It's always big news when Ohio is mentioned nationally. This time around it's been big MEWS. Holly, a 12 year old feline, has been featured in Newsweek due to losing her home of 10 years when her owners fell ill. We want to make sure she stays on your radar and hopefully finds her way to a loving home.

As we witness the ongoing devastation caused by the California fires, our hearts are with those directly impacted and all who are feeling the weight of these events. Natural disasters and emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere. If and when these events occur, your animals will depend on you to keep them safe. The best way to do this is by being prepared. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of both you and your animals during an emergency.

ATHENS, Ohio – Scott McCall, 54, of Nelsonville, Ohio was arrested on December 21, 2024, for a superseding indictment charging Cruelty to Companion Animals, a felony of the fifth degree and Tampering with Evidence, a felony of the third degree. McCall is accused of shooting a dog with a pellet gun, ultimately causing the death of the animal.  McCall is further accused of tying items to the animal and discarding of its remains in a pond in an attempt to conceal the death of the animal.

Megan Moon is the President of our Board of Directors at OAA. She has been working in nonprofit leadership roles since 2005, with a focus in animal protection and humane education. Most recently, she founded and served as the President of the Humane Education Coalition, a collaborative organization that provides resources and teaching tools for educators around the world who teach about animal protection, human rights, and environmental ethics. Megan has also been a board member, advisor, and/or committee member for several organizations globally, including Gem City Kitties, Voiceless, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, UnChained, Mini Acts for the Greater Good, and Human Rights Educators USA. In addition to her volunteer roles, Megan is a skilled nonprofit consultant who invests in and supports organizations for improved strategy, stronger leadership, and capacity building.

Red Rover and Greater Good are conducting webinar on 1/23/25 from 2 - 3:30 EST on how to apply for grants to provide shelter for pets in crisis situations.  As funding for safe havens are limited, this is a critical workshop to hone your organization's skills in obtaining this necessary funding to help families and their pets.

The Battered Women’s Shelter (BWS) of Summit and Medina counties have achieved something incredible: housing for survivors of domestic violence that allows their companion animals! Recently awarded the Office for Victims of Crime Emergency and Transitional Pet Shelter Shelter and Housing Grant, BWS is looking to add the Hope and Healing Pet Shelter to help house family companion animals in close proximity to their 40,000 square foot building with the ability to board 154 survivors of domestic violence. 

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.

When a bad storm or sudden cold snap is arriving soon and time is of the essence, use the design described here to quickly build an adequate temporary shelter. You'll need a cardboard box (cardboard is actually good insulation), duct tape, shredded newspaper, a pair of scissors and either a plastic drop cloth that's 3 millimeters thick (a common item in the paint department at Home Depot or a hardware store) or contractor trash bags at least 3 millimeters thick.

This Cleveland State University celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will include a conversation with Dr. Evan Morse, the first African American Veterinarian in Cleveland, Ohio, who experienced first-hand the Selma to Montgomery March in 1965. This event provides an opportunity for students to learn how to use photographs as primary documents and strategies for interviewing public figures.

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.

Ohio wildlife enthusiasts, start 2025 off right by joining us at the Ohio Wildlife Council meeting on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place at the Division of Wildlife, District One Office, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH. This gathering offers a chance to stay informed about wildlife updates, enforcement efforts, and plans for the upcoming year.

Embark on RaptorQuest with Scott Harris as he shares the highs, lows, and everything in between from his 17-month adventure chasing 53 raptors across 34 states. From -36°F chills to 100°F heatwaves, Scott’s thrilling stories will inspire and amaze.