March 2018

Thanks to Home Trust Company for being a “Take the Cake” sponsor for this year’s Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre’s National Cupcake Day™! With their significant contribution, Home Trust Company is an instrumental partner in supporting animal welfare. These funds will go directly toward surgeries, medications, adoptions, animal transfers and emergency treatment at the Ontario SPCA. Without amazing partners like this, we wouldn’t be able to help as many animals in need. Many thanks to our friends at Home Trust Company.

Your pet can be the next "Cone of Fame" star!

March is Fix Your Pet Month and we are celebrating with the "Cone of Fame" contest. 

Share a photo with us of your pet in their cone using #ConeOfFame on Instagram or Twitter to be entered for weekly prizes. Then take the pledge at fixyourpet.ca to say you have or will fix your pet. 

To learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pet, visit spayneuter.ontariospca.ca.

You deifnitely need to check out this video of our superstar Oakley rocking her cone!

• Learn about pet overpopulation in the North – spread the word via your social media channels. 
• Donate much needed funds, supplies or resources to a program partner. 
• Adopt a Northern Dog. Sign up to receive e-blasts when Northern dogs become available. 
• Volunteer to become a volunteer driver, a volunteer dog walker, or volunteer with your unique skills. 

Canine Influenza in Ontario!

H3N2 CIV has been found in multiple locations in Ontario. It is a virus that is highly contagious between dogs. This virus can be transmitted through direct contact (nose to nose), indirect contact (items and people contaminated by the virus) and aerosol transmission (coughing). 

H3N2 CIV can affect dogs of any age, although it is more severe in the very young and old. The symptoms of this virus include: sneezing, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever and decreased appetite. If your dog has any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian. 

Vaccines are available to protect your dog from canine influenza. Speak to your veterinarian about vaccination. 

For more information, see Dr. Weese’s H3N2 Canine Influenza fact sheet. Visit Dr. Weese’s Worms & Germs blog for updates on the Canine Influenza cases in Ontario.

Listen to the Ontario SPCA Pawdcast Everything you need to know about Canine Flu in Ontario.

Why do cats meow?

Ever wonder what your cat is saying? Their meows could be telling you something. Adult cats don’t actually meow at other cats but at people as a way to communicate.

Whether they want attention or are looking to be fed, your cat could be vocalizing their needs. Read the following blog post PET HEALTH CORNER: Common reasons why cats “Meow” at their owners to learn more.

A passion for animals brings out the sweet tooth

We were surprised and thrilled when little Mackenzie came into the Provincial Education & Animal Centre to present us with the funds she raised for National Cupcake Day™. Together, she and her mom baked dozens of beautiful cupcakes and raised over $700 for the animals! This fierce fundraiser visited her neighbours, family, friends, teachers, and went door-to-door selling these delicious treats to raise funds for the animals!

Mackenzie is pictured above with Centre Manager, Diana, and her mom Jen. This was a true testament of her commitment to animal welfare. A huge thanks goes out to Mackenzie and Jen for your wonderful support!

National Cupcake Day party success

Our National Cupcake Day™ Party at PetSmart in Newmarket on Saturday, March 24 was a great success! Staff and volunteers from the Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre set up in the PetSmart lobby with dozens of gorgeous (if we do say so ourselves!) and delicious, cupcakes of all sizes, colours, and flavours! 

It was a lovely day and we are extremely thankful to our host, PetSmart Newmarket, for being so supportive during this fantastic campaign. We also couldn’t have done it without the support (and appetites) of the fabulous customers. You are directly impacting the lives of the animals we care for everyday! What a great show of love and compassion from the community. On behalf of the animals and all of us here at the Animal Centre – THANK YOU!