Humanely Speaking
Pondering a pet-related issue? Take a look at some of the articles and resources we’ve gathered here.

Winter and Your Pet
The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) reminds pet owners to keep their pets indoors whenever possible on cold days. A fur coat does not exclude pets from frostbite and hypothermia, and Ontario’s laws require that animal guardians supply proper care and shelter. How Cold is Too Cold? If it is below freezing, pets should not be [...]

Pets are for Life
Cooler mornings and back-to-school ads tell us that soon our streets will be filled with loaded pick-up trucks and moving vans. With two universities and a college in our community, over 30,000 post-secondary students will be moving into town for school. The students, looking at life on their own and exploring all the possibilities available [...]

Losing a Pet
Losing a family pet is stressful and heartbreaking but, more often than not, dismissed by others as ‘no big deal’. Despite public perception, your loss is real. A pet can be more than ‘just a cat or dog’. It is a member of the family and the loss of their companionship is painful. Unfortunately our [...]

Plan for a PURRRfect HOWL-oween
Halloween is fun for kids of all ages, but it poses particular concerns for our pets. With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can ensure your pet survives Halloween stress-free. Gobbled Goodies While it is not recommended that you take your pet trick-or-treating with you (see reasons below), there will be those pets [...]

Hot Dogs In Cars Aren’t Cool
The Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS) urges owners to remember that even with the windows open, and parked in the shade, your pet can suffer severe heat stroke or die in a matter of minutes. Because of a limited ability to sweat, dogs left in cars can go into distress in the time it takes you [...]

Ten Holiday Traditions that will Help Keep Your Pets Safe
Every family has their own collection of cherished holiday traditions. When pets join the family, new traditions are created to involve our four-legged friends in our activities. Below are some traditions worth incorporating into your holidays to help keep your pets safe and healthy during the festive frenzy. Pamper your pet’s paws. After taking your [...]

Pets as Gifts
The best place to get a great new friend is the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (KWHS). Here at the Centre it is our goal to ensure all pets are adopted into forever homes, that is why we are able to help you pick out the perfect pet present. Here is how our simple adoption process works: [...]

Travelling with Your Pets
Some pets are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness, or physical impairment. If you have any doubts about whether it is appropriate for your pet to travel, talk to your veterinarian. If you decide that your pet should not travel with you, consider the alternatives: Have a responsible friend or relative look after [...]

Holiday Advice
Things to keep out of your pet’s reach… Chocolate Chocolate can be dangerous to pets. Chocolate can be toxic to pets because it contains theobromine, methylxanthines and caffeine stimulants which can be hazardous, and even fatal to pets. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, panting, excessive thirst or urination, and tremors. Unsweetened chocolate is the [...]

Enjoying Summer with Your Pet
Summertime is a great season to enjoy the outdoors with your pet. Summertime is also the time when we need to be careful about exposing our pets to poisonous plants. What plants are poisonous? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has a comprehensive list on their website. How many of [...]

