Page 26 – Ontario SPCA

Thinking of hosting a Cupcake Day party this year in support of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society? Getting started is a piece of cake! You can register for free here and bake a difference for animals in need!

Once registered, you can set up your very own personal fundraising page where you can promote your event, collect donations and share your reason for making winter the sweetest season for animals in need!

Pet-friendly tips

With your personal fundraising page set up and shared with friends and family, you can focus on planning the big day! If your Cupcake Day bash will be pet-friendly, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Cupcake sampling: Though it might be tempting to offer them a treat, your pets should not be sampling your cupcakes. Chocolate, sweets and baked goods can be dangerous for pets if ingested. Check out this blog for a great “pupcake” recipe!

Pupcakes are made with dog friendly ingredients. Your furry friend will certainly think they are “pawesome!”

Pet-safe space: If you have a lot of people coming over for your party, make sure you create a safe place for your pets to hide while guests are arriving. Consider putting them in a room with, their bed, some of their favourite toys and the radio on softly. Once everyone settles in, you can bring your pet out to join the party!

Furry guests: A party is not a good time to introduce pets to each other. If you have friends who want to bring along their dog, consider having a meet and greet at an earlier date so your pets can get familiar before the party.

With these tips in mind, your Cupcake Day party is sure to be a hit! Thinking of planning a party for your human friends only? Check out our Celebrate Cupcake Day page for more sweet party inspo!

One of the most distinct features of a cat is the thin, wispy hairs coming from their cheeks called whiskers. Other than just being ticklish when they rub their head against you whiskers serve key purposes for our feline friends.

Sensor tools

Cats use their whiskers to guide them through daily functions. The whiskers help them navigate their environment by stimulating nerves in the hair follicle when a whisker brushes against an item. The subtle feeling informs the feline about the size, shape and speed of nearby objects. Cats see better at a distance and have difficulty focusing on objects up close. Whiskers help cats “see” objects right under their noses, by sending air currents and vibrations through the whiskers to inform them of the distance and location of their food bowls, toys, and more.

Balancing buddies

Special sensory glans at the base of a cat’s whisker called proprioceptors send messages to the cat’s brain about the position of their body and limbs, keeping the cat aware of each body part.

Emotion communicators

Cats have many obvious ways of communicating their emotions including noises, but their whiskers are also another clue as to how they are feeling! When a cat is resting and content, their whiskers are also relaxed and resting by their face. When a cat is active or feeling threatened, their whiskers can communicate these emotions by either being elevated or pulled taut to their skin and then directed outwards, toward a threat.

How to care for your cat’s whiskers

Your cat’s whickers aren’t just an adorable accessory, they also serve various important roles. Cats use their whiskers to navigate, sense nearby objects, and maintain balance. Whiskers also help cats express emotions and gauge their surroundings.

Each whisker on a cat can be traced back to a specific spot in their brain that is responsible for communication. Because whiskers are so important to a cat’s ability to function, it is imperative that you do not cut, pluck or pull on their whiskers. By doing so, it could decrease their awareness and cause confusion and disruption for your feline friend. Cats “shed” a whisker on occasion, but they do grow back!

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

Play aggression in cats happens when a cat becomes overstimulated during play, leading to potential aggressive behaviour. This behaviour often involves play predatory actions towards moving objects, such as a person’s hands, feet, legs, or ankles. Cats showing inappropriate play behaviour may lack socialization and are often younger cats (less than three years old) that were weaned early or hand raised. These cats may not be social with other cats and may have been the only cat in their previous environment.

Causes

Cats may act aggressively during play due to fear, especially if they did not have positive interactions with people during their key socialization period (3-16 weeks of age). These cats may be shy, avoid people, and exhibit high levels of fear, anxiety, and stress. They can become aggressive if they feel cornered or forced to interact.

Regular, gentle interactions using positive reinforcement, such as rewarding desired behaviours with treats or praise, can effectively modify and prevent this behaviour. For example, when your cat behaves calmly during play, you can reward them with a treat or affection, reinforcing this desirable behaviour.

Signs

Recognizing the signs of “play aggression” can help you address it before it escalates. Common signs include a crouched body, focused stare, dilated pupils, tail twitching or moving side to side, ears back, and behaviours such as chasing, pouncing, scratching, biting, or swatting.

How to reduce play aggression

To reduce the chances of inappropriate play, it’s important to observe your cat’s behaviour and intervene early. If you notice signs of overstimulation, end the play session before your cat becomes aggressive. Never let your cat play directly with your hands or feet, as this can encourage inappropriate behaviour.

Using interactive toys can help remove human hands and other body parts from direct play. Throw small balls, crumpled paper, or foil, and use feather wands to engage your cat in healthy play activities. Shorter play sessions are also beneficial. Daily play sessions of 5-15 minutes throughout the day can help channel your cat’s energy and predatory instincts appropriately.

If the play starts to escalate, distract your cat by throwing small balls or toys away from you. This can redirect their play activity and prevent them from seeing you as a target.

By understanding and addressing “play aggression,” you can create a safer and more enjoyable environment for both you and your cat. Frequent, gentle handling and positive reinforcement can go a long way in modifying and preventing this behaviour.

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.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Jan. 14, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is reminding the public to take extra precautions to keep pets safe around lakes and rivers, which may not be safe.

To help ensure a safe winter for everyone, stay vigilant around bodies of water and keep these five tips in mind when out with your furry friend:

Always use a leash – Keep your dog on a leash when walking near water. If you live near the water, always supervise pets outdoors. Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may not be able to climb back on the ice if they fall through.
Play away from the ice – Avoid areas where your dog might be tempted to explore dangerous ice. Choose safe locations for winter play and exercise.
Check ice safety – Before venturing out the ice, check ice thickness. Slushy, thawed, or recently refrozen ice is particularly dangerous, as is ice near flowing water. Avoid venturing onto ice at night when visibility is reduced.
Know the risks in your area – Fast-flowing water and slippery banks can increase hazards. Stay aware of your surroundings to keep your pet safe.
Be prepared for emergencies – Be cautious and avoid putting yourself at risk if trying to rescue a pet. Carry a cell phone for quick access to emergency services.

“Animals are naturally curious and unpredictable, which means even the most well-trained pet can unexpectedly dart onto unsafe ice. The consequences can be devastating,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Keeping your pet on a leash near waterways and choosing safe play areas could be the difference between a fun winter outing and a tragedy.”

For more tips on keeping your pets safe this winter, visit ontariospca.ca

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.

When the temperature drops, you may wonder what happens to the community cats, which some people refer to as feral cats, that live in your neighbourhood. While community cats are adept at surviving outdoors, the harsh winter months can make it very difficult for them to find food, water and shelter. Extreme winter weather can lead to frostbite and, sadly, some cats perish from the cold.

If you’d like to support community cats in your neighborhood, one way is to provide them with a shelter to give them a safe, warm place during our harsh, cold winters.

Feral cat shelters

Winter shelters are critical for feral cats living in frigid climates and can help them survive. A good shelter is one that’s properly sized, well insulated, and waterproof. During heavy snowfall, make sure the entryway is cleared of snow so that cats can come in from the cold.

Size: During colder temperatures, feral cats may huddle together within a shelter to stay warm. The Ontario SPCA shelters are 76L totes and can house 1-2 cats.
Insulation: Straw works best for insulation because it allows the cats to burrow and doesn’t hold moisture. Replace materials regularly to make sure insulating materials aren’t moist or dirty. Avoid using blankets, towels or folded newspapers, since they absorb body heat. Hay is also to be avoided, as it can cause irritation and absorb moisture.
Building materials: There are several options for building materials, including wood, heavy cardboard or storage bins. If you would prefer to make your own shelter, you can follow the instructions in our how-to video. For detailed written instructions on building your own feral cat shelter see our DIY – Step by Step: How to Build a Feral Cat Shelter.
Location: The shelter should be placed somewhere quiet and away from noise and traffic. An ideal location is somewhere the cats will feel safe from predators. You may want to place it close to a wall to provide some protection from the wind.

Pick up a shelter today

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centre locations are selling feral cat shelters this year for $20 each. Limited quantities are available. Call your local animal centre to ask if they are participating in this program.

Learn more about our feral cat support programs here.

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Please consider donating today.

The winter can often mean more time spent indoors for us and for our furry family members. There are many benefits to spending time indoors with your animals, such as bonding and being in a comfortable, supervised space. We’ve put together a few activities that you can do at home to keep your furry friend engaged and active this winter season.

Below are some fun activities you can do with your furry friend inside your house.

Activities for cats

Vantage point

Giving your cat a vantage point to enjoy what is going on outside can be a great way to provide enrichment. Having a window that is clear of other objects and completely secure can give your cat a special spot to watch the squirrels and birds all day long.

Discovery objects

Cats also enjoy exploring new objects. There are a multitude of different objects within your house that you can lay out for your cat to explore. Some suggestions include a cardboard box, wrapping paper, or paper shopping bags. Another great object is a faucet left on at a slow drip for a short period of time. Think outside the box and be creative, but make sure you are supervising your cat around new objects to ensure they are safe.

You can also try making a homemade food puzzle for your cat.

Training

You could also try training your cat new tricks. Much like dogs, cats can be trained using food rewards or their favourite toy. Check out some great tips here: How to clicker train your cat.

For more on toy enrichment in your cat’s life, check out our blog, why your animal needs toy enrichment.

Activities for dogs

Hide and seek

This is a fun game that can keep your dog and your kids entertained! It will also provide good practice for basic cues like sit, come and stay/wait. The idea of the game is to have your dog wait in one room, while you go hide in a simple spot. Once hidden, you will call your dog and they can come find you. Once they find you, reward them with a treat or praise.

Remember to change the game as needed to meet your dog’s skill level so you can keep it fun. If your dog does not have strong “wait” skills, you can have someone else hold your dog on a leash while you hide. Don’t forget to reward your dog for waiting patiently. If your dog has never played this game before, start off slow by just stepping around the corner and work up to other rooms.

Interactive games

Puzzle games and treat dispensing toys are another great way to entertain your dog. If you don’t have any of these at home or want to switch things up, try making your own. Even a muffin tin and some tennis balls can be used to make a puzzle game. Simply place some kibble or treats in a few of the cups of the muffin tin, then cover all the cups with a tennis ball and let your dog search for the food.

You can also play the shell game with your dog using three cups and a treat. Place the treat under one of the cups and shift the cups around a couple of times. Then let your dog find the cup with the treat under it.

Teach a new skill

Teaching a new skill or strengthening an existing one is another great way to mentally stimulate your dog. Try teaching your dog to go to their bed on cue or clean up their own toys. Another great skill to brush up on is loose–leash walking. If your dog struggles on walks, practicing inside with minimal distractions is a great first step to get things back on track.

To start, use a hands-free leash (or a leash attached to a belt) while doing daily tasks like tidying up. Move in different directions and, when your dog follows you, reward them with treats, praise or a favourite toy. You can use verbal cues like “come” or their name if they don’t understand at first. Over time, change your pace and add in more distractions to challenge your dog.

We hope you found this information helpful! As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. Please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society would like to welcome Janna Handiak as the new manager of the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. Janna brings her diverse career experience and deep passion for animals to her new role. From a background in hospitality to running her own business, Janna is ready to make a meaningful difference in the lives of animals.

A leap of inspiration

Janna’s decision to apply for this role stems from a moment of inspiration years ago.

“While working in hospitality, I met someone whose journey left a lasting impression,” says Janna. “He left to work at the Ontario SPCA, and he completely thrived! It was as if he’d found his calling, transforming into someone deeply fulfilled and motivated. His story stuck with me, showing how the right environment – one working with animals, for me – can unlock potential. Now, I’m ready to take my own leap.”

A diverse career background

Janna’s career spans various industries and levels of management. While much of her experience lies in the hospitality sector, she has also explored and grown in other fields. For the past 13 years, Janna and her husband owned a business in the Ottawa area, which has since evolved into a consulting firm specializing in leadership and organizational development. This range of experience equips her with the leadership and organizational skills needed to oversee the Orillia Animal Centre’s day-to-day operations.

Leading with passion

As the Orillia Animal Centre Manager, Janna’s role involves ensuring the well-being of the animals, maintaining high standards of care, and supporting a dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

“I’m excited to build strong connections with the team, our volunteers, and the incredible donors who support us year after year,” Janna says. “I’m equally excited to get to know all our new furry friends and help find them their new forever homes!”

When asked about her favourite aspect of the role so far, Janna highlights the fast-paced learning and variety her days bring, adding that every day brings something completely different.

Life beyond her role

Outside of work, Janna’s life is just as vibrant. She lives with her husband of 17 years, their teenage daughter, a silver Lab named Nixon, and a 10-year-old guinea pig named Cocoa.

“When we aren’t running around getting my daughter to her cheer practices (she is on a World level team as well as Team Canada), we love to travel, scuba dive, and camp together,” Janna says.

A message for aspiring animal advocates

Janna encourages others to consider joining the Ontario SPCA team.

“If you are passionate about animals and enjoy working with like-minded, dedicated people, I highly recommend considering any opportunity at the Ontario SPCA,” she says. “It’s a chance to apply your existing skills in a way that directly supports animals and contributes to a meaningful cause. This could be the perfect place for you to make a difference while embracing a rewarding change.”

Janna’s inspiring journey and enthusiastic approach make her a paw-sitive addition to the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. Welcome to the team, Janna!

Join the Ontario SPCA team

Are you interested in joining our team? The Ontario SPCA has a wide variety of employment opportunities supporting animal well-being across Ontario. Visit our employment page to see current job opportunities.

Guest blog by Dr Emmanuel Fontaine, Scientific Communications Veterinarian at Royal Canin North America

In my continuous journey to decode the infectious causes of diarrhea in kittens, I’m diligently reviewing numerous scientific articles. I’m now delving into the intriguing world of Giardia infections. This parasite captivates me because it exemplifies a key principle I always stress: the true worth of a diagnostic test is in its interpretation. My initial search for recent studies was somewhat fruitless—while there’s ample research, the majority centers on how cats transmit Giardia to humans, emphasizing its zoonotic nature (a disease that can spread from animals to people). Yet, undeterred, I continued my search and finally struck gold! I have gathered compelling data and insights to enhance your understanding of Giardia in kitten poop and its broader consequences.

What is Giardia?

Giardia is a protozoan parasite—a single-celled organism that can cause intestinal infections in cats.

It might surprise you to learn that Giardia is quite common among our feline companions.

In the US, approximately 10.3% of cats showing clinical signs are infected with Giardia. A similar prevalence was reported in a study from western Canada, where 9.9% of cat samples tested positive for the parasite.

Importantly, Giardia appears to have a preference for younger cats.

Research indicates that kittens under six months old experience higher infection rates.

This pattern is consistent across multiple studies, underscoring the heightened susceptibility of kittens to this intestinal parasite.

What Are the Clinical Signs of Giardia in Kittens?

It’s important to note that a considerable number of cats with Giardia do not exhibit any symptoms.

This silent carrier state is quite prevalent, especially in adult cats.

However, clinical symptoms are more commonly observed in kittens, with diarrhea being the most prominent and clear indication.

In cases of Giardia, the feces of infected kittens often have a strong odor, appear pale, and may contain mucus, which is frequently characterized by a distinctive yellow tint.

This coloration occurs because Giardia interferes with the normal digestion of fats.

In puppies, such disruption can sometimes lead to coprophagia, a behavior less commonly seen in kittens.

While the symptoms I’ve mentioned are significant indicators, they are not conclusive for diagnosis.

Giardia is adept at concealing itself, and with other significant pathogens like feline panleukopenia in the mix, as well as the possibility of multiple infections, precise diagnosis is critical.

How to Protect Your Kittens from Giardia?

Implementing Medical Prophylaxis

A crucial aspect of prevention is establishing a customized deworming protocol, especially important where Giardia is a known risk.

A common query in veterinary clinics is about the “best” deworming protocol.

In reality, the “best” protocol is adaptable, designed to target the specific parasites present in your environment.

Personally, I begin with a broad-spectrum treatment that addresses common threats: roundworms, hookworms, Giardia, and tapeworms.

I refer to the CAPC parasite prevalence map to guide my choices.

Adjustments are then made based on the results of fecal tests or in response to any outbreaks of diarrhea, especially those involving coccidia or Giardia.

Why Sanitary Prophylaxis is Crucial in Combating Giardia?

Sanitary prophylaxis revolves around maintaining cleanliness and hygiene to ward off diseases, serving as an unsung hero in the fight against infections.

The way I see it, sanitary practices are not just important—they are the cornerstone of health and safety.

The fight against a foe like Giardia often starts with basic yet effective measures such as diligent poop scooping.

Since Giardia cysts can remain in the environment for months, prompt removal of feces is a vital first step in defense.

However, while scooping is crucial, it’s the follow-up disinfection that truly strengthens your defense against Giardia.

The toughness of Giardia cysts presents a challenge, yet certain disinfectants, such as bleach and quaternary ammonium compounds, have proven effective.

Among various cleaning methods, steam cleaning is particularly valuable in my preventive arsenal.

The intense heat from a steam cleaner can penetrate the defenses of Giardia cysts, ensuring they are eradicated from your setting.

Especially for kittens, the litter box is a critical focus for hygiene.

The Vital Importance of Nutrition

An often overlooked but powerful ally in the fight against diarrhea in kittens, including the prevention of “giardia kitten poop,” is nutrition.

When your kitten experiences diarrhea, the traditional advice has been to withhold food for 12-24 hours, providing only water.

However, it’s important to note that this approach is now a topic of debate among veterinary professionals.

Historically, the idea behind fasting during gastrointestinal issues was to give the bowel a rest, allowing it to recover.

However, recent insights challenge this notion.

Studies suggest that fasting may actually trigger intense intestinal contractions, leading to discomfort. Conversely, feeding can help reduce these contractions, promoting better rest and nutrient absorption.

Additionally, the presence of food can offer protection to the intestinal lining against toxins.

Considering these findings, in cases of mild diarrhea in kittens, continuing to feed them is now considered advisable.

Opt for a highly digestible diet specifically formulated to support digestive health.

Furthermore, the choice of diet can significantly impact immune support.

Diets containing antioxidants or beta-glucans are formulated to boost the immune response to vaccination.

Why this matters?

Becase these nutrients serve as functional components that can prime the immune system, potentially providing kittens with a stronger defense against infections like Giardia.

Once you’ve chosen a suitable diet for your kitten’s diarrhea, it’s crucial to stick to it strictly.

Avoid the temptation to offer treats or additional food items on the side, as these could have been the initial trigger for the digestive upset.

Maintaining a consistent diet ensures that your kitten’s digestive system isn’t overwhelmed with various types of food, which could complicate or prolong the recovery process.

Consistency is key to restoring and maintaining your kitten’s digestive health.

Consider meal-feeding your kitten with small, frequent meals instead of free-feeding.

While this approach may differ from the usual practice for cats, it can be beneficial during digestive upsets. Starting with four meals per day has shown success in many cases.

Wet food is particularly useful during this time as it typically contains fewer carbohydrates.

Digestive issues can impair the function of brush-border enzymes crucial for carbohydrate digestion. By offering wet food, you reduce the carbohydrate load, easing the digestive process. Once the issue resolves, you can gradually reintroduce dry food.

Remember, nutrition involves not just what you feed but also how and how much you feed. These principles are essential in managing gastrointestinal issues in kittens.

While the landscape of Giardia infection in kittens hasn’t undergone significant changes in recent years, I’m grateful for the opportunity to revisit this topic. It serves as an important reminder of its prevalence and impact. As my former boss and mentor wisely said, “Teaching is repeating,” and the insights shared here are crucial, given Giardia’s notorious role in causing kitten diarrhea. After reading it, I hope you realize that we are not powerless in protecting our feline friends from this common adversary. There’s much we can do here!

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Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, he continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d Étude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and completed his PhD in 2012 on the use of GnRH agonists in canines. From September 2011 to September 2018, he worked as Technical Services Veterinarian for the PRO team at Royal Canada. He then was in charge of Scientific Communication for the Americas until August 2022. He now works as Senior Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin North America.

Cupcake Day for the Ontario SPCA is back again in 2025 and the not-so-secret ingredient to making Cupcake Day a sweet success is YOU! We are calling on all animal lovers and baking enthusiasts alike to whip out their whisks and bake a difference for animals in need!

Getting involved is a piece of (cup)cake!

Simply register here (it’s free!) and select which Ontario SPCA animal centre you would like to support.
Customize your personal fundraising page with a photo and story about why supporting animals in need takes the cake for you.
Reach out to your family and friends and ask them to support your fundraising by making a safe and secure donation to your page.
Thank your donors with a delicious treat – who doesn’t love a cupcake!

Cupcake Day takes place on Monday, Feb. 24 but you can host a cupcake party or collect online donations anytime during January or February!

Don’t forget, Cupcake Day isn’t just about sweet little treats’, it’s about making Ontario a sweeter place for animals. All funds raised through Cupcake Day supports life-changing work to help animals in our communities.

Do something sweet for our furry friends and bake a difference this Cupcake Day! Register today at cupcakeday.ca and help give animals in need the second chance they deserve.

Happy New Year! How is it already 2025?! Since its inception in 1873, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has been a cornerstone for animals in need and continues to provide care, comfort and compassion to animals in communities across Ontario. We strive to keep pets with the people who love them through a variety of support services.

Here are just a few of our objectives for the upcoming year:

Adoptions

Every year, the Ontario SPCA helps thousands of animals find loving homes at its 12 animal centres across the province. This year, our goal is to adopt out 6000 cats, dogs and small animals, as well as further reduce their length of stay at our centres. View our animals available for adoption today!

In addition, we are on a mission to increase support in underserved communities by accepting more animal intakes from these regions. When a request for assistance comes in, we help in whatever way we can to change the lives of animals. With 12 animal centres across the province, we have the capacity to help give animals the second chance they deserve by transporting them to areas of Ontario where there are families waiting to adopt.

Basic veterinary services

The Ontario SPCA recognizes the importance of basic veterinary services to keep animals happy and healthy, and with the families who love them. That’s why we offer a variety of accessible spay/neuter and basic veterinary services, including our MASH-style clinics, which can be transported to wherever they are needed most; our SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit, which is currently stationed in Sudbury to provide support for the North; our Neuter Scooter program, which transports animals to spay/neuter clinics for care and delivers them back to their families; and two high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics located in Barrie and York Region. Learn more about our spay/neuter and basic veterinary

This year, our goal is to perform 10,000 spay/neuter surgeries for cats and dogs, as well as provide basic veterinary services, such as vaccinations and microchipping, to 1567 pets.

Additionally, we have submitted a proposal for the 2025 provincial budget, calling on the province to create a granting program that will provide humane societies, SPCAs, municipalities, and First Nations communities with funding to increase veterinary access in underserved communities and in animal shelters. Add your voice!

Education

The Ontario SPCA is dedicated to sharing knowledge and educating about animal well-being. One of the ways we do this is through our AnimalSmart™ Humane Education program, offering presentations free of charge to schools and community groups in our animal centre regions for Grades 1-8 aged students. These presentations aim to foster meaningful conversations about animals through discussions, videos and activities with curriculum connections. Our goal this year is to deliver over 1000 presentations, reaching over 25,000 students!

We also have an exciting new initiative this year: We are launching an Animal Handling Program for staff and volunteers! The purpose of this program is to allow safer interactions with animals and reduce fear and stress in our furry friends.

The Ontario SPCA is a registered charity that has been changing the lives of animals for over 150 years. It does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need. Please consider donating today.

Planning to bring home a new dog? Here are some helpful adoption tips for dog-to-dog introductions.

Introducing two unfamiliar dogs can be an exciting and stressful event for all involved, but with a solid plan in place, you can help things go smoothly and facilitate a lifelong friendship.

Important tips:

Leave your current dog at home when you go to pick up your new dog. This is a safer idea for everyone involved. Managing the interaction of two new dogs while you are driving a car will not be possible and could cause tension in the confined space of your vehicle.
Don’t make any unnecessary stops on the way home.
Recruit a helper(s) for the introduction. You will need two people; one to handle each dog.
Have treats available to reward and encourage good behaviour!
Plan for the introduction to take place in a neutral setting (park, open field, parking lot). Allowing one dog to have the “home court advantage” is unfair.

Step 1: Introductions/getting started

Take a walk together. The goal of this step is to release some nervous energy and get the dogs feeling calm and happy around each other.

Take the dogs on a walk in the neutral setting, keeping a safe distance between them (two to four metres) to prevent the leashes from tangling and the dogs from greeting each other just yet. This will help them relax and adjust to each other’s presence.
Both dogs should be on sturdy leashes handled by calm, relaxed adults.
Try to keep the leashes slack as you walk. Tension or tightness may translate as stress on your part and cause the dogs to become anxious in response.
Provide treats or praise to both dogs to reward good behaviour while walking.
If all is going well, allow them to meet, sniff each other, check each other out, again ensuring you keep the leashes as slack as possible. Provide verbal encouragement such as “Good dogs” or “Good job.” Keep your treats in your pocket for this part.
When first meeting, dogs will gradually sniff down one side, to the rear, and back up the other side, both of them sniffing each other at the same time. Beware of nose-to-nose greeting, as this can be intimidating for some dogs.
Continue on the walk closer together, allowing short moments of contact between the dogs as you walk.

Step 2: Initiate a short, monitored play session

If the dogs have made it this far without lunging, growling or showing signs of distress towards one another, you can proceed to letting them interact more freely with each other. Keep your treats in your pocket for this part; a dropped treat could cause conflict between the dogs.

It may seem counterintuitive, but it is best to drop the leashes and allow a bit of freedom here. Take them to a large, enclosed area like a fenced yard or quiet park – the more space, the less tension there will be.
Drop their leashes, resist your urge to micro-manage, and allow them to investigate each other. As they approach, watch their body language closely. They may puff themselves up or even vocalize a bit, but neither dog should appear frightened or overly aggressive.
Try not to hover over the dogs and keep yourself moving – both people should walk around separately, keep things light, and continue to offer verbal praise.
Give them about two or three minutes to get to know one another without interference.
If play is initiated between them (i.e. the dogs try to play by pawing or play-bowing with their legs stretched out in front of them), allow them to continue, and give praise for each nice interaction.
The dogs should be able to correct each other when one is being inappropriate; likewise, they should be able to pay attention to another dog’s corrections. It is also important for dogs to take turns being the chaser and the one being chased, and to take breaks when they get too stimulated. If they are not able to do that themselves, pick up their leashes and walk them around until they shake off and loosen up, then try again.
Even if they are playing and getting along well, keep it short. It is best to end these initial sessions on a positive note.

Step 3: Taking things inside

Once at home, allow the new dog to enter the house first so he can have some time to explore the new space without the resident dog interfering.
You can allow some “dropped leash” meeting time again in the yard before allowing both dogs to enter the house together.
Make sure all treats, toys, food bowls and bones are out of reach and out of sight to prevent conflicts.
Be sure to feed them and give them treats separately until they have developed a secure relationship.
Set the new dog up with a safe space blocked off from other pets and family members so he has a place to decompress when feeling overwhelmed. Keep each interaction between the two dogs short and pleasant and separate them immediately if tensions arise.

With these tips in mind, we hope you enjoy this special time with your new furry family member!

Regular daily exercise and fresh air are vital for your dog’s well-being. But when the temperature dips and the darkness descends early, walks can be daunting. During the winter months, there are things to consider to make the dark, cold treks safer.

How cold is too cold?

It’s natural to want to include our canine companions in wintertime fun. But knowing your dog’s limits is important. Breeds with thick coats like Huskies, Samoyeds or St. Bernards may be able to tolerate colder temperatures. But other breeds like Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Boston Terriers have short, thin coats. Additionally, small dogs with thin builds are more sensitive to cold than the larger, heftier builds.

A dog’s age also affects their ability to regulate body temperature. Both senior dogs and puppies have a higher risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Dogs with health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney problems are also more vulnerable to cold, even among breeds well adapted to colder temperatures.

Learning your furry friend’s body language and behavioral cues will let you know when it’s time to head home. Some signs that a dog is too cold include shivering, whining, lifting or licking paws, tucked tail, walking slowly, and shallow breathing.

If your dog is sensitive to cold, consider getting them a coat and a set of boots to help keep them safe and comfortable. Another advantage to boots is that it will protect their paws from road salt and poisonous chemicals like antifreeze and other ice melters.

Plan ahead

Before setting out, it helps to be aware of the risks so you can prepare accordingly. Checking the weather forecast to avoid extreme conditions will avoid a potentially dangerous situation.

Planning your route is also a good strategy for winter walks with your four-legged friend. That way, there is no chance of getting lost or caught in the elements. Knowing where you’ll be walking and how long the route will take will be a game-changer.

In addition to dressing for the cold, it’s also important to dress for the dark. Wearing reflective clothing and other gear, keeping your dog leashed, and ensuring you have a functioning flashlight are valuable defences against the darkness. When driving conditions are hazardous, it’s especially important to be visible.

Lastly, ensuring your phone is fully charged before leaving the house is always good to remember in case of emergency.

With these strategies in mind, a winter walk can feel less like a chore, and more like a fun adventure for you and your best friend.