Getting to a vet appointment doesn't have to be a barrier to pet adoption: the Hamilton-Burlington SPCA offers a free shuttle service to help those facing transportation challenges.
The Pet Express Cruiser covers the Hamilton and Burlington areas, including Flamborough, Ancaster, Waterdown, Stoney Creek and Dundas, to help people get their pets the care they need.
The cruiser is used for three very essential reasons: it ensures fosters can get to all their required check-up appointments and has been crucial in the success of the Pet Pantry program that delivers pet food and basic supplies to owners in need of support. This service is also offered to the public to pick up people and their pets, ensuring they get to their spay or neuter appointment at the HBSPCA Companion Animal Hospital.
Spaying or neutering a pet does more than help prevent accidental litters. Spaying diminishes the risk of mammary, ovarian and uterine cancers for female dogs, and neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the chance of prostate disease for male dogs, according to HBSPCA officials. There are also behavioural benefits, like reduced aggression and a decreased likelihood to wander.
Once a spay or neuter appointment at the HBSPCA Companion Animal Hospital is confirmed, users fill out an online booking request. If the vehicle is not available, arrangements will be made for third-party transportation. However, 14 days’ notice is crucial as service is not guaranteed due to demand. Early booking is the best way to ensure a spot.
There are some restrictions to protect the health and safety of the passengers and pets involved during transportation. The pet cannot weigh more than 30 kg. Small animals must be in a carrier supplied by the owner at all times during transportation. Large animals are required to have either a collar or harshness attached to a leash and be properly secured. Owners must have complete control of their animals at all times during transportation.
The Pet Care Cruiser, which launched in 2023 and cost $40,000 (Toyota and Leggat Automative Group helped contribute to initial costs), is a relatively new initiative at the HBSPCA. It has proven to be so successful that, due to growing demand, volunteer drivers are needed to help run this crucial program so it can continue. Vehicle maintenance and gas are covered by the non-profit agency.
“We are currently servicing three to five people and their pets a week. This is partially because the service is new and we are actively testing and refining it as we progress, but also because we are in need of volunteer drivers to help us run this program to its full potential. The more volunteers we have to run this program, the more transportation slots will open up to serve our community,” says HBSPCA communications manager Karissa Kugler. “Drivers are required to complete a training course as well as a driving test with one of our experienced team members. On top of that, we run a background check and review the potential volunteer's driving record for any concerns prior to onboarding.”
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer driver can apply by visiting the HBSPCA website. The “Ways to Help” tab, has a volunteer section, which features a page with detailed volunteer information and instructions.
