Small Species Spotlight
Despite their young age, these animals can get pregnant as early as 8 weeks old, with the males being capable of impregnating a female at only 4 weeks old.
What are Guinea pigs?
The Ontario SPCA requires this surgical procedure to be performed prior to signing any adoption contract to prevent overpopulation.
What is spaying or neutering?
This common shelter illness, often called "kennel cough," is highly contagious among dogs.
What is Bordetella (or Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex)?
This method of holding a cat securely with a towel while reducing stress is commonly used in veterinary and shelter settings.
What is the "burrito wrap"?
This document dictates the stray hold period for animals found in the City of Barrie, as well as licensing requirements.
What is the City of Barrie By-Law?
These small pets, often surrendered to shelters, have continuously growing teeth and need hay or wooden chews to help wear them down.
What are rabbits and rodents (rats, hamsters, etc.)?
This term refers to the process of ensuring a pet is a good fit for an adopter’s home, lifestyle, and experience level, usually through the use of meet-and-greet appointments.
What is adoption counseling?
Feline panleukopenia is caused by this type of virus, which is highly dangerous to unvaccinated kittens.
What is a parvovirus?
Three methods you should use when approaching a fearful dog in a kennel to help build trust.
What is treat tossing, avoiding direct eye contact, and crouching down low or taking a knee?
The only organization within Ontario with the authority to both legally seize and rehome an owned dog.
What is the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS)?
Guinea pigs cannot produce this essential vitamin on their own and require it in their diet.
What is Vitamin C?
True or False: A senior dog is generally considered to be seven years or older.
What is false?
This tiny external parasite can cause tapeworms if swallowed by a cat or dog.
What is a flea?
True or False: You should always pick up a rabbit by its ears to prevent it from kicking.
What is false?
Any animal found outside the City of Barrie defaults to a 5-day stray hold (excluding weekends and holidays) according to this piece of legislation.
What is the Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (PAWS)?
This small animal, known for its cheek pouches, is solitary and should not be housed with others of its kind due to territorial aggression.
What is a hamster?
This trial period allows adopters to take a pet home temporarily before finalizing adoption, typically utilized in situations where a medical procedure is still pending completion.
BONUS: Which forms need to be completed prior to the trial period?
What is delayed adoption (foster-to-adopt)?
BONUS: Delayed Adoption Agreement, Medical/Behaviour Disclosures
A life-threatening condition where a dog's stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid, dilates, and then twists, trapping the contents and cutting off the blood supply. Typically, it is more common in large breeds and has been linked to eating/drinking quickly, exercising too closely after eating, stress/anxiety, and even raised food bowls.
What is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as "bloat"?
When handling a large, nervous dog, this type of leash, often used for quick control, is preferred in a shelter setting.
What is a slip lead?
This piece of legislation defines Pitbull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers as banned breeds in Ontario.
What is the Dog Owners Liability Act (DOLA)?
Unlike dogs, this pet species cannot vomit, making conditions like gastrointestinal stasis a life-threatening emergency.
What is a rabbit?
This practice, which helps special-needs or long-term shelter animals find homes, involves reducing or waiving adoption fees.
What is the adopt-it-forward program (or sponsored adoption)?
What is Xylitol?
A method to change the emotional response in an animal which involves rewriting their association with a scary stimulus from negative to positive.
What is counterconditioning and desensitization (CC/DS)?
Bound by the Animals for Research Act (ARA), shelters and municipal pounds are subject to inspection by this regulatory agency at any time.
What is the the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA)?