"The rising need for dog adoption isn’t just a shelter issue, it’s a community issue,” said John Gerrard, President and CEO of the Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. “Every dog deserves a second chance. Thanks to PetSmart Charities, we’re giving that to them by bringing adoption opportunities directly to families in Hamilton and Burlington. Together, we can turn challenges into success stories and make a real difference in the lives of these amazing animals."
HBSPCA Receives $30,000 Grant from PetSmart Charities to Help Dogs Find Forever Homes
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March 13, 2025 Hamilton, ON – The Hamilton/Burlington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (HBSPCA) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with PetSmart Charities of Canada®, made possible through a generous $30,000 grant. This initiative will help shelter dogs find loving forever families by introducing them directly to the community.
Starting this month, the HBSPCA will launch "Meet Your Match Weekends," bringing an adoptable dog to one of six PetSmart locations in the Hamilton/Burlington area. Every Saturday and Sunday, visitors can meet, cuddle and play with these loveable best friends—getting to know their personalities and find their perfect match. PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, March 24-30, kicks off in Hamilton at PetSmart’s Barton and Centennial stores with fun in-store events.
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A leader in animal welfare for 137 years, the HBSPCA cares for thousands of vulnerable animals each year. Yet too many are still waiting for their forever homes. “Shelters across the country are struggling to keep pace with the number of animals coming in and need support from their communities to bring pets and people together,” said Heidi Marston, Director of Pet Placement at PetSmart Charities of Canada®. “We’re proud to support the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA and the essential work they do to care and advocate for the animals that come through their door in need of loving families. Please consider supporting their lifesaving work through volunteering, fostering, adopting or making a donation.”
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Designed to increase adoption rates for dogs, who often spend longer periods in shelters waiting for the right home, the new “Meet Your Match” program is committed to creating this external support. Families and individuals can now not only connect with dogs in PetSmart’s bright and welcoming stores, but they can also learn more about dog adoption, the products and services they need and how to welcome their new family member into their homes—all from the friendly and experienced HBSPCA and PetSmart staff and volunteers.
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"Bringing the community together through pet adoption is at the heart of what we do," added Gerrard. "There’s nothing quite like seeing a family fall in love with a shelter dog in real-time. These in-store events will help more dogs find their people and more people find their perfect pet match." Alongside changing a dog’s life for good, adopting these furry friends comes with unlimited positive perks complete with instant status as a pack leader, newfound motivation to get outside and the unconditional love of a loyal buddy who’s always happy to see and spend time with you. For the next year, community members are invited to stop by participating PetSmart locations each weekend to meet adoptable dogs and learn more about HBSPCA’s life-saving mission.
For more information about adoption events, visit www.hbspca.ca.
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About the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA
The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA is always Pet First. Since 1887, we have advanced the humane treatment of animals through innovative education, services, and partnerships. Our programs support over one million animal interactions annually, providing vital resources that ensure the well-being of animals and the families who care for them. We take care of animals because they take care of us. Join us at www.hbspca.com.
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About PetSmart Charities of Canada®
PetSmart Charities of Canada is committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. Through its in-store adoption program in all PetSmart® stores across the country, PetSmart Charities of Canada helps thousands of pets connect with loving families each year. PetSmart Charities of Canada also provides grant funding to support organizations that advocate and care for the well-being of all pets and their families. Our grants and efforts connect pets with loving homes through adoption, improve access to affordable veterinary care and support families in times of crisis with access to food, shelter, and emergency relief. Each year, thousands of generous supporters help pets in need by donating to PetSmart Charities of Canada directly at PetSmartCharities.ca, while shopping at PetSmart.ca, and by using the PIN pads at checkout registers inside PetSmart stores. In turn, PetSmart Charities of Canada efficiently uses more than 90 cents of every dollar donated to fulfill its role as the leading funder of animal welfare in Canada, granting more than $25 million since its inception in 1999. Independent from PetSmart LLC, PetSmart Charities of Canada is a registered Canadian charity. To learn more visit www.PetSmartCharities.ca.
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