Pet Food Pantries
Free or low-cost pet food resources to help keep pets fed and healthy.
Dedicated Pet Food Pantries
Stratford Perth Humane Society Pet Pantry
125 Griffith Rd
Offers free emergency pet food and supplies every Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Also partners with the mobile service Paws on Patrol to provide pet pantry deliveries directly to Stratford-Perth residents who cannot physically make it to the shelter.
Paws on Patrol Pet Pantry Drive
Beyond their delivery partnership with the Humane Society, they coordinate independent community pet supply collections, providing bi-weekly care packages filled with essential pet food and necessities to alleviate financial burdens for local pet owners.
Human Food Banks with Pet Food Support
Some of our local food banks are also able to help with pet food for families caring for a dog or cat.
Stratford House of Blessing
423 Erie St
Routinely stocks dog and cat food alongside their emergency human food bank resources. They accept pet food donations directly through community grocery bin drop-offs.
The Salvation Army
230 Lightbourne Ave
Their emergency family services food bank frequently provides pet food alongside family grocery hampers, subject to donation availability.
Pet Care & Support
Additional support for pet owners, including supplies, veterinary assistance, and emergency care resources.
Financial Assistance for Veterinary Bills
Financial assistance for unexpected veterinary bills in Stratford can be accessed through specific charitable subsidies, nearby low-income clinics, and alternative financing options.
Direct Subsidies and Foundations
The Farley Foundation
The primary province-wide option, subsidizing up to $1,000 annually per pet for non-elective, urgent care (surgery, diagnostics, emergency treatment). You cannot apply yourself — a participating clinic such as Perth Veterinary Services or Avon Pet Hospital in Stratford must submit the application on your behalf. Restricted to low-income owners receiving ODSP, Ontario Works, CPP Disability, or GIS, or with a household income under $35,000.
PAWS Canada Subsidies
Unlike Farley, PAWS Canada allows self-application by pet owners facing financial crises or low income. They fund both preventive treatments and essential/urgent medical care, with priority given to life-saving situations if regional funding runs tight.
Stratford Perth Humane Society Outreach
125 Griffith Rd
Runs a Veterinary Outreach Program offering subsidized preventive care, basic vaccines, and microchip clinics for pet parents experiencing financial hardship. Also runs a low-cost spay/neuter clinic for cats.
East Village Animal Hospital (EVAH)
Kitchener / London, ON
The closest full-service, dedicated low-income veterinary hospital. Offers general outpatient veterinary services, surgeries, and dental work at reduced rates for owners who provide proof of social assistance or lower tax assessments.
Veterinary Financing & Payment Plans
Vet Bill Loans
Unexpected veterinary bills can be overwhelming, especially when your pet needs care right away. If you're unable to cover the full cost of treatment and don't qualify for financing through your bank, VetBillLoans.ca may provide another option. The service helps pet owners explore financing for veterinary expenses, subject to lender approval. Because sometimes getting your pet the care they need shouldn't have to wait.
Preferred Rate Financing — Coming Soon
More financing options are on the way. We're working on adding a financing option specifically for pet owners with strong credit who may qualify for more competitive rates and terms. Whether it's an unexpected veterinary emergency, surgery or other necessary care, our goal is to help make veterinary expenses more manageable. Coming soon — check back for details.
Spay/Neuter Help
Low-cost spay and neuter services for Stratford residents are primarily split between a local clinic specialized for cats and a regional hospital program for dogs.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter for Cats (In Stratford)
Stratford Perth Humane Society Spay/Neuter Clinic
Spay Neuter Clinic Reception, 125 Griffith Rd
Open to anyone, with no income or geographic restrictions to book cat appointments. Feline Neuter is $225 and Feline Spay is $275 (both include a mandatory microchip). Appointments open online on the first business day of every month at 10:00 AM sharp, so it's recommended to be online right at opening time as spots fill fast.
East Village Animal Hospital (EVAH)
A dedicated non-profit high-volume clinic specializing in affordable spay and neuter surgeries for both cats and dogs, with locations in Kitchener and London. Restricted to low-income individuals, families, or those receiving ODSP/Ontario Works. You must register online as a new client and provide a CRA Notice of Assessment or proof of government assistance to book.
Feline Friends Network Spay/Neuter Assistance Program
This program is for residents of Perth County, Ontario.
Benefits of spaying (female cats) or neutering (male cats):
- Improves your pet's behaviour (prevents urine spraying, heat cycles, roaming and vocalizing)
- Improves your pet's health (spaying & neutering prevents some reproductive cancers)
- Prevents accidental litters of unwanted kittens
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter for Dogs (Subsidized Programs)
Stratford Perth Humane Society Spay Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP)
The Humane Society's heavily discounted dog spay/neuter program for low-income City of Stratford residents. If approved based on financial need, you drop your dog off at the Stratford centre early in the morning; they safely transport your pet to their Kitchener accredited animal hospital for the procedure and bring them back to Stratford for afternoon pickup. You must pre-apply online.
East Village Animal Hospital (EVAH)
A dedicated non-profit high-volume clinic specializing in affordable spay and neuter surgeries for both cats and dogs, with locations in Kitchener and London. Restricted to low-income individuals, families, or those receiving ODSP/Ontario Works. You must register online as a new client and provide a CRA Notice of Assessment or proof of government assistance to book.
Alternatives to Surrendering
Alternatives to Surrendering Your Pet
Choosing to surrender your pet is an incredibly difficult decision. The Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth is working to put supports and programs in place to help people and pets stay together. We may be able to help you keep your pet at home, or there may be alternative re-homing options to consider. Please review the following programs and resources before surrendering your pet.
Stratford Cares shares these resources for convenience. Please contact each service directly to confirm current hours and availability.
Know a Resource We Should List?
If you know of a pet food pantry, shelter, or animal support service in Stratford, let us know so we can add it here for other neighbours to find.
Contact Us