Peterborough Humane Society Packs Its Bags To Move Into the New Peterborough Animal Care Centre

It’s moving day for the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) as they have begun shifting their operations from their Lansdowne Street location into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) on Tuesday.

Roughly 100 animals were moved to the new location but the space is not yet open to the public. The Peterborough Humane Society closed its Lansdowne Street operation as of Saturday. It served as a holding facility for the animals. The new PACC features an animal adoption and education centre, a spay-and-neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre.

It has already been funded by almost $10 million in community donations but requires another $2.5 million to complete all projects and construction according to Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

“We're just doing some final finishes and final touching that need to be done to get us prepared for occupancy and allow the public to come on-site,” he said. “Staff can get into the space because a lot of them haven't been in this space yet, get to know the facility and experience it. We can test out all the bugs and make sure that it's ready to rock when we can open to the public.”

Individuals, organizations and groups have helped fund the animal care centre and Morey is grateful for the outreach and support of the new building.

“It just shows the pride that Peterborough has for their animals,” he said.

@ptbo_canada The Peterborough Humane Society has moved into the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre in Technology Drive! The new facility features an animal, adoption and education centre, a spay-and-neuter clinic and a dog rehabilitation centre! ##fyp##ptbo##ptbocanada##humanesociety##peterbroroughhumanesociety##journalism##journalismlife##journalist##journalistlife##animals##animal##animaltok##animaltiktok##animalwelfare##animalshelter ♬ Best background music for corporate CM, company description videos, etc. - harryfaoki

Services that were available at the Peterborough Humane Society are still provided during the move such as licensing (new or renewals) and appointment-only viewings and adoptions are available.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

Tuesday also marks ‘Betty White Day’ as she was renowned for her passion for animals and her acting career. The day was created shortly after her passing prior to New Year’s Day of 2022 and was an initiative to encourage the world to contribute to animal welfare. Last year, roughly $20,000 was raised for the PACC in honour of the late beloved actress. A count has not yet been released since the PHS is still awaiting a final count.

Donations can be made throughout the week and can be done online.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Humane Society Moves Operations to New Animal Care Centre; Betty White Fundraiser Day On Tuesday

The Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) has begun moving its operations to the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) and has closed the Lansdowne Street location announced on Friday.

Photo courtesy of the Peterborough Humane Society.

The new location is at 1999 Technology Dr. as the Lansdowne Street location finally closed after 65 years on Saturday. 

Construction for the new centre is not fully complete with minor projects in progress internally, with landscaping and other outdoor developments that will continue into the spring according to a press release.

“This is an exciting time at PHS, but as it will take us a bit of time to settle in we appreciate the community’s patience and support as we make this transition. We are pleased and very proud to soon welcome everyone to our new home to experience this community space, built to revolutionize animal wellness.” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

A soft opening is projected for mid-February with a grand opening planned in the spring.

PHS is also celebrating “Betty White Day” on Tuesday to help raise funds for the PACC.

“Last year the ‘Betty White Challenge’, celebrated in honour of the late philanthropist’s 100th birthday, helped PHS raise over $20,000,” said Morey. “We hope the community will honour Betty again this year and will celebrate our big move with us by contributing to our capital campaign.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Police Launch 'K9 Calendar' Fundraiser For Peterborough Animal Care Centre

You can hang up 12 months’ worth of dog pictures anywhere in support of the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) and the Peterborough Animal Care Centre as the Peterborough Police Service has launched their first-ever ‘K9 Calendar’ fundraiser announced on Thursday.

Jamie Hartneett, inspector of operations; Pixie, facility dog and Alice Czitrom, victim services coordinator unveiling the first-ever K9 calendar. Pixie has been with the Peterborough Police Service since January of 2020. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The calendar features photos of the police K9 Unit with police dogs such as PSD Isaac, PSD Gryphon, PSD Mag and their handlers Cons. Bob Cowie and Cons. Dillon Wentworth – along with facility dog Pixie and her handler Alice Czitrom.

The calendar costs $20 with all proceeds going to the PHS’s Peterborough Animal Care Centre. Calendars can be purchased online at their website. Calendar pickups are at the Peterborough Police Station, located at 500 Water St. between 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. 

The K9 Calendar has the latest statistics on the work of both K9 Unit and Facility Dog Pixie in Victim Services and a section dedicated to past Police Service Dogs and handlers.

“This project has been in the works since January.  We feel it’s a neat way to connect with our community and share the great work our canine officers and their handlers do each shift.” says Tim Farquharson, Peterborough Police Service acting chief. “It’s also important for us to give back to our community.  As such the proceeds from the sale of the calendars will go to the Peterborough Humane Society’s Animal Care Centre.”

“We are excited to not only have the new Peterborough Animal Care Centre highlighted in the 2023 Calendar but for the funds to also be supporting Our Pet Project capital campaign to build the new Centre.” shared Shawn Morey, PHS executive director.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre’s construction is scheduled to finish before the end of the year with a soft opening in January. This Centre hosts three programs: a publicly accessible Spay and Neuter Clinic, an Education and Adoption Centre and a cutting-edge Dog Rehabilitation Centre. The Centre also features a community hub, an off-leash dog park, a private event space and a patio.

"A lot of our members are animal lovers,” said Jamie Hartnett, Peterborough Police inspector of operations. “Peterborough Police have always been engaged with the community aspect of it, community policing and this is just another example of why we love our community.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Kawartha Downs Donates $25,000 Towards Construction Completion of Peterborough Animal Care Centre

Caring about more than just horses, Kawartha Downs Raceway has donated $25,000 towards the Peterborough Humane Society (PHS) to help complete construction of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC) announced on Wednesday.

The Peterborough Animal Care Centre will be over 24,000 square feet and include a state-of-the art Animal Adoption & Education Centre, Publicly Accessible & High-Volume Spay/Neuter Clinic and a Provincial Dog Rehabilitation Centre. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

In recognition of the donation, a dog adoption suite will be named in honour of Kawartha Downs and will also be recognized on the Donor Wall located in the lobby of the new PACC.

“Kawartha Downs provides entertainment for families and supports the community. We are also all animal lovers her,” shared Summer Nickerson-Hagen of Kawartha Downs. “Kawartha Downs would like to recognize the hard work and dedication of the Peterborough Animal Care Centre in caring for our community’s most vulnerable pets.”

“Support from local businesses like Kawartha Downs is extremely important to the success of this project,” said Shawn Morey, PHS executive director. “This new Centre will set a new standard in animal wellness and care, Peterborough will be part of a Canadian-first, which will support our local businesses and community.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Commemorative Animals in War Pins Raise Money for Animal Centres This Remembrance Day

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society honour Canada’s veterans and the animals that served alongside them with commemorative Animals in War pins this Remembrance Day.

Photo courtesy of The Ontario SPCA.

Proceeds from the pins sold will help the Ontario SPCA animal centres across the province. One dollar from each pin sold will be donated to Royal Canadian Legion branches in Ontario SPCA animal centre communities.

The pin is intended to be worn alongside the poppy and represents the sacrifice made by animals who have served and continue to serve, alongside Canada’s veterans.

The Animals in War campaign was first launched in 2017. Commemorative pins have included a horse, dog, pigeon, cat and a limited edition pin in honour of the women who have served in Canada’s military.

Mules carried artillery, horses transported troops and hauled field guns, pigeons delivered crucial messages, cats served as companions and kept ships free of vermin and dogs served as messengers, medical assistants, bomb detectors and search and rescue workers.

Pins can be ordered at ontariospca.ca/remember.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Peterborough Animal Care Centre Retail Area Named Jade’s Pet Boutique’ In New Partnership With Can-Pet

As construction nears its final stages for the Peterborough Animal Care Centre (PACC), its retail area will be named Can-Pet has become a new partner ‘Jade’s Pet Boutique’ in an new partnership announced Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Peterborough Humane Society.

The boutique is named after Jade, Nick Nicoloff’s late dog, who is the principle and vice president of Can-Pet Inc. Jade served as the ‘President and CEO’ and Can-Pet ambassador who came into work every day for 17 years.

“When I saw the stories on the news of the shelters across the country facing record surrender numbers and capacity levels and need for resources, I knew we needed to step in and help however we could,” said Nicoloff.

Jade also served as a therapy dog at long-term care homes with her mom Cindy. Nicoloff and the Can-Pet team look to honour her and all the amazing animals in our lives at this boutique.

Construction at PACC is expected to be completed in late fall with the Humane Society moving in by year’s end.

The Peterborough Humane Society is currently fundraising for the capital campaign, with multiple naming opportunities available. Those interested in becoming part of Our Pet Project can visit www.ourpetproject.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Grand Opening of Pet Spa For Local Couple In Downtown Peterborough

Local couple and co-owners Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown had their grand opening of Peterborough’s newest animal paradise, Roman & Co. Pet Spa on Tuesday.

Co-owner Janeine Sali, grooming cockapoo Ellie, the business’s first-ever client in their grand opening on Tuesday. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The pet spa offers grooming (nail trimming, de-shedding, etc.), cleaning and bathing for dogs only. Cat services are available in the future at an undisclosed date according to the couple.

Roman and Co. highlighted the importance of supporting local as they collaborated with several small businesses.

They sell products from Pip & Penny Co., a small business that makes pet bandanas. Pip also sells bowties and scrunchies for dogs and quilts and catnip pouches for cats online.

The spa sells gourmet dog cookies from Douro-based business HappyNess Cookies.

Sali had the business idea during the height of the pandemic but put plans into motion roughly two months ago.

The new entrepreneur said she could have made a career in several different paths with her love of animals but decided a pet spa was the best option.

“I really love the satisfying feeling of making a dog look good but making them feel comfortable," said Sali. “You really get to know them as an individual when they keep coming back. They become like one of your own.”

@ptbo_canada Meet Peterborough’s newest pet spa, @RomanCoPetSpa! Locally owned by couple Janeine Sali and Ryan Brown! Bring in your dog or cat for some grooming and/or a wash! #ptbo #ptbocanada #pet #pets #petlover #petsoftiktok #dog #dogsoftiktok #cat #catsoftiktok #smallbusiness #petspa #downtown #peterborough #supportlocal ♬ Hound Dog - Elvis Presley

The business took over the previous Mr. Brock Barber Shop located on 221 Brock St. The building has been a barbershop since the 1820s according to Sali. The spa is honouring the building’s history since its transformation such as keeping several relics and trademark items on display.

“I really want to keep a lot of the history alive,” said Sali. “We wanted to keep a lot of the things the same, keep all the antique stuff that was left here and a tribute month for all the people who were in here in past. It's an honour to be in this building.”

Sali had named the business after her German Shepard, Roman. The spa is open five days a week by appointment only and is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Local Dog Trainer Holds Grand Opening Of First Brick-And-Mortar Store

It has been nine years in the making for dog trainer Ineke Turner as she opened her first brick-and-mortar business, Turner & Pooch Dog Training, in a grand opening on Tuesday afternoon.

(From left to right) Tiffany Acari, Peterborough Chamber media and member relations; Ineke Turner, Turner & Pooch owner and Nigel Broersma, Chamber member relations coordinator performing the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Turner’s first business.

The business provides dog training classes either in groups of up to four or private lessons alongside a trainer.

This is the first business that Turner has opened since her nine years as a dog trainer.

"I am scared out of my mind but I’m really excited to be here and help people with their dogs,” she said.

Turner was training dogs at Del Crary and Millenium Park for the past nine years. The rapport and relationships she developed working at the parks gave her the confidence to open her first store according to Turner.

“I've always wanted to have an indoor space just to be able to provide more service to people,” she explained.

While most businesses have suffered from the COVID-19 pandemic, it provided the opposite effect for Turner. She noticed that several households were taking in more dogs as pets to aid in mental health during the height of the pandemic.

“With a lot of covid puppies, I was able to have that opportunity a lot quicker,” said Turner.

Turner & Pooch Dog Training is located at 142 Simcoe St. in downtown Peterborough.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Auto Connect Sales To Host Furry Friends For Adoption From Four Lucky Paws Animal Rescue On Saturday

Auto Connect Sales will be hosting Four Lucky Paws Animal Rescue on Saturday, in hopes to find some furry friends homes in Peterborough.

Four Lucky Paws with Banner the Dane, and Cheryl Watson at Auto Connect Sales. Photo courtesy of Auto Connect Sales.

From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Auto Connect Sales will be filled with dogs and puppies available for adoption.

The public is welcome to drop in, visit some dogs and participate in their silent auction, face painting and barbeque, with proceeds going towards animal care.

Cheryl Watson, from Auto Connect, says prior to opening their Lansdowne location she worked with Katelyn Hubbert, the founder of Four Lucky Paws.

“We always try to do as many charitable thing as we can,” said Watson. “Now, here we are, we have the opportunity to help even more than before and we’re just hoping to bring more awareness to her rescue, and help find some puppies a home.”

Hubbert started this rescue on her own in 2014.

“That’s not an easy thing to do, start something from scratch,” said Watson. “I’m so proud of what she’s accomplished so far.”

Four Lucky Paws is a foster-based rescue, meaning they do not have a physical shelter for animals in their care.

Individuals sign up to temporarily house dogs until someone reaches out to adopt.

Four Lucky Paws relies on donations and volunteers to fund medical care, food, supplies, and training. All dogs in their care are spayed or neutered before adoption.

Watson hopes that even if they aren’t ready to adopt, those that come on Saturday may consider fostering a dog, or donating to allow Four Lucky Paws to continue the work they do.

“Even if you can’t adopt a dog right now, who doesn’t want to come snuggle a puppy for a day?”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.


Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre Urgently Seeking Volunteer Drivers

The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre is seeking volunteer drivers to be turtle taxis, transporting injured turtles from around the province to the clinic announced Wednesday.

File Photo.

Drivers would carry turtles after meeting with other taxis and transport them in roughly 60 to 90-minute interval trips to their destination.

The Centre is the only accredited turtle hospital in the province.

"They (turtles) come in from all over Ontario, we have 1,500 turtles that come in per year approximately," said Dr. Sue Carstairs, Conservation Centre executive and medical director.

Anyone can register to be a volunteer or get more information by emailing volunteer@ontarioturtle.ca.

If you see an injured turtle in Ontario, you can contact the centre to get it transported from one of 900 volunteer drivers across the province or bring it in yourself.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.