One of the most dangerous places for an animal during hot weather is inside a parked vehicle. Temperatures inside a vehicle can quickly climb, putting animals at risk of heatstroke within minutes. Even on mild days, in the shade, or with the windows down, a parked vehicle can quickly become deadly for an animal. The safest option is to leave pets at home where they can stay cool and comfortable.

As part of its No Hot Pets campaign, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is asking pet parents and animal lovers to take the No Hot Pets pledge, promising never to leave an animal unattended in a parked vehicle.

Hot weather can also be hazardous for animals outdoors. Make sure pets have access to fresh water, shade and a cool place to rest. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest parts of the day and be mindful that pavement and sand can become hot enough to burn paws. Consider walking dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Animals left outdoors without access to shade and fresh water are also at risk during periods of extreme heat.

“Hot weather can become dangerous for animals very quickly,” says Dr. Joey Tang, Medical Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “By taking a few simple precautions, pet parents can help keep their animals safe, comfortable and cool during periods of extreme heat.”

Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of heat-related illness, which can include excessive panting, drooling, weakness, vomiting and difficulty breathing. Puppies, senior animals, brachycephalic breeds and animals with underlying health conditions may be especially vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heatstroke, move them to a cool area and seek immediate veterinary attention.

If you’re worried about the safety of an animal, call the Government of Ontario’s Provincial Animal Welfare Services team at 1-833-9ANIMAL (1-833-926-4625) or contact your local police. In an emergency, call 911.

For more information about keeping animals safe during hot weather, or to take the No Hot Pets pledge, visit nohotpets.ca

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Cars can heat up quickly, putting animals in danger within minutes – even on mild days. By pledging to never leave an animal unattended in a vehicle, you’ll help spread an important message and will also be entered for a chance to win a YETI prize pack.

The Ontario SPCA is encouraging everyone to help keep the message going strong this summer. Animal lovers can:

• Take the pledge at nohotpets.ca and encourage friends and family to do the same

• Share the No Hot Pets message on social media using downloadable graphics and resources

• Encourage pet-friendly businesses to help spread awareness
• Access free digital tools, care tips, and resources at nohotpets.ca 

If you see an animal in distress due to the heat, act quickly. Call Provincial Animal Welfare Services at 1-833-9ANIMAL or your local police. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

This summer, take the No Hot Pets pledge, spread the word, and help keep pets cool and safe across Ontario. Visit nohotpets.ca

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Visit vetappreciation.ca daily from June 1-12 to vote for your furry friend’s veterinary clinic. Veterinary teams show compassion, expertise and dedication in every appointment, helping animals live healthier, happier lives. This contest is a chance to say thank you in a meaningful way.

The clinic with the most votes will receive a commemorative plaque and a complimentary lunch for staff – a small gesture of appreciation for the big impact they make every day.

“Veterinary professionals make a difference in the lives of animals and the people who love them, and this contest is a chance to recognize their incredible impact,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “We hope pet families across Ontario will take a moment to show their appreciation by voting for the clinic that has cared for their beloved companions with such skill and compassion.”

Ceva Animal Health is committed to advancing animal health and champions the veterinary professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

To learn more or vote for your pet’s veterinary clinic, visit vetappreciation.ca

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This special two-day event is designed to help as many animals as possible find loving families, with a special focus on helping large breed dogs find homes. These big dogs often wait longer for adoption due to their size, but they have just as much love to give. To help them on their journey home, adoption fees for dogs over 65 lbs have been reduced by 50 per cent during the event.

One of the dogs looking for a loving home is Kenzie, a four-year-old German Shepherd who has been waiting more than 60 days for a home. Loyal, affectionate and full of personality, she loves meeting new people, carrying squeaky toys and relaxing as the ultimate couch companion. She’s looking for a home where she can be the only animal so she can soak up all the attention she deserves.

“Spring is one of our busiest times of year, with more animals coming into our care,” says Lindsey Bunn, Manager, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “Spring Adoption Days give these animals a chance to find loving families while also opening space for others who urgently need us. We’re especially focused on helping our large breed dogs find the homes they’ve been waiting for.”

There are 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 go home with food from Royal Canin to help ensure a smooth transition into their new home. Adopters also receive one free 24/7 virtual appointment with Vetster, an Adaptil or Feliway pheromone diffuser, and a Pet Valu coupon book with a value of $300.

To meet your new best friend, visit ontariospca.ca/adopt

Can’t adopt? Please consider donating to help provide care and shelter to animals in need at ontariospca.ca/donate

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Having an emergency plan means being ready for a range of situations, from severe storms to evacuations. The Ontario SPCA encourages families to have supplies ready, know how to safely shelter in place, and plan ahead in case they need to leave their home quickly with their pets.

To help families prepare, the Ontario SPCA offers free emergency preparedness resources, including a downloadable Emergency Preparedness Workbook that will help you build a 72-hour emergency kit and create a plan to care for your animals during an emergency. Visit ontariospca.ca/ep to start planning today.

This week, the Ontario SPCA is also offering free emergency door decals, key tags and wallet cards at local animal centres, while supplies last. Door decals help alert first responders that pets are inside the home, while key tags and wallet cards ensure someone knows there are pets who need care if their person is unable to return home due to injury or illness.

“Emergency situations can be stressful and unpredictable, but having a plan that includes your pets can make those moments a little easier to manage,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Vice President, Community Outreach Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Simple steps like preparing a 72-hour kit and identifying a safe place to go can make a big difference for your animals.”

To learn more about emergency preparedness for pets and to download free emergency preparedness resources, visit ontariospca.ca/ep

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Held at the Bracebridge Rotary Centre for Youth, the event provided essential support, including nail trims and exams for all 81 dogs. In addition, 140 vaccines were administered, more than 2,000 pounds of pet food was distributed, and more than 100 toys, collars, leashes, harnesses, and other pet care essentials were provided by PetSmart Huntsville.

The Ontario SPCA will return to the same location for a booster clinic on May 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We know that when pet families are facing financial challenges, veterinary care can feel out of reach,” says Leslie Barrie, Community Outreach Coordinator, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Muskoka Animal Centre. “This event helped remove some of those barriers, giving pets the care they need while helping keep them with the families who love them.”

The event is part of the Ontario SPCA’s ongoing efforts to increase access to veterinary care and keep pets and families together. The Ontario SPCA also operates five high-volume spay/neuter clinics in Barrie, Sudbury, York Region, Durham and Thunder Bay.

Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Bracebridge, RBC Bracebridge, the Peter de Graaf Real Estate Team, Shoppers Drug Mart Bracebridge, Centennial Animal Hospital, PetSmart Huntsville, and Stevens’ Your Independent Grocer Bracebridge for their generous support. Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney was also on site to show his support and help distribute pet food.

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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