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Bringing a new dog home. Adopting a gentle rabbit or a senior cat who still has so much love to give. These are not just milestones in your family’s story—they are commitments that shape your everyday life for years to come. At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara, we often say that adopting a pet is one of the most meaningful decisions you’ll ever make. It's not just about today—it’s about every tomorrow you’ll spend together. Whether you’re bringing a puppy home or looking at our available Humane Society cats for adoption, it’s important to understand the level of commitment that comes with pet ownership. One of the most important–but often overlooked–questions to ask is: how long will your new companion be part of your life? Knowing a pet’s typical lifespan helps families make informed decisions that ensure a pet’s needs–emotional, medical, and physical–are fully met throughout every life stage. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the average life expectancies of common companion animals, discuss the many factors that influence longevity, and offer practical advice for ensuring your pet enjoys the healthiest, happiest life possible.

Because puppy dog eyes can be persuasive—but safety always comes first!

Walking your dog is one of the best ways to spend quality time together. It’s a chance to enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and explore the world side by side. But did you know that your everyday strolls can come with hidden risks? From unexpected encounters to environmental hazards, staying aware and prepared is key to keeping your furry friends safe. In this guide, we’ll share important dog walking tips to help you navigate these potential dangers and ensure every outing is safe, enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your dog.

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time for your pets to enjoy the great outdoors! The days are getting longer, and the weather is warming up, giving your furry friends more time to play and explore. But with the joys of spring also comes the return of some not-so-welcome visitors–fleas and ticks. These little pests can cause everything from skin irritation to serious health issues for your pets. Don’t worry, though! With the right precautions, including knowing what months to use tick repellant for dogs, you can keep your pets safe and comfortable all season long. In this blog, we’ll share the best ways to prevent fleas and ticks, including treatments, helpful tips and expert advice. Whether you’re dealing with these pests now or want to stay ahead of them, we’ve got everything you need to protect your pets this spring.

At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN), we are dedicated to teaching children the importance of animal welfare. When kids learn to care for animals with kindness and patience, they develop essential life skills and gain a deeper sense of empathy–not just for animals but for people too. This foundation helps build a more compassionate society, a mission we hold dear at HSGN. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of introducing children to animals, whether through a family pet or an animal at the shelter, and how these early connections nurture kindness. We’ll also highlight how our volunteer programs can inspire teens to continue showing compassion for animals as they grow.

Our pets have their fair share of quirks, and these behaviours can reveal a lot about how they think and feel. From a dog’s curious head tilt to a bird fluffing its feathers, every action has meaning. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most common behaviours in dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds. If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering, “Why does my dog do that?” or wondered what your pets' actions really mean, you’re in the right place. By the end of this post, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your pet’s body language and behaviour, and be better equipped to care for your furry, feathered, or fluffy friend. Plus, if you’re thinking about adopting a pet in the future, this guide will help you prepare for that exciting step.

Winter is here, and it’s bringing more than just snow! As temperatures drop across the Niagara Region and much of Canada, pet owners need to be aware of the new risks that cold weather presents. While we can layer up in puffer jackets and enjoy hot drinks, our pets depend on us to shield them from the winter chill. Whether you have a dog that loves playing in the snow or a cat that prefers the indoors, all pets face challenges during the colder months. By following these cold weather pet safety tips, you can help keep your furry friends comfortable, safe and happy all season long.

The holiday season is often considered the most wonderful time of the year- a time for giving, spreading joy and sharing love. But beyond gift-giving and holiday feasts, it’s also an opportunity to give back to the community in ways that make a lasting impact. There are many ways to help out, from volunteering at a soup kitchen to donating food at a local food bank. But it’s important to remember that animals also need our support. One meaningful way to give back this holiday season is by fostering an animal through the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN). At HSGN, we depend on foster homes to provide safe and loving environments for animals while they await their forever homes. This can include caring for dogs, cats, puppies or even small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. As a foster caregiver, you’ll provide basic care, such as feeding, grooming and ensuring the pet’s overall health. You’ll also help socialize and train the animals, preparing them for adoption. HSGN provides the supplies needed, so you can focus on offering a stable and loving home. Fostering not only brings joy to the animals but also provides a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment for you. It helps animals transition to their new homes, frees up space at the shelter and makes a direct contribution the community. In this blog, we’ll discuss why fostering an animal during the holidays is a great choice, the benefits it offers to both pets and people and other ways you can give back this season with HSGN.

Pet abandonment has become an increasingly pressing issue in the Niagara region. Every month, heart-wrenching stories emerge of animals left to fend for themselves—cats left in fields, abandoned dogs tied up in remote areas, and even small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs released in public parks. Many people assume these animals will somehow find safety, often believing organizations like the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN) will step in to help. Unfortunately, the reality is far bleaker. Abandoned animals face immense challenges, including hunger, illness, injury, and in many cases, death. They are left confused, frightened, and vulnerable, with little hope of survival without intervention. This crisis goes beyond the animals; it highlights deeper social and economic issues, such as rising living costs and a lack of education about the responsibilities of pet ownership. In this blog, we’ll explore the root causes of pet abandonment, including the question, “Why do people abandon their pets?” and discuss what actions the community can take to address this serious problem.

Pet abandonment has become an increasingly pressing issue in the Niagara region. Every month, heart-wrenching stories emerge of animals left to fend for themselves—cats left in fields, abandoned dogs tied up in remote areas, and even small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs released in public parks. Many people assume these animals will somehow find safety, often believing organizations like the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN) will step in to help. Unfortunately, the reality is far bleaker. Abandoned animals face immense challenges, including hunger, illness, injury, and in many cases, death. They are left confused, frightened, and vulnerable, with little hope of survival without intervention. This crisis goes beyond the animals; it highlights deeper social and economic issues, such as rising living costs and a lack of education about the responsibilities of pet ownership. In this blog, we’ll explore the root causes of pet abandonment, including the question, “Why do people abandon their pets?” and discuss what actions the community can take to address this serious problem.