As we head into the spring season, it’s important to be aware of springtime hazards that could lead to trouble for your animals. Check out our seven tips for staying safe this spring with your companion animals. 

Tips for your animal heading into spring 

Walk your dog. Going for a walk in your neighbourhood or on local trails is physically and mentally beneficial for you and your animal! Make sure to watch for bulbs and blooming plants that may be toxic to your furry friend. 

Keep dogs on leash. In addition to preventing your animal from getting lost, keeping them on a leash will allow you to guide them away from people and other animals. As the snow melts, this also helps you keep an eye on your dog to make sure they don’t get into anything they shouldn’t that may be surfacing under the snow. 

Beware of salt: When the ice and snow are melting, this creates salty water, even if roads haven’t been salted recently. When you’re on a walk, it may just look like sand, but there’s likely salt mixed in. Salt can act as an irritant; if it dries and irritates your animal, they’ll start licking it, which can make them sick. 

Ensure identification is up to date. Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag with your relevant contact information. Note that you will need to update your contact information with the microchip company if you move or your number changes. With accurate registration associated with the unique microchip number, a lost animal can be traced back to its pet parent as soon as they are scanned by a veterinarian, animal shelter or pound. 

Window screens. Many animal parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly putting their furry friends at risk – especially cats, who are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they fit tightly into window frames. 

Speak to your veterinarian about flea and tick season. Your animal can be exposed to fleas at any time of year, especially when the winters are milder. Fleas can be picked up anywhere, including dog parks, on trails, or anywhere an infected dog has been, such as doggy daycare or grooming facilities. Though adult fleas feed on the bodies of animals, much of their lifecycle is off our furry friends, and they can move easily from animal to animal. Understanding the flea life cycle is important in helping to control and minimize spread and reinfection.   

Ticks are ground dwellers and are found on low shrubbery or on the ground.They are usually found on the body parts of your animal that sit closest to the ground: neck, head, around the ears, feet, the front part of the chest, and the underside of the chest. Consult your veterinarian to find out the best flea and tick medication for your furry friend. 

Watch for wildlife. Spring means wildlife is more active and waking up. With the beginning of mating season, it means soon litters will start being born. Be vigilant on your walks and do your best to avoid disturbing wildlife.  

With these tips in mind, we hope you enjoy the spring season with your furry friend! 

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

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local PetSmart stores will host adoptable pets March 23-29 as part of PetSmart Charities of Canada’s National Adoption Week.

Barrie, ON, (March 19, 2026) – Thanks to a new grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada®, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will help more pets in Barrie get healthy, adoption-ready, and into loving homes. The $65,000 grant will support National Adoption Week events taking place at the PetSmart at 33 Mapleview Dr. W. in Barrie from March 23-29, 2026.

Thousands of animals find themselves in shelters across Canada each year, adding strain to many already coping with stretched resources. Funds from PetSmart Charities of Canada help provide care and shelter to animals in need at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Barrie and District Animal Centre.

“This partnership provides additional opportunities for the animals in our care to meet potential adopters,” says Janna Handiak, Operations Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Barrie and District Animal Centre. “Our goal is to help animals find loving homes as quickly as possible, and events like this are a wonderful way to introduce the community to animals who are waiting patiently for their second chance.”

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need, and deserve support,” says Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by donating.”

PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. Neighbourhood PetSmart stores will host adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are ready to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members. 

Ontario SPCA animal centres in Barrie, York Region and Muskoka will be participating in the March adoption event, as well as additional National Adoption Week events taking place July 20-26 and Oct. 19-25.

To view animals available for adoption at the Ontario SPCA, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt

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Media Contact

Shannon Laflamme            
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Barrie and District Animal Centre
(705) 791-4957  
[email protected]

24-Hour PetSmart Charities Media Line
623-587-2177

About 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 Barrie and District Animal Centre is situated on the traditional land of the Anishnaabeg people. The Anishinaabeg include the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatomi nations, collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy.

About PetSmart Charities of Canada

PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada has helped over 400,000 pets find loving homes. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $40 million since its inception in 1999. PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more, visit PetSmartCharities.ca.

Many rabbit companions enjoy going outside! But it’s important to make sure they do so in a way that keeps them safe. Training a rabbit to accept a harness and a leash is a great way to allow them to safely explore the outdoors. Read our tips for help on how to teach a rabbit to wear a harness and leash.  

Training steps  

• Select a lightweight body harness with a band that goes around the rabbit’s neck and a band that goes around the rabbit’s chest/torso. Never use a collar, since a rabbit can easily slip out of one or become injured. Also, select a lightweight leash (6 ft or more).  

• Start by kneeling on the floor beside them; see if they will come to you and offer a treat.   

• When they are comfortable, gently pick up the rabbit, holding them gently and keeping their body close to yours. Gently wrapping them in a towel may help make the rabbit feel safer while you hold them.   

• Speak gently and soothingly to the rabbit as you slowly ease the harness onto them. Offer the rabbit treats while they are getting used to the harness to make the experience positive and rewarding.  

• If the rabbit is reluctant about wearing the harness, try again slowly later in the day or the next day, offering extra treats and positive reinforcement. Never force a scared rabbit; be patient as it may take time.   

• Once the rabbit is used to wearing a harness inside, attach the leash, toss treats and let the rabbit drag the leash along behind them until they get used to the feel of light resistance on the harness.  

• When the rabbit is at ease with the feel of the harness and leash, take hold of the loop end.  

• Walk inside for several days before venturing outside, providing lots of rewards. If the rabbit has never been outside, get them used to it by putting their cage outside in a pet-safe area. Ensure their enclosure located in the shade and out of the elements.  

• To coax the rabbit to walk along with you, offer them special treats. Place a treat on the ground a few feet in front of the rabbit; when they get to that treat, repeat the process.  

Important notes  

Even the most confident bunny may panic if suddenly aware of open space, the constraint of the harness, and the approach of an unknown animal. When walking your rabbit, it is best to stay within low traffic areas, and away from dogs. Take a towel with you to wrap the rabbit if they panic.  

If the rabbit doesn’t take very well to walking on a lead, but enjoys the outdoors, there are other options. These can include a variety of outdoor playpens that provide room to explore and investigate in a safe, escape-free environment. For their safety and comfort, remember to always monitor your rabbit while they’re enjoying the outdoors. 

Happy training!  

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

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (March 18, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has welcomed 22 cats and five dogs from Northern communities to help them find homes through its adoption program, bringing the total number of animals transferred for adoption to more than 150 so far in 2026.

The cats and dogs, some of whom travelled nearly 2,000 kilometres, arrived on March 14 and are now settling in at Ontario SPCA animal centres in Sudbury, Orillia, Midland and Durham. Once ready, they will be placed for adoption. The Ontario SPCA works alongside Northern communities and partners to transfer animals in need of homes to areas of the province where families are waiting to adopt.

Harsh winter conditions this year have made the situation urgent for many animals in Northern communities. Calls for support began in early January when the Ontario SPCA took in 18 Northern puppies in urgent need of shelter. Soon after, a nursing dog and her three pups also arrived. To date, the Ontario SPCA has welcomed 157 dogs and cats from Northern communities – second chances made possible thanks to staff, volunteers and community partners.

Limited access to veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, has contributed to rising animal populations in Northern communities. Working alongside community partners, the Ontario SPCA delivers critical resources, such as food and mobile wellness services, while supporting long-term solutions through population management and adoption initiatives.

“The need for support in the North remains high, but so does the compassion of the communities and partners who come together to help,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Bringing more than 150 animals into our care this year is a testament to what’s possible when we work together to give animals a brighter future.”

Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals available for adoption. Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, and go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition.

If you’re not ready to adopt, please consider donating to make second chances possible for animals. As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to help animals and the people who care for them across Ontario. To donate to support the Ontario SPCA’s work in the North, visit ontariospca.ca/donate

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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.

Teaching your cat recall, or coming when called, encourages mental stimulation and can strengthen the bond you have with your cat. It’s also a skill that can aid in further training activities and it builds confidence and trust in your cat. Plus, it’s helpful for everyday situations, like calling your cat when it’s time to eat. 

Teaching recall or “Come” is introducing a cat to exercises designed to gain their attention and increase their focus by encouraging them to respond to verbal cues. Begin in low distraction environments and slowly increase difficulty, introducing distractions and distance to set the cat up for success. 

Do not call a cat to you to complete an activity that they may see as aversive, or don’t enjoy. For example, don’t call a cat to you to bathe them, trim their nails or similar. Keep recall fun and enjoyable.  

Here’s what you’ll need: 

• Secure room/low distraction area  

• High value treats 

• Clicker (not necessary but can be used)     

Steps: 

1. With the cat beside you, say the verbal cue “Come.” When they look at you, immediately mark (click or “Yes”) and reward with a treat. 
    

2. Make sure that you say “Come” first before showing them the treat in your hand to avoid the cat focusing on the food instead of the sound of the verbal cue. 
    

3. Place another treat beside them on the floor to change their focus before again saying “Come.” 
    

4. Repeat Step 1 and 3 until the cat consistently looks to you when you say “Come.” 

Adding Distance: Once the cat is reliably offering attention with the verbal cue, you can move on to the next phase of training. 

1. Start by tossing a treat away from you for the cat to follow to add distance between you and the cat. 
    

2. Make sure to start with a shorter distance and gradually increase the distance as the cat is successful.  
    

3. Say the verbal cue “Come.” The moment they start to turn towards you, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward with a treat when they come to you. 
    

4. Repeat Step 1 and 3 until the cat consistently walks to you when you say “Come.” 

Increasing Difficulty: Once the cat is reliably walking to you with the verbal cue, you can increase the difficulty of the exercise.  

1. Start by tossing a treat away from you for the cat to follow to add distance between you and the cat. 
    

2. Say the verbal cue “Come” and the moment they start to turn towards you, mark (click or “Yes”) and reward with a treat. 
    

3. Repeat Step 1, but as the cat is going to retrieve the tossed treat, change positions by moving to a different area in the room before calling “Come.” 
    

4. Repeat Steps 1-3 until the cat is consistently coming to you while in different areas. 

Adding Distractions: Once the cat is reliably coming from a further distance with the verbal cue, begin to add distractions. 

1. Start by adding noise to a quiet environment, like music, tv or talk radio. 
    

2. Next try adding toys or other fun things in the environment. 
    

3. Try adding people or moving objects in their path to make things extra difficult. 
    

4. Practice the cue randomly, not just during training sessions. 

Troubleshooting:   

If the cat will look at you, but not come towards you, shorten the distance as it may be too far, or the reward value is too low. You can try to add short repeating sounds to encourage them to walk towards you.  Always provide high value rewards when the cat comes to you to keep consistency of their recall.  

If you need assistance, contact a professional trainer or 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 and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. 

  

Would you take a dream vacation? Renovate your home? Or maybe treat your pets to a lifetime supply of toys and treats? Whatever your plans, winning the Ontario SPCA Draws for Paws 50/50 lottery is sure to make anyone’s spirits spring into the air! 

That was certainly the case for Karen C. from Midland. Last fall, Karen received a life-changing phone call letting her know she had won more than $144,000 in the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery. Not only did Karen’s big win brighten her day, but it also helped make a meaningful difference for animals across Ontario.  

The Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery is a rewarding way to support animals in need. When you purchase a ticket, you’re not only entering for a chance to win big – you’re helping create real change for animals across the province. Every ticket helps provide care, support, and second chances for animals who need it most. 

2026 Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery 

Our Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery officially kicked off on March 16, with the Grand Prize draw happening May 7. As more tickets are sold, the jackpot continues to grow – meaning your chance to win could blossom into something truly exciting! 

The fun doesn’t stop there. To keep the excitement growing all season long, we’re also holding four Early Bird draws of $2,000 leading up to the Grand Prize draw. The earlier you enter – and the more tickets you purchase – the better your chances of winning big (for you, and for the animals!) 

Ticket packages: 

$10 for 10 tickets 

$20 for 40 tickets 

$40 for 200 tickets 

$75 for 500 tickets 

$100 for 650 tickets 

Helping animals bloom with care 

Funds raised through the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery support our life-changing work across the province, such as reducing pet overpopulation, providing veterinary care in underserved areas, and improving shelter life for furry friends waiting for forever homes through the Ontario SPCA Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (CARES) Fund.  The CARES Fund is a grant program designed to support SPCAs and Humane Societies in Ontario by providing funding for projects that enhance animal welfare. To learn more, visit ontariospca.ca/caresfund. 

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to make these programs possible. Every ticket purchased helps plant the seeds for a brighter future for animals and the families who love them. 

Why not take a chance this spring? Your ticket could help animals in need – and you might just watch your good fortune blossom into a big win. 

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (March 16, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery is back, giving Ontarians the chance to win a major cash prize while making a meaningful difference for animals across the province.

The Grand Prize draw takes place May 7, when one lucky winner will fetch a life-changing cash prize. The winner of the fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery took home more than $144,000 – the largest jackpot yet – showing just how powerful community support can be.

Tickets start at just $10 and are available online at ontariospcalottery.ca. Supporters can multiply their chances to win with bundle options:

$10 for 10 tickets
$20 for 40 tickets
$40 for 200 tickets
$75 for 500 tickets
$100 for 650 tickets

And don’t paws – buying early means even more chances to win. Four Early Bird prizes of $2,000 are also up for grabs.

“When you buy a ticket in the Ontario SPCA’s Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery, you’re directly supporting programs that keep pets healthy and families together,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “And, of course, there’s the thrill of knowing you could be the one to walk away with a life-changing jackpot.”

Funds raised through the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery support the Ontario SPCA’s Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (CARES) Fund – a grant program that helps SPCAs and humane societies across Ontario. The CARES Fund provides financial support for initiatives that enhance animal welfare, including spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, and shelter improvements.

Don’t miss your chance to win big and help animals today. It’s a win-win that’s sure to have tails wagging. Purchase tickets and learn more at ontariospcalottery.ca.

Lottery License No: RAF1534375

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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.

Planning a trip over March Break? If your furry friends are embarking with you on a trip this March Break, we’ve got the top five tips to help ensure you travel safely together! 

1. Today, a surprising number of accommodations welcome animals. Before booking, ask about pet policies. Lodgings may have restrictions on the types or size of animal allowed, or they may designate only certain rooms for animals. 

2. When travelling, be sure to pack all necessary items for your furry friend, which may include: food, water, bowls, leash, medications, toys, blankets, first aid kit, any required documents (e.g. proof of vaccinations), litter supply, chew toys, grooming supplies, generous supply of food and a can opener and spoon for canned food. 

3. If you are planning to travel by train, the same precautions and guidelines should be followed as with the other forms of travel. Some train companies do not allow animals on board, so research their animal travel policies before booking your trip. 

Learn about VIA Rail’s Travel Policy for companion animals. 

4. Travelling by air? Take your companion animal to the veterinarian to update all vaccinations and obtain any legal documents needed (very old, very young, pregnant, ill and injured animals should not fly). Note that flying can be very stressful for your furry friend and may not be advised. If air travel is necessary, ask your veterinarian for assistance with travel anxiety. 

5. If you are travelling by car, for your furry friend’s safety and your own, make sure to keep animals secure. Cats should always be in a carrier with a comfy blanket inside and a towel over top. For your dog’s safety, they should be safely restrained inside the vehicle in a carrier or by wearing a seatbelt designed for animals (a special harness that attaches to the car’s seatbelt). 

Tips for paw-sitive car travel 

By following these tips, you can make the most of your trip and ensure it’s a pawsitive experience for everyone. 

For more animal travel tips, visit our fact sheet!  

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 many families, taking a pet to a veterinarian can be a real challenge.  Sometimes it’s the familiar struggle of getting a reluctant cat into a carrier – the moment the carrier comes out, the cat seems to know exactly what it means. In other cases, the challenge is far more serious. The affordability crisis has created a real barrier for many loving pet parents who want to access veterinary care for their animals. 

But what if there wasn’t a veterinarian available? What if the veterinary clinic near you was at capacity and wasn’t taking new clients? Or what if the local animal shelter that also provides low-cost services had lost their veterinarian and couldn’t provide support to the community? What if the closest veterinarian was hundreds of kilometers away? 

These challenges are very real for many people throughout Ontario. Barriers created by a lack of veterinarians can be just as impactful as the affordability issues many people face. This is especially true in Northern and rural areas, including in many First Nations communities, where there just isn’t a veterinarian available. Even in larger communities, capacity, recruitment, and veterinary retention impact access. 

Addressing gaps in underserved communities 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is tackling this issue head on, particularly in the most underserved parts of the province. We opened our new Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Veterinary Clinic in 2025. We recently completed a merger with the Thunder Bay and District Humane Society, now named the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre, and we are supporting the new veterinarian training program at Lakehead University.  

In addition, we provide MASH-style mobile spay/neuter and vaccination services in many Northern and First Nations communities where there is a lack of basic veterinary services available. The Ontario SPCA also helps reduce barriers to care through its Neuter Scooter program, which transports animals to partnering spay/neuter clinics for surgery, then returns them to their waiting families at the end of the day. 

A problem larger than any one organization  

Despite these efforts, and the efforts of other like-minded organizations, there is still so much more to do if we want to meaningfully address this access crisis. While the Ontario SPCA is currently developing new facilities and veterinary clinics in many of the communities we serve, and creating a Northern strategy to make the greatest impact we can with the resources we have, the scale of the problem outstrips what organizations like ours can solve.  

Provincial efforts to increase veterinary capacity  

The Government of Ontario is aware of the challenges facing the many communities that do not have reliable access to a veterinarian. To their credit, they have taken steps to address this situation.  

The province is funding an expansion of the Ontario Veterinary College’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, through a partnership between the University of Guelph and Lakehead University. The initiative is designed to train more veterinary professionals from and for Northern Ontario.  

They also provide funding support for veterinary access programs designed for large animal and agricultural veterinary access.  

A critical gap in companion animal care 

As much as these efforts are valuable, there is a critical gap in the province’s support: companion and shelter medicine. Currently, the province does not fund direct support for veterinary access for companion animals or for animal shelters to provide veterinary care to animals in their facilities or in the broader community.  

Recognition from the Legislature 

This gap was recently recognized by the Ontario Legislature’s Standing Committee on Justice Policy. The committee’s recently published Study on Intimate Partner Violence recognized the interplay between violence, animal abuse, and lack of access to veterinary care, particularly in underserved communities.  

In its list of recommendations, the committee stated that “the Government of Ontario should establish a stable, annualized veterinary access fund to support intermittent service delivery for companion animals in Northern and remote communities without year-round access to veterinary care.” 

Strong public support for action  

The need for support is also recognized by the public: a recent Environics poll conducted for the Ontario SPCA found that 88% of Ontarians support government funding to increase veterinary access in underserved communities and for low-income individuals.  

Expanding the Veterinary Incentive Program 

This is why the Ontario SPCA has been proposing that the provincial government create a fund to expand companion animal and shelter veterinarian access. This wouldn’t be funding specifically for the Ontario SPCA but would create a broad access fund to provide organizations and communities with resources to increase veterinary access in the most underserved areas.  

There is also a ready-made way to finance this proposed program; the province’s existing Veterinary Incentive Program is intended to attract large animal veterinarians to underserved communities, particularly in Northern Ontario. This program, with a budget of $5 million dollars over nine years, has been significantly under-spending its budget in the first two years it has been running. This is leaving money intended for veterinary access on the table. 

By redirecting any unspent funds from the Veterinary Incentive Program to a new program to support companion and shelter animal veterinary access, or expanding the eligibility of the existing program, the provincial government can effectively fund two programs for the price of one and provide another important resource to address the veterinary access crisis.  

To join our animal advocacy efforts, visit changeforanimals.ca and be a voice for animals. 

Introductions can be daunting for young puppies and any negative experiences can have long-lasting effects. So it’s important to learn how to make each introduction as carefully as possible. 

Even once your puppy’s comfortable with you and the rest of your household, they may be nervous with other new people. Here are our top tips for ensuring introductions are comfortable for them. 

Limit visitor numbers: To avoid overwhelming your puppy, have as few visitors as possible in their first few days with you. 

Gradual introductions: Meeting lots of people at once can be intimidating for a puppy, so give them chance to get used to each person individually. 

Speak calmly: Ask people to keep their excitement at meeting your puppy under wraps and use a calm tone and gentle movements. 

Let your puppy make the first move: Puppies can feel threatened if they’re approached too quickly or passed from person to person. It’s best to ask people to sit quietly and wait for your puppy to approach them. 

Take it slowly: Give your puppy plenty of time to get to know each person. Positive experiences now will help when they encounter new people outside your home. 

Watch their body language: Look out for signs that your puppy’s nervous such as avoiding eye contact or holding their tail low. If this happens, take them out of the room so they can have some quiet time alone. 

It’s natural for children to be excited about getting a puppy. But it’s important that you prepare them for how to behave and make sure that they understand they have a role in their puppy’s development, safety, and happiness. 

Even if you don’t have children in your household, it’s a good idea to introduce your puppy to children. Otherwise, they may become nervous around them later in life. Here are some key things to remember: 

Ask children to sit quietly: Teach children to sit still and let your puppy come to them so your puppy doesn’t become startled or frightened. 

Teach careful handling: Show children how to pet your puppy and pick them up by supporting their tummy and rear end. It’s best not to allow children to pick your puppy up at all in the early days though, and make sure they know not to hug or squeeze the puppy too much. 

Quiet time during sleeping and eating: To avoid bites and scratches, children must know to leave puppies alone while they’re eating and sleeping. 

No teasing or excitement: Don’t allow children to tease your puppy with toys or food. And make sure they understand they need to stay calm and not treat them like a toy. 

Always supervise: Children should never be left alone with a puppy, and an adult should always be there when children and puppies are playing together. 

Pets can feel very territorial, so it’s important you introduce your new puppy to any other pets in a controlled, sensitive way. These are the important things to bear in mind. 

Introduction checklist 

Introduce pet scent early: Before bringing your puppy home, it’s a good idea to give them a blanket carrying your existing pet’s scent and vice versa. Then they smell familiar to each other when they meet. 

Check vaccinations: Make sure your puppy’s been vaccinated before introducing them to other dogs. 

Reduce the threat: Introduce other pets to your new puppy one by one on a neutral ground, such as in the yard or a park, so they’re less likely to feel threatened. Keep them both on a leash and give them plenty of time to sniff around and get used to one another.  

Set up a safe zone: Give your puppy a place to escape to when they’re tired or intimidated.  

Always supervise: Never leave your puppy alone with other pets. 

Allow individual spaces: Each pet needs their own territory here they can rest and eat undisturbed, so make sure yours have separate beds and feeding areas. Cats, in particular, will need peace and quiet out of your puppy’s reach.  

On February 24, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society joined animal welfare organizations around the world to mark World Spay Day, a global movement dedicated to expanding access to spay and neuter services and advancing long-term solutions to pet overpopulation. 

Creating lasting change 

Spay and neuter remains one of the most effective ways to prevent unplanned litters, reduce the number of animals entering shelters, and create healthier communities for pets and the people who love them.  

How we marked World Spay Day in Ontario 

To maximize our impact, the Ontario SPCA tripled capacity across our five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury. By dedicating additional resources and extending clinic hours, our teams were able to help significantly more animals than on a typical day.  

Our Neuter Scooters were also on the road in Durham, Napanee and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating clinics and returning them home the same day. 

Through these expanded efforts, 227 animals were spayed or neutered at our clinics, helping prevent more than an estimated 12,000 unplanned puppies and kittens who may have otherwise ended up in shelters. 

“This service is so extremely important,” says a client from our Ontario SPCA York Region Veterinary Clinic in Stouffville. “A lot of families in my situation struggle financially and our animals are our family. This is a gift for me.” 

In addition to surgery, families received added preventive support. Thanks to our generous partners, 275 microchips were donated by 24PetWatch, and free rabies and canine distemper vaccines were provided by Boehringer Ingelheim, ensuring animals left better protected for the future.  

“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” says Charmaine Brett, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.” 

Collaboration beyond borders 

This year, we were proud to stand alongside partners in Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, the Bahamas, Sri Lanka, Mexico and here in Canada.  

We extend our sincere thanks to Amulet Veterinary Clinic, FOP Polyanska A.Yu. (VC Anna Polyanska), Himalayan Animal Rescue Trust, Jaipur, Asociatia Sache, Tree of Life for Animals, SPCA Bahamas, Help the Suffering India, Worldwide Vets, Dogstar, the BC SPCA, Peterborough Humane Society, and Maya Animal Alliance for their commitment to improving animal well-being. 

Thank you to our supporters 

This vital preventative care was made possible through the generosity of our donors and supporters, including Royal Canin, 24PetWatch, Boehringer Ingelheim, Whiskas and many generous individuals. 

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, all procedures provided through the Ontario SPCA were offered at no cost to the community, enabling us to reach families and animals who might not have been able to access this care otherwise,” says Charmaine. 

As a 100% donor-funded charity, we are grateful to everyone who helps make initiatives like World Spay Day possible. 

Together, we are creating lasting change for animals. 

On Employee Appreciation Day, we’re proud to recognize the dedicated team members who bring compassion, commitment and care to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

Behind every animal helped and family supported is a passionate team working to improve the lives of animals and strengthening communities. Today, we celebrate the 306 employees who make our mission possible. 

Many roles united by one mission 

With almost 120 unique job positions across the organization, our work spans far beyond what many people see. From veterinary professionals and animal care attendants to administrative professionals, fundraisers, foster coordinators, educators and leadership teams, each role plays a vital part in advancing animal welfare across Ontario. 

This diversity of roles reflects the complexity and reach of our work. Whether providing hands-on care to animals in our centres, supporting pet families through outreach programs, or ensuring operational excellence behind the scenes, our employees unite for one shared mission: an unwavering commitment to animals. 

Honouring years of dedication 

This year, 42 employees will celebrate at least 10 years of service with our organization. These long-standing team members have helped shape the Ontario SPCA into what it is today, strengthening the culture of compassion that defines us. 

Their dedication represents thousands of days spent caring for animals, supporting pet families, and continually evolving to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We are deeply grateful for their loyalty and leadership. 

Thank you 

Employee Appreciation Day is an opportunity to pause and say thank you. Thank you for your commitment, dedication, teamwork, and compassion to move our mission forward. 

Today and every day, we celebrate you.