Cupcake Day officially takes place on Monday, Feb. 23, but supporters are encouraged to start the fun early. Participants can host a cupcake party, bake sale, or treat-themed gathering any time in January or February to help “raise dough” for animals at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. A registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of donors to provide urgent care, shelter, and second chances to animals.

“Every year, Cupcake Day gives animal lovers a delicious way to make a difference,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “It’s heart-warming to watch the community rise to the occasion. We love seeing families, workplaces, and classrooms join in the fun.”

Register at cupcakeday.ca to set up a personal fundraising page, get baking inspiration, and start planning your sweetest celebration yet. From cozy kitchen gatherings to office treat tables and community bake sales, Cupcake Day can be as simple or as creative as you’d like.

For more information, or to register, visit cupcakeday.ca

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iAdopt: Furever Homes, presented by HomeEquity Bank, is intended to connect people and pets so both can thrive. The goal of the three-day adoption event is to place as many animals as possible into loving homes, with a special emphasis on creating perfect matches between our senior animals in care and adopters 55+.

Despite having so much to offer, senior animals are often overlooked in shelters and wait longer to find a loving home. They are typically calm, well-mannered, and already house-trained, making them an ideal match for older adopters seeking a steady, reliable friend. Adopting a pet can provide life-enriching benefits for older Canadians – from improved mental and physical well-being to a stronger sense of community and purpose.

“Pets offer so much more than just companionship. Research consistently reveals pets provide a sense of purpose, routine, physical activity and a reduced sense of loneliness some older adults may experience,” says Niary Toodakian, Vice President, Customer Insights and Brand, HomeEquity Bank. “Older Canadians are living vibrant, active, connected lives. They show us that age brings the wisdom, compassion, and commitment that makes them the perfect pet owners.”

If you’re not able to adopt, you can make a difference for an animal by becoming a foster volunteer. For empty nesters facing lonely houses this time of year as their kids head off to school, fostering can be a happy distraction.

“If you could use some companionship or purpose in your life, fostering might be the perfect way to give back to animals in need,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “It makes a world of difference for animals who need a bit more TLC than an animal centre can provide to help prepare them for adoption.”

To see animals available for adoption, or to learn more about becoming a foster volunteer, visit ontariospca.ca

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Hot temperatures and busy holiday activities can be overwhelming, or even dangerous, for our furry friends. As part of its annual No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA is urging everyone to take precautions and visit nohotpets.ca to pledge to keep animals safe in hot weather.

“Long weekends are a time to unwind, but we can’t forget about the needs of our animals,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “With a bit of planning, you can help your furry companions stay safe, cool and comfortable all weekend long.”

The Ontario SPCA shares its top tips for keeping pets safe this long weekend:

Traveling – Never leave animals unattended in a vehicle, even for a quick stop. Cars can become dangerously hot in minutes, even if they are parked in the shade with the windows down. Plan pet-friendly stops if you must bring your animal, or leave them at home where they are safe and comfortable. Pet-friendly businesses can download a sign welcoming pets at nohotpets.ca

Camping – Keep your furry friends leashed at your campsite. Provide constant access to water and shade, and never leave your animal alone in a tent, camper, or vehicle.

Boating – Fit your animal with a lifejacket and ensure they stay hydrated and cool. Watch for signs of overheating, like excessive panting or drooling. If your boat doesn’t have a top or cabin where an animal can seek shade, leave them at home.

Backyard barbecues – Keep animals away from the grill and human food, especially foods that are toxic to animals, like onions, grapes, and alcohol. Set up a shady, quiet space for them to retreat from noise and crowds.

Cottage time – Ensure your furry family members have up-to-date ID tags or a microchip in case they wander off. Keep an eye on them around the water, and provide a cool, shaded area where they can relax.

Take the No Hot Pets pledge today at nohotpets.ca for a chance to win a YETI summer prize pack! You’ll also get access to hot weather safety resources, a downloadable toolkit, and tips to help spread the message in your community.

If you see an animal in distress, take action. Call the government’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In an emergency, call 911.

Let’s make this long weekend safe and enjoyable for everyone – including our furry family members.

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Visit the animal centre, located at 1234 Muskoka Rd., 118 West in Bracebridge, between 12 noon and 4 p.m. to meet adorable adoptable animals and enjoy an afternoon packed with fun. There will be delicious barbecue food provided by Turtle Jack’s in Port Carling, vendors, kids’ activities, and artwork on display by local artists, with a portion of proceeds from art sales donated back to the animal centre.

“We’re so excited to open our doors to the community for a day of fun and connection,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager of the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “Whether you’re hoping to meet some adorable animals, curious about the work we do, or just looking for a great family outing, there’s something for everyone. It’s a wonderful chance to step inside, ask questions, and see first-hand how we’re making a difference for animals and the people who love them.”

To learn more about the Muskoka Animal Centre, visit ontariospca.ca/muskoka

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From May 1-10, visit ontariospca.ca/ep to Promise to Prepare and be entered to win a pet first aid kit. You’ll also receive a free digital 72-hour Emergency Preparedness Workbook to help you build your pet’s survival kit. Whether you’re evacuating due to a natural disaster such as a forest fire, or sheltering in place when a storm hits, having an emergency preparedness kit is essential for the safety and comfort of your furry family members.

The Ontario SPCA is also giving away free emergency decals and wallet cards. Place a decal on your front door to alert first responders that pets are inside your home. In emergencies like fires, this simple step can help increase the chances of rescuing them. Wallet cards let first responders know that you have pets at home who will need care if you’re ill or injured.

“Emergencies can happen without warning. Having a plan in place that includes your pets can make all the difference,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “Taking a few simple steps today means you’ll be ready to act quickly and confidently to protect every member of your family when it matters most.”

Promise to Prepare by visiting ontariospca.ca/ep and drop by the Muskoka Animal Centre to pick up your free decal or wallet card, while supplies last.

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Muskoka Falls Public School Grade 4 students recently held a Cupcake Day to raise money for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Muskoka Animal Centre.

The students spearheaded the initiative by promoting the day via posters and school announcements, and even baked all of the cupcakes.

“Animals make me happy, so I wanted to do something to make them happy,” said MFPS student, Cassidy.

The sales took place over two days, on February 24 and 25. Each cupcake was sold for $2 and was available to all students and staff in the school. In total the students raised $532 for the animal centre, which will be used to support local animals.

“I wanted to help the OSPCA because when my cats were sick they helped give me advice on what I could do,” said MFPS student, Darayn.

Grade 4 teacher, Ms Little wrote to the parents/guardians of her class that “her heart is full for all of the support from our bakers, sellers, and buyers.”

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A total of 108 cats were spayed or neutered during the three-day event, which took place at JD Lang Activity Park in Bracebridge, preventing an estimated 6,600 potentially unplanned kittens. A total of 78 vaccines were also administered and 19 animals were microchipped during the MASH-style event.

The Ontario SPCA is committed to reaching underserved communities with its MASH-style spay/neuter and wellness clinics. These portable outreach events are designed to be easily packed up and transported to wherever they are needed, including remote communities.

“Our goal with this event was to make these basic animal wellness services more accessible to more people in our community,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “We appreciate everyone who sees the value in spaying or neutering their animals to help reduce pet overpopulation and reduce the number of homeless animals who end up in shelters.”

As registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to help provide programs and services to the community. Special thanks to the Bracebridge Agricultural Society, which generously provided the facility for the event, as well as the District of Muskoka, which contributed $5,000 through its Muskoka Community Grant Program.

The Ontario SPCA would also like to thank local businesses, organizations and individuals who supported the event through sponsorship and in-kind donations, including the Baysville Community Group, Alternative Solutions, and the Bracebridge Lions Club, which generously provided funding; as well as Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer, Screamy’s Ice Cream, Urban Jars Muskoka, Oliver’s Coffee and Big River Baking Company, which kindly provided food and treats for the Ontario SPCA staff and volunteers.

For more information on the Ontario SPCA’s mobile animal wellness services, visit ontariospca.ca/mobileservices

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If you’ve been thinking of adopting a dog, today is the perfect day to visit your local Ontario SPCA animal centre or go online to the adoption site at ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals awaiting adoption.

Among the dogs waiting for a loving home is Edwena, who has been waiting now for more than 280 days for her new life to start. Currently available for adoption at the Ontario SPCA’s Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre, two-year-old Edwena loves going on walks and playing, and she’s a great cuddler! She has spent time in a foster home and thrived in a home environment where she lived with other animals. She learns quickly and would make a great companion for someone out there. 

Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and they go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home.

“We’re committed to finding these dogs homes, no matter how long it takes,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We celebrate second chances every day and National Dog Day is the perfect opportunity to showcase the many wonderful dogs who long to have a home to call their own.”

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

Not in a position to adopt? Please donate to help cover the cost of care for an animal. To donate, visit ontariospca.ca/donate The Ontario SPCA is also seeking foster volunteers to provide TLC to animals to prepare them for adoption. To learn more, visit ontariospca.ca/foster

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The Grand Prize draw takes place on April 25, but get your tickets early to be entered in two Early Bird draws taking place April 4 and 18, with $500 up for grabs in each of those draws. Imagine what your summer could look like if you’re the Grand Prize winner! The winner of the Ontario SPCA’s holiday lottery took home over $74,000!

During the spring months, Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province typically see an increase in the number of kittens and puppies coming into their care. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on generous supporters to change the lives of vulnerable animals. By purchasing a ticket in the Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery, you’re providing shelter and care for an animal in need.

“This time of year, Ontario SPCA animal centres often see an influx of orphaned animals, as well as mothers with their babies,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President, Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “The Spring Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery is an exciting way to make a difference in an animal’s life.”

Tickets can be purchased online at ontariospcalottery.ca

Lottery License No. RAF1370835

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The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is calling on all cupcake crusaders to enjoy a cupcake today and donate to raise some dough to help animals in need. Whether you whip up some cupcakes at home, bake some tasty pupcakes for Fido, or grab a sweet treat at your local bakery, simply visit cupcakeday.ca and donate to your local Ontario SPCA animal centre.

Or get creative and host a cupcake party! Changing the life of an animal in need is a piece of cake. Register online at cupcakeday.ca, get baking and ask your friends and family to donate to the Ontario SPCA animal centre of your choice in exchange for a cupcake.

As a registered charity that does not receive government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to help animals in need. By taking part in Cupcake Day, you are providing urgently needed care and shelter for animals waiting to find a loving home.

“Cupcake Day for the Ontario SPCA is the sweetest way to make a positive impact for animals who depend on your support,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President, Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By enjoying a cupcake today and making a donation at cupcakeday.ca, you are giving animals in need the second chance they deserve.”

Visit cupcakeday.ca to raise the dough needed to provide care and shelter to animals. 

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