No one likes to see a young animal or bird alone without its parent. As we move into baby wildlife season, many concerned people call, believing they have found young wild animals or birds that have been abandoned by their parents or are concerned for the safety of the animals. However, it is more likely the parent is out searching for food, or people have frightened the parent away.

Unless the parent is found dead nearby, it is most probable that the adult will return to the baby as soon as people are not around. The RHS understands that people are concerned about the animals and bring them into a shelter with the best intentions; however, doing so may prove deadly for the young animal once it is separated from its parent. While young birds and animals may be cute, leaving them where they are is best.

The RHS advises the public who encounter baby wildlife to keep the following in mind:

• If a young bird has fallen out of the nest, you may return it to the nest if it is in immediate danger, but it is best to leave it alone. Many fledglings spend a period of time on the ground after leaving the nest as part of learning to fly;
• If you find a young hare with no obvious injuries, leave it alone or put it back where it was found because the mother is nearby and will return once you leave. She will not reject it because you touched it;
• Most young wild animals do very poorly in captivity. The best chance for their survival is to be reunited with their mother;
• It is especially important to avoid contact with young raccoons and skunks because they can be carriers of rabies and parasites;
• It is against the law to keep a wild animal.

We also receive calls in the spring about geese and other birds nesting in unusual places such as parking lots, fields, or alleys. Unless the bird is injured, it is best to leave it alone. While the location of the nest may seem unusual to us, the birds have chosen it based on their natural instincts and will very likely be just fine if left alone.

If you are concerned about a young wild animal and an adult animal has not been seen for several days or the animal is injured, contact your local conservation officer or the Provincial Capital Commission (operators of Wascana Centre), if within the park, for assistance.

There is rarely a good reason to remove a young wild animal from its natural environment.

While Halloween can be a scary good time for kids and families, it can be a nightmare for pets! This year, take the stress and danger out of Halloween by following a few easy steps:

• Keep treats away from your pets – Halloween treats can be toxic to your dog or cat- especially chocolate, with dark chocolate being the worst. Many can also be a choking hazard due to their size, shape or wrapping.
• Keep pets away from the door – Besides the possibility that Boots may bolt out the door, pets can be stressed or frightened by costumes and noise from Trick or Treaters. It is best to keep them in a room away from the Halloween action. If you use a candle to illuminate your pumpkin, be sure to keep your pets clear to avoid any burns or fire risks.
• Avoid leaving pets in the yard – Pets may become agitated if left outside during Halloween noise and movement. By keeping them inside, you also avoid excited Halloween’ers who may offer your pet treats that could be harmful or mischief makers who could hurt them.
• Leave the dog at home – While taking the dog Trick or Treating with the kids may seem like a great opportunity for a walk, your dog could be frightened by all the people, noise, and costumes and may react unpredictably towards others.
• Exercise caution with burn or fire hazards – Decorative candles and electrical cords should be kept out of reach from curious pets.
• ID’s, please – Always make sure that your dog or cat has proper identification. If, for any reason, your pet escapes or becomes lost, a collar and tags or microchip can be a lifesaver, increasing the chances your pet will be returned to you.

Happy Halloween!

Pet rabbits make wonderful companions with their gentle nature and adorable personalities. Whether you’re a first-time rabbit owner or have had rabbits before, providing them with proper care is essential for their well-being. Here’s a guide to help ensure that your pet rabbit stays happy and healthy.

1. Creating a Safe and Comfortable Environment: Rabbits need a spacious and secure enclosure that allows them to hop, stretch, and explore. A large indoor cage or a hutch with ample room is ideal, but providing them with regular supervised access to a safe outdoor space can also be beneficial. Make sure the enclosure is well-ventilated, free from drafts, and protected from extreme temperatures. Line the floor with soft bedding, which provides comfort as well as entertainment.

2. A Balanced Diet for Optimal Health: A rabbit’s diet should primarily consist of fresh hay, as it promotes healthy digestion and wears down their continuously erupting teeth. Provide a variety of leafy greens and vegetables, such as kale, romaine lettuce, and parsley, while avoiding foods that are toxic to rabbits, like onions and rhubarb. Additionally, offer a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. Fresh water should always be available, preferably provided through a drip bottle or heavy bowl to prevent tipping.

3. Mental Stimulation and Exercise: Rabbits are naturally curious and active animals, so it’s important to provide them with mental and physical stimulation. Offer toys, tunnels, and chewable items to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Cardboard boxes and tunnels can serve as hiding spots and provide a sense of security. Regularly supervised playtime outside the enclosure allows rabbits to exercise and explore their surroundings but be cautious of potential hazards or predators.

4. Grooming and Hygiene: Rabbits are meticulous groomers themselves, but they may require some assistance in maintaining their coat and overall hygiene. Regularly brush their fur to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Long-haired breeds may need more frequent grooming. Check their nails regularly and trim them if they become too long, or consult a veterinarian for assistance. Dental health is crucial for rabbits, as their teeth continuously erupt. Monitor their eating habits and weight for any signs of dental problems. Consult with your veterinarian should you observe any changes in eating habits or weight.

5. Veterinary Care and Socialization: Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian to ensure your pet’s health and catch any potential issues early on. Vaccinations, spaying, or neutering might be recommended by your vet to prevent certain health conditions and behavioral problems. Rabbits are social animals, so spending time with them is essential for their well-being. Rabbits tend to prefer to interact with you on their level and often do not favour being picked up. Always be gentle when picking up your rabbit, ensuring you are supporting their hind legs securely. Never restrain or pick up a rabbit by using its ears!

By following these guidelines and providing your pet rabbit with love, attention, and proper care, you can create a happy and healthy environment for them to thrive in. The joy and companionship they bring in return will make it all worthwhile as you build a lasting bond with your furry friend.

Be it walks, taking an RHS dog training class or even a little swimming when the water warms, keeping your dog mentally and physically active will help burn off access energy and avoid boredom – and the associated issues that can result such as chewing on your favourite shoes! Getting into a regular routine of exercise and play will do wonders for your dog – and you too!

Here are some great tips to help keep your pooch happy and active!

1. Go for a discovery walk – It’s not always how far you walk, but what you DO on that walk. Dogs love to explore, sniffing around almost anything to see who’s been there and to take in all the smells of their surroundings. Why not go for a 40-minute walk and let your dog spend as much time as she wants to sniff around a tree or whatever she wants – and let her choose where the walk goes! You may only get a block or two, but your dog will love it and be ready for a snooze when you get home. All that nosework will be tiring!
2. Break out the toys – Dogs love to play. Playing provides not only physical exercise, but it can also exercise their mind.  You can use a toy to reward a good “sit” or simply toss it across the yard and have him bring it back. Hiding treats under one of 3 or 4 upside-down buckets will get his detective skills going as he tries to figure out which bucket contains the treasure. Keep an assortment of toys and games on hand to keep things interesting!
3. Take a training class – The RHS offers a variety of classes that are all based on play and reward. From the basics in our Foundation 101 class and Leash Reactivity, to Agility and Nosework, learning new skills not only provides excellent exercise and stimulation, it develops overall good behaviour and habits. You can check out all the classes on our dog training website.
4. Play scent games – Hide some treats in a few boxes or containers around the room and encourage your dog to sniff them out. Make it easy at first by only loosely covering the treats so she learns the game. Gradually make it a little more challenging by changing the hiding places and more tightly closing the container to keep the game fun.
5. Go for a run – Winters usually mean a lot of time spent on the couch while the snow and wind blow outside. Time to get outside! Going for a gentle run or jog will help both you and your pet shake off the winter blues. Start easy at first and gradually build up speed and distance at a pace you are both comfortable with. Be sure to have a solid harness and a leash no more than six feet long to keep everyone close and safe. Having some water for both of you is a good idea too. If running at night, be seen with clothing with reflective striping. Or,  why not attach a small light to your dog’s collar for extra visibility? These are inexpensive and can be purchased at most pet stores.
6. Practice some old tricks – Has it been a while since you put in a good session of “sit”, “down” or “rollover”? Grab a few treats and review some old tricks and maybe even add a few new ones. There’s plenty of inspiration to be found with reward-based online videos or training classes.
7. Challenge him with a puzzle toy – Instead of feeding your pet in her bowl, put her kibble in a puzzle toy. These games can be homemade or purchased, and usually allow you to hide kibble or treats under removable covers or sliding drawers. Others require your dog to roll or manipulate the toy to release kibble.  Pets may not understand the game at first so be prepared to show them how it works so they don’t get frustrated.

Whatever activities you choose, be sure that they are ones both you and your pet enjoy. Remember, the goal is exercise and mental stimulation, but you want it to be fun too!

The Regina Humane Society (RHS) is asking you to help make the holidays merry and bright for 160 homeless pets currently waiting to find their special someone in an adoption campaign aiming to send each one Home for the Holidays.

What better gift to give a homeless animal than a caring family and a warm home? If an individual or family has carefully considered their decision and the responsibility of a new pet, the holidays can be an optimum time to adopt. This time of year, families are more likely to have more time to spend with each other and with their new companion animal.

Pet Promise Certificates for a new companion animal are the perfect way to honour the holiday wishes of someone who has expressed a sustained interest in owning a pet and has the ability to care for it responsibly. Despite the common misconception of pets as gifts, research shows that pets acquired in this manner actually are less likely to be relinquished than pets acquired by the individual themselves. RHS Pet Promise Certificates can be easily downloaded here and printed for holiday gift-giving.

Every RHS adoption includes spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, tattoo, microchip and a post-adoption veterinarian exam at a local clinic. Animals available for adoption can be viewed 24/7 here.

Think outside the box – help a shelter pet go Home for the Holidays!

Click here to sponsor a homeless shelter pet’s adoption today!

Summer’s here and with pandemic restrictions set to ease, many will be looking to do some traveling to visit friends and family or simply get away for some rest and relaxation! If you’re intending to take your pets with you, be it across the country or to visit friends at the lake, be sure to plan ahead.  Here are our top ten tips to ensure a happy and safe vacation for everyone!

1. Visit the vet.
   Consider scheduling a visit to the vet before you leave on holidays to ensure your pet is healthy, up to date on vaccinations and able to make the trip. It is also a great time to pick up any medications that may be required for an extended time away from home. Also, make a list of vets in the area that you will be vacationing in, just in case.
2. Plan your stay ahead of time.
   If you plan to stay in a hotel, resort or campground, check to ensure that the it allows for your type of pet. Some accommodations may say they’re pet friendly but have restrictions on the size of the animal and require your pet to be crated if left alone.
3. Pack well.
   Pack all of your pet supplies including leash and harness, food and water from home (and a bowl for use while traveling), required medications, vaccination and ownership papers, first aid kit and a couple of favourite toys for comfort.
4. Buckle up.
   Pets should always be secured while traveling by car with a properly fitting car harness or in an appropriately sized carrier or kennel.  Unsecured pets could be severely injured or injure others in case of an accident.
5. Watch the windows.
   Avoid letting your pet stick their head out the window while you drive. Although they may love having the wind blow through their fur, they are subject to injury from insects or highway debris.
6. Take a break.
   Make the journey comfortable for your pet by planning plenty of rest stops so your pet can stretch their legs and visit the nearest tree if needed.
7. Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle, even for a few minutes.
   Temperatures can rise very quickly to levels that can result in severe injury to your pet or even death. Rolling down the windows or leaving the air conditioning running are not suitable solutions.
8. Know the rules.
   Make sure you know local laws at your destination; some may ban or restrict certain types of animals or specific breeds. Also, be sure to know the rules with respect to where you can and cannot walk with your pet such as parks and beach areas.
9. Watch out.
   Although your pet may do very well-off leash at home, it’s not always the same case in a new area where sounds, smells, traffic and other animals (including wildlife) may differ. Avoid any wandering and keep a close eye on your pet.
10. Ensure identification is clear and accurate.
    Should your pet become separated from you, clear and accurate identification is critical in finding your pet. Be sure your pet is properly identified with collar tags and microchip and that all of your contact information with your vet and the microchip company are up to date. Whenever possible include a collar tag with your contact information when away from home, such as a cellphone number, so you can easily be reached on the road.

Safe travels!

When we find a litter of kittens, our good-hearted instincts tell us to rush to the aid of these fragile felines immediately. Thankfully, human intervention is typically not required in most cases.. In fact, in most cases when kittens are only a few weeks of age, the best thing we can do is leave the kittens alone. Mom will likely return shortly, and it’s critical that the kittens remain in her care during this time as she offers the best chance for their survival.

If you find kittens, and are absolutely certain that they are orphaned, you can then step in and help by caring for the kittens until they’re old enough to find homes. Our easy to read chart will help you determine what the steps to take if you’ve found kittens with, or without, a mom.

Thinking about bringing kittens to the Shelter?

During kitten season, which lasts from April until October, the RHS can become overrun with kittens. It is critical to the health of all animals in our care that that we do not exceed our capacity to provide that care in a humane and effective way, and within our available resources. Please care for the kittens in your home until they’re eight weeks old. Our Wait ‘Til 8 Program will provide supplies, food and guidance to assist you as you foster the kittens until they are old enough to find new homes.

Click here to learn more about what to do when you find roaming animals.

Our world has changed. In the face of a global pandemic, we’ve all shifted how we work and live to keep our community safe. But there is one thing that hasn’t changed. The Regina Humane Society is still here for animals in need 24 hours a day. We can’t close our doors to animals in dire need. We continue to provide safe shelter, veterinary care, rehabilitation and animal protection services no matter what is happening beyond our doors.

We’ve always relied on the generosity of people like you to keep the Shelter operating. But right now, we need you more than ever as we struggle in the face of declining resources and money. With many of our critical programs, events and fundraisers canceled or postponed, today we are calling on you for your compassion, strong sense of community and urgent support to help care for animals in need.

Your donation, no matter the size, helps animals just like Reese. The very pregnant mom-to-be was wandering alone, scared and struggling, when she was rescued. Upon settling into the safety of the Shelter, she gave birth to eight healthy and adorable pups. Rolo, Henry, Heath, Ruth, Pixie, Dot, Patty and Lolly arrived under the watchful eye of our veterinary team. We’re so happy to share that this canine family is doing well in foster care and soon all nine will be ready for adoption.

With so much going on, and an uncertain economy, it’s hard for us to come to you right now, asking for your support. But we know, no matter what is happening in the world, that your concern for animals suffering neglect, abuse or abandonment hasn’t changed.

Will you make a donation to ensure we can keep helping animals at this critical time?

Click here to donate to our COVID-19 Relief Fund. 

RHS Animal Protection Officer McNeill was there when Kong needed her most. The young dog was exhausted from running and was suffering from a snout full of porcupine quills when she came to his aid. The frightened pup began to relax as her kind words and gentle touch reassured him that there was nothing to fear.

Following surgery to remove the quills, Kong’s sad mug was replaced by the goofiest slobbery smile as his injuries began to heal. As is often the case, more porcupine quills requiring removal surfaced over the next week extending Kong’s stay at the RHS for a full recovery. During that time, his goofy personality and clown-like antics captured the hearts of everyone he met. Fully healed, Kong was made available for adoption last week and charmed his way into the heart of his new dad too!

Thanks to our generous community, we are able to be there for desperate animals who are alone and scared 24 hours a day. We’re all wishing you a lifetime of safe and happy adventures, Kong!

Before the pandemic, things were moving fast. We were often too busy for hobbies, family dinners, and that phone call with an old friend that we meant to have. With the need for social distancing though, we’ve been given time to slow down. We’ve been granted an opportunity to reflect on the things we have.

Here at the Regina Humane Society (RHS), we too are looking past the chaos and uncertainty and finding the good. We see kindness each day in our selfless staff who are committed to providing the best possible care to vulnerable animals in need. Although we have paused our volunteer programs at this time, we know we have a team of incredible people waiting on standby, willing to help when given the opportunity. We have amazing foster families available to provide temporary sanctuary to animals in need of extra care. We have supporters that stand with us no matter how great the storm.

The RHS is very fortunate for the goodness that surrounds us, however, much still remains unknown. Due to the uncertainty of the pandemic, many revenue generating programs have been halted and events have been postponed or canceled. But the constant need to provide care for animals remains unchanged and with this, we need your continued support more than ever.

We recognize that life is challenging for many right now, however if you’re able to, please consider making a donation to the RHS so we can continue to do what we do best – improving the lives of animals in our community.

A young pup’s curiosity can be one of its most endearing qualities. But when that curiosity leads to a porcupine, the result can be anything but pleasant. Young Flynn was particularly unlucky when his encounter drew the full brunt of a porcupine’s defenses earlier this month.

While clearly painful, porcupine quills can have devastating effects on their victim. Due to their pointed structure and backward facing barbs, quills tend to move inward and continue to push deeper into the animal’s body over time. While many animals recover from their injuries, some quills can work their way into the nervous system, nasal cavities and even the heart and lungs causing a myriad of problems – some being fatal.

Fortunately, Flynn was found and brought to the Shelter shortly following the attack and Regina Humane Society (RHS) Veterinarians meticulously removed the quills. Despite removing hundreds of quills, his prognosis was positive – in fact looking at him now, you can hardly tell he ever met a porcupine! After being monitored for several weeks, Flynn was ready to start his search for a forever home and lucky for Flynn, his search did not take long as he was adopted just two hours after being made available!