Ontario SPCA – 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 It’s that time of year! What to do if you find a baby animal https://ontariospca.ca/blog/what-to-do-if-you-find-a-baby-animal/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 12:00:49 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=36304 The leaves are unfurling on the trees, flowers are blooming and many woodland critters are having their young. Spring has sprung and everyone is anxious to get out into the sunshine.  It’s a great time to go out for a walk with your furry companion or get some outdoor spring cleaning done. However, this could […]

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The leaves are unfurling on the trees, flowers are blooming and many woodland critters are having their young. Spring has sprung and everyone is anxious to get out into the sunshine.  It’s a great time to go out for a walk with your furry companion or get some outdoor spring cleaning done. However, this could mean more encounters with wildlife for you and your animal companions. 

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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Tips to prevent your cat from scratching furniture  https://ontariospca.ca/blog/cat-scratching-tips/ Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:00:20 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=35034 That sweet, cuddly little fur ball that has stolen your heart has suddenly decided to channel her inner tiger and is shredding your furniture. As a pet parent, understanding why your cat scratches furniture can help you manage this unwanted behaviour.  Scratching is an instinctive behaviour and cats do it for several reasons: To stretch, […]

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That sweet, cuddly little fur ball that has stolen your heart has suddenly decided to channel her inner tiger and is shredding your furniture. As a pet parent, understanding why your cat scratches furniture can help you manage this unwanted behaviour. 

Scratching is an instinctive behaviour and cats do it for several reasons: To stretch, to communicate, play, seek attention and to maintain healthy claws. 

Here are some tips to prevent this behaviour. 

Wake up call 

Cats will often stretch and scratch after a nap. By providing scratching posts or towers near their nap places, you can encourage their use as an alternative to the couch. Rubbing catnip on the post also helps motivate their use. Observe where your cat likes to nap and what surfaces they like to scratch. Provide options close by. Follow up with treats and praise when they choose the scratching posts over the furniture. 

Reinforce good behavior  

Kittens have much more energy than adult cats, so ensuring they have lots of play time could discourage unwanted scratching. If your kitten starts scratching on furniture, immediately take them to their scratching post or tower. Allow them to continue the behaviour and reward with treats, praise and more playtime in the scratching area. Using a laser pointer or a wand toy can also help draw the cat’s interest around the post and can naturally prompt scratching on the desired surface. 

The health of the matter 

Cats also scratch to maintain their claw health. Cats’ claws have an outer husk that sheds, so scratching helps facilitate the shedding and helps to keep those claws healthy. By trimming your cat’s nails, you can minimize the damage they can do. Some experts also suggest nail caps, but only as a last resort. This option would need to be paired with other solutions for reducing scratching. 

Stress can be another reason your cat is scratching your furniture. A stress-reducing product based off pheromones, such as a Feliway diffuser,  may calm your cat so that they no longer feel the need to scratch the furniture. 

Not sure if your cat is stressed? Check out our blog on how to recognize stress in pets. 

Make furniture less appealing 

If none of these suggestions are working, you can make your furniture unappealing to scratch, or block off the room entirely so it is unavailable to your cat. Cats generally don’t like citrus, so a pet-friendly, citrus-based spray may dissuade scratching. Placing aluminum foil may also be effective.  

By understanding your cat’s motivation for scratching and providing options for this behaviour, plus lots of play time, praise and treats when they don’t scratch the furniture, your wonderful feline companion and your furniture can co-exist.. 

Help end declawing  

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has long worked to educate the public that scratching is a normal behavior for cats and can be managed to help prevent furniture damage.  

Declawing is a mutilating and painful procedure that can never be justified as a treatment in response to a cat’s normal behavior. Declawing consists of amputating the last bone on each toe of a cat’s paw, which can cause a lifetime of pain, discomfort and significant behavioural changes in the cat.  

To learn more and speak up against declawing, visit changeforanimals.ca
 

 

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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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Meet the Ontario SPCA’s new Vice President of Shelter Operations https://ontariospca.ca/blog/meet-the-ontario-spcas-new-vice-president-of-shelter-operations/ Mon, 27 Nov 2023 12:00:28 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=47734 The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is excited to welcome Sonya Reichel as its new Vice President of Shelter Operations!  Sonya previously led the Georgian Triangle Humane Society as their Executive Director, demonstrating remarkable dedication and leadership. She successfully launched a capital campaign and has played a pivotal role in growing robust adoptions and volunteer programs, showcasing her commitment to community […]

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The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is excited to welcome Sonya Reichel as its new Vice President of Shelter Operations! 

Sonya previously led the Georgian Triangle Humane Society as their Executive Director, demonstrating remarkable dedication and leadership. She successfully launched a capital campaign and has played a pivotal role in growing robust adoptions and volunteer programs, showcasing her commitment to community engagement and collaboration. 

In her new role, Sonya will oversee the shelter operations of the Ontario SPCA’s 13 animal centres and the Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. She will work closely with our Shelter Health & Wellness team to provide care for our animal residents and drive forward our commitment to provide the best possible support for the animals in our care.  

We sat down with Sonya on her first day at the Ontario SPCA to get to know her better. Here’s a glimpse of the who she is! 

What attracted you to the position of Vice President of Shelter Operations with the Ontario SPCA? 

Leaving my role at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society was a very difficult decision. I have formed close relationships with many of the staff and volunteers who work there – it just feels like home! When looking to the Ontario SPCA, I was attracted to the organization’s Strategic Vision and Plan, its values, and its team! 

What are you most excited about accomplishing in your new role? 

I’m excited to meet the folks who work in animal welfare across our province and learn from them. With so many animals that need care and support, I’m curious about the challenges people are facing, and I want to simply listen to those who are deep in the trenches. Once I have done my homework, I’m sure I’ll have a better idea around how to answer that question! 

How will you help animals as the Vice President of Shelter Operations? 

I believe strongly that compassion for animals is rooted in compassion for people. Therefore, my job in supporting as many pets as possible in our animal centres will be to listen to our people and create or support environments in which they can thrive. 

Tell us about a career achievement relating to animals that you’re most proud of? 

I believe strongly that, in our ever-evolving world, you need to be comfortable challenging the status quo to ensure that you are making a marked impact on those that need you. To that end, I am very proud of the Access to Care programs that we launched at the Georgian Triangle Humane Society in 2018, most especially our Emergency Medical Assistance Program. It was a new program, without an existing template to follow, that quite truthfully was a bit scary to launch – even if we felt strongly that it was an essential service for pet parents. To date, hundreds of pets have stayed with their families during emergencies instead of needing to be re-homed – and that just warms my heart! 

Do you have any animals of your own? 

I have two amazing pets – Mara, a two-year-old Northern dog that we adopted in December of 2021. She is the sweetest dog in the whole world. We also have Blinks, a 12-year-old black cat that I found under a porch when he was two weeks old. I bottle fed him for weeks and he is now the boss of the house, regularly telling Mara what to do and ensuring we give him regular cuddles and food. 

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.  

I love horseback riding! I ride four to five times per week at a barn located just up the road from me. It keeps me healthy and happy – helping to ease the stress of difficult days and continue to enjoy the healing power of the human-animal bond. 

We wish Sonya all the best in this new role, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Ontario SPCA family. Interested in joining the Ontario SPCA team? Visit our employment page to see current job opportunities.  

Sonya with kitten

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Commonly asked questions about RVT’s https://ontariospca.ca/blog/commonly-asked-questions-about-rvts/ Tue, 03 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000 http://ontariospca.ca/blog/?p=17985 The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has some wonderful Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) employed within our organization. October is RVT Month and we are excited to have a whole month to celebrate them!  It’s no secret that a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is an integral part of any animal health care team, but they are […]

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The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has some wonderful Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) employed within our organization. October is RVT Month and we are excited to have a whole month to celebrate them! 

It’s no secret that a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is an integral part of any animal health care team, but they are particularly valuable in a shelter environment. These skilled, trained professionals offer support on how to manage the animals in our care and confidently provide their expertise in terms of medical advice and next steps in our care. 

Why is it so valuable to have RVTs on our team? 

RVT’s are committed to providing the highest level of care available and work to the full extent of their capabilities. As shelter health professionals, RVT’s participate in the decision making of individual animal planning. This role aids and further enhances the health and welfare of all animals in our care. 

So, what exactly is an RVT’s role in our animal centres? 

The role of an RVT at the Ontario SPCA includes:: 

  • Performing daily rounds – ensuring that the 5 freedoms are being met for each individual animal every day. This includes both the medical and behavioural components of animal health and well-being.Aiding in the early identification of illness or infectious disease and implementing isolation protocols accordingly. 
  • Providing a high level of nursing care in our animal centres;  
  • Establishing and re-evaluating enrichment plans daily, monitoring post-operative patients, administering medications through veterinary guidance and protocol. 
  • Conducting intake exams, identifying abnormal signs and triaging to ensure animals are receiving veterinary care in a timely manner. 
  • Ensuring biosecurity protocols are understood and being followed to help keep animals in our centres healthy.

If you’d like to become part of this innovative, exciting, and engaging RVT team with the Ontario SPCA, please keep an eye on our employment page for job opportunities 

Join us in celebrating and thanking all of our hard-working RVTs who are making a difference! 

 

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Summer Safety: Protect the pads of your dog’s feet https://ontariospca.ca/blog/sensitive-paws-protect-the-pads-of-your-dogs-feet-in-the-summer-heat/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 16:00:59 +0000 http://ontariospca.ca/blog/?p=17692 Imagine you’re walking on the pavement with bare feet – is it too hot for you? It’s probably too hot for your dog, too. Today we share tips for protecting the pads of your dog’s feet in the summer heat!  Why is this important?  It’s common to think dog’s feet are tough, so they won’t […]

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Imagine you’re walking on the pavement with bare feet – is it too hot for you? It’s probably too hot for your dog, too. Today we share tips for protecting the pads of your dog’s feet in the summer heat! 

Why is this important? 

It’s common to think dog’s feet are tough, so they won’t be affected by heat, but this isn’t true. The pads of a dog’s feet can actually burn easily on hot days and scorching hot asphalt, cement, or other surfaces. 

Since our dogs can’t directly tell us when their feet are hurting, here are a few signs to watch for. 

Signs of burnt pads can include: 
  • Limping, licking or chewing feet 
  • Refusing to walk 
  • Missing part of pad 
  • Blisters or redness 

If you see any symptoms like this, contact your veterinarian immediately. 

When your dog is on a leash, they rely on you to guide and protect them, so they won’t let you know if they’re hurting.  Don’t let them down! 

Tips to avoid burnt pads 

There are options in the summer to ensure your dog still gets their exercise while also staying safe.  

Walk your dog on the cool side of the street where there’s shade or grass to cool down the surface. Consider going for your longer walks only in the early morning or evening, when you can guarantee it won’t be too hot for your furry friend. 

If you see an animal suffering in the heat, call the Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. If an animal is in immediate danger, call 911.   

Visit our blog for more helpful tips on summer safety and your furry friend! 

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The Ontario SPCA unveils new five-year plan https://ontariospca.ca/blog/the-ontario-spca-unveils-new-five-year-plan/ Fri, 26 May 2023 11:00:21 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=45748 This year, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is celebrating its 150th anniversary! As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, we are excited to share with you our new strategic plan for 2023-2028.  We have a new purpose statement that will serve as a beacon, guiding who we are as an organization and shaping our […]

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This year, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is celebrating its 150th anniversary! As we reflect on this milestone anniversary, we are excited to share with you our new strategic plan for 2023-2028. 

We have a new purpose statement that will serve as a beacon, guiding who we are as an organization and shaping our actions: “We provide care, comfort and compassion to animals in need; we value all animals and engage our communities to treat them with respect and kindness.”  

Our priorities are centred around ensuring the best support for our animals in care, inspiring healthy bonds between pets and people, and partnering to influence and advocate for the welfare of animals in Ontario and beyond. Read on to learn how we plan to grow over the next five years. 

Focus on our facilities  

The Ontario SPCA is implementing 10-year facilities plan to identify major repairs and new capital projects to ensure that our animal centre buildings meet the needs of our communities, now and in the future. This will guarantee that buildings are safe and reliable for staff and animals in our care.  

A new Central Ontario Regional Animal Centre is also part of the plan. Once built, this new facility will serve  Central Ontario, as well as support our work in Northern communities.  

Enhance Community Support  

Community outreach and humane education is a large priority in the years ahead. We will be expanding services to support our communities and have begun implementing the resources needed to carry out those plans.  

Through our AnimalSmart™ Humane Education program, we are instilling empathy and compassion and teaching students about the care animals need to thrive. As our future generation, empowering them to advocate for animals will help create a brighter future for our furry friends. 

Develop a plan for animal advocacy  

The Ontario SPCA advocates on behalf of our furry friends. To help make our voice heard, we will collaborate with Ontario shelters and other like-minded organizations to engage government and communities to influence policy change and increase awareness about animal welfare issues.  

Pet population management in our communities  

Pet overpopulation and a lack of access to wellness services isn’t an issue limited to the North. We will continue to bring wellness and spay/neuter services to underserved areas of the province. As part of that work, the Ontario SPCA has launched a new wellness clinic at its Ontario SPCA Centre Veterinary Hospital in Stouffville. It will help families referred through social services who don’t have the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care.  

As part of our ongoing efforts to reach underserved populations, we will continue to deliver spay/neuter and wellness services to these communities across the province. For some people, it may be the first time their animal has ever seen a veterinarian due to factors like financial challenges, accessibility, and the availability of services. Remote Northern communities particularly struggle with a lack of access to basic animal wellness services.  

Enhance our impact and influence in animal welfare through collaboration  

Collaboration is key in everything that we do, and the Ontario SPCA continues to partner with other SPCAs and humane societies to enhance resources in communities across Ontario.  

Northern Outreach  

For many years, we have been raising awareness about the challenges facing Northern communities. We will continue to partner with Northern communities and organizations, with a focus on distributing pet food where it’s needed most, scheduling regular spay/neuter programs to support population management, and developing partnerships to support Indigenous communities as they develop their animal care strategies.  

We look forward to sharing updates with you as we embark on this next milestone in our organization’s history. Read our full Strategic Plan, here 

 

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Fear Free® nail trims from home https://ontariospca.ca/blog/fear-free-nail-trims-from-home/ Mon, 08 May 2023 12:00:58 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=34504 You have the “perfect” dog. He or she has learned basic cues, walks gently beside you on a leash, and they leave your slippers alone! But when it comes to trimming their nails or giving them a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, life can get difficult.   If this sounds all too familiar to you, here […]

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You have the “perfect” dog. He or she has learned basic cues, walks gently beside you on a leash, and they leave your slippers alone! But when it comes to trimming their nails or giving them a medication prescribed by your veterinarian, life can get difficult.  

If this sounds all too familiar to you, here are some tips from the Fear Free® program to help make things easier. The overall health, behaviour, and wellness of the animals in our care is our top priority, and Fear Free® helps keep them happy and healthy.. By reducing fear, anxiety and stress, you and your furry friend will have a much more pleasant experience.  

What can I do? Create a fear free environment 

Before you get started, it’s important to create a fear free environment for your furry friend.  

  • Think about the noise your dog is being exposed to. Remember, a dog’s hearing is much more sensitive than ours (up to 4x more sensitive!). Speak to your dog calmly and quietly, keeping your voice down. It is important to minimize the volume of music and choose something that is soothing and calming to dogs. This could be classical music or music created specifically for dogs. 
  • The surface you choose to use is also important. Animals can be stressed by the surfaces they come in contact with and can even develop a fear response to them. Provide a surface that has traction, like a rug or yoga mat, to help your dog remain calm and comfortable during a procedure. 
  • Consider using pheremone products – Pheromone products for dogs replicate the  pheromone that nursing mothers naturally produce to calm their puppies. This appeasing effect helps dogs deal with stressful situations. There are a few forms of use for this pheromone, including a collar, spray, or diffuser. Ask your veterinarian what is best for your dog.  
Next steps 

Take your time. Patience is the key to success. Start by slowly desensitizing your dog. Start by touching your dog’s feet – that’s it, just touching. Follow this with a treat to make it a positive, stress-free experience. Once your dog becomes comfortable with this, try touching his or her nails with a nail trimmer. No actual trimming yet, just touching. And of course, more treats.  

The next step is to try trimming one nail, followed by – you guessed it – more treats. If there is no negative reaction to it, continue with additional nails, treat and repeat. If your dog shows fear, anxiety or stress towards the nail trim, stop and go back a step in the process. Again, the idea is to slowly desensitize your dog to the experience, which can take some time, but your patience will pay off.  

Don’t forget the value of treats! They can help create positive interactions and decrease stress, fear and anxiety.  

For a demonstration, you can watch this how to YouTube video! 

To learn about Fear Free® techniques for cat treatments, click here. 

To learn more about Fear Free® visit:   

https://fearfreepets.com/ 

https://fearfreehappyhomes.com/   

https://fearfreeshelters.com/ 

 

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Lawyer shares the importance of making a will for Leave a Legacy Month https://ontariospca.ca/blog/leave-a-legacy/ Tue, 02 May 2023 12:00:38 +0000 https://ontariospca.ca/?p=36166 May is Leave a Legacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of including charitable gifts in your will. Check out the story of Dan Hicks, an estate lawyer, who shares why legacy giving is important to him as a “dog dad.”  Dan Hicks, Lawyer   “As a lawyer and estate executor, I know how important […]

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May is Leave a Legacy Month, a time to recognize the importance of including charitable gifts in your will. Check out the story of Dan Hicks, an estate lawyer, who shares why legacy giving is important to him as a “dog dad.” 

Dan Hicks, Lawyer  

“As a lawyer and estate executor, I know how important a will is in making sure your estate is handled the way you want. Making a will guarantees the assets you’ve worked so hard to earn go where you want them. And adding a gift in your will to a charity like the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society gives you a terrific tax benefit, too!  

There are so many worthy charities, but I have to say that the Ontario SPCA is a standout for me. They’re trustworthy, reliable, and they make every dollar count towards helping animals. As an animal lover and ‘dog dad’ myself, that matters to me. The best part about it is that you feel good because you know you’ve done what you want to do, and you know you’ve done the right thing.” 

Leaving a gift in your will 

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding. For 150 years the Ontario SPCA has been changing the lives of animals and depends on the generosity of donors to continue to give animals the second chance they deserve. 

Over the years, our work has changed, but just like you, we’ve never stopped believing every animal deserves a life filled with love, health and happiness. That’s why animal lovers across the province trust us to help create their legacies, extending a lifetime of love for animals far into the future with a very special kind of gift: a gift in your will. 

With a gift in your will, you can help us create a brighter future for animals. 

 If you would like to discuss the best giving option for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be pleased to support you through the process of making your gift to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. 

Toll-free: 1-888-668-7722 x320
Phone: 905-898-7122 x320 

 

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How to choose a pet sitter https://ontariospca.ca/blog/how-to-choose-a-pet-sitter/ Tue, 07 Mar 2023 12:00:11 +0000 http://ontariospca.ca/blog/?p=8456 We think a lot about who to hire as a sitter for our children – but what about for our furry friends?  With March break quickly approaching, you may be considering a pet sitter as you embark on your travels. Here are a few key factors to consider when hiring a pet sitter.  What should […]

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We think a lot about who to hire as a sitter for our children – but what about for our furry friends? 

With March break quickly approaching, you may be considering a pet sitter as you embark on your travels. Here are a few key factors to consider when hiring a pet sitter. 

What should I look for? 

It’s important to get information about your prospective sitter before they take the job. What qualifications do they have? Or services do they offer? 

You can interview the pet sitter before they start with you and find out the following: 

  • Can the pet sitter provide written proof that they have commercial liability insurance (to cover accidents and negligence) and are bonded (to protect against theft by a pet sitter or their employees)? 
  • What training have they received? 
  • Will the pet sitter record notes about your companion animal, such as their likes, dislikes, fears, habits, medical conditions, medications, and routines? 
  • Is the pet sitter associated with a veterinarian who can provide emergency services? 
  • What will happen if they experience car trouble or become ill? Do they have a backup? 
  • Will the pet sitter provide related services such as in-home grooming, dog walking or play time? 
  • Will the pet sitter provide a written service contract spelling out services and fees? 

If the pet sitter provides live-in services, what are the specific times they agree to be with your companion animal? Is this detailed in the contract? 

How does your pet sitter make sure that you have returned home? 

Will they provide you with the phone numbers of other clients who have agreed to serve as references? 

If this is all good, it’s still important for the pet sitter to meet your furry friend in your home. See if they feel comfortable with your animal, and if your furry friend likes them. Try the sitter out while you’re away for just a short time so you can see how things go before leaving on a longer trip. Remember to introduce your animal to the pet sitter slowly and with treats. Have them take your dog on a walk while you accompany them and spend time in the house with your cat or dog and the pet sitter. 

Read our blog for more tips on How to prepare your dog for stays with a sitter. 

We hope you found these tips helpful in your search for the right pet sitter! 

The post How to choose a pet sitter appeared first on Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

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