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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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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The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is rallying all cupcake heroes to enjoy a cupcake today and donate to raise some dough to help animals in need. Whether you’re whipping up homemade cupcakes, spoiling your pup with some “pupcakes,” or treating yourself at your favourite local bakery, every bite makes a difference. Simply enjoy a cupcake today and visit cupcakeday.ca to donate to the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre .

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 is all about having fun while making a difference,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “Every cupcake you share and every donation made at cupcakeday.ca helps animals in need get the care and love they deserve.”

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s raise some dough to help animals in need! Visit cupcakeday.ca to donate.

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Cupcake Day officially takes place Monday, Feb. 24 and it’s more than just a chance to enjoy delicious treats. By hosting a cupcake party or bake sale, participants raise much-needed funds for the Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre, a registered charity that relies on the generosity of donors to provide urgent care, shelter, and second chances to animals.

“Pre-heat your oven, put on your apron and get ready to raise some dough to help animals in need,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “Cupcake Day is a fun and impactful way for people to come together and make a real difference for animals in their community.”

Participants can register at cupcakeday.ca to set up a personal fundraising page, gather baking inspiration, and start planning their celebration. Whether you’re hosting a neighbourhood bake sale, a fun gathering with friends, or sharing treats at work, Cupcake Day is as flexible as it is fun.

For more information, or to register, visit cupcakeday.ca and bake a difference for animals, one cupcake at a time.

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To help ensure a safe winter for everyone, stay vigilant around bodies of water and keep these five tips in mind when out with your furry friend:

1. Always use a leash – Keep your dog on a leash when walking near water. If you live near the water, always supervise pets outdoors. Hypothermia can set in quickly and your dog may not be able to climb back on the ice if they fall through.
2. Play away from the ice – Avoid areas where your dog might be tempted to explore dangerous ice. Choose safe locations for winter play and exercise.
3. Check ice safety – Before venturing out the ice, check ice thickness. Slushy, thawed, or recently refrozen ice is particularly dangerous, as is ice near flowing water. Avoid venturing onto ice at night when visibility is reduced.
4. Know the risks in your area – Fast-flowing water and slippery banks can increase hazards. Stay aware of your surroundings to keep your pet safe.
5. Be prepared for emergencies – Be cautious and avoid putting yourself at risk if trying to rescue a pet. Carry a cell phone for quick access to emergency services.

“Animals are naturally curious and unpredictable, which means even the most well-trained pet can unexpectedly dart onto unsafe ice. The consequences can be devastating,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Keeping your pet on a leash near waterways and choosing safe play areas could be the difference between a fun winter outing and a tragedy.”

For more tips on keeping your pets safe this winter, visit ontariospca.ca

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Why adopt this holiday season?

For those considering adding a furry friend to their family, the holiday season can be the purr-fect time. With more people home during the holidays, animals can adjust to their forever homes with extra attention and care.

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

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

Support animals in need, even if you can’t adopt

If you can’t adopt, there are still many ways to support animals in need. Donations help provide shelter and care for animals waiting for their forever homes. Every donation makes a meaningful impact.

Additionally, animal lovers can shop Paws & Give™, the Ontario SPCA’s online giving store, which offers a range of products perfect for both pets and their people. From toys for shelter animals to holiday gift packs for cats and dogs, each purchase supports the Ontario SPCA’s work to give animals in need a second chance.

Visit ontariospca.ca to donate or shop Paws & Give™ today.

“We’re hoping to make this season merry and bright for animals in our care,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager, Ontario SPCA Muskoka Animal Centre. “With so many deserving animals waiting for their forever homes, we’re encouraging families to consider adoption this holiday season if they’ve been thinking of adding a furry friend to their life. Help us empty our animal centre so these deserving animals can spend the holidays with their new families.”

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The Grand Prize draw takes place on Nov. 7 and one lucky winner will take home a life-changing amount of money. The jackpot currently sits at $101,000, but the more tickets sold, the higher that number will grow. Tickets are $10 for 10 tickets, $20 for 40 tickets, $40 for 200 tickets or $75 for 500 tickets.

The Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of animals in need. By purchasing a ticket, you’re not only entering for a chance to win, but you’re also helping animals across the province.

“It takes considerable resources to make second chances possible for animals in need,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President of Community Outreach Services, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “The funds raised from the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery will allow us to expand our support to communities across the province to help more animals in need.”

Don’t miss out on your chance to win big while helping animals. Tickets can be purchased online at ontariospcalottery.ca 

Lottery License No. RAF1407468

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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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From Friday, Sept. 13 to Sunday, Sept. 15, the Ontario SPCA will be reducing adoption fees by 20 per cent at its 12 animal centres across the province. The reduced adoption fees apply to the more than 200 adoptable animals across the province, but the goal is to find loving homes for the more than 70 animals who have been in the care of the Ontario SPCA for longer than 30 days. The longest-stay animal in the care of the Muskoka Animal Centre is Curly, a mixed-breed dog who is seven years old and has been waiting for over 40 days for a family to see what a loveable teddy bear he is.

“We are seeing an increase in the number of animals coming into our care, and many of them are staying with us longer before getting adopted,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “We want to find loving homes for as many furry friends as possible during this adoption event so we can help even more animals.”

There are so many great reasons to consider adoption! Not only are you giving an animal a second chance, but 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.

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

If you’re not able to adopt, please consider donating to help provide care and shelter to animals in need. Visit ontariospca.ca/donate

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