February 2016 

With sugar and spice and everything nice, help support the Ontario SPCA Chatham-Kent Animal Centre by being part of National Cupcake Day™ 2016! Join us at Value Village on Saturday, February 27th for our annual Cupcake Day competition. We look forward to seeing you there! 

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 in the Chatham-Kent area 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.


 

“Ladybug” and “Blueberry” Find Wonderful Homes

This sweet 11-year-old Jack Russell named “Blueberry” and her friend “Ladybug” were part of an investigation in another jurisdiction. Once they were able to be adopted, Ladybug quickly found a forever home.

Blueberry waited patiently, getting lots of love and attention from Ontario SPCA Chatham - Kent Animal Centre staff and volunteers. One of our dog-walking volunteers, Pia, ended up becoming her very best friend. She has given Blueberry a comfortable, loving home where she can spend her twilight years.

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.

Three Cheers for our Volunteers!

We are so fortunate at the Ontario SPCA Chatham-Kent Animal Centre to have a dedicated team of volunteers! From cat cuddlers to special event helpers, our volunteers help with so many aspects of our day-to-day operations. 

Sarah and Peter are two such volunteers, who are new to our community but ready to roll up their sleeves and help. Thank you Sarah and Peter, and all our amazing volunteers who help keep our cats and dogs happy and healthy!

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.