Ottawa Humane Society is a 4-star charity with an above average results reporting grade of a B+. It is financially transparent, and its overhead costs are within Ci’s reasonable range for spending. Its reserve funds can cover its program costs for 2.5 years.  

Founded in 1888, Ottawa Humane Society (OTHS) cares for ill, injured, and homeless animals in Ottawa. OTHS wants to lead Ottawa in building a humane and compassionate community for all animals. The charity reunites lost pets with owners and cares for incoming animals waiting to be adopted. It also provides medical care for families unable to afford veterinary services. Ottawa Humane Society promotes public education and awareness of animal welfare. In fiscal 2023 (year ended March), 5,378 animals were admitted to the OTHS. 48% were cats, 19% were dogs, 25% were wildlife, and 8% were small animals. In F2023, OTHS spent $7.3m on its programs. The programs are Animal Shelter, Clinic, Volunteer and Outreach, and Youth Programs.

Animal Shelter – 59% of program spending

The animal shelter takes in lost, abandoned, or surrendered pets and cares for them.  In F2023, OTHS received 2,585 cats and kittens, 1,039 dogs and puppies, and 573 other pets. Ottawa Humane Society turned away zero pets. It has a 98% placement rate for treatable pets, and a 100% placement rate for healthy pets. 80% of animals brought to the shelter leave alive. OTHS only euthanizes animals who are injured and ill with no hope of recovering.

Clinic – 18% of program spending

Ottawa is experiencing a pet affordability crisis, with many families unable to afford proper care for their pets. In its Clinic program, Ottawa Humane Society provides medical care for suffering animals, and animals from low-income families. In F2023, OTHS completed 1,914 spays and neuters, 523 dental procedures, and 543 x-rays. OTHS also completed 2,054 surgeries, a 53% increase from F2022.

Volunteer and Outreach – 18% of program spending

Ottawa Humane Society’s Volunteer and Outreach program funds volunteers who provide foster care for shelter animals. In F2023, 395 foster volunteers housed 820 cats, 87 dogs, and 138 small animals. OTHS also organizes three outreach programs: Animal Education for Newcomers of Canada, Pet Savvy, and Shelter Buddies. These programs provide resources and education about animal welfare to the public.

Youth Programs – 5% of program spending

The Youth Programs provide children with education on animal care as well as resources on animal welfare careers. Some of the programs include summer camps, pet sitting courses, tours, and birthday parties. In F2023, 406 children attended the OTHS camps. 

Ottawa Humane Society received $13.4m in donations and special events revenue, a 32% increase from $10.1m in F2022. In F2023, OHS also received $988k in government funding. Administrative costs are 10% of revenue and fundraising costs are 20% of donations and special events revenue. In F2023, OTHS spent 30% on overhead costs. This means that for every dollar donated, 70 cents are available to go to the cause. In F2023, the charity’s program spending was 48% of revenues.

Ottawa Humane Society has $17.7m in reserve funds, a 30% increase from $13.6m in F2022. This is enough funds to cover two years and five months of program costs. 

In F2023, Ottawa Humane Society paid external fundraisers $364k to raise $157k in donations. For every dollar they raise, $2.32 is being paid to external fundraisers. This means that more money is being paid to fundraisers than is being collected by them. In F2022, 32 cents of every dollar raised were paid to external fundraisers.  

Profile updated on May 27, 2024 by Abby Stout