Keeping furry bellies full with pet food donations

No one should have to choose between feeding themselves, or feeding their furry family member, but sadly that is the reality for many pet parents. One of the ways in which we are working to help support animals and the people who love them is through pet food distribution.  

To help keep furry bellies full, the Ontario SPCA established a network of partners to distribute pet food where it’s needed most. Whether it’s helping families who are experiencing hardship, or supporting communities enduring challenges such as natural disasters, the Ontario SPCA helps ensure furry friends are fed. 

In 2023, the Ontario SPCA proudly distributed an astounding 606,000 lbs of pet food to food banks and community partners—an unprecedented accomplishment in our history! 

Partner contributions fuel pet food donations 

Covering an entire province is a significant undertaking, requiring the establishment of pet food distribution hubs in Barrie, Renfrew, Sudbury, Picton, Dryden, and Thunder Bay. 

It is thanks to partners like Mars Canada, Walmart, Vetdiet, and Pet Valu that the team at the Ontario SPCA have been able to coordinate food donations in almost every corner of Ontario.  

To date this year, Walmart Logistics Canada has donated over an estimated 97,000 lbs of pet food and litter products to support animals at the Ontario SPCA. 

In February, Pet Valu donated 225,000 lbs of pet food to help fill the gap, while Mars Canada contributed another 60 pallets or 60,000 lbs of dog and cat food. In addition to community foodbank partners, this food supported the Toronto Cat Rescue, providing them with almost a year’s worth of food. 

In November, 45,000 lbs of cat food came to us from Greater Good and was delivered to the Barrie and Picton warehouses. This represents a three-month supply of cat food that will be distributed in surrounding communities where it is needed most. 

Essential food support for the North 

In the spring, the Ontario SPCA helped to coordinate and deliver 9,200 lbs of pet food to three First Nations communities affected by flooding in Northern Ontario. The Ontario SPCA also worked with community and rescue partners to distribute more than 100,000 lbs of food through hubs in Dryden and Thunder Bay to remote Northern communities. 

Anticipating the challenges of winter, an additional 24,000 lbs of pet food was distributed in October to remote Northern regions where access to animal supplies is already challenging. 

Community collaboration enables significant donation 

It takes a village to make work like this possible, and we are always amazed at the generous people who step up to help animals. This past spring, Vetdiet donated over 35,000 lbs of pet food in Renfrew to be distributed to families in need. Although we were faced with obstacles that nearly hindered our ability to accept this substantial donation, several local businesses stepped up to make it possible: 

• Through their initiative Make Space® Cares, Make Space® Storage generously provided the use of one shipping container 
• Due to the donation’s size, a second shipping container was required, which Cassidy’s Moving and Storage graciously contributed 
• Transporting the containers presented the next hurdle, which Ryan from North Algonquin Towing helped overcome 
• Cassidy’s Moving and Storage then offered space on their property to accommodate the containers 

• Finally, Justin from McCrea Excavating Ltd. and Owen from Mike’s Hardware Doors & So Much More answered the call to assist in unloading the donated food 

Your support is vital 

The Ontario SPCA extends heartfelt thanks to donors, community partners, and corporate sponsors for their unwavering support. Your contributions play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of animals. In many instances, these contributions make it possible for these beloved animals to stay with their families, especially during challenging financial times.  

Join us in making a difference 

To help keep animals with the families who love them, please consider making a gift today by visiting ontariospca.ca/donate  

To learn more about community support services offered by the Ontario SPCA, visit ontariospca.ca/communitysupport