Hamilton-Burlington SPCA Launches Groundbreaking Animal Welfare Campus

The Hamilton-Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) has announced plans to construct a pioneering animal welfare campus, described as the “first of its kind in Canada.” This ambitious project comes in response to an anticipated 50 percent increase in pet surrenders over the next five years, driven largely by the escalating cost of living. According to Brad Grabell, the HBSPCA’s director of strategy, the new facility aims to serve as a comprehensive “one-stop shop” for pet care, focusing on preventing pet surrenders by addressing needs at every stage of a pet’s life.

The new campus will be located at 245 Dartnall Rd. and will be more than four times larger than the current facility. The expansion will enhance existing services while introducing new options, such as a walk-in veterinary clinic. Grabell emphasized the goal of the campus, stating, “We want to find every possible interjectible moment in the pet’s life and, with their family, prevent them from having to be surrendered to the SPCA.”

Comprehensive Services to Address Growing Needs

The HBSPCA’s new animal welfare campus will feature a range of services, including a non-profit veterinary clinic, a walk-in clinic, operating rooms, and community spaces designed to accommodate more animals. The announcement of the project coincided with an event last week, where the organization sought investors and secured up to $25 million in institutional financing, along with additional commitments from event attendees, as noted by HBSPCA spokesperson Karissa Kugler.

As noted by Rosie Henein, founder and director of Hammer City Paws Rescue, the demand for animal assistance has surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Henein pointed out that prior to the pandemic, shelters faced a surplus of space, allowing larger institutions to bring in strays from other regions. Currently, many individuals are forced to surrender their pets due to rising costs associated with pet food, veterinary care, and essential treatments. Grabell highlighted the need for affordable veterinary services, stating that the new campus will provide access to more affordable spay and neuter clinics.

Education and Accessibility as Core Focuses

The HBSPCA is committed to enhancing educational outreach through its new campus, which will expand community education and volunteer programs. The facility will operate on a price-geared-to-income model to ensure accessibility for pet owners from all financial backgrounds. Grabell stated that the new hub will also function as a learning center for aspiring veterinarians, allowing them to gain practical experience in a shelter environment.

Future veterinarians will have the opportunity to engage with animals in various capacities, from learning about sanitation and herd health in their first year to assisting in surgeries by their final year. Grabell emphasized the importance of integrating a learning component into non-profit veterinary care, especially given the projected 20 percent decrease in access to affordable veterinary services nationwide.

Construction is set to begin next year, with the HBSPCA’s animal welfare campus expected to open its doors in 2028. This initiative not only aims to bolster animal welfare in the Hamilton-Burlington region but also seeks to educate the community about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering.