Why This Matters and What We Need to Do

We value transparency and want to continue being open with you about our situation. This summer, our shelter has experienced a significant shortage of volunteers across all areas, leading our core team to take on multiple roles within our fully volunteer-run organization. As a result, other important tasks—beyond the direct care of our cats—have been sidelined. It's crucial that we now focus on catching up.

The flat out refusal by city counsel to implement cat bylaws in the City of Orillia (despite being handed up-to-date research and done-for-you bylaws by CCS) has led to a surge in surrenders, including owner surrenders, strays, and abandoned felines. Additionally, the lack of regulations has contributed to an increase in kitten mills, further straining our resources. Recently, we found a box of six tiny kittens, taped shut and left outside our shelter after hours. Thankfully, we managed to rescue them in time, but one kitten has neurological issues and another had a botfly in its neck. This is just one example of the many challenges we've faced this summer.

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Furthermore, without regulations for indoor cat keeping and affordable spay/neuter services, we see a growing problem of stray cat overpopulation. To address this, we need a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in our city.

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Given our current available shelter space, we are now at full capacity and must concentrate on the care and adoption of our existing shelter residents. We have been offering adoption discounts for the past three months, and we will continue to focus on this to help our cats find homes.

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We appreciate the community’s support and understanding as we make necessary adjustments to maintain our high standards of care. To help us in this effort, we are temporarily closing our surrender intake. If you find a stray or need to rehome a cat, please reach out to other rescue organizations or shelters, search social media groups, or use Google to find alternatives.

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Here’s what will continue with some changes:

• ADOPTIONS: We will still accept and review adoption applications. Meet and greets will be scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

• PETSMART: Our partnership with Petsmart will remain unchanged.

• SURRENDERS: We will not be accepting any new surrenders until further notice.

• VISITS: Shelter visits will be by appointment only. Please call us to schedule a visit.

• EVENTS: All events and functions will resume as planned.

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Thank you for your understanding and continued support.