Eastern Ontario rescue shelters seeing increase in animal intakes

A cat from Heidi’s Kitty Haven up for adoption at an event in Brockville, Ont. Jan. 18, 2025. (Jack Richardson/ CTV News Ottawa)

Animal rescue shelters in the region have reported an increase in the number of pets they’ve taken under their care.

The Ottawa Humane Society (OHS) says they had about 500 animals under their care just before Christmas, a 20 per cent increase compared to the same time in 2023.

OHS said more families are also in need of help caring for their pets, as their wellness clinics supported 70 per cent more animals and 20 per cent more food for owners.

Smaller shelters in rural areas of the province are also feeling the increase and in some cases, a more dramatic one.

Heidi’s Kitty Haven, a cat rescue shelter in Cardinal, Ont., tells CTV News Ottawa they’ve had to stop taking owner surrenders because of limited capacity.

“Our shelter has doubled in size in the last year,” said founder Heidi Von Huene.

Von Huene says her rescue has 50 cats right now.

“There was one day not too long ago that I had to turn away 28 cats,” she said.

“This is a very sad situation and it’s showing that people are not very committed to their animals.”

Heidi’s Kitty Haven is hosting an adoption event at Ren’s Pets in Brockville until 4 p.m. Saturday.

This story will be updated