Oshawa Animal Services Shares Responsible Pet Ownership, Adoption and Coyote Safety Advice at Rotary Club of Oshawa Event

When a pet goes missing, the search to bring that animal home often begins with a simple question: can the owner be found?

Behind that question is the work of organizations like Oshawa Animal Services, where staff respond every day to lost, abandoned and vulnerable animals while helping reunite pets with their families or prepare them for new homes.

That work was the focus this week as the Rotary Club of Oshawa welcomed Alyce McEachnie from Oshawa Animal Services to discuss responsible pet ownership, adoption and how residents can support animal welfare in the community.

McEachnie provided members and guests with insight into the shelter’s daily operations, explaining the steps taken whenever an animal comes into municipal care. The priority is always to locate the owner through identification tags, licensing records and microchips before moving to veterinary care, behavioural assessments and adoption services when reunification is not possible.

She encouraged residents to take simple but important steps to improve the chances of lost pets returning home, including keeping pets licensed, ensuring identification tags are updated and maintaining current microchip information.

The presentation also highlighted that Oshawa Animal Services cares for more than just dogs and cats. The shelter regularly receives rabbits, guinea pigs and other pocket pets that have been abandoned or found without a home.

One story that stood out during the discussion was Bandit’s journey. After arriving at the shelter, Bandit was eventually adopted, showing how the right support and a caring family can give an animal a second chance.

"Every animal that comes through our doors deserves the chance to go back home or find one," McEachnie said.

McEachnie also spoke about the many ways residents can support the shelter beyond adoption. Through programs such as Doggy Day Out, volunteers can spend time walking and socializing shelter dogs, helping improve their well-being while increasing their chances of finding permanent homes. Donations, fostering and volunteer support also continue to play an important role in the shelter’s work.

The discussion also included questions about wildlife in the community. Rotary member Ron Dick asked about coyotes and what Oshawa Animal Services is doing to address concerns from residents.

McEachnie explained that coyotes are part of the local environment and that the focus is on education, prevention and helping residents understand how to safely coexist with wildlife. She encouraged residents to avoid feeding wildlife, secure garbage, supervise pets outdoors and report concerns when needed.

The conversation reflected a broader message: animal welfare is a shared responsibility. While municipal services play an important role, the community also has a part to play through responsible pet ownership, volunteering, adoption and supporting local programs.

While thanking the speaker, Erin Carter, a director with the Rotary Club of Oshawa, said discussions like these demonstrate the importance of bringing community organizations and residents together.

"Our club is strongest when it brings people together around issues that matter to Oshawa," she said. "Whether those conversations lead to greater awareness, new volunteers, or community partnerships, that's how Rotary can make a meaningful contribution."

Rotary Club of Oshawa President Mark Morissette said that by inviting Oshawa Animal Services to share its work, the club created an opportunity for residents to better understand what happens when animals become lost, abandoned, or in need of care. The message from the discussion was clear: giving animals a second chance begins with a community that takes responsibility long before they ever reach a shelter.

Residents interested in adopting, volunteering or supporting Oshawa Animal Services can contact the shelter to learn more about available programs, including Doggy Day Out and other volunteer opportunities.