440 animals in care at Ottawa Humane Society

Over 300 cats in care at Ottawa Humane Society as kitten season ramps up. Sunday, June 29, 2025 (Josh Marano/ CTV News Ottawa)

It’s one of the busiest times of the year at the Ottawa Humane Society, caring for hundreds of animals.

Cats making up the majority, with marketing and communications senior manager of the Society Stephen Smith saying there are over 300 in care.

“Summer is the busiest time at the Ottawa Humane Society and there’s a couple reasons we see this, number one kitten season cats are outside they might be breeding, we’re seeing litters of kittens coming into our care,” Smith says.

Smith says they also tend to see more strays this time of year as well.

“People are spending more time outdoors and the door might be left open, people might be letting their cats outside and they don’t return at night, there’s a number of reasons animals might become stray, and again, the Ottawa Humane Society is here to help them get home,” Smith says.

The shelter is not at capacity, and Smith says they will always find room for animals in need.

Along with monetary, toy and food donations, the shelter is asking for more volunteer help during these times, whether that be at the society, or through fostering.

“We’re always looking for more foster volunteers, especially those who might be able to take on a large dog who have behavioral challenges,” Smith says. “If you or somebody who has a lot of experience with dogs, maybe a little bit of a larger property available for them to get a bit more space, the help is always appreciated.”

“If you’d also like to take a litter of kittens for a week or so, we also need that support too. So come one, come all.”

Donations can be made at the Ottawa Humane Society website.

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