adopt – Ontario SPCA and Humane Society https://ontariospca.ca Protecting Animals Since 1873 Fri, 03 May 2024 18:08:10 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.0.3 Taking your newly adopted cat home – tips to help with the transition https://ontariospca.ca/blog/taking-your-newly-adopted-cat-home-tips-to-help-with-the-transition/ Mon, 26 Feb 2024 12:00:56 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=44357 Finding the purrfect friend to share a life with is an exciting feeling, especially when you get to take your newly adopted cat home for the first time. You’ve purchased all the supplies needed in preparation for their adoption, but what comes next?   Your new cat or kitten is likely experiencing an abundance of emotions […]

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Finding the purrfect friend to share a life with is an exciting feeling, especially when you get to take your newly adopted cat home for the first time. You’ve purchased all the supplies needed in preparation for their adoption, but what comes next?  

Your new cat or kitten is likely experiencing an abundance of emotions and it’s important to make the transition to their new home as smooth as possible. Luckily, when you adopt from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, we get you started on the right track.  

Cute cat cabins that are as fun as they are functional  

Each cat who comes into our care gets their very own private cat cabin, courtesy of the Pet Valu Companions for Change program. The cabins keep the animals comfortable and help them feel safe by enabling them to express their natural behaviours, including hiding, perching and scent marking. When a cat is adopted, their cat cabin transforms into a temporary carrier for travelling home, and adopters are encouraged to reassemble it so that their cat has a familiar place to hide in their new environment.   

Setting up base camp  

Place the cat cabin, (or other crate), in a small room where your new feline friend can safely stay for a few days as you introduce them to their new world. The room should have their food and water placed to one side, and a litter box on the opposite side. Open their carrier and quietly sit on the floor and wait.  If your feline is feeling frisky, they might come out right away, but often cats are a little timid and will venture out once they feel it’s safe to explore.   

It is important to remember that your new little friend may have had a rough journey prior to coming into the care of the Ontario SPCA. Change can be frightening, so give your cat the time and space they need to feel comfortable in their new surroundings. Their cat cabins can provide them with a safe haven while they adjust to their new life.  

Building a life-long bond  

Change can be a scary thing. You will be eager to comfort and bond with your new friend, but as excited as you are to give them the grand tour, the best thing you can do is leave them in their designated room for a few days.   

Visit the room often and bring healthy treats and toys each time. If you have other family members in the household, encourage them to do the same, but not all at once. Sit on the floor and invite your cat to explore the goodies you brought.  

Wait for your cat to come to you. Talk to them reassuringly to try coaxing them out, but have patience. It may feel like baby steps, but building that trust is important.   

Making friends with current residents  

Ensuring that everyone has a turn spending quiet bonding time will help your cat to feel more connected to the entire family. If your household consists of other furry residents, you will want to take separate steps to ensure a safe and stress-free introduction.   

Tips on cat to dog introductions  

Helping your adopted cat and existing pet to accept each other  

Tips to introduce a cat to your home  

Ready to explore   

Take your cues from your cat. When they are ready to venture to the rest of the house, they’ll tell you by slipping their paws under the doorway or trying to escape. Once they are ready, let them explore at their own rate and make sure they have easy access back to their cat cabin. If they get scared, they will want to run back to safety.   

Your cat will start creating new habits and routines as they feel more and more comfortable. It shouldn’t take too long before they are exploring every nook and cranny of your home. If you feel that the transition is not progressing, talk to your veterinarian. The Ontario SPCA animal centre team is also only a call or email away.    

Visit our blog as a resource to learn more about keeping your cat healthy and safe. 

 

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Top 3 reasons why adopting from the Ontario SPCA is the way to go! https://ontariospca.ca/blog/top-3-reasons-why-adopting-from-the-ontario-spca-is-the-way-to-go/ Mon, 01 Jan 2024 12:00:34 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=48131 When you choose to adopt, you are giving an animal the ultimate gift of a second chance. So many animals are waiting to find a home to call their own, and if you’re thinking about making one of their dreams a reality, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a great place to start!   We’ve […]

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When you choose to adopt, you are giving an animal the ultimate gift of a second chance. So many animals are waiting to find a home to call their own, and if you’re thinking about making one of their dreams a reality, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a great place to start!  

We’ve put together the top three reasons why adopting from one of our 13 animal centres is a great option: 

Putting the animals first 

At the Ontario SPCA, we want to provide the very best life for the animals in our care and that starts from the moment they come through our animal centre doors. Each animal receives a thorough intake exam and receives a customized wellness plan that encompasses both social and physical needs. It’s important that each animal is properly assessed and set up for a successful adoption. 

An easy to navigate adoption website 

We’ve made finding your dream companion as easy as a couple of clicks. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to view  our animals currently available for adoption. You can sort by species, gender, location, and more. When an animal catches your eye, simply click the “Meet…” button to learn more. From there, you can connect with one of our friendly and knowledgeable animal care team who will guide you through the adoption process. 

Knowledgeable staff 

The adoption coordinators are a bit like match makers. They’ll want to get to know you a little bit to make sure the animal up for adoption is compatible with your lifestyle. For example, if you are looking for a couch potato, and your chosen animal is high energy, our staff will want to ensure both you and the animal are a good fit together.  

If you’re bringing your newly adopted friend into a household with other furry family members, the Ontario SPCA can provide resources to help facilitate a stress-free introduction. Our team is only a phone call or email away! Check out our blog for some helpful animal care tips. 

More reasons to consider adoption  

Did you know 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?  

Adopters will also receive one complimentary appointment with Vester, which provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. 

Ready for the Ontario SPCA to help you with your adoption journey? Find your perfect pal now! 

 

 

 

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Thinking of adopting? Here’s what you need to know https://ontariospca.ca/blog/thinking-of-adopting-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ Fri, 01 Dec 2023 12:00:19 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=47771 Looking to enrich your life by adding a furry friend to your family?  The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society can help!   If you’ve been thinking of adopting an animal, you’ve come to the right place! With 13 animal centre locations across the province, the Ontario SPCA has so many amazing animals who are waiting patiently […]

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Looking to enrich your life by adding a furry friend to your family?  The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society can help!  

If you’ve been thinking of adopting an animal, you’ve come to the right place! With 13 animal centre locations across the province, the Ontario SPCA has so many amazing animals who are waiting patiently for a loving home. 

Let’s get started… 

Big? Small? Young? Mature? You probably have a hundred questions running through your mind. It’s important to really think about what type of animal would fit in your life. Our knowledgeable adoption team members can help you assess what type of animal or breed would best suit your lifestyle. 

We also encourage potential adopters to do their research to ensure they are prepared for the lifetime commitment that comes with caring for that animal.  

Finding your ideal companion 

Now that you’ve determined what characteristics you are looking for in an animal, it’s time to find that perfect companion. Our online adoption site is designed to help you narrow down your search for a furry friend. You can search by species, sex, location and more.  

Once you have selected your search parameters, photos of the available animals will be displayed, and you can click on their profile to learn more. 

The adoption process 

If you find an animal that you are interested in adopting, simply contact the animal centre where the animal is located, and one of the adoption team members will schedule an in-person or virtual meet and greet.  

Talk to your adoption coordinator if you have an existing animal at home to ensure the animal you’re considering adopting would be compatible with your existing pets. The Ontario SPCA blog has some helpful articles on cat-to-dog introductions, dog-to-dog introductions and cat-to-cat introductions. Ontario SPCA staff are also a wealth of knowledge and can provide some great adoption tips. 

What’s included with adoption? 

The best reason to adopt from the Ontario SPCA is that you are giving an animal a loving place to call home. But did you know there are many other benefits as well? Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help them transition into their new home.  

You can even subscribe for your pet’s nutrition on Royal Canin’s online store, with a portion of each order donated to the Ontario SPCA animal centre where you adopted your furry friend. Plus, receive a complimentary Wisdom Panel™ DNA kit when you sign up for Auto-Ship on your first Royal Canin order.  

Protecting your furry friend  

Now that you have given your best friend a forever home, it’s time to give your pet forever health and happiness, too. Protecting your rescued pet with insurance allows you to fulfill your promise to them – that in exchange for unconditional love you’ll safeguard their well-being. 

The Ontario SPCA believes animals deserve the best care possible. Like us, our pets can get injured or sick. Pet insurance can help cover those unforeseen veterinary bills and help your furry friends stay healthy. That’s why we have joined paws with Fetch! 

Learn more about Fetch Pet Insurance. 

We’re here to help! 

Have questions or need guidance as you help your new furry family member settle in? Help is a phone call or email away. A team of friendly animal experts are available to help you with any questions.  

Ontario SPCA adopters receive one complimentary appointment with Vetster to ensure you’re off to a great start with your new furry family member. As a complement to your routine in-person veterinary care, Vetster provides on-demand online veterinary appointments by connecting pet parents to thousands of licensed veterinarians through video chat appointments 24/7. 

Ready to start your adoption journey?  Check out animals available for adoption and find your next best friend at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

 

 

 

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Doberman puppy fights for his life, and a second chance https://ontariospca.ca/blog/doberman-puppy-fights-for-his-life-and-a-second-chance/ Tue, 28 Nov 2023 12:00:25 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=47758 Cairo had a very uncertain future when he arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Ontario SPCA staff, a committed veterinary team, and Cairo’s determination, the 10-month-old Doberman puppy now has a second chance in a forever home.  An uncertain future  Cairo came into the care […]

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Cairo had a very uncertain future when he arrived at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of Ontario SPCA staff, a committed veterinary team, and Cairo’s determination, the 10-month-old Doberman puppy now has a second chance in a forever home. 

An uncertain future 

Cairo came into the care of the Ontario SPCA Sudbury & District Animal Centre after an ear-cropping surgery that nearly proved fatal – an unnecessary surgery for this sweet pup to endure. 

Cairo has Von Willebrand Disease, which is a type of blood-clotting disorder that resulted in his ears bleeding continuously after the surgery.  

“With this disease, the injuries can heal, but it does take a lot of time and a lot of care,” says Jaclyn Wozniak, manager at the Ontario SPCA Midland & District Animal Centre, where Cairo was transferred to continue his care. 

Cairo’s journey is truly a story of community collaboration. His condition required extensive care at a level the Ontario SPCA team couldn’t provide. A local veterinary team at Twin Lakes Veterinary Hospital in Orillia spoke up and said they would provide the care he needed. We are so grateful they could lead Cairo back to recovery. 

“Even though he was going through so much, and probably also in pain, he was such a happy dog,” says Wozniak. “He really won over the staff’s hearts, and also broke their hearts to see him in this state.” 

A battle for survival 

Daily care for Cairo, especially at the beginning, was very extensive. The animal care team at the Midland & District Animal Centre, along with Ontario SPCA RVT Jocelyn Rutgers, put countless hours into his recovery. This included changing bandages, watching for infections, providing enrichment, and generally working to help him be as comfortable and happy as possible. 

“A really big bond was built. It wasn’t just the staff really loving him; it was him really trusting the staff to make him better,” says Wozniak. 

When it came time to help Cairo find a home, the staff made sure potential adopters had as much information as possible regarding his condition before making a decision. In time, they found Cairo’s family – two nurses who were ready to support and love him unconditionally. 

“We were well aware of his bleeding condition before arriving and did research about what to expect. We are both nurses and are familiar with clotting disorders and felt even more sure he was meant to be ours,” says Victoria Fish, Cairo’s adopter. 

Bittersweet adoption day  

On his “going home day,” Wozniak says they tried to have as many staff present as possible to say goodbye. Wozniak says it was very emotional, but after all the sad tears cried throughout his recovery, it was healing for the staff to cry happy tears seeing him go to his forever home. 

“They all fought very hard for him,” Wozniak says. “His future was not always certain and the staff fought very hard to return him to health and give him a chance at a loving forever home.” 

One staff member, a part-time animal care attendant, even got a tattoo of Cairo. She was proud to show his adopters how deep of an impact Cairo had made on her life. 

“His loving nature is a testament to the staff at Midland,” says Fish. “Seeing him you would never know what he went through, besides his unique ears. I encourage anyone interested in having a pet to visit the SPCA.” 

Happy endings like this are only possible thanks to adopters who open their homes and hearts to animals in need. Would you consider adding a furry friend to your family? Visit our website to see animals currently available for adoption 

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Reasons to adopt a black cat https://ontariospca.ca/blog/6-reasons-to-adopt-a-black-cat/ Thu, 17 Aug 2023 12:00:26 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=30248 In honour of National Black Cat Appreciation Day, we’re bringing back this video about 6 reasons why you should adopt a black cat!  They go with everything!  They’ll help you sharpen your photography skills  They’re experts at hide and seek  They’re true cuddle bugs!  They’re natural born ninjas!  They need a loving home ❤️  Cats […]

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In honour of National Black Cat Appreciation Day, we’re bringing back this video about 6 reasons why you should adopt a black cat! 

  1. They go with everything! 
  2. They’ll help you sharpen your photography skills 
  3. They’re experts at hide and seek 
  4. They’re true cuddle bugs! 
  5. They’re natural born ninjas! 
  6. They need a loving home ❤ 

Cats have been blamed a lot through the ages for plagues and diseases, and they’ve been associated with witchcraft and other negative imagery as well. Some people even consider black cats unlucky.  Just like throwing salt over your shoulder to ward off bad luck or walking under a ladder will sour your day, thanks to science we know these superstitions aren’t true. We know that regardless of the colour, all cats are equally loveable and unique!  

While black cats are often slower to get adopted, with a strong adoption process, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is able to find the perfect homes for all our animals – including black cats. 

Interested in adopting? To adopt a cat from the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, visit https://ontariospca.ca/adopt 

 

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Top 3 things to consider before adopting an animal https://ontariospca.ca/blog/top-3-things-to-consider-before-adopting-an-animal/ Fri, 17 Feb 2023 12:00:21 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=45012 Have you been pondering the idea of adding a companion animal to your life? You have come to the right place! Finding loving homes for animals is at the heart of Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s work and finding the right fit means ensuring adopters know what to expect.   Adoption is a great choice if […]

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Have you been pondering the idea of adding a companion animal to your life? You have come to the right place! Finding loving homes for animals is at the heart of Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s work and finding the right fit means ensuring adopters know what to expect.  

Adoption is a great choice if you are contemplating getting a cat, dog or other small animals, but regardless of whether you adopt, or acquire an animal through other means, it’s important to take into consideration everything involved with caring for that animal. 

Considering the cost  

Cost is a very important consideration when thinking about having an animal. While adoption has significant cost savings when it comes to the initial investment, caring for animals is a long-term financial commitment.  

According to the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), the annual average cost of caring for a puppy ranges from $4,589-$4,666, and annual care for a dog is approximately $3,724. For kittens, the annual cost of caring is between $3,091-$3,231, with the cost for cats being approximately $2,542. These are basic costs which don’t include additional fees such as private training classes, emergency vet bills, and boarding fees if you travel often.  

What animal is in your future? 

The second thing you need to consider is the type of animal that best fits your lifestyle and living situation. Your heart might be screaming Great Dane, but your tiny apartment is telling you otherwise. It’s important to be realistic about the type of environment you can offer your furry companion. Some animals and breeds are quite content living their days curled up indoors. Others need space to work off their energy and exhibit some of their natural instincts. 

You’ll also want to consider how much time you have to care for this animal. Enrichment, socialization and training are all important to factor into your schedule. Puppies and kittens require a lot of attention in their first years, but it doesn’t end there. Caring for your animals requires a daily commitment for the duration of the animal’s life. The lifespan of a cat or dog can be upwards of 12 to 18 years of age, but  if you are thinking about adopting a bird or reptile, be prepared for a 50-year commitment or longer. Some animals have incredibly long lifespans so it’s important to do your research.  

Tapping into resources 

Once you determine the financial viability and have done your research on what best suits your lifestyle, the third thing you will want to think about is your support system. Do you have family members or friends who can help you care for the animal if you need to travel or if you are ill? Do you have access to regular veterinarian care for routine check-ups, vaccinations, and other health care needs? Does your neighbourhood have animal-friendly parks or amenities? If your animal requires training, are their local resources available? Caring for an animal really does take a village and it’s important to consider what resources and support systems are available before committing to bringing an animal home. 

Read our blog to learn more about planning for your pet in your will. 

You’ve determined you’re ready to adopt – now what? 

Once you are confident in your decision to adopt, visit the Ontario SPCA’s adoption site to see animals waiting to find their forever homes. You can also reach out to your local Ontario SPCA animal centre and speak to one of our knowledgeable adoption coordinators with any questions. They are available to help you during every step of the adoption process. 

 

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Help an animal overlooked by adopters with the Ontario SPCA’s new Adopt-it-Forward program https://ontariospca.ca/blog/help-an-animal-overlooked-by-adopters-with-the-ontario-spcas-new-adopt-it-forward-program/ Mon, 05 Dec 2022 13:00:57 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=44467 IMMEDIATE RELEASE Stouffville, ON (Dec. 5, 2022) – Give the gift of a “furever” home to an animal who is being overlooked by adopters by sponsoring their adoption fee during the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s iAdopt for the Holidays campaign, running until Dec. 25. The Ontario SPCA is committed to finding a loving home […]

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IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stouffville, ON (Dec. 5, 2022) – Give the gift of a “furever” home to an animal who is being overlooked by adopters by sponsoring their adoption fee during the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s iAdopt for the Holidays campaign, running until Dec. 25.

The Ontario SPCA is committed to finding a loving home for every adoptable animal. Sadly, some animals are overlooked by adopters due to age or special needs. To help those animals find loving homes, the Ontario SPCA is piloting an Adopt-it-Forward program that gives donors the opportunity to pay the adoption fee for an animal who has been waiting to find a loving home.

Presented by Swiffer®, the goal of iAdopt for the Holidays is to find loving homes for as many animals as possible at Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province during the holiday campaign. Last year, close to 600 animals found loving homes across Ontario during the iAdopt for the Holidays campaign. With many people enjoying time off during the holidays and being home together as a family, now is the perfect time to welcome an animal into your life.

If you’ve already adopted an animal, you can help promote the benefits of adoption by entering Ontario’s Cutest Adopted Animal Photo Contest at iadopt.ca. There are amazing weekly prizes to be won, as well as a grand prize awarded to the pet with the most votes. Enter your pet’s cutest photo and encourage your friends, family, co-workers and neighbours to cast their vote. To enter or to vote, visit iadopt.ca

“You can bring joy to animals in need this holiday season by making a donation to help give them the second chance they deserve,” says Dr. Stephanie Black, Chief Veterinary Officer, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “As a registered charity, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to provide care and shelter to animals in need as they wait for a family to adopt them.” To change an animal’s life during iAdopt for the Holidays, visit iadopt.ca

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MEDIA CONTACT

Media Relations

Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

905-898-7122 x 375 media@ontariospca.ca

 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that has been operating for nearly 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 do 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

 

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.

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Adopt it Forward this Holiday Season https://ontariospca.ca/blog/adopt-it-forward-this-holiday-season/ Thu, 24 Nov 2022 12:00:16 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=44372 The Ontario SPCA is committed to finding a loving home for every adoptable animal. Sadly, some animals are overlooked by adopters due to age or special needs. To help those animals find loving homes, we are piloting an adopt-it-forward program that gives donors the opportunity to pay the adoption fee for one of our animals […]

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The Ontario SPCA is committed to finding a loving home for every adoptable animal. Sadly, some animals are overlooked by adopters due to age or special needs. To help those animals find loving homes, we are piloting an adopt-it-forward program that gives donors the opportunity to pay the adoption fee for one of our animals having a difficult time getting adopted. 

Some animals can be more challenging to adopt for a number of reasons. Senior animals and those with special needs are typically slower to get adopted. Suppose an animal’s adoption fee has been waived. In that case, it may encourage a potential adopter considering that animal to make the decision to adopt them. The money they save could be put toward future vet care or any special needs that the animal may require. 

Anonymous donor pays adoption fee for 15 cats 

The Ontario SPCA York Region Animal Centre has a donor who has been adopting-it-forward every year since 2016 and once in 2010. This generous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, has paid the adoption fee for a total of 15 cats! He visits during the holidays in hopes that by paying the adoption fee of the cats who are harder to adopt, they will find a home by Christmas. In return, the York Region animal centre care team sends him pictures of the cats going home, along with adoption updates from the cat’s adopter, granted they receive permission to do so.  

We both enjoy seeing the updates of the cats in their new homes especially around Christmas, it’s always something nice to see. I like the fact that it took so little to bring so much joy to a cat that otherwise may not have had that experience of being in a house on Christmas morning with loads of happy people around to pet them. I grew up with cats all my life and my wife is similar. We have two of our own and I know the comfort they provide us throughout all of life’s challenges, it’s only fair we allow others to have that same experience,” says the donor. 

Why the need to adopt it forward 

As a registered charity, the Ontario SPCA depends on adoption fees to provide care to animals in need. The average cost of caring for a dog or cat who comes to the Ontario SPCA is over $600. That’s the cost of vaccination, spay or neuter surgery, treatment for any parasites, medical care and rehabilitation as required, daily welfare monitoring, microchipping, housing, feeding, cleaning and supplies.   

The adoption fees have been reduced for the adopt-it-forward program to help some of our more difficult to adopt animals find the loving homes they deserve. The adoption fee to help a cat will be $175 and $300 to pay the adoption fee for a dog. 

If you wish to pay for an animal’s adoption, visit pawsandgive.ca to adopt it forward. An animal will then be selected to have his or her adoption fee waived, based primarily on the length of time spent waiting for a forever home. Once that animal has been adopted, you will receive an update from the Ontario SPCA so you can see first-hand how your gift has changed a life.  

To see animals available for adoption, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt  

 

 

 

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“Pawsh” new cabin accomodations for cats and small animals https://ontariospca.ca/blog/pawsh-new-cabin-accomodations-for-cats-and-small-animals/ Mon, 28 Mar 2022 12:00:49 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=41596 Cats and small critters awaiting adoption at Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres now have four new themed “cat cabin” designs that are as fun as they are functional to keep the animals comfortable and make them feel safe.  Cat cabins get a makeover  Presented by Pet Valu’s Companions for Change, the Cat Cabin […]

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Cats and small critters awaiting adoption at Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres now have four new themed “cat cabin” designs that are as fun as they are functional to keep the animals comfortable and make them feel safe. 

Cat cabins get a makeover 

Presented by Pet Valu’s Companions for Change, the Cat Cabin Program features four new cabin themed designs featuring “Cabin in the Meow-tains,” “Miami Beach,” “Tiki Hut” and “Nautical Ship.” Instead of the usual brown cardboard box models of yesterday, the themed designs on each cardboard box feature illustrations that add the appearance of wall art, windows and even furniture to each cat cabin.

What is a cat cabin?

Cat cabins are cardboard box houses that act as a safe haven for cats in shelters. When a cat is adopted, the same “cat cabin” transforms into a temporary carrier that the cat can travel home in. Once home, adopters are encouraged to reassemble the cabin, as it has the cat’s scent on it and helps ease their transition into their new home by offering a familiar place to perch, sleep, hide and rub.

Cat cabins give cats a place where they can be partially hidden, which helps them to feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar shelter environment. With a flat perch-like surface on top of the enclosed cabin area, cats can also sit up off the floor when outside the cabin, which also helps them feel secure. 

Plus, kittens love to play in them! With two entrances in each cabin, kittens can chase each other through, plus they can practice climbing!

The magic of cardboard 

Cats are scent-oriented creatures. As cardboard absorbs scent well, cat cabins help soothe cats, who can be surrounded by their own familiar scent. When it’s time to head home with a new loving family, the cat goes home with his or her personal cabin. This brings a familiar piece of furniture with them that also is coated with their own scent. Both make the transition to a new home easier. 

Small creatures love cabins, too!

Rodents and rabbits also like the cabins. Since they are chewers, they sometimes like to add their own unique design features, such as new doors and windows.

For rabbits who are an appropriate size for the cabins, the box gives them a place to sit while getting the benefit of feeling partially hidden. As rabbits and small mammals are prey species, they often like to feel secure by having walls and ceilings over them. Rabbits are also highly-scent oriented animals, and will “chin” their boxes, urinate on them (especially males), and otherwise add their scent to their boxes. This helps establish the cabin as their own, and can help give them a sense of security and ownership. Both can help reduce their stress while in care. 

And assuming they haven’t reduced their box to shreds, it too can go home with them, and will have the same benefit to them as the den boxes with cats.

Interested in adopting?

Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals waiting for loving homes. Your new best friend could be there, waiting for you in their new cat cabin – curled up by the fire in their meow-tain ski chalet, making waves on the beach, enjoying a siesta under a string of tiki lights, or waiting to sail off into the sunset. 

The post “Pawsh” new cabin accomodations for cats and small animals appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

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9 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bunny https://ontariospca.ca/blog/9-things-to-know-before-adopting-a-bunny/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 12:00:59 +0000 http://ontariospca.ca/blog/?p=7349 Aren’t bunnies just the cutest? Although they make great companion animals and are certainly fun to play with, some considerations must first be taken into account before deciding to adopt a bunny. 1. Rabbits require gentle handling Rabbits are quite delicate and frighten easily. If a rabbit isn’t handled correctly, the rabbit may kick, bite […]

The post 9 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bunny appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

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Aren’t bunnies just the cutest? Although they make great companion animals and are certainly fun to play with, some considerations must first be taken into account before deciding to adopt a bunny.

1. Rabbits require gentle handling

Rabbits are quite delicate and frighten easily. If a rabbit isn’t handled correctly, the rabbit may kick, bite or scratch out of fear. When being picked up, rabbits need full support on their front and hindquarters, otherwise they can seriously injure their spine. Never pick up a rabbit by their ears as this is very painful and cruel.

2. Not all rabbits get along

Before getting a second rabbit, it’s important that the two rabbits meet on neutral ground to make sure they get along. Rabbits housed in the same exercise pen or large cage need to be spayed/neutered to reduce aggressive behaviour and mating.

3. Rabbits love to chew

Rabbits don’t know the difference between good and bad things to chew. That’s why any area in the house that your rabbit can access needs to be rabbit proof. This means, no access to things that can harm them, like electrical cords, books or furniture.  Give your rabbit something good to chew on, like cardboard boxes, chewing toys or rabbit-safe chew sticks.

4. Rabbits need regular exercise

Rabbits need space to run, jump and exercise, ideally in a playpen or rabbit-proofed room. For ideas on keeping your rabbit active, check out our tips for enrichment inside and outside their cage. It’s recommended that rabbits be given several hours for exercise per day.

5. Rabbits require a well-balanced diet

In addition to rabbit pellets, an important part of a rabbit’s diet is grass hay, such as timothy or brome, to keep their intestinal tract healthy. Rabbits need unlimited access to hay at all times. Rabbits also need leafy greens, such as dark leaf lettuces, collard greens, turnip greens and carrot tops.

6. Rabbits need their habitat cleaned regularly

Rabbits need their cages cleaned once or twice a week to keep their habitat sanitary and odour free. Remember not to use cedar or pine shavings to line their cage, since the fumes can make them sick, and avoid clay cat litters. Choose wood shavings made from aspen.

7. Rabbits are indoor companions

Rabbits are too vulnerable to predators and too social to be isolated outside. Since rabbits need to be kept indoors, keep in mind that they frighten easily and shouldn’t be placed somewhere too noisy.

8. Rabbits need routine veterinary care

Like any other animal, rabbits need regular health exams from a veterinarian, ideally one that specializes in small mammals. Make sure you’re familiar with common health conditions affecting rabbits, as well as the warning signs that require emergency veterinary attention (e.g., diarrhea or anorexia).

9. Rabbits require brushing

Rabbits need routine brushing to keep their coat clean and free from mats. Use a soft bristle brush to brush their entire coat. Stay away from brushing around their face and belly. Occasionally, bunnies may pluck their own hair. Make sure to remove this plucked hair promptly to prevent the rabbit from eating it.

If you are interested in adopting a bunny, check out your local Ontario SPCA Community to see what pets they have available.

Rabbits provide great company and make great companion animals. With access to a healthy diet, a clean cage, fresh water, plenty of exercise, and mental stimulation, your rabbit can be a loving companion!

The post 9 Things to Know Before Adopting a Bunny appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

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