Making a difference for animals

by | Interesting |

For more than 150 years, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has been at the heart of changing the lives of animals in need. Our mission is to keep pets and families together, and we do so through a variety of community support services. Whether through pet food distribution, spay/neuter clinics, or collaboration with Northern communities, we are dedicated to helping animals and the people who love them. 

Thanks to your support, 2024 was a year brimming with impactful moments for animals and excitement in communities across Ontario! Here’s a closer look at the ways you have helped us change the lives of animals. 

Pet food distribution 

Last year, the Ontario SPCA distributed a total of 367,239 lbs of pet food to community food banks and partners, including 64,750 lbs to partners in Northern Ontario. This food distribution has provided 961,534 meals in total, helping 89,635 animals. 

This represents a 39% increase in the amount of pet food the Ontario SPCA has distributed to food banks year over year. This means more happy and full furry bellies thanks to the support from our corporate partners, donors and volunteers. 

Northern outreach 

In the North, we work with remote communities where access to basic pet services is often limited. In 2024, we supported 32 communities across Northern Ontario with pet food, supplies, spay/neuter and animal rehoming initiatives. 

Through 10 trips, totalling over 23,504 km, we were able to transfer 225 animals (including 184 cats and 41 dogs) to regions where families were waiting to adopt. We also distributed 64,750 lbs of pet food, which equates to153,946 meals.  

Spay/neuter clinics 

Preventing pet overpopulation is a core focus, and our spay/neuter programs are vital in this effort. In total, 9,276 spay/neuter procedures were completed in 2024, preventing an estimated 539,120 potentially unwanted offspring. This includes procedures at our Stouffville and Barrie clinics, where 6,905 procedures were performed, preventing 392,240 potentially unwanted puppies and kittens. 

Additionally, our MASH-style clinics performed 714 procedures, preventing 51,040 unwanted offspring, and our Mobile Animal Wellness Services unit performed 896 surgeries, preventing an estimated 52,160 potentially unwanted animals. Through these efforts, we’re reducing the number of potentially homeless animals, while also making spay/neuter services more accessible to underserved communities 

Basic veterinary services 

The Ontario SPCA also provides a range of basic veterinary services for families without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for routine care to ensure pets remain happy and healthy. Last year, 968 physical exams were conducted at our Barrie and Stouffville clinics. These clinics also administered 1,761 vaccines, 79 microchips, and provided 294 subsidized appointments, all part of our commitment to keeping pets with their families. 

Animal care and adoption 

Last year, we saw a significant increase in the number of animals finding loving homes at our 12 animal centres across the province. A total of 5,721 animals were adopted—an impressive 25% increase over the previous year. This includes 1,720 dogs, 3,774 cats, and 227 small animals. We’ve also reunited 820 lost animals with their families. 

Humane education 

As part of our ongoing efforts to promote animal welfare, we reached over 13,235 students through our AnimalSmart™ program. We delivered 603 presentations, including the launch of our new theme, “Animals in Our Community”, which was delivered to 17 classrooms. These programs are shaping the future generation of animal advocates, teaching them the importance of empathy, compassion, and responsible pet parenting. 

Continued growth and outreach 

Our goal is to ensure every animal has the chance to live a happy, healthy life, and with your help, we can achieve even more in 2025.  

As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to make these programs and services possible. Together, we’re making a real difference in the lives of animals and the people who care for them. Please consider donating today. 

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Testimonial

Thank you for looking after these animals

Thank you for looking after these animals — I would love to have them all in my house!

Ulla