Wildlife Info and Pet Services

Animal Cruelty/Animal Welfare

If you believe that an animal is in distress or being abused, please contact the Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) at 1-833-9-ANIMAL (264625) Cruelty to any animal is not tolerated in Ontario. 

The Town of Gravenhurst is home to many different types of pets and companion animals. Less common type of exotic pets would be lizards, spiders, snakes and more.  Before purchasing or acquiring an exotic pet, ensure you are aware of the regulations and by-laws that are stated in the Town Wildlife Animal Control By-Law.

The Town of Gravenhurst is full of wildlife ranging from reptiles, fish, birds and mammals. It is very important to observe all wildlife from safe distances.

If you still have questions about wildlife, please call the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry at 1-800-667-1940 or visit their website www.ontario.ca/mnrf

Injured wildlife

For injured wildlife in Muskoka you can contact Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary - Home

We recommend that you spay or neuter your cat(s). Cats can reproduce at a rate of 18 kittens per year. If we all do our part and spay/neuter our feline friends we can help decrease the overpopulation and limit the amount of homeless animals in our community.

Found a stray or feral cat? There are many rescue agencies in Muskoka that can provide you with assistance and services to help answer your questions or assist you with a feral cat colony.

Below are some helpful tips to deter cats from entering onto your property:

• Plant “Rue herb” (flowering herb) in your garden
• Plant “Plectranthus caninus” (coleus) better known as “Scary Cat Plant” in your garden
• Both of the plants above can be ordered through your local garden nursery

Use a margarine container and bleach

• Plant a clean margarine container with holes punched in the lid. Place a cloth soaked in household bleach into the container and replace the lid. Place the container in the area where you want to keep cats out. The odour of the bleach coming through the holes in the container lid is a deterrent.

Other Remedies

• Other remedies include lavender, crushed red peppers, pinecones, ground up orange peels, white vinegar or commercial cat repellent

If you have any questions regarding these tips, please contact the OSPCA Orillia Branch