Taking place on Saturday, April 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre for Youth, the wellness clinic for dogs will provide core vaccinations, including rabies vaccinations, as well as nail trims.

The clinic will operate on a walk-in basis, with no registration required. It is open to individuals receiving government assistance, including Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support Program, Canada Pension Plan, CPP Disability, and those who hold an Indigenous status card.

“We understand that accessing veterinary care isn’t always easy for every pet family,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “By offering vaccinations and basic wellness care to the community, we’re helping remove barriers so pets can stay healthy and remain with the families who love them.”

The wellness clinic is made possible through the generous support of RBC Bracebridge and the Peter de Graaf Real Estate Team, with medical supplies provided by Shoppers Drug Mart Bracebridge and flea medication donated by Centennial Animal Hospital. PetSmart Huntsville, Fur Life Pet Specialty, and North Hound Life will also be providing pet care items to support the dogs and their families. Special thanks to Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer Bracebridge for their donation of food and drinks to keep the clinic team fueled.

The wellness clinic is part of the Ontario SPCA’s efforts to increase access to veterinary care and help keep animals with the families who love them. The Ontario SPCA also operates five high-volume spay/neuter clinics, with locations in Barrie, Sudbury, York Region, Durham and Thunder Bay.

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of its supporters to make these community support services possible. To learn more, or to donate, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport

The post OSPCA To Host Vaccine And Wellness Clinic In Muskoka To Support Pet Families appeared first on Muskoka411.

This year is especially meaningful for the charity, which welcomed its 1,000th volunteer in 2026. At the Ontario SPCA, volunteers support a wide range of roles, including animal care, dog walking, enrichment, humane education, transportation, events, and administrative support.

“National Volunteer Week is an opportunity to recognize the incredible individuals who are the heart of our organization,” says Kim Dooley, Provincial Manager of Volunteer Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Through their time, skills, and compassion, volunteers strengthen every part of our work, helping animals, communities, and the people who love them.”

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, the Ontario SPCA is inviting new volunteers to join its family across the province. The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre is currently in need of foster volunteers to provide temporary care for animals not yet ready for adoption. There is a special need for fosters who can care for pregnant and nursing dogs and their puppies, as well as orphaned animals who need bottle feeding. The animal centre is also looking for community outreach volunteers.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Ontario SPCA? Visit ontariospca.ca/volunteer to learn more and apply.

The post OSPCA Celebrates 1,000 Volunteers During National Volunteer Week appeared first on Muskoka411.

This collaboration brings together community support providers and animal welfare services to address a practical challenge faced by many older adults – accessing pet food due to limited mobility, fixed incomes, or transportation barriers. By leveraging existing Meals on Wheels routes, volunteers can now also deliver pet supplies donated by the Ontario SPCA during their regular visits.

The initiative is being introduced through an initial pilot with a small group of participating providers, including Meals on Wheels Sudbury, and Meals on Wheels Cornwall, which has already completed its first pet food deliveries to local seniors.

“Meals on Wheels programs do far more than deliver food, they are a vital connection point into the community,” says Lori Holloway, CEO of OCSA. “This partnership reflects how organizations can work together to respond to real, everyday challenges seniors face. It’s a practical example of how community-based care supports the whole person, not just clinical needs.”

“Pets are family, and we know the positive impact they have on people’s mental and emotional health,” says Jennifer Bluhm, VP, Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “This partnership helps remove barriers so seniors can continue to enjoy the companionship of their pets.”

The program is already making an impact at the community level, with local providers seeing firsthand how small supports can improve quality of life for clients.

“Pets can play a powerful role in reducing the isolation many seniors experience,” says Tammi Lear, Executive Director, Meals on Wheels Sudbury. “Meals on Wheels Sudbury is excited to partner with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society to help keep our seniors healthy, connected, and able to remain in their homes with their pets.”

“Meals on Wheels Cornwall is proud to be the first organization to pilot this program with the Ontario SPCA,” says Andree-Ann Morin, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, Glen Stor Dun Lodge. “This pilot program recognizes that food security doesn’t stop with the individual – it includes the pets who bring comfort and companionship. Thanks to the Ontario SPCA, we’ve already been able to help clients who were struggling with the cost, access, and special dietary needs of their pets. Even with just a few clients so far, we’ve seen how removing this worry can improve overall wellbeing.”

Evidence shows that pets can reduce loneliness and support mental well-being among older adults. Small, practical supports like this can play an important role in maintaining health, preventing more complex needs over time, and improving client outcomes.

This new partnership demonstrates the potential of cross-sector collaboration to better support seniors aging at home, while strengthening connections between health, community, and social supports.

OCSA and the Ontario SPCA will continue working together to explore opportunities to expand the program with additional community partners across Ontario.

The post Meals On Wheels Ontario And OSPCA Partner To Help Seniors Care For Their Pets At Home appeared first on Muskoka411.

Thanks to a new grant from PetSmart Charities of Canada®, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will help more pets in Muskoka get healthy, adoption-ready, and into loving homes. The $65,000 grant will support National Adoption Week events taking place at the PetSmart located at 70 King William St. in Huntsville from March 23-29, 2026.

Thousands of animals find themselves in shelters across Canada each year, adding strain to many already coping with stretched resources. Funds from PetSmart Charities of Canada help provide care and shelter to animals in need at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre.

“This partnership provides additional opportunities for the animals in our care to meet potential adopters,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “Our goal is to help animals find loving homes as quickly as possible, and events like this are a wonderful way to introduce the community to animals who are waiting patiently for their second chance.”

“Our animal welfare partners in local communities are determined to keep pace with the need, and deserve support,” says Aimee Gilbreath, president of PetSmart Charities of Canada. “We’re proud to work alongside the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society and appreciate the critical steps they take to advocate for the animals that come through their doors in need of love, safety, care and nutrition. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting, or by donating.”

PetSmart Charities of Canada National Adoption Week is a special time during the year. Neighbourhood PetSmart stores will host adoptable pets to meet and cuddle in spacious areas, and staff and volunteers are ready to make introductions and answer questions. Potential pet parents can also learn about the products and services they’ll need for the best possible start with their new family members. 

Ontario SPCA animal centres in Barrie, York Region and Muskoka will be participating in the March adoption event, as well as additional National Adoption Week events taking place July 20-26 and Oct. 19-25.

To view animals available for adoption at the Ontario SPCA, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt

The post OSPCA And Humane Society Receives $65,000 Grant From PetSmart For Adoption During National Adoption Week appeared first on Muskoka411.

The cats and dogs, some of whom travelled nearly 2,000 kilometres, arrived on March 14 and are now settling in at Ontario SPCA animal centres in Sudbury, Orillia, Midland and Durham. Once ready, they will be placed for adoption. The Ontario SPCA works alongside Northern communities and partners to transfer animals in need of homes to areas of the province where families are waiting to adopt.

Harsh winter conditions this year have made the situation urgent for many animals in Northern communities. Calls for support began in early January when the Ontario SPCA took in 18 Northern puppies in urgent need of shelter. Soon after, a nursing dog and her three pups also arrived. To date, the Ontario SPCA has welcomed 157 dogs and cats from Northern communities – second chances made possible thanks to staff, volunteers and community partners.

Limited access to veterinary care, including spay and neuter services, has contributed to rising animal populations in Northern communities. Working alongside community partners, the Ontario SPCA delivers critical resources, such as food and mobile wellness services, while supporting long-term solutions through population management and adoption initiatives.

“The need for support in the North remains high, but so does the compassion of the communities and partners who come together to help,” says Arista Wogenstahl, Northern Regional Manager of Community Outreach Services with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Bringing more than 150 animals into our care this year is a testament to what’s possible when we work together to give animals a brighter future.”

Interested in adopting? Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to see animals available for adoption. Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, and go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition.

If you’re not ready to adopt, please consider donating to make second chances possible for animals. As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to help animals and the people who care for them across Ontario. To donate to support the Ontario SPCA’s work in the North, visit ontariospca.ca/donate

The post OSPCA Welcomes Northern Animals, Bringing 2026 Total To More Than 150 appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Grand Prize draw takes place May 7, when one lucky winner will fetch a life-changing cash prize. The winner of the fall Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery took home more than $144,000 – the largest jackpot yet – showing just how powerful community support can be.

Tickets start at just $10 and are available online at ontariospcalottery.ca. Supporters can multiply their chances to win with bundle options:

$10 for 10 tickets
$20 for 40 tickets
$40 for 200 tickets
$75 for 500 tickets
$100 for 650 tickets

And don’t paws – buying early means even more chances to win. Four Early Bird prizes of $2,000 are also up for grabs.

“When you buy a ticket in the Ontario SPCA’s Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery, you’re directly supporting programs that keep pets healthy and families together,” says Stephanie Miller, Vice President of Development, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “And, of course, there’s the thrill of knowing you could be the one to walk away with a life-changing jackpot.”

Funds raised through the Draws for Paws 50/50 Lottery support the Ontario SPCA’s Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support (CARES) Fund – a grant program that helps SPCAs and humane societies across Ontario. The CARES Fund provides financial support for initiatives that enhance animal welfare, including spay/neuter programs, veterinary care, and shelter improvements.

Don’t miss your chance to win big and help animals today. It’s a win-win that’s sure to have tails wagging. Purchase tickets and learn more at ontariospcalottery.ca.

Lottery License No: RAF1534375

The post Fetch A Life-Changing Prize In OSPCA’s Spring Draws For Paws 50/50 Lottery appeared first on Muskoka411.

At its five high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Stouffville, Durham, Thunder Bay and Sudbury, the Ontario SPCA was able to triple its daily spay/neuter capacity today by dedicating additional resources and extending clinic hours to mark World Spay Day. Ontario SPCA Neuter Scooters were also running in Durham, Napanee, and Orangeville, transporting animals to participating spay/neuter clinics and returning them to their families at the end of the day.

In addition to free spay/neuter services, which were supported by Royal Canin and other generous donors, the Ontario SPCA was also able to provide free microchips, courtesy of 24Petwatch, as well as free rabies vaccinations and canine distemper vaccinations, provided by Boehringer Ingelheim.

“The impact of World Spay Day extends well beyond a single day,” says Charmaine Brett, President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Our efforts helped more animals gain access to essential spay and neuter services, removing barriers for families in the community.”

World Spay Day is a global movement, with animal welfare organizations around the world joining the Ontario SPCA’s efforts to reduce pet overpopulation. Organizations in Ukraine, Nepal, India, Romania, Bahamas, Sri Lanka, Mexico and here in Canada took part, collectively performing 1,200 spay/neuter surgeries.

“Thanks to our generous sponsors, all procedures provided through the Ontario SPCA were offered at no cost to the community, enabling us to reach families and animals who might not have been able to access this care otherwise,” says Brett.

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make initiatives like World Spay Day possible. To support spay and neuter programs or help provide care for animals in need, visit ontariospca.ca/donate

The post  OSPCA Marks World Spay Day With More Than 200 Free Spay/Neuter Surgeries appeared first on Muskoka411.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre is calling on animal lovers to raise some dough – bake, buy, or share cupcakes today and make a donation at cupcakeday.ca to support animals in need of care, shelter, and love. Try a batch of homemade cupcakes, treat yourself at a local bakery, or even whip up some dog-approved “pupcakes” for your furry friend. Every bite helps!

As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of supporters to help animals in need. Your cupcake today is more than just a tasty treat – it’s a gift of care, comfort, and hope.

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

Enjoy a cupcake, donate online, and help us bake the world a better place for animals. Visit cupcakeday.ca to do something sweet for animals today.

The post Today Is Cupcake Day For OSPCA – The Sweetest Way To Help Animals appeared first on Muskoka411.

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

The post Whip Up Something Sweet And Support Animals With Cupcake Day For OSPCA appeared first on Muskoka411.

The adoption campaign, which took place Dec. 1-24, focused on finding families for animals of all ages, including senior pets and long-term residents who had been waiting months for their chance at a fresh start. Thanks to the compassion of adopters across Ontario, 688 animals are now spending the holidays where they belong – safe, loved and at home.

“Reaching this goal is an incredible reminder of what’s possible when people come together to help animals,” says Sonya Reichel, Vice President of Operations, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Every adoption represents a life changed – not just for the animal, but for the family who opened their heart and home.”

Even as we celebrate this milestone, many animals are still waiting for someone to open their heart and home. Visit ontariospca.ca/adopt to meet animals hoping to start the new year with a family.

For those unable to adopt, a year-end donation is a meaningful way to help provide care and shelter to animals still waiting for their own happy story. As a registered charity that is 100 per cent donor funded, the Ontario SPCA relies on the generosity of animal lovers to continue making these second chances possible.

To donate, visit ontariospca.ca/donate

The post OSPCA Helps More Than 500 Animals Find Homes This Holiday Season appeared first on Muskoka411.