Partnering for Pets: How Businesses Can Feed Pets and Support Families in Need

The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA recognizes that many families may face difficult financial times and may require assistance in caring for their pets. We believe that no one should face the heartbreaking decision of surrendering a pet simply because they cannot afford the cost of food. Our Pet Pantry program exists to provide short-term support to pet owners in need, offering dog and cat food and basic supplies to help keep pets with the families who love them.

What Is the Pet Pantry?

The Pet Pantry is a lifeline for families who love their pets but are struggling to afford their next bag of food. This program provides donated dog and cat food on a short-term basis to households facing financial hardship. It fills a crucial gap for families navigating unexpected costs, job loss, or other challenges that make buying pet food difficult in the moment.

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Why We Do It

As an organization committed to animal welfare, we know that supporting pets means supporting the people who care for them. When pet owners are forced to choose between meeting their own needs and feeding their animals, the emotional cost can be enormous — and sometimes leads to surrendering a beloved companion.

The Pet Pantry helps prevent these outcomes. By offering temporary relief, we protect the human–animal bond, reduce intake pressure on the shelter system, and support a more compassionate community.

The Impact on Our Community

The need for temporary pet food support continues to grow. Each month, the HBSPCA Pet Pantry helps families across Hamilton and Burlington keep their pets healthy during challenging times. For many, this short-term program is the difference between stability and crisis.

When businesses get involved, the impact is even greater. Workplace collections and corporate donations can supply weeks — sometimes months — of food for animals who depend on this support.

Your business helps:

• Keep pets out of shelters
• Support families experiencing temporary financial strain
• Ensure animals have access to nutritious food
• Strengthen overall community wellbeing

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How Your Business Can Help

Your workplace can make a direct and meaningful impact. Here’s how you can get involved:

• Donate Food
      Rally your team to collect dog and cat food — whether it’s a single office bin or a large-scale collection, every bag makes a difference. It’s an easy, tangible way for your business to help pets stay fed and families supported. Turn it into a team-building activity or friendly competition — the more you collect, the bigger the impact!
• Share to the Community
      Spread the word within your networks so we can connect with other organizations that want to help pets in need.

If your business is interested in helping, we’d love to work with you.

Contact: petpantry@hbspca.com to learn how your organization can get involved or to arrange a donation.

Together, we can ensure pets across our community stay fed, loved, and with the families who need them most.