SHAID

If you share your home with a cat, you probably know how convincing they can be when they want a little extra food. That familiar meow by the food cupboard or the hopeful stare while you’re eating can make it difficult to resist handing over another treat. But while spoiling our cats is part of the fun of having them, maintaining a healthy weight is one of the best ways we can support their long-term health and happiness.

Halloween is just around the corner and this year SHAID Animal Shelter is inviting local businesses, organizations, clubs, churches, sports teams and community groups to help us make it extra special for local families!

For people who love cats but experience the occasional sneeze, itchy eyes, or stuffy nose around them, the idea of sharing a home with a feline can seem like a difficult proposition. Fortunately, mild cat allergies don’t necessarily mean you have to give up on the idea of having a cat. There are several strategies that may help reduce the amount of allergen in your home.

In a world where we’re often told that cats need a feline friend, it’s worth remembering that some cats are perfectly happy being the only cat in the castle. No sharing their favourite person, no competition for the sunny window seat, and absolutely no negotiating over who gets the best spot on the couch.

For many of us, feeding our pets is one of the simplest parts of the daily routine. We fill their bowls, offer the occasional treat, and enjoy watching them happily eat. But for some cats, what goes into their food bowl can have a significant impact on their health and comfort.

There is something special about sharing your life with a pet. Whether it's a cat greeting you at the door, a dog excitedly waiting for a walk, or simply the quiet companionship of an animal curled up nearby, pets have a way of making ordinary days feel a little brighter.

When people walk into an animal shelter looking for a new cat, it's easy to be drawn to the kittens, the outgoing personalities, or the animals without any special medical considerations. But sometimes the cats who are easiest to overlook are the ones who have the most incredible stories to tell.

As summer heat arrives, so does one of the most common pests pet owners have to contend with: fleas.

For many people, an animal shelter is simply a place to adopt a new pet. But local shelters serve a much greater purpose. They provide a safety net for animals who are lost, abandoned, surrendered, injured, or simply have nowhere else to go. They help reduce animal overpopulation, promote responsible pet ownership and ensure that vulnerable animals in our communities receive the care they need.

When you see an animal listed for adoption, you're seeing the part of shelter life that happens after a great deal of work has already taken place.

There's nothing quite like a beautiful summer day in Nova Scotia. Whether you're spending time at the beach, working in the garden, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, warm weather is something many of us look forward to all year. 

For many cat owners, keeping their feline companions indoors is the safest choice. Indoor cats are protected from traffic, predators, parasites, contagious diseases and many of the other dangers they would face outside. In fact, indoor cats often live significantly longer, healthier lives than those allowed to roam freely.

When most people think about adopting a cat, they picture a furry companion curled up on the sofa or lounging in a sunny window. But for some cats, happiness looks a little different. Some cats are happiest with room to roam, a warm barn to sleep in and an important job to do.

Many cat owners believe that if their cat looks healthy, they probably don't have worms. Unfortunately, intestinal parasites are incredibly common, especially in cats that spend any time outdoors. Even healthy-looking cats can be carrying parasites without showing obvious signs of illness.

When a cat tests positive for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), many people assume that life will be short or difficult. In reality, many FIV-positive cats go on to live long, happy, and loving lives. With the right home and proper care, these cats can make wonderful companions.

When a cat tests positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV), many people assume their chances of finding a loving home are slim. Unfortunately, the diagnosis often carries a stigma that doesn't tell the whole story.

One of the questions animal shelters hear most often is, "Why is there an adoption fee?"

For many people, summer celebrations and Canada Day fireworks are a highlight of the season. For our pets, however, the loud booms, flashes of light, and unusual activity can be frightening and stressful.

As temperatures begin to climb across Nova Scotia, animal welfare organizations are once again reminding pet owners about the serious dangers of leaving dogs unattended in vehicles.

For four decades, S.H.A.I.D. Tree Animal Shelter (Sheltering Helpless Animals in Distress) has been a lifeline for thousands of animals across Lunenburg and Queens Counties and beyond.

Many cat owners know the struggle all too well: you bring home a new food, confident your cat will love it, only to be met with a suspicious sniff and a dramatic walk away from the bowl.

With wildfire season already beginning across parts of the province, emergency preparedness is once again top of mind for many families. While people often focus on protecting homes and gathering essentials for themselves, it’s equally important to have a plan in place for pets before an emergency happens.

What pet owners need to know about Lyme disease and anaplasmosis

Annual yard sale set for May long weekend

Each spring, animal shelters across our region prepare for an annual surge known as kitten season, a time when litters of kittens begin arriving.

As spring arrives across Nova Scotia, so does “kitten season”, a time when litters of newborn kittens begin appearing in backyards, barns, and neighbourhoods. While the instinct to step in and help is a compassionate one, the right approach can make all the difference in whether those kittens truly thrive.

It’s one of the most frustrating challenges for cat owners, when a previously reliable cat suddenly begins urinating outside the litter box. While it can feel like a behavioural problem, the truth is far more important: this is often a sign that something in the cat’s world has changed.

If you’ve ever heard your cat let out a growl, hiss, chirp, or odd little grumble while everything seems perfectly calm, you’re not alone. These unexpected vocalizations can leave even experienced cat owners wondering: What on earth is going on?

When people think of grooming cats, they often picture a quick brush to keep fur looking nice. But for many cats, especially long-haired breeds, regular grooming is not just cosmetic, it’s essential to their health and comfort.

As temperatures begin to fluctuate and we edge closer to spring, tick season is fast approaching. This time of year brings an increased risk of tick exposure, especially during walks in wooded areas, tall grass, or even your own backyard.

Animal shelters rely on more than compassion and hard work to operate, they rely on the generosity of their communities. At SHAID Animal Shelter, donations from local supporters directly help provide food, shelter and veterinary care for animals who have nowhere else to go.

It’s not uncommon to spot a cat wandering through a neighbourhood, especially during the colder months when animals may be searching for food or shelter.

The relationship between children and pets can be one of the most meaningful connections in a young person’s life. When nurtured properly, that bond teaches empathy, responsibility, patience and respect. Lessons that extend far beyond the home.

Few things are as irresistible as a tiny kitten or puppy. But when it comes to re-homing young animals, timing is more than a detail, it’s critical to their lifelong health and behaviour.

A compassionate look at intake, assessments and care at SHAID 

Winter can be tough on all pets, but for senior dogs, cold weather often brings extra challenges.

January has brought its share of storms, cold nights, and challenging conditions, but while winter still has a firm grip on us, breeding season is quietly approaching. Long before the snow fully melts, cats and dogs begin responding to lengthening days, and shelters start preparing for the inevitable surge of spring litters.

Sharing a home with more than one cat can be a wonderful experience. Many cats co-exist happily and form close bonds – but sometimes, challenges do arise. When they do, it’s usually not because anyone is doing anything “wrong,” but because cats have very specific needs around space, routine, and resources. The good news is that the most common issues can be managed with a few thoughtful strategies.

Every year, countless lost pets are found wandering alone – safe, but without any way to get home. While collars can fall off and tags can fade, a microchip is a permanent link between a pet and their family and it can make all the difference when an animal goes missing.

Not every cat dreams of a couch, a sunny window, or human companionship – and that’s okay. At SHAID, our Barn Buddy Program ensures that feral and semi-feral cats are given a safe, humane alternative when life indoors simply isn’t right for them.

A new year brings fresh beginnings, reflection, and renewed commitment to caring for one another — values that are deeply woven into the work of SHAID Animal Shelter. As we step into the year ahead, SHAID is proud to share an exciting milestone for both the shelter and the wider community: Crumpet’s Closet, our onsite thrift store, is now officially open to the public.

As winter settles in and the evenings grow longer, many pets find themselves spending more time indoors with fewer opportunities for stimulation. Just like people, animals can become bored or stressed without enough mental and physical activity. Providing enrichment is especially important during the colder months and can make a world of difference for a pet’s overall wellbeing.

How to prepare your pets (or your pet-sitter)

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Crumpet — our mascot, our ambassador, and the soul of SHAID Animal Shelter. For more than three unforgettable years, Crumpet was not just a shelter cat. He was a symbol of resilience, kindness, and the healing power of unconditional love.

As the holiday season approaches, many families begin thinking about meaningful gifts for loved ones. It’s a time of warmth, generosity, and celebration — but it is also the time of year when shelters nationwide see an increase in pets being returned after the holidays.

With the holidays fast approaching, households across the community are preparing for visitors, decorations, special foods, and festive cheer. But the holiday season also brings hidden hazards for our furry family members.

SHAID’s Community Pet Pantry helps families in needs

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As temperatures drop, life becomes increasingly difficult for stray and abandoned cats in our community. Without reliable shelter, food, or warmth, many struggle to survive the winter. At SHAID, we see firsthand how vulnerable these animals are — and how important community support is in helping them get the second chance they deserve.

At SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, every rescue tells a story — and Esmeralda, a stunning six-month-old medium-haired torbie (tortoiseshell-tabby mix), is one of the latest happy endings in progress.

At SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, kitten season is still in full swing — and the shelter is full of tiny paws, playful energy, and plenty of purrs. While it may be tempting to fall in love with just one adorable kitten, adopting a pair often leads to happier, healthier cats — and more peaceful homes for their adopters.

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is opening its doors to the public for its annual open house on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 950 Mullock Road, Whynott’s Settlement — and everyone is invited to join the fun!

Get ready for a purrfectly spooky good time! SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is hosting its Howl-o-ween Paw-ty on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Woof Pack K9 Lifestyle Centre (1190 Conquerall Mills Rd) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fun-filled “Howl-o-ween” celebration promises an afternoon of costumes, games, treats, and community spirit — all in support of the animals who need it most.

When a stray cat named Misty arrived at SHAID Animal Shelter with her two surviving kittens, it was clear she wasn’t feeling her best. Along with the challenges of life on the streets, Misty showed signs of an uncommon feline condition called Plasma Cell Pododermatitis, more commonly known as “pillowfoot.”

Just like people, cats nutritional needs change as they age. A food that kept your playful kitten healthy may not provide the right balance once your cat reaches their golden years. Knowing when, and why to transition your feline friend to a senior diet can help them stay healthier, longer.

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is excited to announce the launch of its brand-new 50/50 raffle through Rafflebox, with the first draw running from Sept. 8-29, 2025. This fun fundraiser gives community members a chance to win big – while making a life-changing difference for local animals in need.

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is proud to announce an exciting new chapter in its mission to support animal welfare in Lunenburg and Queens Counties: the launch of a fully foster-based dog program.

At SHAID Animal Shelter, we see countless cats in need of homes each year, and one of the most important ways to reduce this demand is through spaying and neutering. While kittens are undeniably adorable, the sheer number of unwanted litters leads to shelters being overwhelmed and many cats struggling to find safe, loving homes.

The unconditional love and companionship our pets offer are immeasurable, making them cherished members of our families. But what happens to them when life circumstances change drastically – when an owner passes away, falls ill, or faces unforeseen challenges like homelessness?

Dental disease is one of the most common, and often overlooked, health issues in cats. Cats are experts at hiding pain, which means many live with dental disease long before anyone notices something is wrong.

If you've ever had a bad cold, you know just how miserable it can feel. Now imagine that same discomfort but with no way to communicate it. For many cats, that’s what a feline upper respiratory infection (URI) feels like – sneezing, congestion, runny eyes, and a lack of appetite.

While February is dental health month for pets, it should be front and center all year long – just like with humans!

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, we are spreading the love for our shelter animals this February!

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, we ended 2024 with the birth of nine beagle puppies in one of our amazing foster homes, and then started off 2025 with a bang, and the birth of three lab mix puppies in another amazing foster home.

Going into the holidays, we had seven senior cats (all between the ages of nine and 14 years old) looking for their new retirement homes after their owners had either passed away, or had moved into assisted living facilities.

At the end of November, two beagles were relinquished to our shelter; a two-year-old male and a one and a half-year-old female who was very pregnant.

Another year has come to a close here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, and we wanted to share some highlights with our amazing and supportive community

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, we wanted to share some helpful holiday hints to help keep your furry family members safe during the festivities. From food and flowers to electronics and the decorated Christmas tree, there are potential hazards everywhere to avoid an emergency vet visit.

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, we get asked many questions. Some are easy, like “How do you not take every animal home?!”

Timber and Roxy were a pair of beagles whose owner bred them and then realized she couldn’t afford to keep them.

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is all decked out for the holidays and all our resident pets are hoping to find their forever homes.

A few weeks ago, we introduced you to Daisy and Diesel, two six-year-old Doberman/beagle mixes, who were abandoned by their owner when they moved out of province.

One of SHAID Tree Animal Shelter’s biggest annual fundraisers is our Firefighters for Felines calendars.

Oct. 30, we received a phone call from a woman who was on our animal intake waiting list. She wanted to update us on a kitten born to a feral mom in a barn. She said his head was swollen, he couldn’t walk, and his mom had taken the rest of his siblings and moved, leaving him cold and hungry.

Daisy and Diesel are two six-year-old canine siblings who, up until very recently, lived with their owner in Springfield, Lunenburg County.

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a virus that attacks and weakens the immune system of cats. Historically, cats who tested positive for the virus were euthanized upon diagnosis, however, thanks to modern day research it’s now understood that FeLV positive cats can live normal, healthy and happy lives with the potential of a shortened life span.

We are nearing the end of October, and it is safe to say this will again be

SHAID Tree Animal Shelter is open to the public Tuesdays

Here at SHAID Tree Animal Shelter, ‘kitten season’ is still