Ontario SPCA

WHO TO CALL WHEN YOU HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT AN ANIMAL
Who should I contact if I witness or suspect animal abuse?
Who do I call about free-roaming dogs or stray cats?
Who do I call if I have a question about wildlife?

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES AT THE ONTARIO SPCA
How many animals do Ontario SPCA Communities care for?
How much does it cost to care for each animal?
Does the Ontario SPCA accept owner-surrendered animals?
How long can an animal stay at an Ontario SPCA Community Adoption centre?
When I adopt a dog or cat, what does the fee included?
What is the Ontario SPCA's Euthanasia policy?

ONTARIO SPCA GENERAL OPERATIONS
What is the difference between the Ontario SPCA and the Ontario Humane Society?
What is the difference between an Ontario SPCA "Branch" and an "affiliated" Humane Society?
How are the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office and its Communities funded?
What is the structure of the Ontario SPCA?

Who do I contact if I have a complaint about an Ontario SPCA Order or the removal of an animal?
Who do I contact if I have a complaint about an Ontario SPCA Community agent or investigator?

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can I find ideas or information for my school projects on the website?
What are the Ontario SPCA's core values?
By-Law No9
Can I download a one page fact sheet on the Ontario SPCA? Click here.

WHO TO CALL WHEN YOU HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT AN ANIMAL

Who should I contact if I witness or suspect animal abuse?
Contact the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office Hotline at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722). For an emergency after regular business hours dial extension 1. To help ensure a quick response to an urgent complaint or emergency you can call one of the Ontario SPCA's Investigations departments. You may also report suspected animal cruelty by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). For more information about reporting animal cruelty, including information about existing laws, click here.

Help the investigating office by providing as many details as possible, including the type of cruelty witnessed, the date of the incident, where it took place, and who was involved. All information remains confidential.

Who do I call about free-roaming dogs or stray cats?
If the animal is a stray please call your local animal control department found in the yellow pages. If the animal has been abandoned by its owners please call your local Ontario SPCA Community or the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office Hotline at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722).

Who do I call if I have a question about wildlife?
Contact the Ontario Wildlife Centre at (705) 534-4350 or the Animal Care Department at the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722). To view the wildlife website, click here.

ANIMAL CARE SERVICES AT THE ONTARIO SPCA

How many animals do Ontario SPCA Communities care for?
Each year more than 50 Ontario SPCA Communities provide care for tens of thousands of animals.

How much does it cost to care for each animal?
The average cost to care for each animal varies from several hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the condition of the animal brought to the shelter, any medical treatment or foster care required, and how long it takes the animal to be adopted.

Does the Ontario SPCA accept owner-surrendered animals?
Ontario SPCA Communities do accept owner-surrendered animals with a nominal surrender fee that covers a small portion of the animal's care while at the shelter.

If you're considering surrendering your pet because you feel unable to deal with their behaviour, we encourage you to seek advice and training to work with behaviour problems before making a final decision. Most behaviour problems arise due to miscommunication between the owner and the pet (for example, pushing or yelling at a dog for jumping up only encourages more jumping), or when a certain need of the pet is not being met (inadequate exercise can lead to hyperactive and destructive dogs).

For behaviour tip sheets for dogs and cats visit the links below. If you are a dog owner, you may wish to visit the Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers' website to help find trainers in your area. (Please note: The Ontario SPCA does not endorse any individual trainer and encourages people to choose positive trainers who use methods that do not cause pain or suffering to dogs, but help foster a trusting relationship.) Veterinarians may also provide helpful advice or refer you to someone specializing in animal behavior in your area. Seek out "positive" trainers that will teach you how to motivate your dog to do the behaviours you'd like in a "positive" manner that enhances your relationship with your pet and builds trust. Avoid trainers who advocate the use of force, yelling, threats, punishment and violence.

With a little patience and effort many behaviour problems can be resolved and you can be rewarded with a well-behaved animal and years of love and companionship.

Behaviour and Training Tips | How to Choose a Dog Trainer | Canadian Association of Professional Pet Dog Trainers

How long can an animal stay at an Ontario SPCA Community?
Ontario SPCA Communities keep the animal as long as space permits and an adoptable animal remains physically and mentally healthy.

When I adopt a dog or cat, what does the adoption fee include?
Depending on the Ontario SPCA Community the adoption fee can include:

Vaccinations
Identification (e.g. microchip)
Deworming
Spay or neuter (dogs and cats)
Carry box for cats

What is the Ontario SPCA's euthanasia policy?
The Ontario SPCA takes the issue of euthanasia very seriously. It is only done when there is no other humane option available. Reasons the Ontario SPCA euthanizes include: terminal illness or injury where there is no possibility of recovery, behavioural problems that pose a threat to other animals or humans, stray or feral overpopulation, disease transmission, and old age where the quality of life is impaired by major loss of functions. Sadly, in some cases animals may be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding. Overcrowding threatens the lives of all the animals in our care due to stress, weakened immune systems and increased risk of disease transmission. This requires us to make difficult decisions about euthanasia based on health, physical, emotional and psychological suffering, and the best interests of the hundreds of animals receiving lifesaving care in a facility. In 2007, 1.2 percent of the dogs admitted to our branches were euthanized due to overpopulation. 9.6 percent of admitted cats and 14.1 percent of small animals, such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters, were also euthanized due to space limitations. These numbers can be reduced with the help of the public. We ask that pet owners place identification on their animals in the form of ID tags, licenses or microchips. We also ask that all pets be spayed or neutered. The pet overpopulation crisis can be managed with this one simple procedure. For more information on the benefits of having your pet spayed or neutered, please download our spay/neuter brochure. Also, please contact your local shelter to learn more about adopting an animal, or fostering pets to help provide a temporary home to animals in need.

ONTARIO SPCA GENERAL OPERATIONS

What is the difference between the Ontario SPCA and Ontario Humane Society (OHS)?
The Ontario SPCA (or Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Ontario Humane Society are the same entity. Humane Society is a common term and is used by some of Ontario SPCA Communties.

What is the difference between an Ontario SPCA "Branch" and an "affiliated Humane Society"?
Click here to learn about our lifesaving team.

How are the Ontario SPCA Provincial Office and its Communities funded?
The Ontario SPCA and its Communities are charitable organizations that rely on the generosity of its supporters, including individuals, associations and corporations. The Ontario SPCA is not a government organization.

What is the structure of the Ontario SPCA?
Shelters: The Ontario SPCA is comprised of more than 50 Communities providing care and shelter for tens of thousands of animals each year.

Inspectors and Agents: The Society Inspectors and Agents, who investigate cases of animal cruelty and neglect, have the same powers as police officers when enforcing animal protection laws. Under the Ontario SPCA Act, first decreed in 1919, the Society may intervene directly to rescue animals at risk. This unique authority is both our privilege and our strength.

Board of Directors: The Society is managed by a voluntary provincial Board of Directors. This board has representation from appointees of Ontario SPCA Communities who have been elected at the Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors is responsible for the Society's operations, policy decisions and budget control. Members bring with them a variety of expertise and experience and also serve on advisory committees that concentrate on specific aspects of the Society's work, recommending courses of action to the full board.

Who do I contact if I have a complaint about an Ontario SPCA Order or the removal of an animal?

Any Ontario SPCA Orders, or the removal of an animal under the authority of the Ontario SPCA Act, are actions that may be appealed to the Animal Care Review Board of Ontario. The Animal Care Review Board is an independent tribunal, with members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. An animal owner or custodian who considers themselves aggrieved may take advantage of this route of appeal. This is outlined in the Ontario SPCA Act, subsection 17.(1):

The owner or custodian of any animal who considers themself aggrieved by an order made under subsection 13 (1) or by the removal of an animal under subsection 14 (1) may, within five business days of receiving notice of the order or removal, appeal against the order or request the return of the animal by notice in writing to the chair of the Board. R.S.O. 1990, c. O.36, s. 17 (1); 1993, c. 27, Sched.; 2006, c. 19, Sched. F, s. 3 (1).

This information is clearly printed on all relevant Ontario SPCA forms, and includes the contact information for the Chair of the Animal Care Review Board.

Who do I contact if I have a complaint about an Ontario SPCA Community investigator?

If a concerned citizen would like to issue a complaint against the Ontario SPCA, or any of the officers appointed under the authority of the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA) Act, the following contacts are available.

At each level of management, an examination of the relevant facts and a decision regarding appropriate action would be made and taken. If a person chose to circumvent the process as described, their concern would be appropriately redirected.

Step 1: Staff Supervisor
If a person wishes to register a complaint regarding the specific conduct of an appointed Agent or Inspector, whether that Agent or Inspector is employed by, or a volunteer for, a Branch of the Ontario SPCA or an Affiliate Society, the person should direct their complaint to the immediate supervisor of the said Agent or Inspector. That immediate supervisor may be an Affiliate or Branch Manager, or other supervisor located at a local Society.

A local Society will consider the allegations and take appropriate action where warranted using the hierarchy of that organization (Manager, Inspector, local Board of Directors). Information regarding staff disciplinary action may not be fully disclosed to the complainant if privacy legislation restricts or prohibits that.

Step 2: Senior Inspector
If the person is not content with the results of any action taken as a result of that complaint, the citizen may forward their complaint to the Senior Inspector for the Region.

There are currently four Senior Inspectors located as such:
Chief Inspector Connie Mallory - Eastern
Senior Inspector Ward McAlister - Central Ontario/GTA
Senior Inspector Darren Grandel - Western Ontario
Senior Inspector Stephanie Auger - Northern

Step 3: Chief Inspector
In the event that the person is not content with the response provided by the Senior Inspector, they may forward their concern to the attention of the Chief Inspector, located at the provincial office.

Step 4: Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer of the Society would be the next level of management to respond to a concern.

Step 5: Board of Directors
Lastly, the concerned person could ask to have the Board of Directors of the Society hear their concern.

The contact information for any of the Senior Inspectors, Branch or Affiliate Managers, the Chief Inspector, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors may be obtained by calling the provincial office of the Ontario SPCA and making a direct inquiry. A list of Branches and Affiliate Societies and other information can also be found on our website at: http://www.ontariospca.ca/8.shtml.

OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where can I find ideas or information for my school projects on the website?
There are many different sections of the website to visit for information. Helpful sections include:
About Us: Read about who the Ontario SPCA and what it does.
Animal Cruelty Laws: Find out what legislation Ontario SPCA investigators use to protect animals.
Pets, Wildlife and Farm Animals: Investigate a variety of animal issues.
Publications: Review Ontario SPCA materials on a wide-variety of topics and gain access to Ontario SPCA magazines, e-newsletters, fact sheets and more.
Media Centre: Read Ontario SPCA news releases about past and current animal cruelty investigations.

What are the Ontario SPCA's core values?
The Ontario SPCA believes that:

The Ontario SPCA must act to prevent cruelty and to encourage consideration for all animals.
No animal should suffer.
All animals should have a good quality of life and should be treated with compassion.
The Society must advocate for improved animal welfare and protection.
Those who abuse or neglect animals should be appropriately penalized.
All animal welfare organizations should work cooperatively for the benefit of animals.
The Society should set high standards for animal care, protection and shelter.
The Society must educate the public on animal welfare.
Dedicated and committed volunteers and staff are essential to the success of the Society.
All those who contribute to the success of the Society deserve recognition and appreciation.
The Society should serve the whole province.