Page 8 – Ontario SPCA

Everybody loves a long weekend – including our furry friends! It means more quality time with the people they love. But there are also some safety concerns to keep in mind so your furry friend can be comfortable and safe. Here are some firework safety tips to keep your animals safe this weekend!

What’s the concern with fireworks?

Fireworks can be lots of fun, but pet parents should be aware fireworks are a completely foreign experience for our furry friends. Fireworks come without warning and can be very frightening. The sounds, smells and sights can be easily overwhelming for our furry friends.

Even if you live far from any public firework displays, be prepared for private fireworks close to home. Before any fireworks start, follow these simple tips to keep your companion animal calm and safe.

Small pets

Small animals (e.g., hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, mice and birds) tend to frighten easily around loud noises. Here are some steps you can take to help them feel more at ease:

If you’re concerned about noise, you can move your animal’s cage or hutch to an area of the house that’s quieter (e.g., the garage or basement).
You can play white noise or calming music to help counteract the noises.
Rodents tend to burrow when they’re frightened, so make sure you provide extra bedding before any excitement starts.
Cover your birdcage or hutch with a blanket or towel. This will dampen the noise and block out some of the bright lights.

Dogs and cats

Keep your furry friend indoors during firework displays, and make sure to close windows and pet doors leading outside. Startled animals will seek a place to hide. This means if your cat or dog manages to get outside, it can be very easy to lose them. Being inside the house will also help dampen any loud noises.
Make sure your animal is wearing its collar and ID tags. Microchipping is also recommended. In case your furry friend does get out, these steps will ensure you can find them again.
Walk your dog before it gets dark to avoid going outside once the fireworks start.
Have a safe place for your companion animal to feel at ease, like a crate or other enclosed space.
You can block out some of the flashing lights by keeping curtains closed and lights on, or by placing a blanket over your animal’s crate.
Your furry friend may pace around, make noise or search for a place to hide. Let them be.
If you know that your companion animal is frightened by fireworks, try to have someone at home to stay with your pet.
Even if your animal doesn’t show signs of distress around fireworks, resist the urge to bring your cat or dog with you to watch a fireworks display. Animals are far more sensitive to the sounds and smells produced by fireworks and would be much happier having a quiet night in.
If your companion animal has a history of fear around loud noises or phobias with similar events speak to your veterinarian prior to any fireworks event. They may be able to help with medical intervention that can help keep your furry friends calm, and cool during all the excitement!

For additional tips on how to keep your furry friend calm during firework celebrations during the long weekend, talk to your veterinarian or a certified positive reinforcement-based behaviour expert.

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.

As we enter the summer months, it’s important to take extra precautions to keep our furry friends safe. With a few helpful tips, you can keep your pets comfortable and enjoy a fun summer together!

Protecting pads

Avoid going for walks on hot pavement as this can result in burnt pads. Limit your time outside, especially when temperatures are high. If you need to take your furry friend outside, opt for grassy areas instead of concrete or pavement. Signs of burnt pads include limping, licking or chewing feet, refusing to walk, or in extreme cases, blisters, redness or even part of the pad missing. Seek veterinary care if your pet shows any of these signs.

Do not leave your pet in the car

Dogs have a limited ability to sweat, so even a short time in a hot environment can be dangerous. If you are travelling with your pet, plan ahead for pet-friendly rest stops. If you can’t take them inside with you when you leave your car and you have no one travelling with you who can stay with your furry friend, leave them at home where they are safe.

Water and cool shade

Make sure your furry friend has access to fresh water at all times and find a cool place out of the sun while spending time with them outside. This can prevent your pet from getting heatstroke.

Know your dog

Some dogs are more susceptible to heat exposure and the effects of the sun. Certain types of dogs, such as Northern breeds or short-muzzled dogs, may be at greater risk. Dogs that are older, overweight, taking certain medications or with underlying medical conditions are also more susceptible to heat exposure.   

Be aware of bugs

There are a number of bugs that can be harmful and irritating to our furry friends. Mosquitoes cause local irritation and can transmit heartworm. Heartworm medication can be given to your dogs during mosquito season as a preventative measure.

Fleas are also a bug to watch out for and there are many products to prevent them. Talk to your veterinarian about the best option for your dog.

Ticks can transmit Lyme disease and are especially common in grassy and heavily forested areas. There are insect repellants to repel ticks, as well as preventative tick medications your veterinarian can prescribe. Learn more about tick prevention.

Flies, such as horse and deer flies, can cause itching and irritation. To learn more, check out our blog four bugs to be aware of this summer with your pets.

Don’t be afraid to go out and enjoy the weather with your pet! Just keep these handy tips in mind when you do and enjoy the summer weather!

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 you’ve visited the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Greater Sudbury Animal Centre over the past few months, there’s a good chance you’ve already met Lauren Davies. Lauren stepped into the role of Manager at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre after starting with the organization as an Animal Care Attendant last June. She’s been hard at work ever since getting to know the team, the animals, and the Sudbury community she now calls home.

A path rooted in making a difference

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph, along with a Diploma in Human Resources Management. Her career has touched on conservation, environmental stewardship, and health and safety, but helping animals has always been the thread running through it.

“I’ve always wanted a career where I could make a meaningful difference, whether that was helping animals, people, or the community around me,” Lauren says.

When she applied for an Animal Care Attendant position last June, she had no idea where it would lead.

“The more time I spent at the animal centre, the more I fell in love with helping animals and the impact we can have on both animals and the people who care about them,” she says.

A family tradition of compassion

Lauren’s connection to animals goes back to childhood, shaped largely by her mother.

“My mom cared for a colony of stray cats in our neighbourhood, making sure they were fed, taking them to the vet when they were sick,” Lauren says.

She remembers her parents building insulated shelters so the cats could get through the cold winters safely.

“The compassion they showed for animals had a lasting impact on me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their support and the values they instilled in me,” she says.

There was always room for one more animal in her childhood home, and that spirit followed her straight into her career.

Settling into her new role

Now leading the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre, Lauren says what excites her most is the variety the role brings.

“Leading the animal centre is incredibly rewarding because no two days are the same,” she says. “Whether it’s helping a fearful animal gain confidence, supporting an adopter as they welcome a new family member, or finding solutions for an animal in need, there are constant opportunities to create positive change.”

Lauren is quick to credit the people around her for making the centre what it is. She’s excited to work alongside an amazing team of dedicated staff, volunteers, and foster families.

“The Sudbury community is incredibly passionate about animal welfare, and I’m grateful to be part of that,” she says.

Foster fails of her own

Lauren practices what she preaches at home, where she shares her life with three cats. Her cat Forest came from the BC SPCA and made the long drive across the country when Lauren relocated to Ontario. Her cats Felix Sr. and Smokey both started out as residents at the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre before becoming what Lauren calls “foster fails.”

Life outside the centre

Lauren lives in Sudbury with her boyfriend, and the two have settled comfortably into the area. Her parents live in Muskoka, with more family scattered across Southern Ontario and BC, so a good road trip is never far from her mind.

Lauren believes an Ontario winter is hard to beat.

“I enjoy the cold weather, snow, and everything that comes with an Ontario winter,” she says.

Come summer, she’s drawn to the water, whether that means kayaking, boating, or hitting local hiking trails. Her background in Wildlife Biology and Conservation still shows up in her downtime too, and she has a particular soft spot for observing wildlife, especially insects.

Join us

Since stepping into the role, Lauren has brought steady, compassionate leadership to the Greater Sudbury Animal Centre. Her dedication to animals, her team, and the Sudbury community reflects exactly the kind of leadership that helps animals and the people who love them thrive.

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.

A girl smiling while holding a black cat close to their face in a sunlit room.

A gray kitten lounges across a black-and-white cat while both sit together on a windowsill, looking toward the camera.

The first time a veterinary student completes a solo spay surgery under the direct supervision of a licensed veterinarian is a moment they will never forget. It’s a milestone that represents years of study, hours of practice, and the beginning of a career dedicated to helping animals.

Through partnerships with Georgian College and the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is helping students reach moments like these by providing hands-on experience in shelter medicine and veterinary care. These opportunities help students develop practical skills and confidence, along with creating lasting benefits for the veterinary profession.

Where learning meets real life

At the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Orillia and District Animal Centre, five Veterinary Technician students from Georgian College completed placements focused on animal care and shelter operations.

Throughout their placements, students worked three to five days a week, spending approximately three hours each day assisting staff and caring for animals. From providing enrichment and daily animal care to supporting shelter operations, the students gained firsthand experience while making a meaningful difference in the lives of animals in our care.

For the students, every shift offered a new opportunity to build practical skills and learn what a career in shelter medicine can look like.

The success of the partnership was reflected not only in the experience gained by students, but also in the opportunities it created. One participant was ultimately hired through the program, demonstrating the value of hands-on learning and industry partnerships.

The moment confidence takes hold

While Georgian College students were gaining experience in shelter operations and animal care, OVC students were developing their clinical skills through hands-on veterinary training.

The Ontario SPCA has welcomed multiple groups of OVC students for external rotations focused on surgical skills and shelter medicine. Students participating in the rotation work under direct supervision of experienced veterinary professionals to perform spay/neuter surgeries on animals available for adoption through the Ontario SPCA.

“Providing hands-on learning opportunities is one of the most valuable ways we can help prepare the next generation of veterinary professionals,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Giving them the opportunity to gain supervised surgical experience helps build confidence, refine technical skills and ultimately leads to better outcomes for animals throughout their careers.”

For Dr. Tang, some of the most rewarding moments are seeing students realize how much they have learned and accomplished.

“One of the most rewarding moments is watching a student complete their first solo spay surgery under supervision,” he says. “Seeing the sense of accomplishment they feel in that moment is incredibly meaningful.”

A new perspective on animal welfare

For many students, the placement provided exposure to an area of veterinary medicine they had not previously experienced while helping them build practical skills and confidence in veterinary settings.

“This placement has strengthened both my technical skills and my confidence while reinforcing the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care,” says Victoria Borrelli, a student veterinarian at the Ontario Veterinary College. “It has shown me the value of teamwork, adaptability and always considering an animal’s quality of life when making clinical decisions. These experiences will shape the way I approach veterinary medicine throughout my career.”

Dr. Tang says placements within the Ontario SPCA complement veterinary education by giving students hands-on experience in shelter medicine and community care.

“By learning alongside our teams, students gain a greater understanding of community medicine and the innovative approaches that help keep animals with the families who love them,” says Dr. Tang.

Creating lasting connections

Beyond building technical skills, these partnerships are helping foster stronger connections between future veterinary professionals and animal welfare organizations.

“These partnerships create a lasting impact beyond the placement itself,” says Dr. Tang. “Students leave with a greater understanding of animal welfare and shelter medicine, and many go on to support organizations like the Ontario SPCA throughout their careers.”

One particularly memorable success story involved a veterinary intern who enjoyed her placement experience so much that she requested a second week with the Ontario SPCA later in the year.

For students considering a future in veterinary medicine or animal care, experiences like these provide far more than technical skills. They build confidence, create connections, and offer a deeper understanding of the role animal welfare organizations play in supporting both animals and the people who care for them.

As the Ontario SPCA continues to invest in educational partnerships, these experiences are helping shape the next generation of animal care professionals while strengthening the future of animal welfare across Ontario.

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.

Two veterinary professionals in surgical attire work together during a procedure under an overhead surgical light.

Veterinary professionals prepare and monitor a patient during a surgical procedure in a clinic operating room.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (June 22, 2026) – As summer adventures heat up, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is launching its annual No Hot Pets campaign and calling on animal lovers across the province to help keep pets safe by taking the pledge at nohotpets.ca

Cars can heat up quickly, putting animals in danger within minutes – even on mild days. By pledging to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, you’ll help spread an important message. Plus, you will also be entered for a chance to win a YETI prize pack.

“Summer should be about making memories with your pets, not putting them at risk,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Taking a few moments to think ahead helps ensure pets stay safe, cool, and happy all summer long.”

The Ontario SPCA is encouraging everyone to help keep the message going strong this summer. Animal lovers can:

Take the pledge at nohotpets.ca and encourage friends and family to do the same
Share the No Hot Pets message on social media using downloadable graphics and resources
Encourage pet-friendly businesses to help spread awareness
Access free digital tools, care tips, and resources at nohotpets.ca

Hot weather dangers aren’t limited to parked cars. Animals left outside without shade or fresh water can overheat quickly, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

If you see an animal in distress due to the heat, act quickly. Call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

This summer, take the No Hot Pets pledge, spread the word, and help keep pets cool and safe across Ontario. Visit nohotpets.ca,

Australian shepherd–type dog with one blue eye and one brown eye drinking water from a person’s hand beside a water bowl outdoors.

Australian shepherd–type dog standing in a blue kiddie pool in a grassy backyard on a warm day.

Media Contact:

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

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 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.

As temperatures rise, so does the danger for animals left unattended in vehicles. This summer, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is once again reminding pet parents that there is no safe amount of time to leave an animal alone in a parked vehicle.

Through the No Hot Pets campaign, we’re asking animal lovers across Ontario to take the pledge to never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle and help spread this lifesaving message throughout their communities.

Take the pledge and you could win

By taking the No Hot Pets pledge, you’re making a commitment to help keep animals safe this summer. As a thank you, everyone who takes the pledge will be entered for a chance to win a cool YETI prize pack!

Take the pledge

Cars heat up faster than you think

Many people underestimate how quickly temperatures can rise inside a parked vehicle. Even on relatively mild days, a vehicle can become dangerously hot within minutes. Cracking the windows, parking in the shade, or running errands “just for a minute” does not eliminate the risk.

If something unexpected delays your return to the vehicle, it could have tragic consequences for your furry family member.

The safest option is always to leave your pet at home where they can stay cool, comfortable and safe.

Help spread the message

Everyone can play a role in protecting animals this summer.

In addition to taking the pledge, you can help by:

Sharing the No Hot Pets message on social media
Encouraging friends and family to take the pledge
Asking pet-friendly businesses in your community to get involved
Downloading and sharing free campaign resources from our website

Together, we can raise awareness and prevent animals from suffering in hot vehicles.

What to do if you see an animal left in a vehicle

If you see an animal unattended in a vehicle, act immediately. Report it by callingProvincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or contact your local police service. If the animal appears to be in distress , call 911.

While waiting for help to arrive:

Note the vehicle’s license plate number
Stay near the vehicle and monitor the animal
Ask nearby businesses to page the owner and request they return to their vehicle

It is illegal to break a vehicle window. The best course of action is to contact authorities right away and remain with the animal until help arrives.

Other summer safety reminders

Hot vehicles aren’t the only danger animals face during the summer months. Pets who are left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water can also suffer from heat-related illnesses.

Signs of heat stroke may include:

Increased heart rate
Excessive panting or drooling
Dry, sticky, or abnormally coloured gums
Weakness, lethargy, or disorientation
Vomiting or diarrhea
Body temperature above 40°C
Collapse, unconsciousness, seizures, or coma

If you suspect an animal is suffering from heat stroke, seek veterinary attention immediately. In the meantime, move the animal to a shaded area, offer water if they are able to drink, and wet their fur with lukewarm to cool (not cold) water.

Join the movement

A few moments of planning can save a life. If you’re travelling with your pet this summer, plan ahead by identifying pet-friendly stops along your route and ensuring your animal is never left unattended in a vehicle.

Take the No Hot Pets pledge today and help keep animals safe all summer long. Visit nohotpets.ca to learn more, access free resources, and help spread the message.

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Dad this Father’s Day? Whether he’s a devoted pet parent, an animal lover, or simply someone who enjoys making a difference, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Paws & Give™ symbolic giving catalogue offers gifts that help animals in need across Ontario.

Give Dad a gift that creates a lasting impact for vulnerable animals. With Paws & Give™, you can honour a special father figure while helping provide care, comfort, and hope to animals waiting for their second chance.

Help keep pets and families together

For many families facing financial hardship, accessing pet food can be a challenge. A symbolic gift to the Pet Food Pantry helps provide food and supplies that are distributed through community partners, ensuring beloved pets can stay with the families who love them. By helping fill empty bowls, you’re giving both animals and their people a helping hand when they need it most.

Give animals the care they urgently need

When animals arrive in the care of the Ontario SPCA, some require immediate medical attention, transportation, vaccinations, assessments, and specialized treatment before they can begin their journey toward adoption. A Gift of Urgent Need helps provide critical support for animals requiring immediate care, giving them the opportunity to heal and thrive. Every contribution helps ensure animals receive the treatment and compassion they deserve.

Bring comfort and joy to shelter animals

A simple toy can make a world of difference to an animal awaiting adoption. Toys provide enrichment, reduce stress, encourage exercise, and help keep animals mentally stimulated during their stay at our animal centres. By giving a Toy for a Shelter Pet, you’re helping brighten an animal’s day while supporting their overall wellbeing.

A Father’s Day gift with heart

One of the best things about symbolic gifts is that they give twice: once to Dad and once to an animal in need. You can even pair your gift with an e-card to let Dad know a donation has been made in his honour. It’s a thoughtful way to celebrate the compassion, kindness, and generosity that fathers and father figures bring to our lives.

This Father’s Day, make your gift count for animals in need. Explore the Paws & Give™ symbolic giving catalogue and discover how your Father’s Day gift can help provide food, care, comfort, and hope to animals across Ontario.

Shop Father’s Day Paws & Give™ today.

Summer is a great time to spend quality time outdoors with your furry friend but beware of bugs! There are several bugs that can be irritating and harmful for our furry friends. Here’s what to look out for:

Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes can be annoying for our animals, and cause local irritation, but the major concern is that they can transmit heartworm.

Learn more about heartworm in dogs.

Speak to your veterinarian about heartworm testing and preventative heartworm medication for your dog during mosquito season. If your pet contracts the disease, treatment is costly, lengthy, and has health risks involved.

Fleas

Adult fleas spend only around five percent of their life on an animal; the other 95 percent spent is spent elsewhere, digesting food and laying eggs. Fleas jump on an animal to consume blood, which they need to reproduce.

Because flea bites are irritating, the animal will bite and scratch to relieve the itching, which can cause secondary skin trauma and lead to a skin infection. Young or compromised animals with a heavy flea burden can actually suffer from anemia.

In addition to the yuck factor of having fleas in your home, and the toll it takes on your animal, a big concern with fleas is that they can transfer tapeworm.

Always speak to your veterinarian before attempting to treat a flea infestation to ensure you use products that are safe for your animal and their environment.

Flies

Biting flies, like black flies, horse flies and deer flies are attracted to our furry friends for their blood. Companion animals who spend a lot of time outdoors and who live near water or farms may be especially susceptible.

Fly bites may be seen most around the ears, nose and on the belly, where hair is sparse. These bites can be painful and may result in an allergic reaction in some furry friends. While fly bites may heal on their own without issue, bites have the potential to become itchy and irritated. This can lead to secondary skin infections where the skin is sore, infected and crusted with blood, in turn attracting more flies. Talk to your vet about pet-friendly fly-repellant available for companion animals.

With these bug precautions in mind, enjoy some quality outdoor time with your furry friend!

Mental stimulation is important for the behavioural enrichment of small animals. With some small positive changes to their normal routine, you can have a healthy, mentally stimulated furry friend!

Changing their environment

The quickest and easiest thing you can do to change their routine is to rearrange items in your friend’s living environment. Moving items to the opposite corner makes them think about its change of location; they may even try to move it around to place it where they want it. Introducing different “furniture pieces,” such as branches and bedding can create a different environment. Introduce only one item at a time to prevent fear and stress.

It is important to note that small animals rearrange their furniture how they like it, so if there is an item that they keep moving to a certain area, it’s best to leave it where they are placing it to avoid stressing them out. It’s similar to someone coming in and constantly redecorating your house – a little change is good, but if there’s a certain item that you like in a certain spot, it’s very frustrating if people keep moving it!

Other ways to change their environment

Cardboard – boxes with holes cut into them are great for hiding spaces and a change of environment. Cardboard tubes can also be stuffed with hay and healthy treats for added enrichment.

Tunnels – plastic and fabric tunnels can be purchased at your local pet store or online, or you can make your own tunnels from cardboard boxes or tubes with wide diameters. When it comes to choosing a tunnel for your small animal to play in, always ensure that it is big enough for them to enter and turn around in – we don’t want anyone getting stuck in a tunnel that’s too small!

Mirrors – these can offer comfort for female rabbits. The effects can be short-lived, so this is recommended for temporary relief of loneliness.

Digging opportunities – domestic rabbits will perform this behaviour so you can try providing them with a “digging box.” Safe places to dig are large plant pots or litter trays filled with earth, cardboard boxes filled with shredded paper and sandpits filled with child and animal-friendly sand.

Toys and objects

Toys that allow animals to perform normal behaviours, such as digging, chewing, chin marking and jumping keep them mentally stimulated. Some toy options your small animal might enjoy include:

Objects to manipulate or throw, such as untreated straw or balls. Solid plastic baby toys like key rings, rattles and stacking cups can make great rabbit toys.

Let them shred paper such as newspapers. A great idea is to wrap your rabbit’s favourite food in brown paper and let them unwrap it.

Again, cardboard is a great object for them to play with. Tubes can be stuffed with hay or healthy treats to rotate their routine.

Toys such as balls, rings, and chewing blocks are great for entertainment. You can also think of things they may want to carry, push, bury or hide.

Ensure there are no small parts that can be swallowed, and that you are supervising the use of these toys.

Read How to enrich your small animal’s environment for more ideas.

Let’s keep our small animals active and stimulated!

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Constance Lake First Nation, ON (June 15, 2026) – More than 130 animals received vital veterinary care during a four-day animal wellness clinic hosted by the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in partnership with Constance Lake First Nation.

From June 1-4, the Ontario SPCA’s mobile MASH-style clinic provided spay/neuter surgeries for 48 cats and dogs, helping prevent close to an estimated 1,800 unplanned puppies and kittens. The clinic also provided 84 wellness appointments to animals in the community and administered 119 rabies vaccinations. The Ontario SPCA has also transported more than 5,200 lbs of pet food to Constance Lake to date this year, with more on the way.

The Ontario SPCA is committed to improving access to veterinary care in underserved communities with its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics. These portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities.

“Access to veterinary care can be a challenge in remote and underserved communities,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Through this clinic, we were able to provide spay/neuter services, wellness care and vaccinations to support animal health in Constance Lake First Nation.”

“On behalf of Constance Lake First Nation, I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to PetSmart and the Ontario SPCA for their continued partnership and support in delivering pet wellness clinics within our community,” says Chief Richard Allen of Constance Lake First Nation. “Through this ongoing collaboration, we have seen meaningful improvements in the health and well-being of animals in Constance Lake. These clinics have increased access to essential veterinary services, supported responsible pet ownership, and contributed to a stronger, healthier animal population. As a result, many of our community dogs are healthier, better cared for, and receiving the support they need, which has had a positive impact on both animal welfare and overall community safety. We are grateful for this partnership and look forward to continuing this important work together.”

The wellness event was made possible thanks to an Incubator grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada® to address challenges in accessing veterinary care in Constance Lake First Nation. This clinic is the third pet wellness clinic hosted in the community, continuing a strong and valued partnership between Constance Lake First Nation, PetSmart, and the Ontario SPCA.

Rising costs combined with geographical and cultural barriers have left many communities out of the veterinary care system altogether. The Incubator grant program supports innovative and culturally relevant veterinary programs targeted toward Indigenous communities across Canada.

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

Person in a cream beanie and gray hoodie holding a large brindle dog with tan legs and a white chest inside a community animal clinic.

Veterinary staff speak with a pet owner while another staff member in purple scrubs kneels beside a large husky-type dog during a community animal wellness event.

Media Contact

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

About the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cornwall, ON (June 15, 2026) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society hosted a wellness and vaccination clinic for cats in Cornwall on June 14, helping remove barriers to essential veterinary care and supporting pet families in the community.

Held at Agora Catholic Centre in Cornwall, the clinic provided free wellness resources and vaccinations to 43 cats whose families may otherwise face barriers accessing veterinary care for their pets. A total of 2,100 lbs of cat food was also distributed during the event, along with other essential pet items for families who needed additional support.

“When barriers such as cost or accessibility prevent pets from receiving routine care, community wellness clinics can make a meaningful difference,” says Bonnie Bishop, Eastern Regional Manager, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “These events help keep pets healthy and with the families who love them.”

The Ontario SPCA is grateful to Boehringer Ingelheim for donating vaccines, as well as the veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, community partners and volunteers whose support helped make the event possible. A booster event will take place on July 12 at the same location.

The wellness clinic for cats builds on the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to increase access to veterinary care in Cornwall. Last month the Ontario SPCA hosted a canine wellness and vaccination clinic on May 24, where 87 dogs received Parvo vaccinations.

These community-based services will continue to expand with the future Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Cornwall and Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic, currently under construction and expected to open in 2027. The new centre will help increase access to veterinary care and community support services, making it easier for families to access the resources they need to keep their pets healthy. Visit ontariospca.ca/brighter-future-cornwall-and-region to learn more and donate.

For more information about Ontario SPCA community support services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

Person holding a small gray tabby kitten indoors while smiling down at it.

Veterinary volunteers examine a gray tabby kitten on an exam table during a community animal wellness clinic.

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 Cornwall and Region Animal Centre, formerly 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.