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Remembering a beloved pet
At SPCA, we understand that losing a pet can be one of life’s most heartbreaking experiences. Please know that you don't have to carry the pain alone. This guide offers support and practical advice for navigating pet loss grief, including ways to honour your pet's memory and find comfort during this difficult time.
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Humane pest control
SPCA advocates that pest management should cause the least harm to the fewest animals and be based on an actual problem rather than negative perceptions of an animal. Other important considerations for pest management are discussed in this article.
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Dogs die in hot cars. If you love them, don't leave them.
Dogs die in hot cars. If you love them, don't leave them.
Every year, our Inspectors receive hundreds of welfare calls about dogs that have been left inside hot cars. Over the last summer, these calls accounted for approximately 11% of all welfare calls made to SPCA. Sadly, the message around the dangers of leaving your animals inside cars doesn’t seem to be sinking in. SPCA has created downloadable resources including posters, a flyer and a social media tile to help you to share the message.
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Caring for rabbits and kits
At SPCA, we encourage all rabbit owners to desex their rabbits as early as possible. But, if you find yourself caring for a doe and her kits, this guide can help you the proper care for both mother and her babies.
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Excessive barking in dogs
Barking is a normal way for dogs to communicate, whether they're excited, anxious, or trying to alert us to something. However, when barking becomes excessive—happening loudly and frequently—it can become a nuisance for both owners and neighbours. If your dog’s barking is causing issues, don’t worry! With the right approach you can manage and reduce it.
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Addressing the harms of avian botulism
Avian botulism is a paralytic neuromuscular disease in birds that is often fatal if not treated. Birds become sick by ingesting invertebrates, such as maggots, that have themselves ingested toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium thrives in shallow/stagnant waters where oxygen levels are low and nutrient levels are high.
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Bird gel repellents
Bird gel repellents are used to deter birds from roosting, perching, and nesting but often cause unintended suffering and death. SPCA advocates for restricting or prohibiting the sale and use of bird gel repellents because of the harm they cause.
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Helping a timid cat settle in: tips for welcoming a shy or anxious cat
Learn how to help a timid or shy cat settle in, build trust, and feel safe with tips on creating a calm space, gentle interaction, and routine. Whether you’ve adopted a timid cat from a shelter, taken in a stray, or inherited a pet from a friend or relative, helping them feel safe is the first step to forming a deep, rewarding bond.
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How SPCA measures public opinion on animal welfare: not all polls are equal
Have you ever seen an online poll pop up asking a quick question about animal welfare? Maybe something like, "Should fireworks be banned?" or "Was the government right to ban greyhound racing?" It might seem like a useful way to understand where the public stands, but not all polls are created equal.
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Learn about Animal Welfare: Free SPCA online course
Take our fun and interactive 20-minute SPCA animal welfare course, developed in collaboration with international RSPCA partners