HBSPCA Unveils Vision for Canada’s First Pet-First Animal Welfare Campus

Hamilton, ON — The Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA)is on an ambitious path to redefine animal care in Canada. At a gathering of more than 250 supporters, donors, partners, and media held on Tuesday, November 4th at McMaster Innovation Park, the organization unveiled plans for its groundbreaking Pet-First Animal Welfare Campus — a transformational hub more than four times the size of the current facility.

During the event, guests explored “discovery stations” hosted by HBSPCA team members from major program areas, including the Community Cat Program, Pet Health Outreach, and Animal Hospital & Veterinary Care. Attendees also viewed exclusive campaign videos — one reflecting the organization’s138-year legacy and another offering a future-facing look at what the new campus will make possible.

“For years, we've watched the need grow, families seeking comprehensive care for the animals & pets they love as true family members. We listened to veterinarians, partners, and pet owners, and the message was undeniable: our community deserves better. What we're unveiling is Canada's first fully integrated Pet Wellness Hub: seamless care from an animal's first breath to their final comfort, all under one roof. This isn't evolution; it's revolution,” said John Gerrard, President & CEO of the HBSPCA. “One campus. Every service. A lifetime of care. We're not just changing animal welfare… we're reimagining what's possible when innovation and compassion become one, and it starts right here.”

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The evening welcomed several special guests, including Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath, City Councillors Tom Jackson and Mark Tadeson, and community leader Terry Cooke— along with members of the HBSPCA Board of Directors, who joined to celebrate this milestone moment.

Key Features and Innovations

In a first for animal welfare in Canada, the HBSPCA is inviting the community to invest directly in compassion through the MySPCA Community Bond Series — an innovative social finance tool allowing supporters to help fund the new campus while earning a return on their investment. This approach not only advances the project’s mission but demonstrates how communities can work together to build a more compassionate future.

“A first-of-its-kind in North America, the MySPCA Community Bonds will be the largest investment raise by an Animal Welfare Charity, backed by tangible assets and a proven revenue track-record” said Brad Grabell, Director of Strategy at the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA. “These bonds offer investors highly competitive interest rates and flexible terms, with the added benefit of driving measurable community impact. It’s an opportunity to align financial goals with social good and support a forward-looking model for animal welfare in Canada.”

• Non-Profit Veterinary Hospital: Canada’s first under one roof, providing expanded medical care for pets in the community
• Expanded Animal Housing: Over four times the size of the current facility, with catios and dog runs designed so every animal in care can enjoy outdoor time simultaneously
• Operating Rooms: Triple the current number, enabling more lifesaving surgeries to support lifetime pet care
• Veterinary Education Hub: Training four times as many veterinary students through a dedicated learning centre designed for hands-on experience in real-world settings. The new campus will include a surgical observation suite, allowing students to safely observe live procedures and gain valuable insight into advanced veterinary care.
• End-of-Life Care Centre: Compassionate, affordable support for pets and families during life’s most difficult moments
• 360° Spectrum of Care Walk-In Clinic: Full-service veterinary care for every companion animal, ensuring community pets have access to the care they need
• Behaviour & Enrichment Centre: A first-of-its-kind community space offering services such as doggy daycare, grooming, and a social enterprise thrift store — helping pet lovers with day-to-day supports while funding animal welfare initiatives
• Community Education & Engagement Spaces: Expanding humane education and volunteer programs, fostering stronger connections between people and animals through interactive learning and events

Founded in 1887, the HBSPCA has been a pillar of animal welfare for nearly 140 years. With its new Pet-First Campus, the organization is poised to transform animal care accessibility and inspire a new era of compassionate, innovative service.

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Members of the public are invited to join the movement and Unleash Love by supporting the campaign at:

‍unleashlove.ca

Explore campus renderings, learn about the HBSPCA's history, and discover how their support can help transform animal care across Ontario.