Ottawa Humane Society accepts pets displaced by Northwestern Ontario wildfires

The Ottawa Humane Society is sheltering five pets that arrived from communities affected by wildfires in Northwestern Ontario, and is on standby to accept more as the disaster continues to unfold.

On August 5, two cats and three dogs were transported safely to the OHS shelter by Northern Reach Network, a partner organization assisting displaced animals. The arrivals include Gus and Arlo, two young cats described as initially skittish but warming up in OHS care; Karai and April, six-week-old puppies; and Rio, a young dog described by those who met him as a gentle giant.

Sharon Miko, OHS President and CEO, said the shelter has been in close contact with partners throughout Ontario to determine how best to support pets during the crisis. "Helping animals, no matter where they are, always takes the support of a community," Miko said in a statement.

Humane societies, rescues and animal welfare groups throughout the province have responded to the wildfires. The OHS is currently caring for more than 400 local animals total, and summer is one of the shelter's busiest seasons under normal circumstances.

Miko emphasized that when disaster strikes and animals have nowhere else to go, the OHS is ready to help. "With the support of our caring community, we are here for Ottawa's homeless animals and can help animals in crisis in Ontario."

The OHS is asking the community to consider adopting a pet, volunteering to foster, or donating to support essential veterinary treatment and care for animals in the shelter.