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.
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.
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
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UDBURY, ON (Oct. 15, 2025) – The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is pleased to welcome Rob Poirier as the new manager of the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre.
Born and raised in Sudbury, Poirier brings over 20 years of leadership experience to his new role, having previously worked in the pharmacy sector where he was dedicated to improving the lives of others. Now, he’s turning that same passion for service toward helping animals and the people who love them.
“Animals have always been a part of my life,” says Poirier. “When I saw the opportunity to join the Ontario SPCA, I knew it was the perfect fit. I wanted to pair my leadership experience with my love for animals and make a meaningful impact in my community.”
Poirier’s deep respect for animals is rooted in his upbringing on a family farm, where he was surrounded by a variety of animals from a young age. His family’s long-standing involvement in therapeutic horseback riding also helped shape his belief in the healing bond between animals and people, and the importance of community support – values he brings with him to the Ontario SPCA.
Since stepping into his new role, Poirier says he’s been inspired by the dedication and compassion of the Sudbury team. “It takes an incredible group of people to make everything run smoothly,” he says. “The team here treats every animal as their own until they find a loving home. Seeing an adoption come full circle – watching families connect with their new companions – that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Outside of work, Poirier enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, who share his love of animals and the outdoors. Their family includes Jax, a friendly Coonhound who keeps life lively at home.
“Sudbury is a strong, resilient community,” Poirier says. “I’m proud to serve the community I grew up in and to continue the Ontario SPCA’s mission of bringing animals and people together.”
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society extends a warm welcome to Poirier and invites the community to stop by the Sudbury & District Animal Centre to meet him and learn more about adoption, volunteering and more ways to get involved.
To learn more, visit ontariospca.ca/sudbury
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Media Contact
Emma Bailey
Community Outreach Coordinator
Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre
705-923-0692
[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 Sudbury & District Animal Centre is located on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. The Greater City of Sudbury also includes the traditional lands of the Wahnapitae First Nation.
MEDIA ADVISORY
Cornwall, ON (Oct. 14, 2025) – Members of the media are invited to attend a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s new Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic.
DATE: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025
TIME: 10 a.m., rain or shine
LOCATION: 2151 Second Street West, Cornwall
Local dignitaries and Ontario SPCA representatives will gather to celebrate the official start of construction on the 8,000-square-foot facility, set to open in 2027.
The new Cornwall & Region Animal Centre and Veterinary Clinic will replace the aging Ontario SPCA animal centre on Boundary Road, built more than 30 years ago. The new facility will transform animal care in the region by increasing capacity to help more animals, supporting families with accessible veterinary care, and serving as a hub for compassionate animal welfare.
Please RSVP for the groundbreaking ceremony through the Ontario SPCA’s media office by emailing [email protected]
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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 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.
Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) play a crucial role at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, bringing compassion and care to the animals who depend on them. October is RVT Month and we are excited to have an entire month to celebrate them!
It’s no secret that an RVT is an integral part of any animal health care team, but they are particularly valuable in a shelter environment. These skilled, trained professionals offer support on how to manage the animals in our care and confidently provide their expertise in terms of medical advice and next steps in our care.
Why is it so valuable to have RVT’s on our team?
RVT’s are committed to providing the highest level of care available and work to the full extent of their capabilities. As shelter health professionals, RVT’s participate in the decision making of individual animal planning. This role aids and further enhances the health and welfare of all animals in our care.
What does a typical day look like for an RVT?
The role of an RVT at the Ontario SPCA includes:
- Performing daily rounds – ensuring that the 5 freedoms are being met for each individual animal every day. This includes both the medical and behavioural components of animal health and well-being. They also aid in the early identification of illness or infectious disease and implementing isolation protocols accordingly.
- Providing a high level of nursing care in our animal centres;
- Establishing and re-evaluating enrichment plans daily, monitoring post-operative patients, administering medications through veterinary guidance and protocol.
- Conducting intake exams, identifying abnormal signs and triaging to ensure animals are receiving veterinary care in a timely manner.
- Ensuring biosecurity protocols are understood and being followed to help keep animals in our centres healthy.
If you’d like to become part of this innovative, exciting, and engaging RVT team with the Ontario SPCA, please keep an eye on our employment page for job opportunities.
Join us in celebrating and thanking all our hard-working RVTs who are making a difference!
For many people, the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to get together with friends and family to enjoy a delicious meal together. If you want to make sure your dog doesn’t feel left out, we have some special treat ideas just for them!
Before we share these special treats, here are a few general safety tips to keep in mind.
General safety tips
- Do not introduce new foods to your furry friend this weekend. Human food should only be introduced after a conversation with your veterinarian.
- If you have company coming over, it’s important to tell them not to feed your furry friend from the table.
- Consider leaving your companion animal in a different room during mealtime with some of their own treats and favourite toys.
- Foods to watch out for include chocolate, raisins, grapes, yeast (raw dough), turkey drippings, any kind of bones, and foods cooked with garlic and onion, as these can all be toxic to our furry friends. Learn more about foods that are harmful to dogs and foods that are harmful to cats.
More about why Thanksgiving food may not be safe for your furry friend can be found here!
Thanksgiving treat ideas for your furry friend
Here are some holiday treat ideas you can make for your furry friend to enjoy in their own space during Thanksgiving celebrations:
DIY fall pumpkin dog treat
Using simple ingredients such as flour, pumpkin puree, and peanut butter*, you can roll the dough and create fun, festive shapes using cookie cutters. Bake cookies for 30 minutes, allow them to cool and let your furry friend enjoy!
DIY Apple peanut butter* balls
Peanut butter and an apple – super simple! Just spread peanut butter on a cut up apple and freeze it. Make sure you take it out 30 minutes before serving it to your furry friend!
*Watch for peanut butter with artificial sweeteners such as xylitol or birch sugar, as it can be toxic to dogs.
We hope you enjoy making these treats as much as your dog enjoys eating them!
Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving!
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.
Small animals also require their daily dose of fun and excitement outside of their enclosures to help keep them healthy and happy. However, outside playtime should be supervised in a safely enclosed and pet-proofed area.
A rodent’s teeth grow continuously, so it’s important to provide appropriate chew-safe toys and to keep loose electrical wires or dangerous items out of reach. Below are some tips to create fun and fabulous sports centres for your small furry family members!
Guinea pigs are gentle, social creatures who love to play
Good guinea pig games offer tunnels for chewing and playing in, such as paper towel and toilet paper rolls (slit up the side so they can’t get stuck inside) or “chubes” (often made of vegetable parchment).
Plastic balls designed for small animals provide additional entertainment, as well as non-toxic wooden toys, plastic spoons, and small stuffed animals. Let your guinea run around in a room in your house for extra exercise every day. An excited guinea pig makes a chorus of loud, happy whistles!
Hamsters enjoy evening workouts
Nocturnal by nature, hamsters love their evening workouts. Exercise wheels provide a great source of activity, combined with chew toys, such as pieces of dog biscuit, or pesticide-free twigs from beech trees, maples, willows, hazelnut bushes, or fruit trees.
Cardboard boxes, toilet paper, and paper towel rolls are also safe for hamsters to burrow in, chew on, and play with. Wooden ladders and branches fastened securely to the inside of the cage can help hamsters show off their climbing agility. Scattering food pellets into the cage is an easy source of stimulation.
Rats and mice enjoy tons of toys
For rats and mice, cardboard paper towel tubes make great tunnels; cardboard egg cartons are perfect for climbing and chewing; wooden blocks satisfy a rodent’s need to gnaw; and plastic or solid metal exercise wheels provide hours of fun (avoid wire versions, which they can get their tails stuck in). For a special rat hammock, tie a thick rope across the cage or use an old dish rag! Ladders and branches are also great toys, and don’t forget small balls (but no rubber ones). Make a mouse maze with paper towel tubes and boxes with entrance holes cut out. For a tempting treat, place a brown paper bag open and on its side!
Cool gerbil toys add spice to life
Great gerbil toys include overturned flowerpots, boxes, and cardboard tubes for exploring, as well as rocks and ladders for climbing and crawling. Keep in mind that gerbils can’t see very well, so watch your pet carefully so they don’t have accidents when outside their cage. For their chewing pleasure, make sure your gerbil has a piece of log or wood that hasn’t been painted or treated with chemicals.
Romping rabbits enjoy active fun
Rabbits enjoy things they can toss, roll, chew on and bat. Inexpensive toys can include paper towel or toilet paper rolls, wicker, hard plastic baby keys, cat toys like solid balls, a log (that hasn’t been sprayed with paint or chemicals), or a fallen branch from an apple tree. Rabbit cages should offer some tempting diversions, including wooden boxes or rocks they can get up on or go under. When the weather is nice, you can let your supervised rabbit play in your fenced backyard (make sure that pesticides and fertilizers have not been applied to the grass).
If a small animal is the right companion for you, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals 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.
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stouffville, ON (Oct. 9, 2025) – Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres across the province will be welcoming over 40 dogs and cats from Northern Ontario over the next week to help them find loving homes.
A total of 14 dogs from the Thunder Bay & District Humane Society and Constance Lake First Nation have arrived at Ontario SPCA animal centres in Orillia, Durham, Orangeville, York Region and Brockville where they will be placed up for adoption. Next week, 30 cats will be arriving from Kenora Cat Shelter to find loving homes at Ontario SPCA animal centres.
Yesterday’s dog transfer comes on the heels of the Ontario SPCA’s iAdopt: Furever Homes adoption event, which found loving homes for 123 animals over three days in September, making space available to help more animals.
“Every adoption creates a ripple effect,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “When an animal finds a loving home, it not only changes that animal’s life, but it also opens up space to help another animal in need. By working with our Northern partners, we’re giving these dogs and cats a second chance.”
To date in 2025, the Ontario SPCA has transported 229 animals from Northern communities to find them loving homes. It also partners with communities to reduce pet overpopulation through its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics.
Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals available for adoption. Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.
If you’re not able to adopt, you can make a difference for an animal by becoming a foster volunteer. The foster program supports animals who are too young, sick, injured, under-socialized, or stressed to thrive in an animal centre environment. Visit ontariospca.ca/foster to learn more and apply today.
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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 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 we step into fall, with the crunch of leaves beneath our feet and our pets’ paws, it is important to be aware of safety concerns that come with the season. Here are five fall pet hazards you wouldn’t expect:
Acorns and oak leaves
Acorns contain tannins, which can upset your furry friend’s digestive tract if ingested. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. In some cases, kidney and liver damage can also take place. Acorns can also be dangerous as they have the potential to cause blockages within the digestive tract, which can have serious consequences. Contact your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
Mushrooms
Though mushrooms tend to be an issue more in the springtime, the wet autumn season can also bring out more mushrooms. If your furry friend eats a wild mushroom, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately.
For a list of poisonous plants to look out for and who to call if you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, visit our blog.
Antifreeze
If you’re winterizing your cottage, boat or RV, be mindful of antifreeze! Antifreeze is toxic to animals. Yet, it can be appealing to them because of its sweet taste. Always be on the lookout for antifreeze spills and be sure to clean them up immediately. Ingestion of antifreeze can cause kidney damage leading to kidney failure if not treated promptly. If you suspect your animal has ingested antifreeze, contact an emergency veterinarian or poison control right away. For more on antifreeze, click here.
Rodenticides
When mice start to look for somewhere warm to spend the winter, many people turn to rodenticides. While we do not recommend the use of such products, if you are planning on using rodenticides, make sure they are placed in areas not accessible to your companion animals. As an alternative, we recommend a holistic deterrent of vinegar and pepper mix spray placed where your furry family members cannot access.
If you suspect your animal has ingested rodenticides, contact an emergency veterinarian or poison control right away.
Essential oils
If you like having candles or essential oils in your home to bring those fall smells, it’s important to know the potential risk for companion animals! Cats, dogs, and small animals process chemicals differently than humans, making them more vulnerable. Oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, peppermint, and pine can cause vomiting, drooling, breathing issues, tremors, or even seizures. If your pet shows signs of poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately. To keep them safe, avoid using essential oils around animals
Keeping these safety tips in mind, have a fun and safe fall!
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. If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation.
Nothing says Fall quite like pumpkin-flavoured goodies! While you’re enjoying your treat, why not have your furry friend join you?
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has a delicious recipe for pumpkin dog treats that will make your pet’s mouth water!
Check out our video and try out the recipe for yourself. Let us know how you like it!
Pumpkin pet treat
Learn the specific needs of cats with our friends at Royal Canine Canada to help your parents look after your cat properly and make sure she eats well. Playing and hunting are closely linked activities for cats, and a toy is often identified as prey. To respect her instinct, keep her fit, and make her meals more playful, you can build a toy like the one at the end of this booklet, so that she actively searches her food and feels like she is hunting.
A lot of cats eat their food in small portions throughout the day
But she should always be fed the amount recommended on the bag or by your vet, so that she avoids putting on too much weight.
Do not feed your cat as you would feed yourself
Human food is not an appropriate diet for a cat.
Cats prefer to eat in a calm place
A quiet place, away from the litter tray is ideal for their food bowl.
Cats thrive when fed the right way: they often eat small portions throughout the day, but it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines on the food bag or from a veterinarian to prevent weight gain. Avoid giving human food, as it isn’t suitable for cats. Provide meals in a quiet area away from the litter box, and support their natural instincts by making mealtime playful, such as using food-dispensing toys that encourage hunting behaviour.
In response to the State of Emergency to address encampments in Barrie, the Ontario SPCA Barrie Animal Centre has been working quickly to ensure that both people and their pets have the support they need.
With many individuals being displaced from encampments and tents, there have been concerns about what resources are available for those with animals. Thanks to collaboration and community partnerships, we’ve been able to step in where help is needed most.
The Ontario SPCA’s Community Outreach Services, alongside the Barrie Animal Centre, has provided resources quickly to support partner organizations already on the front lines. We’ve provided over 500 lbs of pet food and supplies so far to the Busby Centre, Salvation Army, and Hope Centre in Barrie. Pet food distribution is also happening through the Barrie Food Bank, helping keep furry bellies full.
We are continuing to check in weekly with our community partners to ensure they have the supplies and support they need. Any organization currently working with people from the encampments can contact the Barrie Animal Centre to learn more about how the Ontario SPCA’s Community Outreach Services can support furry family members.
Additionally, Simcoe County has established a list of available resources, including accommodations that allow pets to stay with their families. The Tiffin Street Warming Centre/Triage Centre is also providing space for people and their pets. This ensures families are able to stay together during such a challenging time.
This quick response highlights the strength of our community when we come together. By working alongside community partners and local emergency housing supports, we’re making sure families are cared for during this difficult time.
The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society remains committed to being there for people and their pets. Together, with compassion and teamwork, we are helping keep pets with the people who love them.
To learn more about our Community Outreach Services, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport
As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to support animals in need. Please consider donating today.