New wellness clinic helps underserved pet families with routine care

To help support families and the pets they love, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has launched a new community support service for families without the means to take their animal to a local veterinarian for preventative care.   

Located within the Ontario SPCA Centre Veterinary Hospital in Stouffville, the new wellness clinic is accessible to those who receive a government subsidy, have an Indigenous status card and/or do not currently have a relationship with a local veterinarian. The clinic provides general wellness examinations, vaccinations and, when necessary and requested by the family, end-of-life care. For animals who require additional care, the family will be referred to a local veterinarian for additional treatment.   

Have questions about the new clinic? We’ve got answers!  

Where is this service located? 

The wellness clinic is located inside our Ontario SPCA Centre Veterinary Hospital in Stouffville, which offers high-volume spay/neuter services to the public.  

How can people access the service? 

The new wellness clinic is accessible to those who receive government subsidy or have an Indigenous status card and/or do not currently have a relationship with a local veterinarian. Pet families who receive a government subsidy can also reach out directly to book an appointment. 

Who determines who is eligible to use the service?  

Anyone who does not have a regular veterinarian can access this service.  

For subsidized services, we will be working directly with local social services to identify those who need assistance caring for their animals. Pet families who receive a government subsidy can also reach out to us directly to book an appointment. Proof of eligibility will be required.  

Is the service free? 

There may be a fee associated with these services that will be discussed at the time of booking. Please contact the wellness clinic or visit ontariospca.ca/wellnessclinic to learn more. 

What kind of treatments and procedures do you offer? 

The clinic provides general wellness examinations, vaccinations and, when necessary and requested by the family, end-of-life care. If the animal requires any additional care, the family will be referred to a local veterinarian for additional treatment. This clinic does not have the capacity to provide emergency care. 

Does the clinic offer emergency care? 

Unfortunately, this clinic does not have the capacity to treat ill animals or emergency situations. We encourage you to keep a list of local emergency vet clinics should your pet fall ill or require emergency care.  

What type of animals do you help? 

The clinic serves dogs and cats and provides general wellness examinations, vaccinations and, when necessary and requested by the family, end of life care. For animals who require any additional care, the family will be referred to a local veterinarian for additional treatment.  

How is it funded? 

As a registered charity, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to fund programs and services that help vulnerable animals in our community. If you are in a position to give and would like to help support this wellness clinic, visit ontariospca.ca to make a donation.  

For more information, visit our wellness clinic page. To learn more about the full range of community support services offered by the Ontario SPCA to help keep animals with the families who love them, visit ontariospca.ca/wellnessclinic