Have you ever thought about adopting a senior animal? Senior animals make wonderful companions, but sadly many are overlooked by adopters.
Many pet parents who have adopted senior animals report that they feel a deep sense of satisfaction to be able to provide a forever home and soft place to land for an older animal who may have had an unstable life, or recent upheaval in their life.
Here are some of the many advantages of adopting a senior animal:
- Most senior animals are already housetrained and often don’t require frequent potty breaks late at night, like younger furry friends.
- Mature animals are less likely to chew household items and be rough with furniture like a puppy or kitten, especially when provided with appropriate toys.
- Older animals have the wonderful ability to develop a strong bond with a new parent.
- Their activity level is already known, so it’s easier to choose a furry friend who fits well with your lifestyle. For example, an active furry friend to go on walks with vs. a more relaxed animal to cuddle up with.
- Senior animals can have more advanced training, as well as increased socialization in new environments.
Agatha’s story
Eleven-year-old tabby cat Agatha came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre in August 2023 as a stray. During her time at the centre, she was a staff favourite and quickly became a star on the centre’s social media pages.
Her animal care team says that she would spend most of her time in the community room with staff and and would often try to steal her favourite freeze-dried chicken treats.
Due to her age and diabetes diagnosis, Agatha spent a long time at the animal centre and in foster homes. But, after 200 days of patiently waiting for her loving home, she met her adopter, Cindy.
Her adoption day was filled with a lot of happy tears and bittersweet goodbyes by Agatha’s animal care team, but they were overjoyed that she found her forever home.
A match made
Cindy was driving to work one day when the radio station she was listening to announced an upcoming adoption event at the Ontario SPCA and mentioned that Agatha had been patiently waiting for a home for 200 days. Cindy enquired about Agatha and discovered her diabetes diagnosis.
“My parents had a previous cat with diabetes, so it was something that I had treated in the past,” says Cindy.
Cindy has been living with senior cats that have special needs for the last 14 years. She previously adopted a blind and deaf cat named Annie, and a three-legged cat named Kitty. Her rescue cat, Icy, is now 19 years old. She has also fostered senior cats in between.
“I decided to bring her home to foster to see how she got along with the other cats, and to see if managing her diabetes would work with my schedule,” says Cindy. She consulted with her friends who help care for her cats while she is away, and they were on board with Agatha’s adoption.
Three weeks later, Agatha’s adoption was finalized. Cindy says Agatha gets along with her other cats and seems to enjoy her home, which is often referred to as the “cat palace.”
“I think it is nice to be able to adopt the older cats because it’s nice knowing that I am able to provide a pleasant lifestyle again for them,” Cindy says.
Read more about why senior pets are so awesome.
Learn more about adopting a diabetic cat.
If you’re not in a position to adopt, consider making a donation to help these animals find their loving homes. 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.
Adopting a diabetic cat can be an incredibly fulfilling experience, as these wonderful pets are just as loving and playful as any other cat. With a bit of dedication, you can enjoy a rewarding relationship with your new furry friend. Diabetic cats thrive on routine and benefit greatly from consistent care, including regular insulin injections, blood glucose monitoring, and a steady feeding schedule. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for this special journey:
Find a vet
Establish a relationship with an experienced vet that can teach you how to give insulin injections at home. They will guide you through this journey and help you along every step of the way. Regular blood glucose monitoring is also important, and your vet can offer you easy-to-use devices designed specifically for animals. Diabetic cats typically require routine vet visits, so establishing a relationship with a veterinarian is important.
Dietary needs
A special diet, often low in carbohydrates and high in protein, can help regulate your cat’s blood sugar levels. Feeding your cat a specific diet and maintaining consistent mealtimes will help them enjoy a full and active life.
Lifestyle adjustments
You may need to adjust your lifestyle slightly to accommodate the care schedule of a diabetic cat. This includes consistent mealtimes and administering insulin at the same times each day and being vigilant about monitoring their health.
Signs and symptoms
Understanding the signs and symptoms of diabetes in cats can help you provide the care they need to live a long, healthy life. Common signs include increased thirst and urination, lethargy, and unexplained weight loss despite a good appetite. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.
Caring for a diabetic cat can be incredibly rewarding. These cats often develop strong bonds with their caregivers, and the routine care can become a fulfilling part of your daily life. Plus, adopting a diabetic cat means offering a loving home to an animal who might otherwise be overlooked. These cats have so much love to give, and with proper care, their condition is entirely manageable.
Ready to start your adoption journey? Check out the animals currently available for adoption.
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.
Donna and Peter made their initial donation to the Ontario SPCA after the passing of their beloved dog Dalwood, memorializing him with a plaque at our York Region Animal Centre.
Since learning more of our other work in the province, they have made additional donations and a three-year pledge commitment to our Provincial Dog Rehab Centre campaign. This donation also memorializes Dalwood at the new site.
Peter’s work history involved working extensively in Northern Ontario, and as such he’s extremely interested in our programs supporting the North, partnering with dozens of communities to help pet overpopulation and bring critically needed animal welfare services to the remote north.
“We love all animals (dogs in particular). Yet, we know that many animals need help, through no fault of their own. Therefore, the welfare of animals has become our cause of choice and the Ontario SPCA our charity of choice to help lost, abused or abandoned animals find their chance for a happier life and a forever home. Caring for animals simply makes the world a better place, and we’re happy to do our part.”
On behalf of the animals, we thank Donna and Peter for the generous support they provide.
This Remembrance Day, join us as we reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans who have served Canada and the courageous animals who stood by their sides in times of war and peace.
More than just companions
During wartime, dogs had a variety of valuable roles. One role was as mascots and companions to front-line soldiers. In this role they not only gave soldiers hope at the front lines but also helped to decrease the number of rodents in the trenches by scaring them away.
Dogs also carried written messages between units, and were employed to lay telephone lines. Spools were laid on the dogs’ backs that would unroll as they moved forward. Dogs could also smell poison gas before soldiers, locate wounded soldiers on the battlefield, and carry medical backpacks.
Mascots and protectors
Like dogs, cats served as companions and mascots in wartime. Aboard naval ships cats not only protected food rations from rodents but also prevented communication lines from being chewed through by rodents. Controlling the rodent population also lessened the spread of disease.
Cats have been known to detect bombs, with families relying on their cat’s senses to alert them to incoming bombs. Read more about the role of cats in wartime here.
Brave messengers of the skies
During both World Wars, carrier pigeons delivered messages across the lines. It was a very dangerous job with the enemy always trying to shoot them down. During the First World War, 600 pigeons were used in France alone by the U.S. army. The United Kingdom employed about 250,000 homing pigeons during the Second World War for many purposes, including communicating with spies behind enemy lines.
Canaries were used in wartime to detect poison gas at the front line. They could also signal a lack of oxygen in the tunnels.
Battling side by side
During both World Wars, mules carried artillery, and horses transported troops and hauled field guns, among many other vital roles. Horses and mules were used by the Canadian Army Service Corps to carry mounted troops, panniers, artillery and haul field guns.
Read more stories of horses in wartime here.
This Remembrance Day, join us in remembering the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom and the safety of our country. We will never forget.
Weight management is so important for your companion animal and maintaining a healthy diet contributes to healthy weight. So what difference would an extra 2lb really make?
Our friends at Royal Canin know that sometimes, it’s easier for us to think about our own weight gain and loss, rather than our furry friend’s weight. Using this simple guide, you can see just how important it can be for your companion animal to maintain a healthy weight. With even just a couple of pounds, your animal’s weight and health can change drastically.
Infographic_What an extra 2lb can mean for a pet_EN (1)
Always remember to consult your veterinarian if you are concerned about your animal’s weight. They can help guide you to ensure you are feeding your companion animal the correct amount, getting them the necessary exercise they need and managing their treat intake to ensure they are happy and healthy.
For more information on weight management, check out these resources from Royal Canin:
Three hidden costs of animal obesity
Healthy habits, healthy weight
Helping your cat maintain a healthy weight
November 8 is Indigenous Veterans Day. It is a time to remember and honour the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis who served in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. Learn more here.
During these three wars, more than 12,000 Indigenous veterans served with honour and distinction at every level and in all areas of service. Indigenous Peoples continue to serve in operations at home and overseas as they have bravely done for more than 200 years.
On this day, and on Remembrance Day, we reflect on the important and notable contributions made by Indigenous veterans. We also acknowledge the challenges faced by survivors when they returned to a denial of benefits and support, as well as loss of land and rights. It wasn’t until 1995 that Indigenous veterans were included in the laying of wreaths at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, in honour and memory of their fallen comrades.
In 2001, the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument was unveiled to honour the sacrifices and contributions to war and peacekeeping missions. This monument, crafted by artist and sculptor Noel Lloyd Pinay of Peepeekisis First Nation, features two men and two women, as well as four animal spirit guides and an eagle, representing the Creator. To learn more about the rich symbology in this sculpture, visit the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument page.
We remember, celebrate and honour the sacrifices and peacekeeping efforts of all Indigenous veterans on this day and every day. Join us in honouring Indigenous Veterans who have served in missions across Canada and around the world in times of war, conflict and peace.
Photo Credit: Tamra Thomson, Great War 100 Reads
If you’re thinking of adopting an animal or acquiring a new furry friend from someone online, there are a few things to remember to protect yourself before making that important decision.
Adopt
The safest way to add a new furry friend to your family is by adopting from a reputable organization. There are thousands of homeless animals in shelters across Canada, so you will also be giving an animal in need a second chance.
At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, you can view our animals currently available for adoption and read their bios to see if you think they would be the perfect match for you and your lifestyle. With 14 animal centres across the province, we have many animals ready to become a beloved member of your family.
Consider visiting your local animal centre today to change the life of an animal.
Ask lots of questions!
Remember to ask about where the animal has come from. Ask about any veterinary care they may have received, and the name of the veterinarian who has examined or treated the animal. Make sure the individual or organization you are dealing with has vaccination certificates, proof of de-worming and a general health assessment in writing from their veterinarian. You should be able to verify these yourself directly with the veterinary office.
All animals adopted through the Ontario SPCA are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped before they go to their new home. This ensures they start their new life healthy and protected. These essential services are part of the adoption package, so you can focus on welcoming your new family member without any worry.
Always meet in advance, and safely!
You should always meet the prospective pet, and its parents (human and animal) in person. Always meet at the person’s property (take someone along for safety), never in a parking lot or other unsafe area, and do not allow them to come to your home. You want to see that the animals are being raised or cared for in a clean, safe environment, that they are receiving good care, and that the animals are bright, alert and responsive.
Puppies and kittens should be playful and have lots of energy. If a breeder will not show you their facilities, or let you see the animal’s parents, these may be warning signs of an issue. A reputable breeder will never have a problem letting you see how their animals are raised. A good breeder cares about the animals and wants them to go to a good home.
You should also meet the animal first when adopting to ensure that their temperament and needs fit your lifestyle. Ontario SPCA staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have and support you along the adoption process.
Payment
Payment options should be limited to cash with a receipt. Never give out your banking information or agree to large deposits in advance. If someone says they need a deposit to hold an animal for you before you meet them, this is another red flag. Just let them know that you are not comfortable with this arrangement, and a reputable breeder should be open to discussing other options with you.
If payment is being done via e-transfer, treat it like cash and only send once you have acquired your new furry friend.
Additional resources
If you have any concerns relating to abuse or neglect, report it to Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625), or your local police.
If you are concerned that you may be the victim of a scam, contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca
If you aren’t sure whether you want to adopt or find a breeder, read our blog on why adopting from the Ontario SPCA is the perfect choice. Remember to check your local Ontario SPCA animal centre, SPCA, humane society or rescue for animals who may need a second chance. For a list of Ontario SPCA animal centres, visit our community directory.
To view our animals currently available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt
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
Barrie, ON (November 5, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and Barrie Police are teaming up to make the holidays merry and bright for animals in the community by hosting a Cram a Cruiser event on Thursday, Nov. 13 to collect much-needed supplies.
The cruiser will be parked outside PetSmart at 33 Mapleview Dr. W. in Barrie from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the public is invited to drop off donations of food, treats and toys for cats and dogs, as well as supplies such as bowls, leashes, collars and dog jackets. The donations will be distributed by the Ontario SPCA and partnering organizations to people in the community who need support caring for their animals.
“Anyone who has ever loved a pet knows how important that bond is, and we want to ensure that people who may be struggling have what they need to give their animals the care they deserve,” says Shannon Laflamme, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre. “Our goal is to keep animals with the families who love them and make this a happy holiday season for everyone.”
The Ontario SPCA is a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded. It offers a variety of community support services, including distributing pet food to area food banks. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca/barrie
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MEDIA CONTACT
Shannon Laflamme
Community Outreach Coordinator,
Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre
(705) 791-4957
[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 Barrie 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.
By Charmaine Brett, President & CEO, Ontario SPCA & Humane Society
Across Ontario, families are quietly making impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries, fill a prescription or take a sick pet to the vet. Behind each decision is a ripple effect that touches both people and animals because when financial pressure rises, the ability to care for every member of the household becomes fragile.
Two new reports make that reality impossible to ignore. The United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey found that 42 per cent of Canadians could only cover their basic expenses for less than a month if their income was lost. The Ontario Nonprofit Network’s 2025 State of the Sector report reveals that Ontario’s non-profit community, one of the province’s largest employers, is under intense strain with higher demand, shrinking resources and rising exhaustion among those holding our social safety net together.
Together these findings paint a picture of a province under pressure, where both people and the organizations that support them are struggling to stay afloat.
Pets and people: one story, one system
When families face crisis such as job loss, eviction, illness or displacement, pets too often fall through the cracks. Yet pets are not luxuries. They are family. They bring comfort, structure and emotional stability, especially for children, seniors and those living alone.
At our animal centres, we see this reality every day. Our team recently assisted a family at risk of eviction due to their unneutered cat spraying in the apartment. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society team was contacted by a local social service agency seeking resources to help keep the family together. We were able to provide the family with access to our neuter scooter services, which transported the cat to a local veterinarian where it was neutered. As a result, the cat stopped spraying, and the family was able to stay in their apartment.
We also see the heartbreak when financial or housing stress forces someone to surrender a beloved companion. I am reminded of a not uncommon story of a dog named Luna. On disability with limited income, Luna’s person had cared for her faithfully for years. He managed to keep up with vaccinations, preventative care, and all her needs. But her newly developed urinary condition required care, possible surgery and prescription diet food he simply couldn’t afford.
Luna’s person had an undeniable love for her, but the financial burden of her care proved too great. With deep compassion, he turned to us, hoping we could provide the medical support she needed and find a family able to take on her ongoing expenses. Luna’s person felt that the kindest choice was to ask us to take Luna in and find her a new home. Our role in heartbreaking moments like this is to respect that decision and step in to make sure the animal gets the medical care and the second chance they deserve.
Keeping pets and people together is not a side issue. It is a public-health, mental-health and community-resilience issue.
A sector at a crossroads
Ontario’s non-profit sector is the connective tissue between compassion and community. Yet, as the Ontario Nonprofit Network’ s report warns, that tissue is thinning. Organizations are doing more with less, managing rising costs, workforce shortages and donor fatigue. According to the Ontario Nonprofit Network, 68 per cent of Ontario non-profits report demand for their services has risen faster than their capacity to respond, while nearly half have frozen or reduced programs due to funding shortfalls.
This pattern echoes what we see in humanitarian systems around the world. When crises multiply, coordination and sustained investment become as vital as compassion. The lesson for Ontario is clear: goodwill alone is not enough. Governments, foundations and corporate partners must help stabilize the sector that so often stabilizes everyone else.
Our shelters, food banks, clinics and outreach programs are frontline infrastructure. They are as vital to community well-being as hospitals and schools.
The demand for support is also being felt at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, which has seen a 17% increase in pet surrender requests from 2024 to 2025. More families can no longer care for their animals. Over 85% of the requests to rehome a pet are because their families can’t care for them anymore.
Three priorities for a more humane Ontario
1. Integrate pet supports into human services.
Many Ontario food banks already include pet food, often with Ontario SPCA support. The next step is ensuring people at risk of homelessness or fleeing crisis have emergency housing options that welcome pets, and that pets are included in municipal and provincial emergency response plans. When we plan for both people and their animals, we prevent family separation before it happens.
2. Invest in access to veterinary care.
Preventive care is often the first casualty when money is tight. Expanding low-cost clinics, mobile outreach and Northern spay-and-neuter programs prevents crisis before it starts. This keeps families together and reduces strain on municipal shelters. We are scaling up these operations across Ontario in 2026 to meet this growing need.
3. Measure retention, not just rescue.
We must redefine success. The goal is not only how many animals we rehome but how many families we help stay together. In 2025 alone, the Ontario SPCA has helped keep over 31,000 animals with their families through our access to care programs, Pawsitive Packs initiatives for unhoused pet parents, and food distribution for families impacted by the northern wildfires or struggling to feed their pets.
A call for leadership and partnership
Ontario’s non-profit and charitable sector faces a slow-moving emergency that demands the same kind of coordinated response the humanitarian community models worldwide: collective action, flexible funding and recognition that early investment prevents deeper harm later.
Governments and foundations can play a decisive role by providing bridge funding, stabilizing grants and policy tools that allow organizations like ours to plan beyond the next fiscal year. This is not about charity; it is about continuity of care. The cost of inaction will be measured in surrendered pets, fractured families and lost trust in community systems.
Around the world, governments are beginning to recognize that the bond between people and animals is structural, not sentimental. Just recently, Spain formally recognized pets as members of the family, granting them legal protection in housing, separation and emergency response. It is a powerful signal that animal welfare and human well-being are inseparable, and a reminder that Ontario too can lead by embedding pets into our definitions of family care and community resilience.
At the Ontario SPCA, we are working to be part of that bridge by providing access to clinics offering basic veterinary care, community pet food support programs and pilot initiatives that board pets during times of crisis. By building cross-sector partnerships and expanding community-based resources, we’re strengthening the safety net that keeps families whole. Our program focuses on getting pet food where it is most accessible. In partnership with local food banks, in 2025 alone, we have distributed over 595,000 meals to pet families. But we cannot do it alone.
Hope shared
Ontario’s next chapter must be built on compassion that includes every member of the family; two-legged and four-legged alike.
If we strengthen the non-profit system that holds people and their pets together, we build communities that are stronger, healthier and more humane.
In this moment of strain, let us act with the same urgency and coordination the humanitarian world models so well. Keeping pets and people together is not only kind, it is smart, preventative and essential to the future of a compassionate Ontario.
Join us at ontariospca.ca to help keep pets and people together.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Brockville, ON (November 4, 2025) – Lace up your running shoes, grab your Santa hat or ugly sweater and get ready to make spirits bright at the Santa Run & Santa Paws Walk in support of the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre.
This festive fundraising event takes place on Saturday, Nov. 15 at the Mac Johnson Wildlife Area in Brockville. The fun kicks off with a 6.5-kilometre Santa Run at 10 a.m. Wear your jolliest holiday gear and run to support animals in need. All finishers will receive a unique holiday-themed medal, with a special handcrafted award to the first place male, female and youth runners.
A dog-friendly social will take place after the race from 12 noon to 3 p.m., featuring a walk along the trails, bonfire, canteen, photo booth, and a variety of local vendors offering purr-fect holiday gifts and treats for pets and people alike.
Registration for the Santa Run is $30, with all proceeds supporting the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. While there is no cost to attend the social, donations are encouraged to help make the season merry and bright for animals in need.
“Join us on the beautiful trails of Mac Johnson Wildlife Area for a fun and festive way to help local animals in need,” says Katelyn Stojadinov, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre “The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, so every dollar raised helps give animals in our community a second chance.”
Please note that while dogs are welcome to attend the afternoon festivities, for the safety of our furry friends and participants, animals are not permitted to participate in the run portion of the event.
Get ready for some ho-ho-howliday fun and help make tails wag this season. To register for the Santa Run or learn more about the event, visit ontariospca.ca/leedsgrenville
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Media Contact
Katelyn Stojadinov
Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre
613-349-7575
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 Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples.
When Raisin was brought to the Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre by a police officer who found her staggering in the middle of the road in Napanee, she was in desperate need of care. Despite her fragile state, one thing was immediately clear: this tiny cat had a huge heart and an incredible will to live.
A tiny cat with a big fight
Raisin’s adult teeth showed she was at least six months old, but her body told a different story. Weighing just 1.3 kg, she was approximately the size of a 12-week-old kitten. Her skin had been scalded from urine and feces and she was very undernourished – she needed help right away.
Tests confirmed that she was anemic and had raging coccidia, a microscopic parasite that infects the intestinal lining of animals, causing diarrhea and digestive upset. The team quickly sprang into action to make her comfortable and ensure she received the medical care she needed.
Raisin was placed under veterinary supervision, where she received fluids, antibiotics and supportive care to help her regain her strength. When she stopped eating on her own, the team carefully syringe-fed her for weeks until her appetite returned. It was slow progress, but with every small meal and every tender cuddle, Raisin grew stronger.
A gentle spirit who stole hearts
Despite all she had been through, Raisin never lost her gentle spirit. She greeted her animal care team with soft purrs and leaned into their hands for affection. Her resilience and sweet nature quickly made her a favourite among the staff and volunteers, who cheered for her every milestone: her first purr after treatment, her first full meal, and the day she finally began to play.
“She was a centre favourite and although she had a lot of medical treatments, she never wavered in her trust,” says Becky Harvey, Manager, Ontario SPCA Lennox & Addington Animal Centre.
A forever home
After over a month of care, Raisin was ready to start a new chapter. Her remarkable recovery and loving personality caught the eye of her perfect adopter, who welcomed her into a home filled with love and comfort.
Today, Raisin’s story is a heartwarming reminder that with compassion, patience, and teamwork, even the most fragile beginnings can blossom into beautiful new lives.
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 to help give animals like Raisin the second chance they deserve.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (Nov. 3, 2025) – With the Grand Prize draw taking place on Friday, time is running out to fetch your tickets for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery! With the jackpot now over $110,000 and growing fast, this is your last chance to win big while helping animals in need.
Tickets are available until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, with the Grand Prize draw taking place on Friday, Nov. 7. You can get in on the action for as little as $10 for 10 tickets. The winner of the spring Draws for Paws 50/50 lottery took home more than $127,000! Don’t miss your chance to win big and help animals get the care they deserve.
“This is your last opportunity to get in on the action,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Not only could you walk away with a six-figure jackpot right before the holidays, but you’ll also be making a difference in the lives of animals who need our help.”
When you buy a ticket, you’re not just taking a chance at a life-changing prize, you’re helping give animals a second chance. 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 new 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 make tails wag. Visit ontariospcalottery.ca today to get your tickets before it’s too late!
Lottery License No: RAF1491380
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MEDIA CONTACT
Media Relations
Ontario SPCA and Humane Society
905-898-7122 x 375
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.