The Ottawa Humane Society has taken in cats, puppies, and a dog from communities in northwestern Ontario impacted by wildfires. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.
The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) announced that it is looking after pets from areas affected by the wildfires in northwestern Ontario.
On Wednesday night, two cats and three dogs were brought to the shelter, according to OHS.
“The five animals arrived safely after a long journey. Gus and Arlo, two young cats, are beginning to settle in. Six-week-old puppies Karai and April are already winning over everyone they meet, and Rio, a gentle young dog, is now resting safely in our care,” the OHS said in a fundraising email.
Rio the dog Rio the dog at the Ottawa Humane Society. Aug. 6, 2026. (Natalie van Rooy/ Ottawa)
Sharon Miko, president and CEO of the Ottawa Humane Society, told Newstalk 580 CFRA’s Ottawa at Work with Patricia Boal on Thursday that these five animals came from other shelters in northwestern Ontario that are trying to support pets and families within their own communities.
“These are animals that have already either been stray or surrendered because those communities are working really hard with owners of pets to be able to be there for those owned animals, to try to keep the owner with a pet,” she said. “So we’re helping them by taking in the stray and already surrendered pets that don’t have anybody for them. We take those animals in to allow them to be able to provide support to their community.”
Karai and April Puppies Karai (left) and April (right) at the Ottawa Humane Society. Aug. 6, 2026. (Natalie van Rooy/ Ottawa)
OHS senior manager Stephen Smith mentioned that the animals are still getting used to their new environment.
“The two cats were very skittish when they arrived, as you might imagine. They’re a little shy right now, but I’m not too surprised. If I was in a car for that long too, I’d be a bit skittish as well,” he said.
“The puppies are full of puppy energy. They want love and playtime. We estimate them to be about six weeks old while we think Rio is around ten months old.”
As of Thursday, there were 155 active wildfires reported across Ontario by the government; among these fires were 16 that remain uncontrolled.
Gus the cat Gus the cat at the Ottawa Humane Society. Aug. 6, 2026. (Natalie van Rooy/ Ottawa)
The humane society stated it is collaborating with the Northern Reach Network and is prepared to accept more animals if necessary.
“Since the onset of the fires, OHS has maintained close communication with our partners throughout the province on how we can best support pets and their people during this crisis,” Miko mentioned in a news release. “Helping animals no matter where they are always takes community support.”
According to OHS figures provided earlier this week, they currently have over 400 animals under their care; approximately 140 of which need new homes right now.
Arlo the cat Arlo the cat at the Ottawa Humane Society. Aug. 6, 2026. (Natalie van Rooy/ Ottawa)
“Summer tends to be one of our busiest times here at OHS,” Miko explained further. “However when disaster strikes and there’s nowhere else for these animals go, we’re ready help however we can. Without our caring community’s support, we’re here for homeless animalsin Ottawaand can assist those facing crises across Ontario.”
Smith added that there are additional ways folks can lend support to humane society efforts.
“We’re also seeking foster volunteers-especially anyone experienced with large dogs. We have plenty big dogs here who would love some time spentin foster homes. And lastly, we depend on our caring community dailyto provide lifesavingcarefor allthosehomelessanimalsincludingthese five who just arrivedfromthiscrisis situationtaking place outinnorthwestern Ontario.”
With files from Ottawa’s Natalievan RooyCorrectionA previous versionof this article incorrectly statedthatpets takeninbythe OHSweredisplacedbywildfires. Thatwas inaccurate. Theanimalswereeitherstraysorsurrenderedpets alreadyinshelters needingspacefordisplacedpets.
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