During this busy time at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province, our staff and volunteers are focused on helping these tiny feline friends and their moms thrive. It can sometimes mean sleepless nights, round-the-clock bottle feeding, veterinary appointments and all the usual care that comes with keeping cats and kittens happy and healthy.   

Kitten season might begin in the spring, but it doesn’t typically peak until the late summer months. That’s when the number of kittens coming into Ontario SPCA animal centres can double or even triple monthly intake numbers compared to earlier in the year.   

Foster families save lives   

When a pregnant cat comes into our care, we try to place her in a foster home wherever possible. This gives mom a quiet, comfortable space to have her babies. As her kittens grow, that one-on-one time with their foster family in a home environment helps socialize them and prepare them for the day when they will be adopted into their loving home.  

Fostering kittens is a big job, especially when it comes to caring for orphaned kittens who need constant care and feeding. Without a mother, they depend on their foster family for everything.   

To help set our foster families up for success, we send them home with all the supplies they will need to care for their feline family. Our animal centres are in regular contact with the foster families to help ensure things go smoothly. The kittens come back to our animal centres every two weeks to be weighed, and so we can administer any de-worming or vaccinations needed at that time.   

Learn more about becoming a foster volunteer   

Teaching social skills  

 It is much easier to socialize kittens born to a socialized mom.. Like all baby animals, they take their cues from their mothers. Still, they need to be handled regularly once they are old enough to get them used to being touched – important prep work for the day they are old enough to be adopted into a loving home!  

Sometimes kittens are born to under-socialized or community cat moms who come into our care. These kittens need extra socialization away from their mom. If she’s fearful of people, she passes that fear along to her kittens.   

Once the kittens are past the most fragile period of their development, we begin to separate them from their mom for short periods of time to pick them up and handle them. As they get older, we spend longer periods of time with them, playing with them and letting them explore. The goal is always to make every interaction as positive as possible to help prepare them for life with a family in a loving home.   

Our animal care team also tries to expose kittens to as many things as possible. One day could include bringing an umbrella to work to let them see new objects; another day could be wearing a hat while working around the kittens. They even go so far as to play real-life sounds like thunderstorms or household noises to familiarize the kittens with common sounds.   

Preventing kitten season  

Spaying and neutering animals is the key to reducing the number of homeless cats and kittens that come into our animal centres. To put it in perspective, one female cat is capable of producing as many as 120 kittens in her lifetime!   

You can help reduce pet overpopulation by speaking to your veterinarian about having your cat spayed or neutered. To learn more about the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s spay/neuter services, visit ontariospca.ca/spayneuter 

Already have your pets spayed or neutered? Thank you! Please consider “Spaying it forward” by making a donation to cover the cost of a spay or neuter surgery for an animal in our care.   

Adopt a cat or kitten  

If you’ve been thinking of welcoming a furry friend into your family, visit our adoption page at ontariospca.ca/adopt to see cats and kittens available for adoption. Animals adopted through the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, de-wormed, up to date on vaccinations, and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.  

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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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Diet 

One of the most significant ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by choosing sustainable pet food and treat options. Opting for brands that use ethically sourced ingredients, have minimal packaging, and prioritize environmentally friendly production methods can make a big difference. Always talk to your veterinarian to ensure your animal’s daily nutritional needs are met.  

Waste management 

Another area where animal lovers can make a positive impact is in waste management. Instead of using plastic bags to dispose of animal waste, consider switching to biodegradable or compostable bags. Additionally, investing in a quality litter box and choosing eco-friendly cat litter made from materials like recycled paper or corn can help reduce landfill waste. 

Accessories 

When it comes to pet accessories and toys, choose durable, long-lasting products made from sustainable materials. Avoiding single-use items and opting for toys made from recycled materials or natural fibers can help minimize your fur baby’s environmental footprint. You might even want to consider repurposing old toys and accessories to save them from the landfill. 

Check out our blog for some DIY toys for animal 

Transportation 

Lastly, reducing transportation-related emissions is another way pet parents can shrink their carbon footprint. Whenever possible, opt for walking when traveling with your pet. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also provides exercise and stimulation for both you and your furry friend. 

Being a responsible animal parent means considering the environmental impact of our furry companions and taking steps to minimize their carbon footprint. Luckily, there are an increasing number of options available to help us on our eco-friendly journey. By making conscious choices about pet food, waste management, accessories, and transportation, we can reduce the environmental pawprint of our beloved pets while still providing them with the love and care they need. 

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

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1. Visit ontariospca.ca/humanehero to register your event. 
2. Kickstart your fundraiser by customizing your personal page to share your story . 
3. Share your page and collect donations from friends and family to change animals’ lives! 

With Humane Hero, you can fundraise your way! Create an online fundraiser or think outside the box and host an in-person event. With Humane Hero, the possibilities are endless! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, paying tribute to a beloved animal, you’re part of a corporate group looking for a way to give back to your community, or you just love animals, a Humane Hero fundraiser is sure to have a BIG IMPACT!  

By creating or donating to a Humane Hero fundraiser, you are providing urgently needed care and shelter for animals in need. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of donors to change the lives of vulnerable animals. The best part? You get to choose where your funds go, so you can ensure that the money you raise helps four-legged friends in your community!  

Be a hero for animals who need it the most. To learn more or to register your fundraiser, visit ontariospca.ca/humanehero. 

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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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Gwyndeline, Pansy’s daughter, reflects on this pivotal chapter in her mother’s life, emphasizing, “She never liked to see a helpless animal suffer or be without food or water. This is what started her on this lifelong journey, even after her passing.” 

A dedicated advocate and educator 

Pansy’s love for animals evolved into a legacy that extended far beyond her family home. Gwyndeline reveals that her mother was not only a dedicated advocate but also an educator. In Singapore, Pansy shared her love and knowledge with her four children, as well as elementary school students, introducing them to various animals and instilling empathy and responsibility. 

When the Vishnu family immigrated to Canada in 1989, Pansy ensured that her five beloved dogs accompanied them. These furry companions weren’t just pets – they were cherished members of the family. 

Devotedly cared for 52 dogs in her lifetime 

In the Vishnu family home, a diverse mix of rescued dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and fish were a common sight. Over the years, Pansy lovingly cared for 52 dogs – a fact she often shared with pride among her family and friends.  

A lasting part of her legacy 

Pansy made the generous decision to include a gift in her will to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. This considerate gesture has now become a lasting part of her legacy, with her death at the age of 87. Pansy wanted to ensure that the care she provided for so many animals throughout her lifetime continues, even now that she’s gone.  

“It was important for my mother to support the Ontario SPCA with a gift in her will, as she has been a lifelong supporter,” says Gwyndeline. “My mom believed deeply in the mission work of the Ontario SPCA.”  

Gwyndeline adds, “My mother wanted to continue her support for animals even after she left this Earth. I am very proud to be her daughter and for the teachings she instilled in me to look out for the animals that we have been blessed to have around us.” 

Leave your own legacy for animals 

Like Pansy, you can support animals beyond your own lifetime. You can continue your advocacy for animals by providing care and shelter, as well as working to end the root issues behind suffering and neglect.  

Learn more about writing a gift into your will and creating your own legacy for animals by visiting ontariospca.ca/legacy 

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Changing their environment 

The quickest and easiest thing you can do to change up 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. 

The RSPCA suggests these great toys: 

• 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 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! 

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

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March 1st, 2000 

As the veterinarian stepped into the exam room, she couldn’t help but notice the litter of adorable puppies snuggled up together in a small crate. They had been brought in for their first check-up, and the vet was eager to ensure their health and growth were on track. 

As the consultation progressed, she couldn’t shake the thought that perhaps she should have growth charts for the puppies, like in human medicine. After all, it was always an essential component of pediatric check-ups when she brought her own children to the doctor. The idea made perfect sense. What better way to monitor healthy growth than to collect quantitative data like weight and height and compare them to the standard values listed in the charts her doctor used. 

It would be a great tool, just like growth charts in human medicine that could provide valuable insights and early detection of any potential issues for these puppies.  

To her knowledge, no such tool existed in veterinary medicine, but hey, this would certainly be a game-changer.  

March 1st, 2023 

Pediatric growth charts for puppies and kittens are a reality that is available to all veterinarians and pet parents. And I believe they are true game changers!  

What are pediatric growth charts for puppies and kittens?

You are certainly familiar with the growth charts that are used in human medicine by pediatricians. Now, in veterinary medicine, we have them as well for puppies and kittens!  

I see them as a modern-day compass, guiding pet parents through the maze of growth and development. And in their hands lies the power to not only nurture, but to also protect the well-being of their beloved pets. 

Pediatric growth charts in puppies and kittens track two parameters: weight and age. As you can see on the pictures 1 and 2, they are made of several lines (called centile lines) and help us analyze an animal’s growth pattern.  

A normal growth pattern should follow along the centiles lines that are drawn there. However, if it crosses 2 centiles upwards or downwards, we have a growth alert. If the pet exhibits such a sudden decline or stagnation in growth, the growth chart serves as an invaluable reference that allows pet parents to promptly consult a veterinarian and address the issue if needed.  

You can access them here for puppies, and here for kittens. 

Puppy growth chart

Kitten Growth Chart

The importance of growth charts for pet health

Monitoring the growth and development of our furry friends is just as important as it is for human children when it comes to their health. 

We used to say “puppies/kittens need to grow harmoniously,” but we were mainly looking at it from a qualitative aspect, unable to objectively quantify what it meant. 

Now that we have growth charts, we can.  

Yet, we are still facing the same challenge that human medicine faces. 

We have the tools, but we do not always use them. 

Overcoming obstacles to using growth charts

As I was going through the literature on pediatric growth charts in human medicine, I noticed that one obstacle to implementing them in a country is ensuring that… doctors actually take the time to use them. 

This “time constraint” excuse is frequently used by doctors, despite the wealth of evidence showing the benefits of growth charts in promoting children’s health. 

However, in human medicine it is clearly established that underutilization of growth data can have severe consequences, such as missed opportunities for early detection of growth disorders and inadequate monitoring of treatment effectiveness. 

Therefore, making time for thorough analysis and monitoring of growth patterns is essential, and it would be time well invested! 

True for human doctors…. and true for veterinarians and pet parents I guess. 

Sure, they have some limitations. 

We don’t have growth charts for giant dogs because the study showed significant variations in giant breeds. 

The charts for kittens are based on domestic short hair kittens, and one can argue that in Bombays or Maine Coons, we might be looking at very different growth patterns. 

But think of the story at the beginning of the post. 

Twenty years ago, we had nothing at all. 

And in our data-driven world, I am sure that, with time, those puppy and kitten growth charts will be perfected. 

After all, even in humans, they did not get it right immediately; they constantly revisit and adapt their models. 

There is no doubt that, in veterinary medicine, we will get there as well. 

Making growth charts an atomic habit in veterinary medicine

Despite these limitations, growth charts can still be a valuable tool for monitoring the health of puppies and kittens. 

When used in conjunction with other assessments, such as physical exams, they can provide a more comprehensive understanding of a puppy or kitten’s health and development. 

As mentioned earlier, we are fortunate to live in an era where we have numerous resources to help enhance the well-being of puppies and kittens. 

On this topic, I refer to James Clear’s book “Atomic Habits.”: 

“Atomic Habits are the Building Blocks of Remarkable Results”.  

This evaluation should be a standard aspect of every pediatric appointment.  

We must transform it into an atomic habit of veterinary pediatric consultations. And this is something pet parents should implement for their puppies and kittens as well. 

When “atomic habits” become ingrained, they bring about significant changes. 

Growth charts are available, so let’s make the most of them! 

——————————————————————————————————————————- 

Emmanuel Fontaine graduated from the Toulouse Veterinary School in 2004, he continued his studies at the Alfort Veterinary School (Paris) as trainee Vet in the domestic carnivore unit of the Reproduction Department. From 2005 to 2011, he worked at the Centre d’Etude en Reproduction des Carnivores (CERCA) [Research Centre for Reproduction in Carnivores], a unit specializing in pet breeding assistance. Emmanuel Fontaine is also qualified at the European College for Animal Reproduction (ECAR) and completed his PhD in 2012 on the use of GnRH agonists in canines. From September 2011 to September 2018, he worked as Technical Services Veterinarian for the PRO team at Royal Canada. He then was in charge of Scientific Communication for the Americas until August 2022. He now works as Senior Scientific Communications Veterinarian for Royal Canin North America.   

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Baby squirrels at risk 

Baby squirrels are the first spring babies that can get into trouble. If a mother squirrel is killed by a car or a predator, babies will get desperate and fall from the nest. Or they can be knocked out of the nest by wind, or enthusiastic cleaning of a nesting area. 

Be patient 

Unlike mother raccoon, squirrels will not retrieve their young at night. If you discover a baby squirrel, give mom some time to retrieve the little one. It’s suggested you put the baby in a small box, with a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to keep it warm. To do so, fill a bottle with warm water, wrap it with a towel and duct tape it to the container so it doesn’t roll. Do not attempt to feed baby squirrels. 

Protect and observe 

Place the container close to where you suspect the nest may be (ex. under a tree), then wait and observe. Protect the box from the elements. Ensure the box is out of sight from curious onlookers and animals. If the mother squirrel is able, she will come for her baby. If her baby isn’t retrieved within five to six hours, or if it is getting dark, you will need to get in touch with a local wildlife centre to advise on next steps. 

Be careful when spring cleaning! 

Squirrels will be nesting in eavestroughs, garden sheds, trees and other tucked away spots. 

If you think you have found an orphan, check out our blog on who can you call about orphaned/injured wildlife. 

 Get informed 

As you enjoy outdoor adventures with your furry companions during spring, you may come across other species of baby animals. Different species have different parenting styles.  Wait before intervening too soon as you may be putting that animal at risk. The baby’s mom may return. Give them a chance to reunite. 

Helpful information about orphaned rabbits can be found here. For general wildlife factsheets visit here. 

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

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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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