February 2016

Everyone here at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre loves this time of year!  National Cupcake Day™ is just around the corner and we get to "bake" a difference in the lives of animals. If you'd like us to come out to your place of business, group or party feel free to let us know as we'd love to show up with cupcakes and one of our Centre animals. 

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 other animals right here in the 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.


 

Now This is a BIG Little Guy! 

Here at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre, we see many different types of animals come into our care. One such case is Peter, a New Zealand rabbit. He's a very unique rabbit due to his larger size.

With our front adoption suites set up; we've been able to accommodate Peter in one of these spacious habitats! He is able to roam and stretch in the suite 24/7, but Peter is looking for a space to call his forever home. Come by the centre and meet this lovelable guy.

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.

Kids Get Ready for an Unforgettable March Break

Coming up in March, the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre will be hosting our March Break Critter Camp for children 8-12 years old. The camp runs from Tuesday, March 15 to  Thursday, March 17, 2016.

Kids will enjoy three days filled with hands-on animal learning in a fun and compassionate environment. Special guest speakers, pet responsibility, animal handling, games, and crafts are just some of the activities. Space is limited for this popular camp, so get your kids registered for an amazing week of fun!

Working Together with Animal Centres Across the Province

We are pleased to be working together with other Animal Centres in the province to provide the best care possible for our homeless pets.

Through communication and collaboration, we are able to safely and efficiently transfer animals to (or receive pets from) other facilities that can meet their needs and assist with finding them the best homes possible.

It is this teamwork that really shows how awesome our staff, volunteers and supporters are here at the Ontario SPCA Leeds & Grenville Animal Centre!