This story is made possible through the support of Housser's Paint and Wallpaper as part of OrilliaMatters' Community Leaders Program
Ontario SPCA animal centres and Humane Societies exist to provide the best possible support for the animals in their care, to inspire healthy bonds between pets and people through accessible care, education, and community collaboration, and to influence and advocate for the welfare of animals in Ontario and beyond.
The Orillia SPCA does all that and more.
Natalie Harris, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Orillia SPCA, commented, “We do so many things, here at our local SPCA, and in all Ontario SPCA animal centres. We provide care, comfort, and compassion to animals in need. We really do value all animals and engage our communities to treat them with respect and kindness.”
Harris continued by explaining that Ontario SPCA animal centres not only take in, care for, and rehome animals, but do many other things as well.
“In 2023, Ontario SPCA animal centres performed 7152 spay neuters. We provided 5002 vaccinations. We did 648 wellness checks. We implanted 2360 microchips, and 96 dental procedures on animals were performed,” she said.
She completed, “And, in 2023, across all Ontario SPCA animal centres, we helped 4041 animals find loving homes.”
One such case was Walter. Harris explained, “Walter came to the Orillia SPCA with a large laceration on his neck. He was an outdoor cat who needed to be rehomed. He needed veterinary care for his injury, and after he healed, we were able to find him a loving home.”
Walter’s adoption fees were covered by a kind community member, and he is now vaccinated, micro chipped, and adopted, thanks to the Orillia SPCA.
“We are so grateful for the volunteer work and donations from our community,” said Harris. “The Orillia SPCA is a charity and relies completely on donations and grants to do the essential work that we do. All of our animals receive vaccinations and microchips, and are spayed or neutered, if they are not already, before they go to their new homes.”
All Ontario SPCA animal centres also distribute animal food to those in need, across the province. In 2023, 528,290 lbs of cat and dog food were distributed, translating to one million meals provided to hungry pets, through area food banks and community agencies.
Orillia SPCA also offers AnimalSmart presentations, free of charge, to area schools, for grade one to grade eight students. These are facilitated by trained volunteers.
“There is so much that the Orillia SPCA, and all SPCA animal centres across the province, do for animals in need,” said Harris. “We are grateful and thankful for all of our volunteers, and all of our supporters. Walter, and all those in his situation, thank you from the bottom of their hearts.”
For more information about the Orillia SPCA, check out the website here.
