Our Mission

At the SPCA Serving Erie County, our mission is to create a more humane community through education; rescuing, protecting, and enhancing the lives of animals; and nurturing the bond between animals and people.

A community where animals are treated with compassion and respect.

Our mission and vision are more than mere words. Read our latest edition of our newsletter, Compassion in Action >>

Explore our position statements on a variety of issues that affect animal welfare. Gain insights, understanding, and clarity on where the SPCA Serving Erie County stands as an organization.  

The SPCA Serving Erie County is a place for animals who, in their greatest time of need, have nowhere else to turn. We invite you to learn more about our organization and how you can help put an end to animal cruelty.

12,000 animals are assisted annually by the SPCA Serving Erie County.

Founded in 1867, the SPCA Serving Erie County is the second-oldest humane society in the country. As the view and treatment of animals have changed over time, so too have our efforts. However, our commitment to providing care and compassion to all animals in need has never wavered.
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In the late 1800s, our organization helped horses and other animals working on the Erie Canal.
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In the early 1900s, as more animals started living in homes as pets, our work played a more prominent role in the lives of dogs and cats.
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Today, as our community’s impact on the environment grows, we see more wild animals needing assistance to survive.

We promise to transform the lives of animals in Erie County, NY and beyond – whether neglected, beaten, starved, abandoned, injured, or unwanted.

• Protecting animals against acts of cruelty, abuse, and neglect by enforcing established animal welfare laws and, when necessary, taking action to remove animals from unsafe situations and seeking justice for animal victims.
• Rescuing animals in need, both domestic and wild.
• Helping unwanted and homeless pets find new, loving homes.
• Educating the community on treating animals with kindness, compassion, and respect.
• Promoting responsible pet ownership.
• Helping keep families and pets together.
• Nurturing the bond that exists between animals and people.

The SPCA Serving Erie County continues to grow and carry out our mission thanks to loyal, dedicated people. People who know the love and affection of a pet. People who care about homeless animals. People who will not tolerate animal abuse and cruelty.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is not affiliated in any way with any other animal agency, including the Niagara County SPCA, the ASPCA, or any other humane society or animal welfare group. It is a completely independent humane society that does not receive any city, county, state, or federal tax dollars; the important programs and services of the SPCA Serving Erie County are possible only due to donations from caring people and organizations.

Asilomar 2023