News

When we think of homelessness or housing insecurity, we often picture a person searching for a safe place to sleep. But this complex issue affects more than just people—it deeply impacts their animal companions, too. Pets are often the overlooked victims of housing instability, caught in the painful space between the need for shelter and the unbreakable bond they share with their owners. As a Niagara humane society, the Humane Society of Greater Niagara recognizes how vital it is to keep families—both human and animal—together. In this blog, we’ll explore the unique challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness who have pets, and highlight how animal welfare organizations and community programs can help ensure that no one is forced to choose between a roof over their head and the companion they love. 

The cold brings more than just a seasonal shift—it brings a harsh reality for the stray and abandoned animals in our communities. While many of us take steps to winterize our homes and ensure our pets are safe and warm, countless animals are left to face freezing temperatures, snow, and wind without shelter, food, or care. For these vulnerable animals, survival becomes a daily struggle. In this blog, we’llexplore how cold weather affects stray animals, the risks they face during the winter months, and how small acts of kindness–such as providing outdoor shelters or supporting the animal shelters in Niagara–can truly make a life-saving difference. 

The Humane Society is a well-known temporary home for cats and dogs—but did you know that we also take in other small companion animals like gerbils, guinea pigs and rabbits? In fact, rabbits often find themselves in the caring hands of volunteers and staff at the Humane Society of Greater Niagara animal shelter, and in need of a loving person to adopt them into a forever home. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, consider adopting a rabbit! Pet rabbits are sweet and funny and very rewarding.

It’s easy to love a cat! Even skinny, sickly, needy cats are cute and endearing to most animal lovers. Unfortunately, for many potential cat foster carers, there are some misconceptions about the process that may be getting in the way of the right people providing help to cats in need. If you’ve considered fostering a cat but you’re worried that your home is too small, that it will cost too much money, or that you won’t be able to give the cat away when someone wants to adopt a pet—read on!