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Our History

Since 1887, we've advanced the humane treatment of animals and have always been pet first.

Thank you for your support!
1887

Founding of the Hamilton SPCA

The first meetings were held that March, and Adam Brown became the founding president, serving for 35 years. This moment marked the beginning of organized animal welfare in the Hamilton region.
Black and white portrait of a seated man in a three-piece suit with a flower on his lapel.
Black and white photo of a horse hitched to a covered buggy with a man standing by its wheel on a street lined with houses and trees.
1919

Ontario passes the OSPCA Act

This was the province’s first animal welfare law, shaped in large part by lobbying efforts from Hamilton and other SPCAs. The legislation provided a legal foundation for protecting animals across Ontario.
1927

Hamilton SPCA Humane Education pamphlet distributed province-wide

The Ontario Minister of Education circulated the Hamilton SPCA’s pamphlet to schools across the province. This established Hamilton’s program as a model for humane education and children’s advocacy.
Black-and-white photo of a group of young schoolchildren and a female teacher seated and standing on steps in front of a building entrance.
Black and white photo of Hamilton Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals building from 1952, showing entrance with dogs visible inside.
1948

First independent animal shelter opens

Built on Parkdale Avenue, it housed up to 200 animals and became a hub for animal care. This milestone transformed the HBSPCA from an advocacy group into a full-service sheltering organization.  In 1968 a new $200,000 facility replaced the earlier building, significantly expanding space and services. It modernized the Society’s ability to provide medical care, housing, and adoptions.
1987

Centennial and expansion of services

The HBSPCA celebrated its 100th anniversary with a major community event, featuring cartoonist Ben Wicks as keynote speaker. That same year, the Society took on responsibility for animal control across a vast 700 km² service area.
Two-page spread showing the 1987 Board of Directors group photo and a list of presidents from 1887 to 1987, alongside a portrait of General Manager Cam Stableford.
Poster for Hamilton/Burlington SPCA’s 25th anniversary Wiggle Waggle Walk & Splash fundraising event featuring images of a dog on grass and a dog wearing a life jacket in water.
1989

First Wiggle Waggle Walkathon held

This community fundraiser became a beloved annual tradition that ran for 33 years. It brought thousands of people and pets together in support of animal welfare.
1996

Dartnall Road shelter opens

The $5 million facility was considered one of the best in North America at the time, reflecting modern standards of animal care. Governor-General Roméo LeBlanc presided over its opening, underscoring its national significance.
Construction site of the Hamilton SPCA building in 1995, showing workers on scaffolding and a pickup truck nearby.
Two women, one in a white veterinary coat, each holding a white terrier dog on a stainless steel exam table in a veterinary clinic.
2009

Companion Animal Hospital opens

This in-house clinic provided spay/neuter and medical care for shelter animals, while also supporting community programs. That same year, Ontario passed Bill 50, toughening animal protection laws with strong input from SPCAs.
2020

Adapting during the COVID-19 pandemic

The HBSPCA quickly transitioned to appointment-only adoptions with no-contact pickup and virtual interviews. Spay/neuter surgeries and the Trap-Neuter-Return program continued, ensuring core services carried on through the crisis.
A masked veterinarian kneeling and holding a tabby cat inside an animal clinic with metal cages in the background.
Exterior of a Pet Pantry store with signage, a cat and a dog holding a bowl on the windows, and a blue service car parked outside.
2024

Pet Pantry launches

In its first year, the program distributed 70,000 meals to families in need, and it has since grown into the largest pet food bank in Canada. By helping pets stay with their families during financial hardship, the Pantry has become a cornerstone of HBSPCA’s community support.
Rear view of a teal and brown SPCA Community Outreach Team van with contact number 905-574-7722, website HBSPCA.COM, and a QR code.

Want to learn more?

This was just a high level recap. Visit our history page where we showcase in detail 100+ more key milestone of HBSPCA's history.
Learn More
White left-pointing arrow on transparent background.White right arrow icon on black background.
2024

Was the biggest year for HBSPCA and our animals.

At the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA), 2024 was a year of remarkable growth and impact. From record adoptions to expanded programs and outreach, we reached more animals and families than ever before. Explore the highlights that made this year unforgettable.

Small curly black dog wearing a harness sitting on a table next to a person.
Two veterinary professionals in scrubs examining a brown and white dog lying on pavement.
Close-up of a black, white, and brown guinea pig resting on a white textured surface with a hand gently petting it.
7,105

Surgeries Performed

932,840

Meals Delivered

Two medical professionals wearing masks and scrubs in a surgical room with surgical instruments on a draped table.
Veterinarian wearing surgical gown, gloves, mask, and cap treating a black and white cat on an examination table.
Two women, one in a white veterinary coat, each holding a white terrier dog on a stainless steel exam table in a veterinary clinic.
70

Pet Health Outreach Clinics

200+

Community Cat Caregivers

Close-up of a light brown tabby cat with yellow eyes resting inside a gray plastic container.
Rear view of a teal community outreach van for SPCA Hamilton Burlington with contact number 905-574-7722 and website HBSPCA.COM.
HBSPCA - Dog surrounded my kids petting it
1,687

Preventative care appointments

53,320

Animal Foster Hours

23,133

Hours of Pet Enrichment

3,150

Vaccinations Administered

Man with white hair and glasses reaching out his hand to a small black and white kitten inside a metal cage at an animal shelter.
A woman sitting in an armchair petting a friendly yellow Labrador wearing a pet therapy bandana, while another woman watches.
Two veterinary professionals in scrubs examining a brown and white dog lying on pavement.
24,893

Volunteer Hours Logged

955

Animal Surrenders

Black and tan dog with a blue collar standing on green grass outdoors near patio furniture.
Woman and small curly-haired dog sitting inside a blue and black van with text promoting keeping people and pets together since 1887, and a phone number 905-574-7722.
Exterior of a Pet Pantry store with signage, a cat and a dog holding a bowl on the windows, and a blue service car parked outside.
Happy Bernese Mountain Dog lying on wooden floor being petted by two people, wearing a Pet Visit bandana and leash.
A person in a black shirt gently holding a white and gray cat with yellow eyes on a maroon couch, while another person in an SPCA Volunteer shirt sits nearby.
Two brown puppies being held by a person wearing a black SPCA Hamilton Burlington shirt.
50%

Reduced Length of Stay in Shelter to just 8 days.

25+

Pet Pantry Foodbank Partners

Smiling woman wearing a volunteer SPCA shirt holding a small white and brown dog outdoors in a park.
Hand holding a bright pink package with the white text 'Pet Thrift' and a smiling face icon.
Person wearing an HBSCPA volunteer shirt sitting at a desk working on a computer with a volunteer webpage open.
934

Animal Adoptions

100+

Dog Behaviour Classes Offered

Seven people standing outdoors on grass under trees, smiling with a white bulldog on a leash in front of them.
Neon rainbow sign with text honoring families saying goodbye to their pets and asking for quiet respect as pets cross the rainbow bridge.
Sad dog with gray and white fur looking through the bars of a metal cage.
462

Pet Parents Utilized our Compassionate End of Life Program

19

Corporate Team Days

7,310

Pets Microchipped

2T

Pet Thrift - Diverted over 2 Tonnes of Waste

Since 1887, we've supported over

100,000+

ADOPTIONS

Explore available roles - Team photoMan with glasses smiling and holding a black and white puppy in front of a Community Outreach SPCA vehicle.Woman and small curly-haired dog sitting inside a blue and black van with text promoting keeping people and pets together since 1887, and a phone number 905-574-7722.

We’ve made progress.

Elderly woman in a wheelchair gently holding and interacting with a brown chicken.

We’ve changed lives.

But it’s not enough. Because being for pets means doing

more

Smiling child lying on hospital bed with leg in a cast elevated and a cat and dog resting beside them.

until every animal is safe, seen,

and supported. That’s the mission.

Golden retriever wearing a black bandana sitting in front of stacked white bags on wooden pallets.
Brown puppy lying on a light blue blanket next to a purple octopus plush toy in an outdoor setting.
Close-up of a black, white, and brown guinea pig resting on a white textured surface with a hand gently petting it.
Close-up of a fluffy brown rabbit being held up against a neutral background.
EVERY
CAT.
DOG.
LIFE.
CAT.
Always Pet First
Modern building with large glass windows and a slanted roof, labeled Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, with people and cars outside.Modern indoor pet-friendly lounge with seating areas, potted tree, large windows, and a person sitting with a dog.Modern building beside a park with walking paths, benches, fountain, trees, and people walking dogs.Modern animal adoption center lobby with a reception desk, wall-mounted pet pods, and people interacting inside.Modern SPCA building with a fenced outdoor area where people are walking and interacting with dogs under a pale sky.Interior view of a pet food pantry with shelves stocked with various dog food brands and a central table with shelves on wheels.
Modern building with large glass windows and a slanted roof, labeled Hamilton/Burlington SPCA, with people and cars outside.Modern indoor pet-friendly lounge with seating areas, potted tree, large windows, and a person sitting with a dog.Modern building beside a park with walking paths, benches, fountain, trees, and people walking dogs.Modern animal adoption center lobby with a reception desk, wall-mounted pet pods, and people interacting inside.Modern SPCA building with a fenced outdoor area where people are walking and interacting with dogs under a pale sky.Interior view of a pet food pantry with shelves stocked with various dog food brands and a central table with shelves on wheels.
Copyright ©2026 Unleash Love is a campaign by: HAMILTON/BURLINGTON SPCA
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