Sulawesi Forest Turtle Hatches at Riverview Park and Zoo
/A critically endangered Sulawesi forest turtle has successfully hatched at the Riverview Park and Zoo.
photo courtesy of the riverview park and zoo.
Peterborough Blogs
The Peterborough Humane Society Marked World Spay Day with 36 Free Surgeries
/The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) completed 36 spay and neuter surgeries on cats and dogs for World Spay Day on Tuesday, provided at no cost to community members who had been identified through the organization's social services programming.
photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.
Spay and neuter is the most effective way to reduce pet overpopulation. These surgeries help prevent unwanted litters, support rescue and animal welfare partners and reduce the number of animals entering shelters or living without homes.
By connecting families identified through this social services programming directly to free surgical care, PHS is addressing the issue at its source.
Since opening in 2023, the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic has performed over 13,000 surgeries, cementing its role as a critical community resource for affordable and accessible veterinary care in the Peterborough region.
photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society.
"World Spay Day gives us a chance to highlight just how real and widespread the need for affordable spay and neuter services is, both here in our community and around the world," says Shawn Morey, CEO of the Peterborough Humane Society. "We are truly thrilled to be able to offer these services to families in Peterborough, and days like yesterday remind us why this work matters so much. Every surgery we perform is a step toward a healthier, more sustainable future for animals and the people who love them."
To learn more or to book an appointment, visit the website.
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Fleming College Launches Ontario’s First Immersive Veterinary Technician Program
/Fleming College is expanding its School of Health and Community Services with the launch of a unique, accelerated Veterinary Technician (VT) program in partnership with the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS), driven by a province-wide shortage of veterinary professionals.
file photo.
The new program is the first in Ontario to provide students with on-site clinical learning starting in their first week of study, made possible through a strategic partnership with PHS. The accelerated format enables students to complete four consecutive semesters and enter the workforce much sooner than traditional delivery models.
Students begin training at PHS immediately and will use Fleming’s advanced simulation technologies to hone essential skills and refine techniques before administering care to live animals. This applied learning approach is furthered by a 150-hour placement in an animal care environment, allowing students to broaden their professional experience and master skills in real-world settings.
“Our new Veterinary Technician program reflects Fleming’s strategic commitments to providing innovative, career-ready education, addressing critical labour market needs, and enhancing student-centred learning through strong partnerships like the Peterborough Humane Society,” said Dr. Theresa Knott, Interim President. “We’re excited about the opportunity to provide students with an exceptional learning experience in the state-of-the-art veterinary clinic and animal shelter from day one. Combined with our leading-edge simulation technologies and industry placements, our graduates will emerge as highly skilled veterinary technicians that employers are actively seeking.”
Instruction is led by Doctors of Veterinary Medicine and Registered Veterinary Technicians, who bring current industry expertise and mentorship into the learning environment. Their lessons equip students with the fundamental knowledge required to excel across a variety of sectors, including private clinics, emergency hospitals, zoos, research laboratories and shelters.
Applications are now open for the Fleming’s first Veterinary Technician cohort beginning in September 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to apply before the equal consideration deadline on Feb. 1. Applications received after this date will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.
For more information about the program or to apply, visit the Fleming College website.
Peterborough Humane Society Launches Animal Wellness Services
/The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) is offering basic animal wellness services at the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.
Photo courtesy of PHS.
The service is to help increase accessibility for veterinary care for Peterborough according Shawn Morey, PHS CEO.
“Over 90 per cent of individuals surrendering their pets to Peterborough Humane Society cite the main reason as being due to the financial impact of veterinary care, and costs associated with caring for a pet,” he said. “The introduction of basic wellness services at PHS supports one of the main organizational focuses of enhancing and providing access to affordable care for the community.
PHS hosted its first Wellness Clinic on Friday. Services offered include but are not limited to: wellness exams, deworming, flea/tick prevention, microchipping and several vaccination offerings.
“We are just getting started,” explained Morey. “Our goal is to keep people and pets together, and the introduction of wellness services from our clinic will play a vital role in helping achieve that goal.”
Animal wellness clinics will happen weekly as PHS plans to expand to additional wellness clinic days as soon as this Spring.
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Peterborough Humane Society Recieves $100,000 Grant to Improve Accessibility Vet Care From PetSmart Charities
/The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has received a grant of $100,000 from PetSmart Charities to help support the expansion of basic animal wellness services offered by the Peterborough Regional Spay/Neuter Clinic, announced on Monday.
Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.
“This grant from PetSmart Charities will enable Peterborough Humane Society to begin providing even more support to people and pets in Peterborough and the entire Kawartha Region,” says PHS Executive Director Shawn Morey. “As an important part of our 3-year Strategic Plan, helping improve access to care is a real priority and focus for us. This is an important next step in that strategy.”
This is part of a $100 million commitment from PetSmart Charities over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care. These grants support the expansion of low-cost veterinary care by funding growth and operations for up to four years for nonprofit clinics looking to expand their services, serve their communities better and inspire other veterinary providers by sharing their experiences according to PHS.
“Our veterinary system is in crisis,” said Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “Rising costs are putting standard veterinary care out of reach for as much as 50% of pet-owning families. We need innovative solutions that make veterinary care affordable for the families in every community who want the best for their four-legged companions but struggle to meet the cost of vet care. We’re inspired by the incredible work Peterborough Humane Society is doing to create solutions that will build strong families and a healthy community.”
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Missing Python Since Friday Has Yet to Be Found
/A 10-year-old non-venomous ball python missing since Friday has yet to be located according to the Peterborough Police, announced on Monday.
Northern Water Snake. Photo courtesy of Dave Ellis.
The snake is described as black and brown in colour, approximately 4' in length and was lost in the area of Millennium Park.
It was last seen swimming toward the train bridge.
Anyone with information is asked to call Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x225.
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Auto Connect Sales Raises Animal Adoption Awareness During the Holidays With Adopt Advent Calendar
/Auto Connect Sales launched an animal adoption awareness campaign during the holidays with an ‘Adopt Advent Calendar’ to help the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) find homes for several pets.
Elias (left) was one of 25 animals showcased in the advent calendar and is having holiday fun with Watson (right). Photo by Mark Dizon.
There were 25 animals from PHS showcased in total, with one animal featured daily on Auto Connect’s Instagram account.
Of all the animals posted, 15 of the 25 pets found homes before Christmas according to a Facebook post.
“We didn’t get these animals adopted. I think the calendar helped get exposure to the Humane Society,” said Cheryl Watson of Auto Connect Sales. “I was very happy that idea was very well received. I think the community liked it.”
Watson had the idea of starting the calendar after attending a PHS gala. Animals were present at the event for anyone attending to interact with.
“I fell in love with a dog and I couldn’t stop thinking about them,” explained Watson. “I thought I had to get this dog adopted. That was my goal.”
Auto Connect staff met with the animals at the Peterborough Animal Care Centre for a photo shoot for the advent calendar.
“It was such a magical day,” said Watson. “Everybody was having a fantastic time. The Humane Society was so encouraging, supportive and eager to help get this done. It was a perfect joint effort.”
The remaining ten animals that were showcased are still up for adoption.
“Even if we can get one or two animals adopted, it was worth it,” said Watson.
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Peterborough Police Issue Reminder During Ongoing Heat Warning to Not Leave Pets or Children in The Vehicle
/Peterborough Police Service are reminding the community to check on the most vulnerable to heat and to not leave pets or children unattended in vehicles during the ongoing heat warning.
photo by david tuan bui.
A heat warning is in effect for Peterborough with Environment Canada calling for temperatures into 30’s with the humidex in the upper 30’s to 40’s through Wednesday and Thursday.
How you can help:
Call 9-1-1 if the child or animal is in distress
Take down the car’s make, model and license plate number and provide that information to the Peterborough Police Service when you call.
If there is a business nearby, ask a manager or store security to make an announcement to locate the car’s owner.
Wait by the vehicle until help arrives.
If it is an emergency call 9-1-1. If it is a non-emergency, you can call Peterborough Police Service at 705-876-1122, or in the case of an animal situation you can also call the Ontario Animal Protection Unit, 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625).
For more information, visit the link.
Good Samaritan Brings Seven Kittens Found In Costco Parking Lot to Safety at The Peterborough Humane Society
/The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) posted to social media Thursday that seven kittens were brought in by a concerned citizen who found them abandoned in an oil bucket in the Costco parking lot.
photo courtesy of the peterborough humane society, facebook.
“We have done our Intake on them including vaccinations, deworming and deflea. We will do everything possible for these kittens to get them well and find them furever homes,” says the Peterborough Humane Society.
The seven kittens included two girls and five boys in varying conditions. PHS says they promise to keep the public updated on their progress.
“This post is meant to spread awareness, not blame,” the Humane Society goes on to say. “This is at the core of what we do. This is a reality of what PHS does on a day-to-day basis. Our staff are here to help. These kittens now have a fighting chance to heal.”
Peterborough Animal Care Centre Receives Grant of Over $1.5 Million From Provincial Government
/The Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) has received a grant of $1,560,500 from the Minister of Infrastructure of the Province of Ontario to continue its building development and expansions announced by MPP Dave Smith and the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) on Friday morning.
A stray kitten with Sarah Graham, PACC animal care attendant. The kitten and her siblings were found in an abandoned house with their mother Ursula. Photo by Samantha Bianco.
The funding will aid in several programs and project completions such as an off-leash public access dog park, trail system, memorial patio and garden space according to Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.
"It's directly supporting our programming, we're doing a lot of kids camps, we're going to be doing some programming around responsible pet ownership and facilitation of adoption,” he said.
Kassie Graham, PACC Marketing & Communications Coordinator (left) with Moose (middle) and Sarah Graham (right). Moose is up for adoption at the PACC and is behign showcased at the future site of the centre’s off-leash public access dog park. Photo by Samantha Bianco.
