheerful shadow on the good ones. Her presence filled the home with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Love at first sight

Lucy came into Brenda’s life one Friday afternoon at a humane society in Chatham, Ontario. She arrived with hope in her heart, knowing she would meet her next companion. While the staff initially introduced her to a few dogs that didn’t quite connect, they mentioned one dog in need of foster care. Curious, she asked to meet the dog. Out came a trembling pup, tail tucked tightly between her legs, cowering at every sound. But when Brenda knelt and spoke gently, something clicked. The dog slowly approached and laid by her side. It was love at first sight.

Over the years, Brenda and Lucy shared countless memories. Lucy had two favourite places: the local park gazebo, where she would sit and observe the geese and ducks from a respectful distance, and Point Pelee National Park. There, Lucy enjoyed long beach walks and peaceful strolls along the marsh boardwalk. These simple outings brought so much joy and connection.

Honouring Lucy’s memory

Late last year, Lucy crossed the rainbow bridge. Just three weeks after Lucy’s passing, Brenda underwent spinal surgery and became unable to walk. The timing was heartbreaking, but she remained grateful. Lucy had stayed by her side through some of the most difficult moments, offering comfort without a single word.

To honour Lucy’s memory, Brenda decided to become a monthly donor to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Our mission touched her deeply, and now she hopes to help others find the same love she found in Lucy.

On World Pet Memorial Day, Brenda remembers Lucy with love, gratitude, and a heart full of the quiet, beautiful moments they shared. Lucy may be gone, but her spirit remains – gentle, loyal, and forever part of her life.

Pet loss support

At the Ontario SPCA, we recognize the unique bond you shared with your companions and understand that the pain of losing them can be profound. To navigate this difficult time, Ontario Pet Loss Support offers a safe and nurturing space where individuals come together to share their stories, memories, and emotions surrounding the loss of a cherished pet. Learn more about the Pet Loss Support Group today.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA is able to change the lives of animals and keep pets with the people who love them thanks to donations from caring donors like Brenda. If you would like to honour your pet’s memory by supporting animals in need, please consider donating today.

Have an amazing animal parent who also happens to be your father?

This Father’s Day, whether you want to celebrate someone who is an amazing dad to their human children, or their fur babies, consider a gift that will put a smile on their face with purpose. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Paws & Give™ catalogue offers a unique opportunity to celebrate dads while supporting animals in need across Ontario.

Your purchase has double the impact: delighting paw-some pet parents AND giving animals a second chance at happy lives in loving homes.

Thoughtful gifts for every dad

The Paws & Give™ store features a variety of items that cater to different tastes and preferences:

Bracelets: For the dad who proudly identifies as a “Dog Dad” or “Cat Dad,” these bracelets serve as stylish and meaningful accessories.
Can Coozies: Ideal for enjoying a refreshing beverage on a warm day, these koozies are both practical and fun.
‘Rescue Dad’ T-shirt: A tee that allows dads to wear their passion for animal rescue on their sleeve.
Dog Dad Keychains: Available in two distinctive designs, each keuchain comes assembled with a 24mm split ring, making it ready to add to your keys and go.

Shipping deadline for all Paws & Give™ items is June 10, so don’t wait!

Symbolic gifts that make a difference

For those seeking a more impactful way to honour Father’s Day, the symbolic gifts section offers contributions that directly benefit animals:

Create a Second Chance: Support the transportation, examination, and care of animals arriving at Ontario SPCA animal centers.
Spay it Forward: Contribute to spay/neuter surgeries, helping control the pet population and prepare animals for adoption.
Pet Food Pantry: Assist in stocking community food banks with pet food, ensuring animals have access to necessary nutrition and can stay with the families who love them during hard times.

Visit our website for more symbolic gift options.

Shop with purpose

This Father’s Day, choose a gift that not only delights your dad, but also makes a lasting difference in the lives of animals. Visit the Paws & Give™ store to explore the full range of gifts and symbolic donations. Celebrate Father’s Day with a gift that gives back.

Do you find that your dog scavenges for items to eat on your walks? If daily walks are interrupted by your dog picking up sticks, grass, or any other little treats from nature, that’s because scavenging is a natural behaviour that dogs express – some more than others. However, it is possible to train your dog to walk without eating. Here’s how to help deter this behaviour.

Make sure your dog is fed before walks

Ensure your dog has had a meal not long before you head out the door. You can even fulfill their scavenging need by making mealtime more interesting using slow feeders, snuffle mats, or puzzle feeders. These make it more difficult for your dog to eat their food all at once. If you don’t have any of these items, you can try scattering kibble around their feeding area as another opportunity to help satisfy their needs before going on a walk.

Choose a less tempting route

If possible, change up where you walk by choosing somewhere away from gardens and hedges to help remove any temptations of eating plants and sticks. If you can’t change your route, simply redirect your dog’s attention by tossing treats up ahead while you walk so that your dog targets those instead of anything else on the ground.

Train your dog with “leave it” and “watch me” cues

Teaching your dog cues such as “leave it” and “watch me” can be extremely beneficial if they’re prone to scavenge on your walks. It’s best to work on both training methods in your home before trying them on walks so your dog is set up for success. Remember to continue rewarding them whenever they choose a treat over scavenging outside.

Change up how you walk

Going for a walk doesn’t have to just mean grabbing a leash and walking the same way each time. You can make walks extra fun – and distract your dog from scavenging – by bringing along a toy, a ball, walking at a quicker pace, or even continuing to practice your “leave it” and “watch me” cues. Just like humans, dogs like it when you change things up, and doing these things on their walks can prevent chomping on that tempting stick or chewing on some freshly cut grass.

If you find your dog continues to eat things they shouldn’t on their walk, even after trying everything above, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian to make sure there isn’t a medical reason behind this behaviour such as an upset stomach, anemia, nutrition deficiency, or more.

Whether they’re a kitten or full-grown, all cats love to play. And playing with your cat is good for her health, because it encourages her to be active, flexible and keeps her alert. Playing also encourages your cat to express her natural hunting instincts. Today, our friends at Royal Canin Canada share how you can Make Your Own Toy for your cat!

What you’ll need

1 Cardboard box
6 Toilet paper rolls
1 Pair of scissors
1 Utility knife pen
Adhesive tape
Decorations that would safe for the pets in the house.

Instructions

Step 1: Reinforce the cardboard box with adhesive tape, trace circles using a toilet paper roll and carefully cut out the circles on the box.

Step 2: Cut the toilet paper rolls into rings with your scissors. They can be different heights.

Step 3: Fit the rings into the box.

Step 4: Decorate the rings and the box however you want.

Step 5: Pour the kibble into the rings.

We hope your cat enjoys their new toy!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Whitby, ON (June 4, 2025) – Get ready for a tail-wagging good time at the Humane Society of Durham Region’s upcoming open house on Saturday, June 7. Come out for an afternoon of fun, meet some furry friends, and discover how HSDR is making a pawsitive impact in the community.

Visit the animal centre, located at 1505 Wentworth St. in Whitby, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to meet adorable adoptable animals and enjoy an afternoon packed with fun. There will be food trucks, pet-related vendors, a kids’ zone, raffle prizes, and more!

The Humane Society of Durham Region is a registered charity that has been supporting pets and the people who love them in the Durham Region for over 30 years. As one of 12 Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres across the province, the organization finds loving homes for animals and provides essential community support services.

“We can’t wait to welcome the community to our open house — it’s going to be a fun-filled day for all ages!” says Shannon Stephenson, Manager of the Humane Society of Durham Region. “From meeting adorable animals to exploring how we help keep pets and families together, it’s a chance to go behind the scenes, ask questions, and see the impact we make every day. Whether you’re an animal lover, a curious neighbour, or looking for a new furry friend, there’s something here for everyone!

To learn more about the Humane Society of Durham Region, visit hsdr.org

Media Contact

Blair Budgell
Events Coordinator
Humane Society of Durham Region
289-355-0399
[email protected]

The Humane Society of Durham Region

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.