Every animal who comes through the doors at the Humane Society of Greater Niagara has a story.
Some arrive frightened and unsure, needing a safe place to rest. Some need food, warmth, and medical care after being found lost or abandoned. Others, like Jacob, remind us just how urgent this work can be.
As the snow melts and temperatures rise across Niagara, many pet owners are eager to get back outside with their furry companions. But with warmer weather comes an increase in fleas and ticks, two tiny pests that can cause big health issues for pets and even their families.
As the weather begins to warm up, animal shelters across Canada prepare for one of the busiest times of the year: kitten season. Typically running from early spring through late fall, this is the period when unspayed female cats give birth at much higher rates. For shelters like ours, this seasonal surge can mean an overwhelming influx of kittens and nursing mother cats in need of care.
February is World Spay Month, a time to raise awareness about the life-saving impact of spaying and neutering pets. Whether you're a new pet guardian or an experienced one, understanding why these procedures matter can make a powerful difference for your pet, your community, and animal welfare across Canada.
Winter in Niagara brings snow-covered sidewalks, freezing temperatures, and shorter days, all of which can create unique challenges for pets and the people who love them. Whether you’re caring for a dog, cat, or small animal, understanding how winter weather affects their health and safety is a key part of responsible pet ownership.
At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN), winter is one of our busiest seasons. From helping stray animals find warmth to educating the community on seasonal pet care, we know that a little preparation can go a long way. Here’s what every pet owner should know to keep animals safe, warm, and healthy throughout the colder months.
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.
City of St. Catharines and Humane Society of Greater Niagara Encourage Coexistence with Wild Turkeys in Martindale Road Area
St. Catharines, ON — November 7, 2025
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.
When you picture a pet waiting to be adopted, chances are it’sa wagging puppy or a wide-eyed kitten. But there’sa whole world of overlooked animals in shelters–rabbits, senior dogs, and misunderstood breeds who are just as deserving of love and a forever home. They might not match the “ideal” pet image, but they often make the most loyal, affectionate, and grateful companions you’ll ever meet. At the Humane Society of Greater Niagara (HSGN), we know that finding the perfect pet isn’t about checking boxes–it’s about making a connection.And sometimes, the most meaningful connections are the ones that catch you off guard.Let’s explore why it’s time to give small pets, senior animals, and less popular dog breeds, a second look–and how you can help by choosing to adopt.
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As pet parents, we want to do everything we can to keep our pets healthy and happy. But what about when the unexpected happens–like a broken leg, a surprise illness, or an overnight trip to the emergency vet–being emotionally prepared is only half the battle. Financially, the cost of care can be a real shock. That’s why more and more pet owners are asking about pet insurance. Whether you’ve never heard of it or you’re debating if it’s worth the monthly cost, this blog is here to help. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what pet insurance is, what it covers (and what it doesn’t), and whether it might be the right choice for your furry friend.