Hamilton-Burlington SPCA just got a donation of $1.5M in pet food. But there's no place to keep it

Have you got a lead on 10,000 square feet of available warehouse space?

If so, the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) wants to hear from you. The animal welfare charity says it's looking to store $1.5 millionworth of pet food received as a donation from a group of its partners.

"We couldn't have picked a better time to receive [that]," John Gerrard, the organization's CEO, told CBC Hamilton, noting the donation amounts to 1.1 million meals at a time when the cost of pet food is rising.

"No person should choose between feeding themselves or their animals."

Food and pet supplies donated to the HBSPCA go into the organization's pet pantry program, which distributes them for free to people who need pet food or supplies either directly or through partners such as food banks, shelters and rescues in Hamilton, Burlington, and beyond.

HBSPCA's John Gerrard says the animal welfare industry faces its 'largest challenge'

2 months ago

Duration 1:52

As the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA seeks space to store $1.5 million worth of donated pet supplies, CEO John Gerrard says the animal welfare industry is facing its "largest challenge."

The program provided over 77,000 meals this year already, Gerrard said, adding his organization shipped food as far away as northern Ontario.

The need is particularly high right now, he said, adding that since the pandemic bump in pet adoption there has been a surge in people surrendering their pets due to factors such as changing employment conditions and cost.

The general cost of living has risen, with Statistics Canada reporting that from June 2021 to June 2024, prices for food purchased from stores increased 21.9 per cent.

"The amount of animals in need of adoption has never been higher in our history. We cannot find enough folks to adopt fast enough," Gerrard said. "I encourage people to adopt before they buy."

In July, Rudi Wallace, the incoming chief executive officer of the Hamilton Community Foundation, which supports the charitable sector, told CBC Hamilton it's been a tough time for charities across the board.

"Donations are down," Wallace said, and "people are more financially strapped," leading to greater need.

During difficult times, having pets helps a lot of people with their mental health, Gerrard said. "From that perspective alone, feeding and making sure people are happy and their animals are healthy and happy is the critical part."

In addition to square-footage, the HBSPCA's criteria for a space to store the donated food include 24-hour access, and a loading dock that can accommodate 16-metre-long transport trailers.

Gerrard said there are over 20 truck-fulls of product to store, and adds that there's a possibility the organization might be able to receive another $1 million of donated supplies, if they can find somewhere to put it.

"I don't want to turn away another $1 million donation of food that can help our community," he said."That's how incredible our community is, but how challenging finding space sometimes is for a not-for-profit like us."

HBSPCA said the largest contributor to the original donation is pet food manufacturer Royal Canin.

"We are committed to helping pets in need, which is why we are proud to have donated to HBSPCA's Pet Pantry Program, to help feed the community of over 40,000 pets they serve," Rob Lunn, the general manager of Royal Canin Canada said in an email.

If anyone has a lead on a space, they can contact HBSPCA via its website, phone or email, Gerrard said.