Search Results for: behaviour

  • How to train cats to do agility courses

    In North America, when you think about pet agility courses, you may think only of dogs jumping over bars and through hoops. In reality, many other pets can also do agility courses, and do them well!  In today’s blog, we discuss agility courses, and how your cat can be trained to do them.  Finding motivation  […]

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  • September 18, 2023

    Celebrating the first underdogs adopted from the Provincial Dog Rehab Centre

    The Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre is now a reality and, since launching in June, we are thrilled to celebrate our 16th adoption (and counting!) These are 16 special dogs –who struggled to find a family to love them due to their own unique challenges. Their stories now have a happy tail, thanks to […]

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  • September 15, 2023

    What are the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare?

    For the past 150 years, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has provided care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need in communities across Ontario. As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, we want to share the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, which guide all that we do and impact the care our animals receive.  […]

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  • September 14, 2023

    How to make food puzzles for your cat

    Food puzzles are a great way for your cat to receive enrichment while enjoying a snack! Today we’d like to share instructions with you on how to make food puzzles for your cat.  Why food puzzles?  Not only do animals identify food with their sense of taste, but they also use this sense to explore […]

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  • September 11, 2023

    Training tips: Play biting and mouthing

    If you’re the proud parent of a puppy or kitten, chances are you’ve been on the receiving end of some play biting. Play biting, or mouthing, is a normal part of your cat or dog’s development. In this blog we outline why this behaviour is normal, and also how to discourage your furry friend from […]

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  • August 28, 2023

    Cat body language: What is your cat saying?

    Knowing how to understand your cat’s body language is valuable. This information can help you understand what the cat is communicating, and then how you can respond, with enrichment, socialization, or behaviour modification. In this blog we’re going to break down some important body language signs for you!  What can we learn from a cat’s […]

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  • August 22, 2023

    Inside the family living room at the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre

    The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society celebrated the grand opening of its Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre in June 2023. The centre was custom-built to help dogs who need more individualized care than a typical animal centre can provide.  Operated by the Ontario SPCA’s Animal Behaviour team, the centre provides evidence-based behavioural support to help dogs […]

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  • August 18, 2023

    Snip, snip, hurray! We’ve reached our 150,000th spay/neuter milestone

    It’s a special year for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Not only are we celebrating our 150th anniversary in 2023, we also performed our 150,000th spay/neuter procedure! To date, we’ve prevented an incredible 4,010,640 kittens and 2,816,280 puppies from contributing to pet overpopulation.  High-volume services   To help reduce pet overpopulation, the Ontario SPCA began […]

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  • August 10, 2023

    Pandemic puppies: Adult dog socialization tips

    The first three months of a puppy’s life are important to its development as during this time, they are learning, going through a critical period of socialization and accepting new things. But what do you do if that window of opportunity is missed? Many puppies born during the pandemic were under-socialized due to social distancing […]

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  • August 8, 2023

    Snip, snip, hurray! The Ontario SPCA performs its 150,000th spay/neuter procedure

    IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (Aug. 8, 2023) – As it celebrates its 150th anniversary, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has reached another major milestone, performing its 150,000th spay/neuter procedure since it began offering high volume spay/neuter services to the public in 2009.   To help reduce pet overpopulation, the Ontario SPCA began offering high volume spay/neuter services […]

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  • July 18, 2023

    More bark than bite: Changing dogs’ barking habits

    A dog’s bark can be very useful; for showing their human something they want or need, or to warn of a possible intruder. But if it gets out of hand, your dog’s barking can be a nuisance to you, and your neighbours!   Reasons behind your dog barking The first step to changing your dog’s barking […]

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  • July 17, 2023

    Behind the scenes of helping VIP animals find forever homes

    You may have noticed the “VIP” status on our adoption page, which stands for “Very Important Paws.” These furry friends are animals in our care who may need a little extra support finding a home. There are countless people involved in helping these VIP animals find forever homes, including animal care teams and foster volunteers. […]

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