February 2016 

2016 at the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre is off to a great start with 32 adoptions in January alone!  National Cupcake Day™ celebrations have kicked off  in February and the community is excited about raising much needed funds for the animals. If you are interested in learning more about Cupcake Day or the work the animal centre does in the community, we would be happy to come out and speak to your organization or group. 

Increase in Calls to 310-SPCA Cruelty Line – Dogs Being Left Outside

January was a busy month for our Investigations department and the trend continues as temperatures hover in the sub-zero range. Staff answering calls from the 310-SPCA Report Cruelty line are seeing an influx of reports from concerned citizens reporting dogs being left outside.

If it’s too cold for you to stay outside, then it’s too cold for your pets to stay outside! While some pets enjoy the great outdoors, it’s extremely important to ensure they are provided with appropriate outdoor accommodations. Download the Ideal Doghouse Brochure for details.

Like humans, dogs are susceptible to hypothermia. Prevention is half the battle. In our Pet Health Corner, Dave Wilson, Director of Shelter Health and Wellness for the Ontario SPCA and retired vet, talks more about how to prevent hypothermia and how to recognize its symptoms.

Cupcakes Help Animals like “Freddie” Get a Second Chance

Little “Freddie” was suffering from serious head injuries when he was rescued by the Ontario SPCA. Thanks to the support of caring people like you, Freddie was able to get the care and rehabilitation he needed for a second chance at happiness. Donations and participation in events like the upcoming National Cupcake Day™ on February 29th, helped Freddie get the surgery he needed to live a happy, healthy life with his new family. 

You can help animals here in the Renfrew community get their second chance by joining this year’s Cupcake Day and baking cupcakes for family, friends and coworkers. Register today at nationalcupcakeday.ca and help save animals’ lives.


 

Dust off your Party Hat 

Our Mad Hatter Tea Party is happening on Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Petawawa Legion and you can be sure to enjoy and afternoon of enchantment! Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children (12 years and under).

When you disappear down the rabbit hole, you’ll see all the fun activities including a silent auction, a light lunch fare, teas of all flavours and colours to delight your palate, live orchestra music and much more. Make this an afternoon out with your favourite people! 

Visit the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre or call (613) 588-4508 to purchase your tickets.

The Importance of Microchipping

Does your pet have a microchip? Each year thousands of lost and abandoned animals are taken in by shelters across the province. Some of these animals never make it home because they can’t be identified.

Microchipping can provide the only truly permanent method of identifying your pet and linking the animal back to you. Collar tags can break or become unreadable and tattooing can become illegible.

So, if you want to improve your pet’s chances of getting home fast and safe in case it were to go missing, microchipping is your best option.

Many Volunteer Positions Available

We are looking for some new volunteers to take on new and much-needed volunteering roles with the Ontario SPCA Renfrew County Animal Centre. Volunteers make a big difference in our ability to provide the best care possible to our animals!

We are currently looking for: 
• Afternoon Animal Transportation (No vehicle required, must have clean driver’s abstract)
• Morning Animal Welfare Clean Up
• Friday Afternoon & Saturday Night Bingo Volunteers – Must be over 19 years 

If your schedule and interests match our roles above, you can apply online! 

February is Dental Health Month

Every morning and every night, we humans spend time taking care of our teeth. But what about our pets? How can their teeth and gums stay healthy if we don’t give them the same care? 

February is Pet Dental Health Month! To help our pets maintain dental health, we explore the five W’s of good oral care for pets.