Being in an animal centre setting was stressful for Jagger. He became reactive whenever he was unsure, worried, or fearful. It was soon clear Jagger would benefit from the additional resources at the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre in Peterborough. 

“Basically, he just had really big feelings and he didn’t know where to put them,” says Kassie Dickson, Animal Behaviour Coordinator, Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. 

Kassie says Jagger’s behaviour was mostly based around fear and frustration, so they began doing desensitization and counterconditioning training with him.  

“He essentially was re-learning how to learn without fear of a consistent reprimand or an aversive being introduced if he got it wrong,” says Kassie. 

Over time, Jagger learned to wear a harness, and was given space to decompress where he could explore an environment with reduced triggers.  

“What we started to see was a much more confident and comfortable dog that was willing to try more things, do more things,” says Kassie. “He really came out of his shell.” 

The team knew the importance of finding the right family for Jagger. Jagger had been in our care for four months when Sarah, who is a retired Registered Veterinary Technician, and her partner, Anton, came along. They seemed to be a perfect fit and brought him home on a two-week trial. 

“In the end we fell in love with him. I mean, I was sold day one,” says Sarah. 

Sarah and Anton were encouraged to treat Jagger as if he were a puppy and everything was new to him. They also needed to help him continue decompressing by providing opportunities to explore safely.  

“It was like his brain was going 100 miles an hour and everyone else was going 10 miles an hour, and he couldn’t figure out why everyone else was behind,” says Sarah. 

In time, they began a five-week foundations class to teach Jagger the basics, and then started an agility course. Sarah says they’ve seen Jagger grow in confidence and become less reactive.  

“Honestly, he’s just amazing,” says Sarah. “We could not love him more.” 

Want to help dogs just like Jagger find their loving home? You can donate to the Ontario SPCA Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre and support this life-changing work. 

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The trick to handling jumping is to carefully manage your dog’s behaviour so that they have few opportunities to jump on people, and when they do, ensuring they are not rewarded. At the same time, you need to teach your pup what to do instead of jumping to get attention. Below are some helpful tips! 

Teach your pup an alternative to jumping 

If your dog approaches you and attempts to jump up, immediately turn your back on them; no touching, pushing or scolding. When they have four paws on the floor again, you may turn back to them and quietly praise. If they approach you and choose to sit, give them a treat. 

When you or a guest enter the house, you can encourage them to “Find your toy!” When they find the toy and bring it over, reward them with play and attention. This helps channel your dog’s energy and gives them an alternative way to greet people! 

When your dog approaches you, ask for a “sit,” or “down,” before they have a chance to jump. Then reward them with a treat or play. If you have to ask more than once, turn away and ignore your dog or walk out of the room and close the door for a couple minutes. 

Teach the concept of “Off.” When your dog jumps on you, say “Off” and back up two steps until your dog’s paws touch the ground. If your dog’s paws remain on the floor, praise them. Then redirect them by saying “Find your toy.” If the dog jumps again, repeat the above or do a time-out. 

On your walks, ask your dog to sit whenever anyone approaches. Have your pup sit in front of at least 10 new people this week. When your dog sits, reward them with a treat or toy. They are learning that the way to greet humans is by sitting in front of them. The exercises below are also excellent at teaching this! 

Management techniques 

“Ignore” your dog, meaning to make no eye contact, say nothing, and stand still. Turning your back to them can also be effective. This helps to take away the attention they are trying to receive when they are jumping up. 

“Get them moving” If your dog is on a leash, try to walk forward with them, then turn 180 degrees away to get them moving instead of staying stationary and jumping up. 

“Redirect their focus” with a toy, treat or verbal cue. If your dog is familiar with verbal cues, try using “down,” “sit,” or “watch me,” immediately followed with a treat and attention. 

“Ground” the leash by gently stepping on it until your dog settles, then release it immediately and reward right away. This will give your dog a little “time-out” indicating that when they are calm, they are rewarded. The release part is important! If you don’t release them once they settle, they won’t get the chance to learn that calm behaviour wins freedom. You can also do time–outs in a crate if your dog is crate-trained, or in a safe dog-proofed room (free from “chewables” if your dog is in a chewing phase). 

Check out our blog for more training and enrichment tips! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

The post How to handle jumping appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

Reasons dogs chew  

 Your dog chews on objects to either handle physical pain or behavioural issues.  

Imagine you have a serious toothache; it would be very distracting, right? You’d probably go see your dentist or take medication to ease the pain. Since dogs can’t take themselves to the dentist, they will look for other ways to relieve their pain, which may be caused by dental issues, jaw malformations or arthritis.  

Without a proper chew toy to help to relieve their pain, dogs tend to go for furniture or other objects instead.  

The best thing you can do for your furry friend is to visit your veterinarian and order a physical exam for your pooch.  

Behavioural issues  

If a veterinarian assesses your dog and there are no medical or physical issues, it’s time to examine what behavioural issues may be causing their constant chewing.  

Dogs experience fear, boredom and anxiety, just like humans do. Whether it’s an unexpected visitor at the door, a thunderstorm or a playful pup looking for something to occupy their day, dogs will look for something to relieve a buildup of tension.  

How to stop the chewing  

Observe your dog’s routines to identify behavioural patterns associated with their chewing. Try implementing toys and activities with longevity and staying power to keep your furry friend occupied. This will help to relieve their tension on toys, rather than on your furniture.  

You may also want to try stuffing a hard rubber toy with peanut butter (xylitol-free), freeze it overnight, and then give it to your dog when you leave for the day. This will keep your furry companion occupied, while also allowing them to work out their physical energy and anxious tension.  

Another suggestion is to play with toys that can be controlled remotely via an app on your smartphone, or toys on timers to provide your dog with stimulus throughout the day.  

Pet cams are another way to interact with your dog when you can’t be at home. This way, your recognizable voice can be a soothing agent for an anxious pup when a thunderstorm hits or an unexpected visitor knocks on the door.  

Distractions are great, too! Treat dispensers, the radio, white noise machines, or downloadable music for animals that match their heartbeat, such as classical music for dogs, or reggae for cats, all might be helpful.  

While there are no one-size-fits-all solutions for your dog’s destructive chewing habits, there are numerous tricks, toys and devices on the market for you to try for your furry friend. 

Visit our blog for more training tips and tricks! 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by donating. 

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This year’s national theme is “Every Moment Matters,” and volunteers Doug and Lea Thompson’s story is a perfect example of how the time, skills and compassion our volunteers share is vital to changing the lives of animals in need. This dynamic duo are regular volunteers at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre where they have been lending a hand and making a difference for the past 25 years.  

Discovering a passion to help animals 

Lea’s journey with animals began in Alberta, where she honed her skills as a groomer and volunteered to help the animals at the Edmonton Humane Society. It wasn’t long before she began helping in other capacities and soon found an unwavering compassion to help vulnerable animals however she could. 

When she moved to Ontario, Lea wanted to continue helping animals and wasted no time extending her helping hand to her local Ontario SPCA animal center. Doug, inspired by Lea’s passion and seeing first-hand the difference volunteering makes, soon followed suit.  

Volunteers with the Ontario SPCA take part in many roles to help deliver crucial programs and services to communities across the province. Lea and Doug’s roles within the organization are as diverse as they are essential.  

Lea’s involvement spans from grooming and fundraising to extensive administrative duties, including meeting with potential adopters and processing adoptions. She also assists with data entry and reception duties and takes the lead in training other administrative volunteers. 

From big jobs to small details   

Doug helps with animal transports, facility maintenance, Bingo fundraisers, and everything in between. 

“Even the smallest volunteer roles help,” says Doug. “It allows staff to focus on what’s important – the animals. They don’t have to worry about the little things that need to get done.” 

Doug also joins Lea at every fundraising event she attends, helping with set up, tear down and anything else that needs to be done.    

“Sometimes the volunteer support needs support and Doug is always there for me in that role!” Lea says. 

Of the various volunteer roles Doug and Lea undertake, it is their fostering experiences that resonate most deeply within their hearts. With each fostered animal, from fragile babies to resilient survivors, the Thompsons witness the transformative journey from vulnerability to adoption.  

Giving animals a second chance as a foster volunteer 

“Fostering is always the best part. Seeing the animals come into the centre, sometimes in rough shape and then getting a second chance… there’s nothing greater. I get to see them come full circle,” says Lea.   

Doug and Lea have fostered hundreds of cats and kittens. Through their adventures, they have developed a strong bond with three special cats. They first adopted Paisley, a pregnant cat who had her kittens while in their care. Then came Finlay, a nine-month-old cat who also found her way into their hearts. Lastly, Pearl came into their lives and was adopted just over a year ago. Together, the three cats live with their a 13-year-old canine brother Foster. Adopted from the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, Foster was named in honour of all the fosters who have come through the Thompsons’ home. 

Every Moment Matters  

In celebrating the Thompsons’ 25 years with the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre, we are reminded of the incredible impact of their kindness and dedication. Every moment truly matters. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, we are grateful for the support of volunteers and the donors who help us provide care and shelter for animals in need and deliver programs and services in local communities across the province. 

“It’s been an honour for both of us to have made volunteering with the Ontario SPCA a part of our lives these past years,” Lea says. “We’ve seen a lot of changes and growth in 25 years and many people and animals have touched and shaped our lives. Volunteering can shape your own life as surely as you shape and make a difference for the animals you work to help.” 

Become a volunteer 

If you are inspired by Doug and Lea’s story and want to make a difference in your community, please visit ontariospca.ca/volunteer to view available volunteer opportunities and to learn more about the program.    

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What is enrichment? 

Animal enrichment is the practice of offering animals stimulating and engaging activities, environments, and experiences aimed at enhancing their physical health and mental well-being, as well as emotional fulfillment.  

At the Ontario SPCA, we achieve this by first assessing each animal’s personality to tailor enrichment features and activities to fit their individual needs within the animal centre environment. Our goal is to improve the overall quality of life for every animal in our care through personalized enrichment. 

Today, we’d like to highlight some of the key enrichment features within our animal centres. 

Making a splash 

Swimming can be mentally stimulating for dogs, providing them with a new and enjoyable activity that helps alleviate boredom and reduce anxiety.  

“We are so fortunate to have an in-ground doggy pool for our furry friends at the centre,” says Carol Beard, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Orillia Animal Centre. “We often have many water-loving dogs, and this enrichment piece is something that they thrive with.” 

There are also large, fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Paws & paths 

The walking trails at the Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre are cherished by dogs, team members, and volunteers alike.  

“The walking trails allow our animal centre team members and volunteers to give the dogs in our care some much-needed relief from the noisy and rambunctious environment the centre can be,” explains Katrin Schoenmair, Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre Manager. “The trails also provide us with a safe area to get to know our animals better without distraction and can assist with appropriate dog-to-dog meet-and-greets.” 

Purr-fect catio 

Many of our animal centres, including the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre boast “catios,” which are outdoor extensions of cat suites where feline residents can climb, jump, or relax in hammocks. 

“The ‘catios’ provide the cats with the opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, and to experience natural light, smells, sights, and sounds,” says Shawn Aaron, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre. “This experience enriches the lives of our cats and can help alleviate fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS).” 

Learn more about catios on our blog. 

Pawsome peace 

Ensuring the separation of animal species within our animal centres is crucial for preserving their overall well-being and promoting a harmonious environment. 

“Our animal centre is divided into the ‘cat’ side and the ‘dog’ side,” says Jocelyn Rutgers, Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre RVT. “This is so important for stress reduction, particularly in our cats, as it means that they never come into contact with our dogs.” 

Jocelyn adds that this division reduces the sound of dogs barking and the smells of dogs, both of which can be very stressful for cats. 

Unleashing fun 

Outdoor runs provide the dogs within the animal centres with the opportunity to run and play off-leash. 

“Our outdoor dog runs allow the dogs access to an outdoor space at their discretion, expanding their living space and providing them with the option to choose where they would like to hang out,” says Jane McCamus, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. 

There are also larger fenced yards designated for canine playtime, training, and other enrichment activities. 

“Throughout the day, our team and volunteers can take the dogs into the large parkette and play frisbee, fetch, or relax and enjoy some shade together,” says Carol. 

Our enrichment commitment 

Our dedication to every animal’s well-being includes diverse enrichment programs and amenities. From species separation to trails, catios, and a dog pool, our animal centres are tailored for physical health, mental stimulation, and emotional fulfillment. By providing these enriching experiences, we improve the quality of life for animals awaiting adoption.  

Join us in enriching lives 

Help us enrich the lives of animals! The Ontario SPCA does not receive annual government funding and relies on donations to provide programs and services to help animals in need.  

Your donation can ensure the continuation of key enrichment features and experiences at our animal centres. To contribute and make a difference, please visit ontariospca.ca/donate 

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Consider your animal’s personality

Before leashing up your furry friend and heading out the door, take a moment to consider their temperament and behaviour. Not all animals are suited for the bustling environment of a pet store. If your furry companion becomes anxious or agitated in crowded places, it may be best to leave them at home in a safe and comfortable environment.

Ensure vaccinations are up to date

The health and safety of all animals should be a top priority when visiting public spaces like pet stores. Before bringing your dog along, ensure they are up to date on all necessary vaccinations. This helps protect them from potential illnesses and prevents the spread of disease to other animals. 

Use proper equipment

Once you’ve determined that your four-legged friend is ready for a trip to the store, make sure they are properly managed for the journey. Dogs should always be kept on a leash to prevent them from wandering off or getting into trouble. You can imagine the temptation! Additionally, consider using a secure animal carrier for smaller animals like cats or small dogs to keep them safe and contained during the outing.

Plan for bathroom breaks

Before entering the pet store, take your animal for a bathroom break to minimize the risk of accidents indoors. Even if they are fully house-trained, the excitement of a new environment can sometimes cause them to forget their manners. By allowing your furry friend to relieve themselves beforehand, you can help prevent any embarrassing mishaps while browsing the aisles. If an accident does occur while browsing, clean it up immediately and notify store staff for assistance.

Be Mindful of other animals and people

While exploring the store, be considerate of other shoppers and their animals. Keep a safe distance to avoid potential conflicts or confrontations. If your furry companion is prone to excitement or overstimulation, consider visiting during off-peak hours when the store is less crowded.

Supervise your animal at all times

It’s essential to keep a close eye on your animal throughout your visit to the pet store. Supervision helps prevent them from getting into mischief or causing disruptions. Stay attentive to their behavior and be prepared to intervene if necessary to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. 

Reward good behaviour

During your trip to the pet store, take the opportunity to reinforce good behavior with positive reinforcement. Reward your furry friend for staying calm, following commands, and interacting politely with other animals and people. This helps create a positive association with the pet store and encourages your animal to behave well on future visits. Learn more about positive reinforcement training. 

By following these tips, you can make trips to the pet store enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry companion.  

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So, what makes a dog happy?     

Quality Time 

Just like humans, dogs enjoy attention and companionship. Spending quality time with your furry friend is a great way to boost their happiness. Engage in interactive play, go for leisurely walks, or simply cuddle on the couch. Try different activities to see what they prefer. Your dog will appreciate the undivided attention and feel more connected to you. 

Regular Exercise 

Regular exercise is essential for your pup’s physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or a romp outdoors, exercise helps release excess energy and keeps your dog in good shape. It also strengthens the bond between you and your furry companion, so it’s important to find something you will both enjoy. 

Healthy Diet 

Nutrition plays a crucial role in your dog’s overall happiness. Provide a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and health needs. Consult your veterinarian to ensure you’re meeting your dog’s specific dietary requirements. A healthy diet contributes to your dog’s energy levels, coat condition, and overall vitality.  Read the blog, How much food should you feed your dog? to learn more about pet nutrition. 

Mental Stimulation 

Dogs are intelligent creatures that thrive on mental stimulation. Keep their minds active by introducing puzzle toys, interactive games, or training sessions. This not only prevents boredom but also helps builds their confidence. If you need ideas, we can help! Check out our selection of blogs on animal enrichment. 

Safe and Comfortable Living Environment 

 Create a safe and comfortable space for your dog at home. Provide a cozy bed, appropriate toys, and a designated area where they can retreat when needed. Dogs should have their own sanctuary where they feel secure and relaxed. 

Socialization 

Dogs can be social animals, and exposure to different environments, people, and other dogs is important for their social development and happiness. Unless your companion animal doesn’t get along with other animals, it’s a good idea to schedule playdates, visit dog-friendly parks, or enroll in obedience classes to enhance your dog’s social skills and ensure they feel comfortable in various settings. 

 Incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your daily routine can significantly contribute to your dog’s happiness and well-being. Remember, the key lies in the genuine love and attention you provide. By understanding your dog’s needs and preferences, you can create a happy and fulfilling life for your four-legged companion. Here’s to many tail wags and shared moments of joy with your beloved furry friend! 

Help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. 

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What an exciting time! Adopting a new friend can be a big responsibility and we want to make sure each
animal is set up for success in their new home. We encourage you to keep the following tips in mind when you bring home your new dog or puppy.

1. Set up a well-ventilated crate or a separate doggie-proofed room for your new dog or puppy. It’s one of the easiest ways to help them successfully transition into your home. Make this a positive space, not a form of punishment. The goal is to provide a quiet retreat and/or to help with housetraining. Remember, the dog must be allowed appropriate breaks (every few hours) for feeding and potty breaks, as well as lots of time spent out of the crate or room for walks, training and playtime.
2. Don’t give them unsupervised free run of house until you are certain they are reliably housetrained and not destructive. Take them out for a potty break at regular intervals and offer lots of praise. More details on housetraining can be found here.
3. highly recommend a fenced yard to keep your dog safe, but if that’s not possible, a tether or zip line can work as well. It is important for the safety of the dog that it isn’t left unsupervised while out on these devices.
4. Be positive and consistent in your training. Dogs thrive on routine, which can help reduce anxiety.

Disease Testing

Heartworm & Tick-Borne Illness:

Mosquitoes and ticks can transmit diseases to dogs. There is a blood test to screen for exposure to heartworm and tick-borne illness. This is not something your dog has received yet and, based on lifestyle and age, may be recommended by your veterinarian. Heartworm disease can have devasting effects and heartworm testing and prevention is recommended for dogs between June 1 to November 1 in Ontario. It is recommended that you follow up with your family veterinarian about testing and preventatives for your new furry friend moving forward. For more information on heartworm, please visit canadianveterinarians.net

For more information on ticks and how they can affect your new furry friend, please visit: ticktalkcanada.com

Internal and External Parasites

Your new furry friend has received routine deworming and external parasite prevention prior to adoption, but further doses may be required. Fecal (poop sample) testing is recommended since some parasites can be zoonotic, which means humans can be infected. Please follow up with your family veterinarian for testing and treatment moving forward. We also recommend that other family pets be tested and treated for internal and external parasites prior to bringing your new furry friend home. For more information please visit canadianveterinarians.net and avma.org

Veterinary Visits After Adoption

A check-in with your family vet within the first week after adoption is critical to ensure continuity of care for your new friend, and to create a preventative health care plan tailored to their specific needs and to your lifestyle. The goal is to prevent future disease and illness, which will ideally also help reduce future costs of care.

Preventative care includes important measures, such as a physical exam, oral health care, dietary recommendations, behavioural support, vaccinations and parasite prevention. Any known medical or behavioural concerns will be disclosed prior to adoption, but there can be no guarantees of health. Therefore, this vet check will also be important to address any ongoing needs or pre-existing concerns to ensure your new furry family member has the specific support required to thrive. A copy of your new furry friend’s medical history can be shared with your family vet.

Vaccines

Vaccines play a vital role in protecting your new dog or puppy from diseases that can be devastating to their health, as well as keeping other furry and human family members safe.

• Core vaccines for dogs include DA2PP (distemper, adenovirus (hepatitis), parainfluenza, parvovirus) and rabies. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement. All dogs adopted from the Ontario SPCA have received their rabies vaccination, provided they are old enough to receive it at the time of adoption. If they are too young to receive their rabies vaccination while in our care, this will need to be done through your family veterinarian. Your vet may recommend additional vaccines based on your dog or puppy’s lifestyle.
• Puppies are very susceptible and require more frequent booster vaccinations until they are approximately 18 weeks old. Vaccines must be boostered over the course of your dog’s life (not just during puppyhood) to ensure adequate protection.
• Other family pets should be up to date on their vaccinations prior to bringing a new furry friend home.
• A vaccine schedule has been started for your new dog or puppy. Note that it may not be complete by the time of adoption and follow-up with your family veterinarian is required to ensure adequate protection is achieved. For more information, visit canadianveterinarians.net

Healing After Surgery

Your new furry friend may have just had surgery prior to adoption. In addition to following any specific post-op instructions given to you, it will be important to note the following:

• Give any post-op medication as prescribed.
• Utilize an e-collar (cone) or a onesie to help protect their incision site, as prescribed.
• Monitor the incision site daily for swelling, discharge and/or holes in the incision line.
• Keep your dog or puppy calm, and restrict their exercise (i.e., leash walks, no jumping, or climbing stairs).
• Watch them closely to ensure they are comfortable, eating and drinking well and urinating/defecating without issue.

If your dog or puppy is not eating well, is quiet or lethargic, not urinating/defecating, and/or if you see any concerns with their incision site, please contact your family veterinarian for support. Click here for more information.

Dog-to-Dog Introductions

Dogs can safely be introduced to one another with some positive encouragement and body language awareness.

• Recruit a second person, one to handle each dog, and have lots of high value treats available to reward good behaviour!
• Take the dogs on a walk together in a neutral setting (for example, a park or open field), keeping a safe distance between the two, and on loose leashes.
• If there is no distress noted in either dog the distance between them can be gradually decreased.
• Once at home, allow the new dog to enter first to explore and then keep dog-to-dog interactions short, pleasant and supervised until you are confident they are at ease with one another. Click here for more detailed information.

Cat-to-Dog Introductions

With time, many cats and dogs can learn to coexist peacefully and may even become friends!

• Have two people on hand; one to handle the dog and the other to monitor the cat’s behaviour.
• Ensure your dog is on leash in the cat’s presence and that the cat has a safe place to retreat, if needed.
• Take the dog outside for a walk or play prior to greeting to reduce energy levels.
• Have high value treats for both the dog and cat to reward good behaviour.
• Monitor both the cat and dog for emotional distress at all times. Watch your dog for signs of an elevated prey drive (hunting-related behaviours) to ensure the safety of your new cat. Click here for more detailed information.

We are here to support you! For any pre-adoption questions or concerns, contact our adoption staff at your local SPCA here.

The post What to Expect When Adopting a Dog/Puppy appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

You may know the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society for our dog and cat adoptions, but did you know that we also find loving homes for birds? Birds are beautiful and intelligent creatures who can make incredibly loving companions! They are a commitment, just like any other animal, and they require enrichment in many forms. Keep reading for some enrichment tips from Fear Free Happy Homes to keep your bird emotionally and physically healthy!   

What is bird enrichment?  

While companion birds enjoy the quality time and interactions we have with them, there are other enrichment tools we can also use to encourage their natural instincts. Birds are highly intelligent creatures and are constantly stimulated in the wild.   

According to Fear Free Happy Homes, parrots use their beaks to forage for food, shred vegetation, and preen themselves; and they use their claws to climb, grasp and perch. When in our care, birds do not lose these instincts – they require a means to exercise these wild urges to forage, shred, preen, climb, grasp, and perch.  

So, how do we provide that? The answer is pretty simple and fun: Toys! We can supply them with the enrichment they need, both physically and mentally, by giving them toys that are challenging, entertaining, and fun.  

What kind of toys?  

Have you ever noticed how fun-looking bird toys are with all their colours and varied materials and textures? Birds can spend hours playing with a toy they chew on, shred, swing from, or fling side to side. It doesn’t matter if the toy is commercially produced or handmade.   

Visit  Fear Free Happy Homes for details on the types of toys that might be right for your bird!  

No matter which toys you choose for your bird, you want to ensure that they are safe. You don’t want your bird to get stuck in a hanging toy that’s too long or get their claws trapped. Watch over your bird when you give them a new toy and make sure to remove toys that have been destroyed, as they can become dangerous.   

DIY bird toys  

Birds need a wide variety of toys to keep them engaged. Enrichment items for your bird can be bought at your local pet store, however you can also make toys yourself!  Here are some easy DIY bird toy ideas from Fear Free Happy Homes for you to try!   

• Balled-up tissue – crumple a tissue into a ball and place it on the ground or table in front of your bird.  
• Fruit kabob – skewer soft fruits* like strawberries, bananas, mango, and pineapple.  

• (*be sure to check with your veterinarian as to what fruits are safe for your type of bird).  

• Cardboard paper towel holders (make sure they don’t have adhesive on them).  

• Popsicle sticks, plastic straws, and untreated (non-inked) paper.  

Bird enrichment doesn’t have to be difficult or costly. Simply try some of these DIY toy ideas, as well as some of the other tips above from Fear Free Happy Homes and your bird will be as physically and emotionally healthy as can be!  

For more enrichment and training tips, visit our blog. 

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Here’s why senior pets are awesome!  

Senior maturity  

• Younger animals are still in the process of learning, developing and growing. Senior furry friends are fully matured, meaning their demeanours, temperaments and personalities have already been established.   
• Senior pets allow you to have a better sense of your animal companion’s personality and needs, as well as how compatible the two of you will be!  

Cool as a cucumber  

• Most senior furballs tend to be calmer and more laidback, which is why they often do well in houses with young children or first-time pet parents.   
• Exercise is still very important for senior animas but they do not have as much energy as their younger counterparts.  

 Fitting in  

• Many senior animals available for adoption were once loved pets, but for various reasons end up looking for a new home. There is a good chance your senior furry friend has lived in a home before and understands basic household etiquette.   
• It is also likely they have already spent time socializing around humans and other animals.  

Old dog, new tricks   

• Senior dogs tend to have longer attention spans compared to younger dogs, which make them easier to train.   
• Your senior dog will likely already be housebroken and familiar with basic training.   

Another reason why you should consider adopting a senior animal companion is because they are often overlooked and tend to stay in shelters longer. Many people who have chosen to adopt an older dog or cat will tell you that senior furry family members seem to understand the second chance you are giving them and form a special bond with their new family. 

Ready to adopt? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view our animals currently available for adoption. 

Visit our blog to read some heartwarming senior adoption stories!  

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