As winter approaches, it’s essential to make sure our community cats have a warm, safe, and comfortable place to call home. These outdoor cats face the challenges of colder temperatures, wind, and snow, making it crucial that we provide them with shelter to weather the season. In this two-part series, we'll be sharing expert tips from Louise on how to create winter shelters and provide effective care during the colder months.

For years, there was no clear consensus on the best age to spay or neuter cats, leaving pet owners and veterinarians uncertain about the right timing. The Veterinary Task Force on Feline Sterilization, backed by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), has now set a clear guideline: kittens should be spayed or neutered before they reach five months of age. This recommendation helps prevent unwanted pregnancies and offers significant health benefits, including reduced risk of certain cancers, infections, and behavioral issues such as spraying and roaming.

A heartbreaking case of animal cruelty in Akron, Ohio—Hazle, a beloved emotional support cat, was found frozen inside a pet carrier on Summit Lake. Authorities are investigating, and the community is seeking justice. Learn more about her story and how you can help.

In December 2024, the death of a fur farmer in Ashtabula County, Ohio, exposed a horrific animal welfare crisis at an unregulated fur and urine farm. Over 400 wild animals, including foxes, coyotes, and skunks, were found trapped in inhumane conditions, bred for fur and bodily waste, with no government oversight due to Ohio's inadequate laws.

Ohio has reported the highest number of recent bird flu cases among commercial poultry operations, with over 4.1 million chickens and turkeys affected this year. The majority of cases have occurred in Darke and Mercer counties, impacting large-scale poultry facilities.

In this comprehensive guide, Laura J. Martin, Esq., explores the concept of Pet Planning—an essential aspect of estate planning for pet owners. Whether you're concerned about ensuring your pets are cared for in the event of your incapacity or preparing for the possibility of your death, this document walks you through how to protect both your animals and your relationship with them.

As a Surrender Prevention Specialist, you may be the difference between a cat losing her home and staying in her home. Join this session to learn what surrender prevention is and why it works. Instructed by Dr. Rachel Geller, she will share real examples, with proven results, setting the potential surrenderer and cat on the road to a happy relationship together and keeping the cat in her home. We'll cover how to empathize with cat owners, working around their limitations (financial, time, patience), and focus on the 3 most common reasons for surrender: litter box problems, scratching (and not on the scratching post!), and inter-cat aggression. Take advantage of the interactive format, extensive handouts, and video footage of actual techniques. This session is being recorded and recordings will be shared. Attendees will receive a certificate after taking a short quiz.

As we welcome the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the difference we’ve made for animals and the opportunities ahead to create an even brighter future for them. At Ohio Animal Advocates, we’re filled with gratitude for your support and the compassion you’ve shown throughout the past year. Together, we’ve worked to ensure animals across Ohio receive the love, care, and protection they deserve.

The holiday season is a time of giving, love, and togetherness—a perfect opportunity to reflect on the joy that animals bring to our lives and how we can give back to them. OAA invites you to join us in making a difference for animals across Ohio this holiday season.

After decades of advocacy and a hard-fought legal battle, 23 chimpanzees owned by the U.S. government will finally retire to the lush sanctuary of Chimp Haven. These chimpanzees, who endured years of painful biomedical experiments, will now experience the freedom and care they deserve.

Ohio Animal Advocates is proud to highlight an incredible milestone for The Cocoon—a new outdoor Dog Run that enhances their emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence and their pets. This vital addition reflects The Cocoon’s dedication to providing trauma-informed, safe spaces where survivors can begin their healing journey without being separated from their beloved companion animals.

Every year, thousands of animals—including dogs and monkeys—are used in research laboratories. In 2024 alone, countless animals endured lives of confinement and experiments, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Ohio Animal Advocates stands alongside other leading agencies, including the National Anti-Vivisection Society and Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, in our fundamental belief that the future of science is humane. By promoting innovative alternatives to animal testing, we are paving the way for research methods that are not only more ethical but also more effective.