Oshawa declares July as Animal Services month

The City of Oshawa has proclaimed July 2019 as ‘Oshawa Animal Services Month’ to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the Oshawa Animal Services (OAS) team in ensuring the safety, health and protection of animals.

The OAS staff team, including supervisor Kathy Pittman-Feltham along with shelter volunteers were on hand at the June 24, 2019 Council meeting for the proclamation announcement. At the meeting, Council recognized the staff team and volunteers for their hard work and success.

Oshawa Animal Services, led by supervisor Kathy Pittman-Feltham, has introduced a number of creative and exciting initiatives at the shelter, which have achieved success across many areas, including increased adoptions and enhanced community partnerships.

Examples include:
• Launched Oshawa Animal Services Facebook Page, which has grown to over 4,300 followers in less than a year
• Partnered with local pet stores and veterinarians to offer low-cost microchip and rabies vaccination clinics
• Organized a Living with Coyotes Information Session
• Partnered with over 40 rescue organizations across the province to increase positive outcomes for all the animals in their care
• Hosted the Raising Money For Tesha campaign and silent auction in February to raise funds for the care of a rescued dog named Tesha who was found abandoned and needed a critical surgery
• Offered a Vet for a Day Drawing Contest as part of May 2018 is Responsible Pet Ownership Month
• Introduced #AdoptDontShop – a Pet of the Month social media campaign
• Continue to partner with eight offsite adoption partners
• Launched a new volunteer animal enrichment program
• Offered a number of creative adoption promotions, including Puppuccinos at Starbucks, Puppy Pawty adoption promotion for a mother and her puppies, and preferred adoption rates for capacity situations

In 2018, OAS adopted 450+ cats, 100+ dogs and 70+ small animals. To date this year, OAS has found homes for more than 310 animals and has returned over 70 pets to their owners.

Get Involved

Consider volunteering. The program offers opportunities for dog walking, feline enrichment, small animal enrichment and/or adoption promotion. Animals in care benefit from additional time spent with a volunteer; the volunteer makes a difference and changes the lives of the animals in a positive way.

Those unable to donate their time but interested in giving back can consider donating. The shelter accepts monetary donations, shelter supplies, pet leashes, food and litter, gift cards, enrichment toys and more. Funds received go towards extenuating medical treatments as well as enrichment and programming activities and supplies.

The OAS team were on hand for the June 24 Council meeting where July was proclaimed ‘Oshawa Animal Services Month.’

For more information on donating, call Oshawa Animal Services at 905-436-3311 or visit the shelter in-person at 919 Farewell Street.

“On behalf of City Council and the Oshawa community, we thank our Animal Services Supervisor Kathy Pittman-Feltham for her extraordinary work and dedication,” said Mayor Dan Carter. “We also sincerely thank the committed Animal Services staff team and our dedicated volunteers for their hard work to help animals in need in our city.”

Share with:


Leave a Reply