Page 8 – Ontario SPCA

Column by Charmaine Brett published in the Toronto Sun on Oct. 30, 2025

Over the past week, I have been visiting many of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s 14 animal centres across the province. At each stop, I met families, staff, and volunteers who share a common love: the bond between people and their pets. These visits were inspiring, but they also highlighted the challenges families are facing. Access to veterinary care, something many once counted on, is becoming harder for a growing number of Ontarians.

Household budgets remain stretched thin in the wake of COVID-19. Families are still coping with higher living costs, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty. Veterinary care has not been immune to these pressures. Tariffs and inflation have pushed up the cost of supplies, which in turn has led to higher clinic fees. For many families, even basic services such as vaccines, spay and neuter surgeries, or dental care now feel out of reach.

The result is a difficult reality for pet owners. In Renfrew County, families often drive hours to Ottawa for even the most routine care. In Orillia and Barrie, many parents say they cannot manage private clinic fees. In Durham, our centres hear daily from community members who are worried about how to afford basic wellness care for their pets. These are not isolated examples. They reflect the situation in both rural and urban communities across Ontario.

The pandemic saw many people welcome new pets into their homes, finding comfort and connection during a time of isolation. While this brought joy, it also increased demand for veterinary care at a time when costs have been rising. For families living on limited incomes or in areas with few veterinary options, access to care is now a serious barrier.

At the Ontario SPCA, we believe pets belong with the families who love them. Families should not have to choose between paying their bills and caring for their animals. That is why we are working to expand access to care through affordable spay and neuter and wellness services, mobile and pop-up clinics in underserved regions, and partnerships with communities to strengthen preventive care. These efforts help keep pets healthy, prevent unnecessary surrenders, and support family and community well-being.

In the coming weeks, I will continue visiting our centres to listen to families, learn from our dedicated staff and volunteers, and see first-hand the creative ways communities are responding to these challenges. Their commitment gives me confidence that together we can make a real difference.

The path forward is clear. By working collaboratively with families, communities, and partners, we can reimagine what access to veterinary care looks like in Ontario. We can build a system where geography and income are no longer barriers, and where people and pets are able to stay where they belong – together.

Charmaine Brett is President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Orangeville, ON (Oct. 30, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Neuter Scooter has hit the road in Dufferin County, transporting pets to spay/neuter appointments to make the service more accessible to more families.

The Neuter Scooter transports cats on the second Wednesday of every month to a partnering high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinic for surgery, then returns them to their waiting families at the end of the day. The next Neuter Scooter is Nov. 12 for male cats, with pick up and drop off locations at the Giant Tiger Shelburne and the Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre.

The Ontario SPCA rolled out its first Neuter Scooter trip in Orangeville in October, transporting 13 cats for spay/neuter surgeries, which prevented close to an estimated 200 potentially unwanted offspring. It’s one of the Ontario SPCA’s community outreach services designed to help keep pets and families together by making basic veterinary services more accessible.

“By removing transportation barriers and partnering with high-quality, high-volume clinics that can accommodate many animals each day, the program ensures more animals can be spayed or neutered, which reduces pet overpopulation,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

This service is only available through online registration and is offered for cats from 4 months to eight years of age with no underlying health concerns. Registration closes Nov. 5. To learn more or to register, visit ontariospca.ca/orangeville

Media Contact

Shannon Bury
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Orangeville & District Animal Centre
1-905-898-7122 x 433
[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 Orangeville & District Animal Centre is situated on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe people including the Ojibway, Potawatomi and Odawa of the Three Fires Confederacy.

Frankie and Molly are two resilient kittens whose story reminds us of the power of compassion and second chances.

Their journey began when a kind-hearted woman saw them listed for sale online for just $10. Concerned for their well-being, she met the seller, brought the kittens home, and quickly realized they were in poor health. Wanting the best for them, she brought them to the Humane Society of Durham Region, where the team immediately stepped in to help.

A rough start

Both kittens arrived suffering from severe upper respiratory infections. They also had patches of hair loss, which tests confirmed was ringworm, a contagious fungal infection. Treatment for ringworm takes several weeks, requiring medicated baths and antifungal medications. The kittens handled it all like little champions.

Frankie’s condition was a bit more complex. Along with her infection, her eye was severely affected. The veterinary team kept a close watch and treated her with medicated eye drops. During her spay surgery, they repaired an unusual issue where her third eyelid was attached to the top of her eye. There was concern that the eye might need to be removed, but the surgery was a success. Although her eye will never look completely normal, Frankie has full vision and is healthy.

A joyful new chapter

Throughout their recovery, Frankie and Molly went from timid and shy to sweet and social. Their daily care helped them learn to trust, and once they were medically cleared, they quickly captured the hearts of visitors and were adopted together into a loving home.

“Needless to say, they are well loved,” says their adopter, Lindsay. Molly is SO affectionate and always in the mix chasing Hot Wheels with our kids, then curling up in my lap while I read. Frankie is incredibly gentle – she lets the kids pick her up but also enjoys her quiet time. She never lets us forget when it’s dinner time!”

Care, compassion and a happy ending

Frankie and Molly’s story is a beautiful example of what can happen when animals are given the care and love they need. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is grateful to everyone who played a part in their journey – from the woman who rescued them to the medical team and their wonderful forever family. Frankie and Molly didn’t just find a home, they found happiness.

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. Please consider donating today.

Every year, thousands of wild animals are taken to wildlife rehabilitation centres across the province because they require care for an injury. In many cases, they are injured when they are stuck by a vehicle.

To coexist with wildlife, consider the enormous hardships these intelligent and fascinating wild species encounter because so much of their habitat has been destroyed. Each year they are forced into closer contact with humans and must compete with us for food, shelter and space. With a little understanding, patience and a few precautions, we can all enjoy the wonderfully interesting wild animals who share our backyards, towns and cities. Keep reading for tips on wildlife friendly driving this year.

Take extra caution during high-risk hours

The majority of wildlife-related vehicle accidents in Ontario occur at the beginning and end of the day. Many wild animals are most active at dusk and dawn. Unfortunately, this is also when visibility tends to be at its worst for drivers.

When traveling at these times of day, it is important for drivers to remain alert and watch for animals that may venture onto the road. It is always best to drive with caution, but reducing your speed can also mean saving an animal’s life. This is because lower vehicle speed will make it easier to stop if an animal suddenly appears in front of you.

Watch for the glow of eyes on the side of the road reflected in your headlights, and remember that some species travel in groups, so there may be more than one animal crossing. Be particularly cautious when driving in moose country, as they can be very difficult to see at night.

It is also important not to overdrive the distance of your lights. Be extra careful if you are driving in rural areas where there may be more wildlife activity. Exercise caution when rounding a curve, reaching the crest of a hill, or anywhere visibility is limited.

Finally, you may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course to learn techniques and emergency maneuvers that could help you avoid hitting an animal.

Ensure you’re not enticing animals onto the road

Throwing food or food wrappers out of car windows is not only littering and polluting, it may also endanger animals by attracting them onto the road. Household garbage is also a source of attraction for animals on roadsides. Putting garbage out the morning of collection, rather than the night before, and using wildlife-proof containers is a good way to prevent animals from lingering on the roadside.

Watch for warning signs placed in common collision areas

The Ontario Ministry of Transportation places warning signs in areas where deer and moose collisions are common. Collisions with large animals such as these are especially dangerous. If you see a sign indicating that the area is an animal crossing, take extra caution in these areas.

You may also wish to consider purchasing ultrasonic devices that emit a sound inaudible to humans, but which claim to frighten large animals such as deer, causing them to run away instead of remaining “frozen” in the middle of the road. Ultrasonic devices are available at hardware stores and are a relatively inexpensive way to help prevent vehicle collisions with wildlife.

Ask your municipality to plan wildlife-friendly roads

Urge your local government to plan roads with the interests of wildlife in mind. For example, many wildlife fatalities could be avoided through simple measures such as:

Lowering speed limits in areas heavily travelled by wildlife
Clearing grass and shrubs from the shoulders of roads to deter wildlife from these areas and make them more visible.
Installing overpasses or underpasses for wildlife to safely cross highways

Initiatives have been undertaken in many places in North America, Europe and Australia to protect wildlife from unnecessary motor vehicle collisions. In Canada, the highway that runs through Banff National Park is the best example.

According to Parks Canada, proper fencing of the highway and the construction of wildlife underpasses and overpasses have greatly reduced roadkill deaths. It was largely due to the public advocating for the value of wildlife protection that these measures were put in place.

Show compassion for injured animals

Often, concerned motorists do not know what to do when they pass injured animals on busy roads. Sometimes it is impossible to interfere without risking your own safety, so it is important to use good judgment in these situations. If it seems unsafe to stop, call for help as soon as possible.

If you do not know the phone number of your closest wildlife rehabilitation centre or municipal animal control, dial the operator for assistance, or call 311.

If you are able to stop and assist an injured animal, you will need to do so with caution. Wild animals do not understand you are attempting to help them and they may become aggressive. You may want to have the following items in your car in case of emergency:

Ventilated cardboard box or cardboard cat carrier
Towel, blanket and pillowcase
Protective eyewear
Rubber gloves
Thick work gloves
Thin board to use as a stretcher
Collapsible safety cones or pylons
Rubber mat or similar item to handle porcupines

If you can safely do so, pull over to the shoulder and turn on your four-way flashing lights. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal and you have a cell phone, call for assistance. If the animal cannot be moved, place a pylon near the animal until help arrives. This will alert traffic and reduce the animal’s chances of being hit again.

If the animal appears non-aggressive and is small enough to carry, carefully place it in a towel lined box and drive to a nearby wildlife rehabilitation centre or veterinary clinic. Otherwise, carefully place the animal on the stretcher board and drag him off the road. Moving dead animals to the side of the road can also prevent further accidents. An animal’s mate or young are at risk if they venture out onto the road in an attempt to help their family member. Predators and domestic animals are also at risk if an animal’s body remains on the road and serves as a source of interest to them.

Turtles, frogs and other slow-moving animals are frequent victims of vehicle collisions. Whenever possible, take time to help them cross the road. Always move the animal in the direction in which they were headed initially, otherwise, they will only turn around and go back across the road.

Give wildlife a voice

Talk to your friends and family about wildlife friendly driving habits so that more people are taking steps to help protect wildlife!

For a list of wildlife rehabilitators, and to find one closest to you, click here.

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.

One of the questions we receive at our animal centres is how to stop dogs from marking territory indoors. We have some simple tips you can follow to help avoid this from happening in your home!

Why do dogs mark indoors?

If you are a dog parent, you may be familiar with the term “marking.” Marking is a very common behaviour in dogs as it is used as a way to communicate. It can also be an anxiety-based reaction. Most commonly, dogs will mark certain household objects, like beds, doors and toys to communicate their claim over them.

What to do if your dog is marking indoors

First, take your dog to the vet to confirm there is not an underlying medical issue causing the marking behaviour. You’ll also want to make sure your animal is spayed or neutered. Unneutered male dogs are more likely to mark their territory, so neutering can significantly decrease urine marking behaviours – plus it helps reduce pet overpopulation!

If your dog is confirmed to have no medical concerns, here are some techniques to help curb or lessen marking in the home:

Go back to the basics

Whether your dog is a puppy or an adult, make sure they have plenty of time outside to relieve themselves and expend extra energy. This may mean re-establishing a housetraining system for some time where they are taken out every two hours and rewarded with a high value treat every time they eliminate outside.
Pairing positive reinforcement with outdoor marking will help shift their urinating habits as they will notice that good things happen when they eliminate outside.

Block access points

If there is one area or item in the home the dog is continuing to mark on, try to block access points to this item.
If an area cannot be blocked, try changing the meaning of that area by using it as a play or training area, giving treats and a variety of distractions. Enrichment items, such as frozen Kongs or food puzzles, are helpful in keeping your dog focused on more rewarding matters.
In the case you cannot supervise your dog, make sure to crate train or have a separate area where you leave your dog to reduce the chance of marking inside when they’re alone.

Remove odours

Removing existing odours and stains is an important step in limiting indoor marking behaviours, as it will help reduce the likelihood of re-marking the spot. Using an enzymatic animal-specific cleaner for eliminating urine odor will help neutralize the commonly marked areas.

Remember to be patient with your dog. Working together, you can improve behaviours and enjoy your home together!

There’s a new friendly face at the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre!
Robert Poirier, the animal centre’s new manager, brings to the role over two decades of leadership experience and a deep commitment to helping others.. With a passion for teamwork and animal welfare, he’s quickly making his mark – leading with warmth, energy, and a genuine love for the animals and people he serves.

A career built on compassion

Before joining the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, Robert spent more than 20 years in leadership roles in pharmacy, where helping others was always his focus.

“It was extremely rewarding spending two decades having a positive impact on people’s lives,” he says. “During the pandemic, caring for people became even more meaningful. I took great pride knowing I made a difference in someone’s life.”

When Robert discovered the opportunity to lead the Sudbury & District Animal Centre, he knew it was the perfect next chapter.

“I was eager to apply for the role as I saw an immediate fit due to the passion and love I have for animals,” he says. “Pairing it with my leadership and dedication, knowing I can make an impact to our mission made it a no-brainer for me!”

Community connection

Born and raised in Sudbury, Robert has deep roots in the community and a strong sense of local pride.

“Sudburians have a grit like no other,” he says. “We are resilient, we overcome challenges, and we prevail.”

Robert’s connection to the city fuels his desire to give back – not only by helping animals, but also by supporting the people who care for them.

A lifelong love for animals

Robert’s love for animals began early. When his mother decided to trade camping trips for farm life, their home and property quickly filled with several different types of animal friends.

“Dogs, cats, horses, chickens, turkeys, pigs – you name it!” he recalls with a laugh.

Robert’s mother also runs a therapeutic riding program that helps people with special needs to experience the joy and therapeutic benefits of horseback riding. Watching her dedication inspired Robert’s own lifelong commitment to compassion and community service.

Today, Robert shares his home with his wife, daughter, and their Coonhound, Jax, who he affectionately calls “a big goofball.”

“Anyone who meets Jax is greeted with love,” says Robert. “He’s the friendliest, most affectionate dog I’ve ever had the pleasure of having as part of my family.”

Leading with heart

From his first day at the Sudbury & District Animal Centre, Robert was struck by the dedication of his team.Robert describes a typical day at the centre as full of energy, teamwork, and dedication.

“One thing that surprised me is what it really takes to make our animal centres run like they do…it takes an army,” Robert says. “From the time we walk in the door, we hit the ground running, caring for these animals and finding them their new homes. Our team treats every animal like their own until they find someone who loves them as much as they do.”

Looking ahead

Robert is excited for the future of the Sudbury & District Animal Centre.

“We’re always evolving,” he says. “What excites me most is the impact we continue to make – finding new ways to support animals and strengthen our community. Individually, we are steppingstones in the organization’s path to achieve our goals and deliver that positive impact.”

When he’s not at the animal centre, Robert enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, cheering on his daughter’s Sudbury North Stars ringette team, and supporting his beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.

A message to the community

“We couldn’t do what we do without our fosters, volunteers, and co-op students,” says Robert. “Any help is appreciated greatly by us and the animals, and the impact you’ll have – little or big – is special and extremely rewarding.”

When it comes to adoption, Robert’s passion is clear.

“There’s something truly special about it,” he says. “The bond between a family and their new animal – it’s pure joy.” The Ontario SPCA is thrilled to welcome Robert to the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre. With his compassionate leadership and lifelong love for animals, he’s already making a lasting impact on the community.

To learn more about the Sudbury & District Animal Centre, visit ontariospca.ca/sudbury

Join us

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities dedicated to supporting animal well-being across Ontario. If you’re passionate about making a difference for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/employment to learn more.

When Sheba, a three-year-old Shiba Inu, was found wandering as a stray, no one could have predicted the journey she was about to embark on or the community of compassionate people who would help her along the way.

Sheba was brought to the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre in Stouffville with a severely broken femur. The injury was so serious that leg amputation was initially considered the only option.

Teamwork overcomes the odds

Thanks to a partnership with the Toronto Humane Society, Sheba was transferred for a complex repair surgery that would ultimately save her leg. The procedure was made possible through the generosity and collaboration between organizations, proving once again that compassion and teamwork can overcome even the most difficult odds.

The surgery was a success, and Sheba made a full recovery under the supervision of her animal care team at the York Region Animal Centre. Today, she jumps and plays with the energy of a dog who has never known pain. Her resilience is nothing short of inspiring.

A second chance as ‘Chilli’

Recently, Sheba – now renamed Chilli – was adopted into a loving home, joining a family who had previously adopted from the York Region Animal Centre.

Crystal Brain, Manager of the York Region Animal Centre, says that Chilli is thriving in her new home. “You’d think her broken leg never even happened” she says.

Chilli’s new family says it best: “It has been an absolute pleasure having her in our family. She’s settled in really well and loves when my kids tuck her in on the couch. We go for walks two to three times a day and she loves meeting other dogs. Her leg has healed so well that you wouldn’t even know anything happened if you weren’t told.”

A community of compassion

Chilli’s journey from stray to beloved family member is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and second chances. It’s stories like hers that remind us why we do this work—and how working together truly changes lives.

If you’re considering adoption, know that you’re not just giving an animal a home –you’re becoming part of a life-changing story.

On a crisp fall morning, shovels hit the ground at 2151 Second St. W. in Cornwall to officially kick off construction of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new 8,000-square-foot Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic.

This groundbreaking marks more than the start of a building; it also marks the beginning of a brighter, healthier future for animals and the people who love them.

Meeting the growing needs of the community

When complete in 2027, the new animal centre will replace the aging Ontario SPCA animal centre on Boundary Road, which was built more than 30 years ago. With demand for services growing year after year, the existing space is unable to keep up with the needs of the community.

The new centre is designed with animal comfort, health, and happiness in mind. Every aspect, from room layouts to noise reduction, aims to minimize stress and shorten recovery times for animals in care. The Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will boost both animal intakes and adoptions by about 30% and will have the space to care for as many as 57 animals at a time – more than double the 24 spaces at the current centre.

“The size and state of our existing animal centre prevents us from responding to the animal care crisis in the communities we serve. The need is great, and it’s growing,” says Candice Gordon, Manager, Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre. “This new facility will allow us to support the community with the tools to curb and ultimately solve the animal care crisis in our region.”

Expanding access to veterinary care

A major highlight of the project is the inclusion of a 1,400-square-foot, charity-based veterinary clinic operated by the Ontario SPCA. This in-house clinic will offer high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures and basic veterinary services – care that many families in the region might not otherwise be able to access.

The clinic will include both a medical treatment suite for vaccinations and wellness care, as well as a surgical suite capable of performing thousands of spay/neuter surgeries each year.

“The veterinary clinic will be a first in the region,” says Dr. Jill Kirk, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Intended to complement existing veterinary care in the region, it will help ensure underserved members of our community have access to basic care that their pets might not have otherwise received and will help curb the overpopulation issue of stray animals in the region. It will also help foster educational partnerships with Ontario colleges and universities with veterinary programs, giving students the practical knowledge they need while fostering the next generation of animal care professionals.”

Investing in the future of Cornwall

Once completed, it will create numerous new permanent jobs and volunteer opportunities, contributing to employment and civic engagement. To date, the Ontario SPCA has secured $4 million through philanthropy for this project. A campaign leadership team will be inviting additional philanthropic support to make this transformative project a reality.

A legacy of care

The Ontario SPCA operates 14 animal centres across the province. For over 70 years it has served the communities of Akwesasne, Cornwall, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. It partners with local and regional organizations, including St. Lawrence College, The Agapè Centre and Centre 105 to support animals in the community, and the people who love them.

This new facility will carry that legacy forward, creating a space where animals heal, families grow, and communities thrive together.

To learn more or donate, visit ontariospca.ca/sdg

Cornwall & Region Animal Centre

Fall can be a great time to get out and get active. With cooler weather, there are plenty of perfect opportunities to get outside. Here are a few great ways to get moving:

Tips to get active with pets this fall

Take a nature hike – There are many pet-friendly trails, conservation areas and parks all over Ontario – hidden gems that can be found in every city and town. While the beautiful fall colours relax and intrigue you, you and your companion animal can enjoy the many health benefits of a hike! Remember to keep your dog on a leash!
Visit an apple orchard or pumpkin patch – Many orchards and pumpkin patches allow dogs; just call ahead to be sure. The new sights and smells will stimulate your dog’s senses and an apple slice can be a nice treat for your dog that will also help to clean their teeth.
Go camping – Fall is a perfect time to go camping. The weather is great and the leaves are beautiful. Dogs love exploring and being with you, so this is a perfect way to stay active and bond with your furry friend. Remember not to let Fido wander unattended or they could become lost.
Jump in a pile of leaves – After you’ve raked leaves in your backyard, try jumping in them! This can be a fun game for you and your pet. If your cat likes being outdoors (supervised outdoor time on a leash is recommended), they may want to join in the fun and play in the leaves as well. Be sure to remove any sticks or branches that could injure your pet.
Play a game of fetch – You can play fetch with a football, frisbee or any other toy your pet loves. This activity can be done in any open space that is pet friendly, just make sure your furry friend is secure and can’t run off!

Before you come inside at the end of one of these fall activities, make sure you check your pet for ticks. Ticks like to hide in long grass and leaf litter, and because your pet is so low to the ground, they may attract one or more of these critters.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall, ON (Oct. 17, 2025) – An official groundbreaking ceremony kicked off construction of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new 8,000-square-foot Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic and marks the beginning of a brighter future for animals and the community.

Once complete in 2027, the new facility at 2151 Second St. W. in Cornwall will replace the aging Ontario SPCA animal centre on Boundary Road, which was designed over 30 years ago and can no longer keep up with the growing needs of the community. The Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will boost both animal intakes and adoptions by about 30% and will have the space to care for as many as 57 animals at a time – more than double the 24 spaces at the current centre. The facility has been designed for animal health and comfort to minimize stress and reduce length of stay.

The building will also contain an in-house, charity-based veterinary clinic operated by the Ontario SPCA. It will provide high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures and basic veterinary services, helping families access care for their pets that they might not otherwise have received. The 1,400-square foot veterinary clinic will have a medical treatment suite for vaccinations and basic care, and a surgical suite capable of performing thousands of spay/neuter procedures each year.

Designed by Ottawa-based Deimling Architecture and constructed by Grant-Marion Construction of Cornwall, the $8 million facility represents a major investment in the community and a significant driver of local economic growth. Once completed, it will create numerous new permanent jobs and volunteer opportunities, contributing to employment and civic engagement. To date, the Ontario SPCA has secured $4 million through philanthropy for this project. A campaign leadership team will be inviting additional philanthropic support to make this transformative project a reality.

The Ontario SPCA operates 14 animal centres across the province. For over 70 years it has served the communities of Akwesasne, Cornwall, the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and the United Counties of Prescott and Russell. It partners with local and regional organizations, including St. Lawrence College, The Agapè Centre and Centre 105 to support animals in the community, and the people who love them.

For more information on the Ontario SPCA, visit ontariospca.ca/sdg

Quotes:

“We are a big area – both urban and rural – facing big challenges in terms of stray animals, animal overpopulation and a lack of access to affordable basic veterinary care. This new Ontario SPCA animal centre and veterinary clinic will make our communities safer, help keep animals and people together, and support the veterinary services already here in the community – now and into the future,” says Gordon Campbell, Ontario SPCA Board Member and Capital Campaign Cabinet Member.

“The veterinary clinic will be a first in the region. Intended to complement existing veterinary care in the region, it will help ensure underserved members of our community have access to basic care that their pets might not have otherwise received and will help curb the overpopulation issue of stray animals in the region. It will also help foster educational partnerships with Ontario colleges and universities with veterinary programs, giving students the practical knowledge they need while fostering the next generation of animal care professionals,” says Dr. Jill Kirk, DVM, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Photo caption:

Celebrating the groundbreaking on the new Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic set to open in 2027.

Chris Deimling of Deimling Architecture, Chief Fallon David of the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne for the Kana:takon district , Eric Duncan MP for Stormont, Dundas and South Glengarry, Charmaine Brett Ontario SPCA President and CEO, Justin Towndale Cornwall Mayor, Renata D’Innocenzo Ontario SPCA Board of Directors Chair, Gordon Campbell Ontario SPCA Board of Director Member and Campaign Cabinet Member, Bernadette Clement Canadian Senator, Jaxon Chapman-Scott Communication Manager for Nolan Quinn MPP of Stormont, Dundas and South-Glengarry, Matt Lefebvre of Grant Marion Construction, Candice Gordon Ontario SPCA Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Animal Centre Manager, and furry friend Tucker.

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

As our cities expand, it’s becoming increasingly common to spot raccoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes and other wildlife in urban areas. These animals are highly adaptable and have learned to thrive in neighbourhoods, taking advantage of food and shelter sources provided, often unintentionally, by people. While seeing wildlife can be exciting, it’s important to remember that these animals are best left wild. Here’s what you can do to peacefully coexist with urban wildlife.

Wildlife-proof your home and property

The best way to avoid conflicts is through prevention. Animals are resourceful when it comes to finding food and shelter, so taking steps to make your property less inviting will go a long way.

Secure garbage and compost: Use wildlife-resistant bins with tight-fitting lids. Put garbage out the morning of collection instead of the night before.
Remove food sources: Pick up fallen fruit, clean your barbecue, and never leave pet food outdoors.
Block entry points: Inspect your home for gaps in siding, rooflines, decks or sheds where animals could nest. Seal openings with durable materials like wire mesh or metal flashing, but only after you are sure no animals are inside.
Yard care: Keep grass trimmed, clear brush piles, and use enclosed composters to reduce hiding spots and attractants.

The problem with trapping

It may seem like setting a trap to remove an unwanted animal is the simplest solution, but trapping and relocating wildlife is not recommended and is regulated under provincial law Many animals don’t survive the stress of relocation and moving them can create a host of other problems, such as spreading disease and separating mothers from their young.

Relocated animals often struggle to find food, water or shelter in unfamiliar areas. Instead, focus on prevention and humane deterrents such as motion-activated lights or sprinklers, removing attractants, and using one-way doors to encourage animals to leave a space, such as an attic, on their own.

Why feeding wildlife does more harm than good

Offering food to wildlife might feel like an act of kindness, but it can cause significant harm. Animals that become accustomed to being fed by people can lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of conflict or injury. Supplemental feeding can also lead to overcrowding, spread disease, and create unhealthy diets for animals that are adapted to forage naturally. The best way to support wildlife is to allow them to find their own food sources. Learn more by checking out our blog on Why feeding wildlife does more harm than good.

Living together

Wildlife play an important role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. By making small changes around your home, avoiding harmful practices like trapping or feeding, and respecting animals from a distance, we can ensure that humans and wildlife can coexist safely.

For more tips and resources on living with wildlife, visit our blog.

Did you know Oct. 16 is National Feral Cat Day?!

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society cares about all animals, including community cats! This is why we have programs to assist feral cats, also referred to as community cats.

Programs to help feral cats & their caregivers

To assist feral cat caretakers in managing feral cat colonies, the Ontario SPCA has developed three innovative programs:

Free Feral Food Bank. This food bank provides a sustainable supply of food to colony caretakers. Without the participation of the Ontario SPCA, dedicated feral cat colony caretakers use their own personal funds to provide food for these cats that have been abandoned by society.
Feral Cat Shelters. A limited amount of shelters are made each fall by volunteers (or can be affordably made by anyone following the instructions below) for caretakers to provide a safe, warm place for community cats during our cold, harsh winters.

How to build a feral cat shelter

If you’re interested in making your own shelter, visit our blog How to Build a Feral Cat Shelter 101.

The working cat program

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society also has a working cat program in which community cats that end up in our centres and cannot be returned to their original colony site, are given “jobs” as working cats. As former street cats who are used to outdoor life, working cats are not typical indoor pets and have no desire to be lap cats. However, what they lack in social skills they make up for when it comes to keeping vermin problems under control.

These cats are healthy, sterilized, vaccinated, microchipped, ear tipped and in need of a new, non-traditional home environment. Some examples of these new homes could include barns, stables, auto repair shops, woodworking shops, wineries, breweries, greenhouses/nurseries/garden centres, churches, storage facilities/warehouses.

To learn more about the working cat program, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt/working-cat-program or check out this video to watch it in action.

Learn more about supporting community cats by visiting ontariospca.ca/adopt/community-cats