Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates the Grand Opening of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) celebrated the official Grand Opening of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) on Saturday.

all photos courtesy of the peterborough animal care centre.

Local dignitaries, capital campaign donors and community members were in attendance for the ribbon cutting and speeches, which took place at 1999 Technology Drive in Peterborough.

“This is a ground-breaking day for animal wellness. The original concept was dreamt up over 10 years ago. It is such a privilege to officially open the doors and commemorate this day with our supporters,” said Shawn Morey, executive director at the Peterborough Humane Society. “Thanks to the hard work of our staff and volunteers, and the support of our community we have made this dream of bringing this state-of-the-art facility a reality.”

The celebratory event catered to all members of the community, including furry friends. The Pet Zone featured a lure course, dog pools, ball pits and more for animals to enjoy. Visitors enjoyed a barbecue out on the new patio, and had the opportunity to learn about all the services provided at PACC. Face painting, crafts and chalk drawing made for a fun day for kids.

“It is so amazing to see everyone come together to celebrate this exciting day. From the volunteers and staff working the event, our local business community joining in the festivities and those who came out to celebrate; every bit of support means the world to PHS. This Centre was built because of the incredible support from our community,” said Morey. “To have this leading-edge facility in Peterborough is truly momentous and will advance our entire region forward.”

The Peterborough Humane Society recently launched the latest stage of their capital campaign to raise the final $3 million needed to meet the $13 million goal for the Our Pet Project. Completing ‘The Home Stretch’ of the fundraising campaign will allow PHS to focus on expanding services and improving animal wellness.

Information on the new centre and the fundraising campaign can be found on the website.

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Peterborough Humane Society Celebrates Official Ribbon Cutting of the PetSmart Charities of Canada Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and PetSmart Charities of Canada celebrated the official ribbon-cutting of the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) Thursday morning.

photo by felicia Massey.

The Clinic will be named for PetSmart Charities of Canada in honour of their generous donations. Representatives from the US and Canada came together at PACC to commemorate occasion with supporters and Mastiff mix Angus.

PetSmart Charities of Canada has cumulatively contributed over $421,000 towards the innovative new animal care facility located at 1999 Technology Dr. in Peterborough.

“Access to spay/neuter is essential for all pets to maintain the momentum on finding homes for all animals,” said Heidi Marston, director of pet placement initiatives at PetSmart Charities of Canada. “When pets do find their home, access to affordable and high-quality veterinary care is foundational to a long and healthy life, care that today, is unattainable for too many pet parents. That’s why we’re thrilled our long-time partners at the Peterborough Humane Society have associated our name with the spay/neuter clinic. Their leadership and commitment to their community through this centre promises to deliver the best care to those in need.”

All photos by Felicia Massey.

“PetSmart Charities of Canada have been a remarkable partner on this journey to our new centre,” said Shawn Morey, executive director at the Peterborough Humane Society. “Their support has been huge in bringing our new centre to a reality, and allowing us to offer more services to our local and regional communities. Partnerships like these are exactly what we need to continue our mission, as well as meet our fundraising goals.”

PHS used the grant funds to purchase medical equipment required for the high-volume spay/neuter clinic within the new centre. The Spay/Neuter Clinic, which serves the public as well as other animal rescue organizations, provides over 25 surgeries a day. The Clinic plans to grow, with the goal of helping over 5,000 pets and their families each year.

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Ontario SPCA Mobile Spay/Neuter Unit Rolls Into Peterborough

In partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society is bringing its SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services Unit to Peterborough this week for a three-day spay/neuter clinic to help reduce pet overpopulation.

The 38-foot SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services Unit will be stationed outside the Peterborough Humane Society from November 24th to November 26th. Appointments were pre-booked through the Peterborough Humane Society and a total of 75 cats are scheduled to be spayed or neutered during the clinic. That translates into an estimated 4,600 potentially unwanted kittens that will be prevented. 

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

The mobile clinic marks the fourth of the year for the SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services Unit. After careful consideration and research to determine the safest way to resume mobile spay/neuter services during COVID-19, the Ontario SPCA has resumed operations with new limited contact procedures in place. Animals are picked up and dropped off in a safe curbside process overseen by staff at all times.

Photo courtesy Ontario SPCA

“We look forward to working with the Peterborough Humane Society on this important initiative in their community, and we would like to thank pet parents who have taken the important step to have their furry friends spayed or neutered,” says Jennifer Bluhm, Acting Chief, Animal Protection Services, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

"We are extremely excited to be partnering with the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society in bringing this much-needed mobile service into our community,” adds Shawn Morey, Executive Director, Peterborough Humane Society. “Hosting accessible spay/neuter services is vital to help reduce pet overpopulation in our community, and serves as a sample of the permanent services we will be hosting within our new Peterborough Animal Care Centre. We are so thrilled to be able to bring this service to our community." 

To learn more about SPCA Mobile Animal Wellness Services, or to make a donation to help stock the unit with medical supplies and cover operating costs, visit Ontariospca.ca/mobileservices.

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Meet Johnny Arnold, The Cat With A Unique Heart Marking Who Has Filled Huge Void In Peterborough Woman's Life

When her rescue dog Jake died tragically in his 14th year on June 7th, Peterborough’s Anne Arnold wasn’t sure whether she would bring another pet into her life. “I wasn’t in a position to bring in a new puppy or dog and wasn’t even sure at the time if I wanted a new pet in my life,” Arnold tells PTBOCanada.

See, Jake had filled such a huge void for Arnold after her late husband Gord passed away and had become an amazing buddy to her. How could she possibly replace her beloved Jake with another pet? How could that pet fill the void and live up to Jake?

After a few weeks, Arnold began to have a change of heart. “I kept looking online for a kitten and during Covid they were very hard to find. I saw Johnny on Friday, July 3rd on the Peterborough Humane Society website and just had to have him. He was so cute and looked like he could use a friend.”

So Anne adopted him, or more like perhaps he adopted her. Whatever the case, serendipity is a beautiful thing and they have quickly become best friends.

Johnny Arnold has filled a special place, a void, in Anne’s heart. “He has definitely stolen my heart,” she says. “He is such a sweetie, loves being cuddled and is very inquisitive.” He is also incredibly playful: “He loves to play hide and seek, and loves to hide his toys so I can seek to find them.”

Anne and Johnny

What also makes Johnny Arnold unique is his heart marking, which is getting more and more prominent—some might suggest from all the love he gets from Anne. (It all depends on how you look at life and love.)

“You can see that he does have a few different markings and it wasn’t till a week or so later after I adopted him that one started developing into a heart, and it continues to grow and be prominent,” Arnold says.

The way Anne see it, “Johnny’s heart could be from Jake or even part of Gord to make sure I am alright.”

One thing’s for sure: The world needs a lot of love right now, and Johnny Arnold and his bestie Anne give us some sense of hope that love and empathy wins.

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Urgent Animal Care Fund Launched By Ontario SPCA & Peterborough Humane Society To Support Pets During COVID-19 Crisis

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has set up an Urgent Animal Care Fund with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and other SPCAs and humane societies in Ontario to help animal organizations in the province continue to care for animals and support pet owners during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following direction from the Government of Ontario and advice of health professionals, the Peterborough Humane Society and its partners in animal welfare closed their buildings to the public to help slow and stop the spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, many planned fundraising events, such as the Peterborough Humane Society’s annual FurBall Gala, have had to be cancelled.

Photography courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

With adoptions put on hold, many SPCAs and humane societies are facing growing costs as they continue to care for the animals who will now have to wait longer to be adopted. While adoptions are on pause, animals in shelters still need nutritious food, veterinary care, enrichment and daily attention to keep them healthy and happy.

“As Peterborough and the Kawartha’s only open admission shelter, the team at PHS continues to take in and provide care for stray, abandoned and emergency care animals,” says Shawn Morey, PHS Executive Director.

Photography courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

“We have a small animal care team on site daily to provide our animals with the love and enrichment they need and have amplified our enrichment programs to ensure that our animals remain healthy and happy during their extended stay with us,” Morey adds. “With so many owned pets entering the shelter on a day-to-day basis, it is not feasible to place all animals into temporary foster homes.”

“We know that the long-term costs of care for animals in shelters are adding up, and not just for us, but for other SPCAs and humane societies across the province, which is why the Urgent Animal Care Fund was established,” says Morey.

Photography courtesy Peterborough Humane Society

By supporting your local SPCA or humane society, you will help ensure that vulnerable animals in your community are fed, safe and cared for during these challenging times.

To donate to the Urgent Animal Care Fund, visit urgentanimalcarefund.ca.

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Peterborough Humane Society's New State Of Art Animal Care Centre Is Almost Shovel Ready

Our Pet Project, the Peterborough Humane Society campaign to build the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre, is much closer to being a reality. They have announced in an update letter that over $6.6 million has been raised to date. Riding a wave of momentum, over $400,000 was raised in the last few months alone.

“The Peterborough Animal Care Centre is a shovel-ready project with all planning approvals, permits and tender documents in place,” says Shawn Morey, Exective Director, Peterborough Humane Society. “Construction will begin once we have secured a minimum of 80 percent of the $10,337,000 required to build, which is a best practice in capital campaign fundraising. We are excited that we are on target to meet these goals.”

According to the building schedule prepared by Lett Architects, it will take 12 to 18 months to complete the project, and the goal is to start construction in the fall this year, with construction anticipated to be completed in winter 2021.

A feasibility study conducted demonstrated a significant need for an Animal Care Centre that acts as both a community hub and centre of excellence for best practice in shelter health and wellness, and accessible veterinary services for vulnerable populations. The new Centre will serve 946,666 people across the City and County of Peterborough and surrounding areas (Durham, Northumberland, Kawartha Lakes, & Haliburton).

In addition, the Centre will stimulate community economic development through increased tourism and the creation of 20 new, full-time equivalent positions, and positively impacting over 50 jobs throughout the design and construction phase.

The majority of new positions will be in the Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, including veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, animal care staff, and customer service specialists.

“This is an opportunity to create new learning opportunities to attract and retain talent in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, as the Centre will attract leaders in veterinary care and animal medicine research to the region,” Morey adds.

[Related: How The New Peterborough Humane Society Will Be A Gamechanger For Animal Welfare]

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LLF Lawyers Pledges $25,000 To Peterborough Humane Society Our Pet Project Campaign

Our Pet Project, the Peterborough Humane Society’s campaign to build its first-of-its-kind Animal Care Centre, has received a $25,000 pledge towards the new Centre from Peterborough-based LLF Lawyers.

“We are so excited to be a part of Our Pet Project to build the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre,” says Joe Grant, Associate at LLF, who adopted a dog there five years ago. “We are all animal lovers and have been supporters of the Humane Society for many years. Anyone who has been to the current facility can attest to the great work being done as the largest animal shelter in Peterborough County and the only open admission facility.”

Joe Grant, Associate at LLF, and his dog, Molly, who he adopted from PHS 5 years ago

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) was established in 1941, and the current shelter was built in 1956 and designed initially as a pound. While the current site has served the community well for the last 60-plus years, PHS has outgrown the space and is caring for more animals than ever before.

In the new, purpose-built facility, animals will have more room and will experience less noise and stress, thereby reducing anxiety and setting them up for a greater opportunity to meet their perfect family.

“In addition to what this Centre will do for our four-legged friends, we’re looking forward to the impact it will have on our local and regional economy,” says Bill Lockington, LLF Founding Partner. “By bringing 20 full-time equivalent positions, and impacting 50 jobs in the design and construction, this local project will create needed, meaningful employment and help attract and retain top veterinary talent to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”

Joe Grant also has a rescue cat, Steve

Designed by Peterborough-based Lett Architects, the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre will sit on 20 acres of land on Technology Drive and will be home to the Humane Society’s new Adoption and Education Centre that will serve as a community hub, while allowing for expansion of the Humane Society’s outreach, education and advocacy programs.

“We are very excited that LLF has made Our Pet Project their pet project too,” says Shawn Morey, Executive Director at the Peterborough Humane Society. “Our vision is to lead the way in animal welfare in Canada, and this donation takes us another step closer to achieving this goal.”

Fundraising for the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre is now well over the halfway mark, with several families and businesses pledging their contributions in the last couple of months.

[Related: 5 Things You May Not Know About PHS; How The New PHS Will Be Gamechanger For Animal Welfare]

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The Ontario SPCA & Peterborough Humane Society Kicks Off iAdopt For Holidays Adoption Campaign

The Ontario SPCA and Peterborough Humane Society is asking you to add a special someone to your holiday list—and family. Give an animal the gift of a loving home during iAdopt for the Holidays, a national adoption campaign to find homes for as many animals as possible during a time of year when families are together and can help their new pet settle in.

iAdopt for the Holidays is a program of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society that runs until December 31 at participating SPCAs, Humane Societies and rescue groups across Canada. Last year, more than 3,600 animals from across Canada found their forever homes during the iAdopt for the Holidays campaign. 

“The holidays are actually a great time to welcome a new furry companion into your life,” says Daryl Vaillancourt, Chief, Humane Programs & Community Outreach, Ontario SPCA and Humane Society. “Together as a family, you can spend time with your new pet and help them settle into their new home. Our focus is finding the right home for every adoptable animal to help ensure the matches we make are lifetime matches.”

Potential adopters take part in the science-based Meet Your Match® program, which matches their personality and lifestyle with the animals awaiting adoption. The adoption process, which is used at all 12 Ontario SPCA and Humane Society animal centres across Ontario including Peterborough, helps ensure adopters are going home with their most compatible match. 

All cats and dogs available through the Ontario SPCA are spayed or neutered, microchipped, up-to-date on vaccinations and come with a gift of one month of pet insurance.

Animals adopted from the Ontario SPCA or the Peterborough Humane Society during the iAdopt for the Holidays campaign will be entered in a draw for a chance to win free pet food for a year from Royal Canin. 

To change an animal’s life during iAdopt for Holidays, visit iadopt.ca.

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