Ottawa Humane Society (OHS)

is a non-profit, community-based organization and registered charity dedicated to animal welfare in Ottawa. Established in 1888, it has been providing a safe haven for sick, injured, and homeless animals for over a century.

OHS operates as an “open admission” shelter, accepting all animals regardless of age, temperament, or space limitations. It holds the municipal contract for stray animal shelter services in Ottawa, working closely with Ottawa By-law Services to care for animals picked up by by-law officers.

In 2011, OHS opened a 40,000 square foot facility at 245 West Hunt Club Road, which includes an adoption centre, in-house veterinary clinic, and spaces for public education. They offer public and private tours of the facility, providing insights into their operations and animal care practices.

The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors and is affiliated with Humane Canada, the national federation of humane societies and SPCAs.

🐾 Services Offered by OHS

The Ottawa Humane Society provides a wide range of services to support both animals and the community:

• Lost and Found: Assists in reuniting lost pets with their owners.

• Community Outreach Programs: Includes humane education for newcomers, the Shelter Buddies reading program for children, and the Pet Savvy program to teach responsible pet ownership.

• Mobile Spay/Neuter Services: Offers subsidized spay/neuter surgeries for cats owned by low-income individuals in Ottawa, aiming to address cat overpopulation.

• Wellness Clinics: Provides basic veterinary care to pets of low-income owners.

• Emergency Pet Food Bank: Supplies pet food to owners facing financial hardship.

• Sheltering Animals from Emergencies (SAFE) Program: Offers temporary foster care for pets whose owners are experiencing emergencies such as housing instability or fleeing domestic violence.

🐶 Adoption Process

Adopting a pet from OHS involves the following steps:

1. Browse Available Animals: Visit the OHS adoption page to view animals currently available for adoption.

2. Submit an Adoption Application: Complete an application for the animal you’re interested in.

3. OHS Follow-Up: An OHS representative will contact you within 24 hours to discuss the next steps.

4. Meet and Greet: Arrange a meeting with the animal to ensure a good fit.

5. Finalize Adoption: Complete the adoption process, which includes paying the adoption fee and receiving information on the animal’s medical history.

Adopted animals come microchipped and with six weeks of free pet insurance.

🙋‍♀️ Volunteer Opportunities

OHS relies on volunteers for various roles:

• Animal Care: Assist with feeding, cleaning, and socializing animals.

• Foster Program: Provide temporary homes for animals in need.

• Youth Programs: Opportunities for young individuals to get involved through camps and educational programs.

• OHS Auxiliary: A dedicated group that supports fundraising efforts.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old (with exceptions for youth programs), commit to a minimum of one year, and complete an application process that includes an interview and orientation. ottawahumane.ca

🌟 Community Engagement

OHS actively engages with the community through:

• Educational Programs: Provides resources and presentations to schools and community groups to promote animal welfare.

• Events: Hosts events like the “For the Love of Animals Lottery” and participates in community races to raise funds and awareness.

• Partner Support Program: Collaborates with local animal rescue organizations to extend support and resources.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Ottawa Humane Society’s official website.

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