Hamilton-Burlington SPCA Unveils $25 Million Animal Welfare Hub

UPDATE: The Hamilton-Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) has just announced plans to construct a groundbreaking animal welfare campus, marking the first of its kind in Canada. With a staggering 50% increase in pet surrenders anticipated over the next five years due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, this initiative aims to create a vital “one-stop shop” for pet care.

Director of strategy, Brad Grabell, stated that the campus, located at 245 Dartnall Rd., will be over four times larger than the existing facility. This ambitious project seeks to prevent pet surrenders by addressing every potential obstacle pet owners face. “We want to find every possible interjectible moment in the pet’s life and, with their family, prevent them from having to be surrendered to the SPCA,” Grabell explained.

The planned campus will include a non-profit vet clinic, a walk-in clinic, expanded operating rooms, and community spaces. The HBSPCA aims to ramp up existing services while introducing innovative new offerings to better support pets and their families.

Last week, during a high-profile event, the HBSPCA revealed it has already secured $25 million in institutional financing, with additional millions pledged by local investors. Spokesperson Karissa Kugler noted that community support is crucial as the organization prepares to tackle the mounting challenges faced by pet owners.

The urgency of this project is underscored by rising costs for pet essentials such as food and veterinary care. Grabell pointed out that providing affordable walk-in clinics for vital services like spaying and neutering will play a critical role in keeping pets with their families. According to Rosie Henein, founder of Hammer City Paws Rescue, the demand for assistance has surged dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an increase in surrender requests from families struggling financially.

“Having a dog is a commitment. It’s not a status symbol,” Henein emphasized, highlighting the need for responsible pet ownership and education for new pet parents. The campus is set to address these issues through expanded community education and volunteer programs, making vital information accessible to the public.

Set to open in 2028, the new HBSPCA campus will also serve as a training ground for future veterinarians. Grabell explained that students will gain hands-on experience, from sanitation practices to surgical procedures, within the shelter environment. This initiative aims to combat the projected 20% decrease in access to affordable veterinary care across the country.

With construction expected to commence next year, the HBSPCA is eager to transform the way animal care is approached in the region. The development represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent needs of both pets and their owners amid a challenging economic landscape.

As the HBSPCA moves forward with this ambitious project, community engagement and support will be essential. Stay tuned for further updates on this transformative initiative that promises to make a lasting impact on animal welfare in Canada.