.jpg)
Imagine going through a difficult time and not being able to provide food for your beloved pet. Many pet owners facing this heart-breaking reality either skip meals themselves or make the painful decision to surrender their animal companions.
At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA), we believe no one should have to choose between feeding their pet and keeping them. During times of financial hardship, families often struggle to meet even the most basic needs—especially for their furry family members. That’s where the HBSPCA’s Pet Pantry Program steps in.
Designed to offer short-term relief, the Pet Pantry provides pet food and supplies to those facing temporary financial challenges. Sometimes, a little support is all a family needs to make it through a tough time—ensuring their pets stay at home, safe and loved.
.jpg)
As one grateful recipient shared:
"Thank you for being there for us. You have no idea how much weight you've taken off my mind. With a thankful heart, I just wanted to say—you really make a difference, not only in my life but, I'm sure, in countless others'."
What began as a local initiative has grown into a national feline. The HBSPCA’s Pet Pantry is now the largest Pet Food Bank in Canada—a testament to what’s possible when a community comes together with compassion and care.
Since launching in June 2024, the Pet Pantry has provided an incredible 2,373,520 meals to pets across Ontario:
These numbers are more than just statistics. They represent families kept whole, pets kept safe, and the enduring human-animal bond preserved through even the toughest times.
Another recipient put it simply:
"I am so grateful for your kindness to my animals and myself. I deeply appreciate the assistance."
“This initiative wouldn’t be possible without the incredible volunteers who make up 80% of our operations,” says Mikayla M, Logistics Manager of the Pet Pantry Program.
“From packing food to delivering supplies and offering a caring hand, these volunteers are the heartbeat of our work. Their generosity ensures pets across our region get the nutrition and love they need—every single day.”
Our Community Food Partners are just as essential in distributing food and supplies throughout Ontario, helping us reach those in need far beyond our immediate area.
.jpg)
Jim Leamen, Manager of the Flamborough Food Bank, shared:
“The HBSPCA Pet Pantry program has provided tremendous support to our pet food bank. Thanks to this initiative, we’re able to offer a wide variety of nutritious pet food to families in need, ensuring their beloved pets receive the care they deserve. We’re incredibly grateful for the HBSPCA’s unwavering commitment to our community and their profound impact on the well-being of both pets and their people.”
From The King’s Way Outreach Centre:
“Our clients are so grateful to have the assistance with pet food! Pets are a part of their families, and these generous donations help so much. With the rising costs of food—including pet food—the HBSPCA is making a real difference in the lives of so many in our area! We assist over 1,200 to 1,500 households per month, and many of them have pets. Thank you so much for this wonderful service to our community!”
.jpg)
We’re proud of what we’ve built—but even prouder of what it represents:
A community that refuses to let pets go hungry.
A network that shows up for those in need.
A commitment to ensuring no pet is left behind—even in the toughest times.
If you or someone you know is struggling to feed a pet—or if you’d like to help as a volunteer or community partner—we invite you to learn more about the HBSPCA’s Pet Pantry Program.
Together, we can deliver more than meals—we can deliver hope.
By Pearl Wolfe
