Author: Bethany Kloc

SPCA Serving Erie County Big Mutt-tober October 10 - 31 2025 with dog in leaf wreath
It’s here! The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce our
Big Mutt-tober adoption event, happening now through Friday, Oct. 31! 

To celebrate, adoption fees for all eligible large dogs (44+ pounds) are slashed by 50%!

Plus, every Big Mutt-tober adoption also includes a coupon for 20% off one purchase in our on-site store, the Petique (currently featuring…yes…”I Like Big Mutts” T-shirts, while supplies last!)!

It’s the perfect way to save on both your new best friend and all the supplies you’ll need to welcome them home!

How to Participate in Big Mutt-tober:

Finding your new best friend is easy!

– Browse our big dogs online: Visit our adoption page to see all the wonderful big dogs waiting to meet you!

– Visit the SPCA: Come to our shelter at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca to meet them in person! Spend some time in a meet-and-greet room or outside in a play yard to get to know their personality. And remember, many dogs qualify for If The Fur Fits trial adoptions, and Doggie Entourage day-out excursions, if you’d like to get to know your dogs a little better outside the shelter!

– Talk with our team: Our knowledgeable adoption counselors and volunteers are here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect canine companion for your home and lifestyle!

More to Love! Why a Big Dog Might Be Your Perfect Match!

Thinking about adding a big dog to your family? There are so many reasons why they make incredible companions.

– Don’t let their size fool you! Many large dogs are calm, gentle giants whose favorite activity is curling up on the couch with their favorite people.

– If you love to hike, run, or explore the beautiful parks of Western New York, a big dog is the perfect partner to keep up with your active lifestyle!

– Many of the big dogs available for adoption are adults, and unlike puppies, adult dogs have already grown into their paws and their personalities. You’ll know from the start about their temperament and energy level!

Ready to find your Big Mutt?

The SPCA Serving Erie County launches PAWS (Preschoolers, Adventure, and Wonder) Program! Read more here >>

We’re thrilled to announce a special adoption promotion that’s all about helping our amazing adult animals find their forever families. We truly believe there’s a perfect match for every single pet, and we’re making it super easy for you to connect!

Every Wednesday until September 24, we’re waiving adoption fees for most animals one year or older! This is an absolutely fantastic opportunity to open your heart and home to a wonderful pet! Imagine the snuggles, the laughter, and all the unconditional love waiting for you!

 

Plus, if you spend $30 in the Petique on Wednesdays, you receive a free engraved pet ID tag! There’s no better way to tell the world your new family member belongs to you!

We are so excited to see all of our deserving animals find their loving homes with you!

A Few Important Paws-itive Pointers

To make sure everything goes smoothly, please keep these guidelines in mind:

– Your new furry (or feathered, or scaled!) pet must be adopted on a Wednesday at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Road shelter to qualify for the waived fee.

– Holds placed on a Tuesday with the intention of adopting on Wednesday (to snag this promotion) won’t be eligible.

– Likewise, holds placed on a Wednesday for pick-up on Thursday won’t qualify. The adoption needs to be completed on Wednesday.

– Animals participating in our special If The Fur Fits trial adoption program are not part of this promotion. This applies to animals with specific behavioral or medical needs; a discussion with potential adopters will take place so adopters fully understand what is required to make the adoption a successful placement! (We want to ensure you know right up front what to expect from your new pet!)

Rest assured, our standard, safe adoption process will still be in place for every adoption. Your new family member’s well-being is our top priority!

See our adoptable animals here!

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership that brings professional dog training classes directly to the SPCA Serving Erie County! Our long-time partner, Sit N’ Stay Pet Services, with whom we’ve collaborated for 24 years, is now offering training programs at the SPCA!

How Your Enrollment Helps Animals
When you enroll your dog in one of these classes, you’re not just investing in your pup’s future, you’re also directly supporting the SPCA’s work! 25% of the proceeds from every class will be donated directly to the SPCA! 

Special Offer for SPCA Adopters
As a thank you to our adopters, if you welcome home your new pup from the SPCA, you’ll receive $50 off of either class! 

Featured Classes
Sit N’ Stay Pet Services offers two six-week classes designed to address common training needs:

– Surviving Puppyhood: Perfect for new puppy owners, this class provides the tools and techniques to navigate the challenges of puppyhood, focusing on socialization, basic obedience, and preventing common behavioral issues.

– Real World Manners: Ideal for dogs six months and older, this class focuses on practical obedience skills for everyday situations, helping your dog become a well-behaved, calm, and polite pup in various environments.

Important Details

– Classes held year-round: These training classes will be offered consistently throughout the year, so you can join when the time is right for you and your dog!

– Open to All Dogs: Regardless of whether your dog was adopted from the SPCA or another source, they are welcome to enroll in these classes! 

Find complete details on class dates, times, descriptions, and registration information here! >>

 

Many people have asked for an adult version of our popular Tale for Two program, and we’re thrilled to deliver! We’ve expanded our programs to bring you Adult Tale for Two, a unique opportunity for older teens and adults to unwind, de-stress, and enjoy some quiet time with shelter animals.

You’ll have the chance to relax in a designated reading area and spend time near the animals you’d most like to relax with, whether it’s our cats, our dogs, or even our small animals! Plus, you’ll be directly supporting our animals, as your participation helps them get accustomed to human presence and socialization, making them more adoptable!

How it works:

– Join us on Tuesdays for a 45-minute session! The cost per session is $15. The available times are
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m., 3:45 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., and 5:15 p.m. to 6 p.m.

– Find a comfortable spot in the SPCA!

– Spend 45 minutes reading a book, working on homework, or catching up on work, all while enjoying the company of our adoptable animals. (Please note: For the safety and comfort of both our animals and participants, you will be reading in designated areas outside of the kennels and will not be able to sit inside dog kennels during your session.)

Sign up for a session here!

Have a question? Send an email to our Humane Education Department or call them at (716) 875-7360, ext. 245!

Looking for information about our Tale for Two program for children? Click here! >>

Batter Up: Buffalo Bisons Hold Four Dog Days at the Park to Benefit SPCA!

Get ready for tail-wagging fun at Sahlen Field! The Buffalo Bisons are teaming up with the SPCA Serving Erie County to host four special Dog Days at the Park throughout the baseball season. These fan-favorite events offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy America’s pastime alongside your pup while supporting the SPCA!

Mark your calendars for the following dates and times:

– Wednesday, May 14 at 6:05 p.m.

– Wednesday, July 2 at 6:35 p.m.

– Thursday, Aug. 14 at 6:35 p.m.

– Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 6:05 p.m.

Dog owners are invited to bring their “Most Valuable Dog” (MVD) and purchase General Admission tickets to sit together in the designated right field corner. Regular seating will be available in section 120 for those attending without a dog.

Beyond enjoying a Bisons game, attendees will have the chance to support the SPCA Serving Erie County directly!

Purchase your tickets here and a portion of the proceeds will support the SPCA!

Fans will also have the opportunity to participate in 50/50 raffles at the ballpark, with proceeds benefiting the animals in the SPCA’s care!

Get ready to cheer on the Bisons and support the SPCA – it’s sure to be a home run!

BISSELL Pet Foundation Launches New York Intrastate Transport Program to Help Long-Stay Shelter Pets Find Homes
NY shelters and rescues join lifesaving effort to increase adoptions

FEB. 20, 2025 – BISSELL Pet Foundation, in collaboration with animal shelters and rescues across New York, is proud to announce the launch of a new intrastate transport program aimed at increasing adoption opportunities for long-stay shelter pets.

A recent report from Shelter Animals Count reveals that dogs of all sizes are staying in the care of shelters and rescues longer than they have in previous years. Nationwide, dog adoptions have declined by 1% from 2023 to 2024, with medium-sized dogs averaging 18 days in shelters and larger dogs averaging 20 days. Many New York shelters are caring for healthy, adoptable dogs who have been waiting for more than 30 days for a second chance at a loving home. To address this challenge, BISSELL Pet Foundation’s New York Intrastate Transport Program – Long-Stay Pet Initiative offers a collaborative platform for animal welfare organizations throughout the state to increase adoptions by coordinating the transfer of long-stay pets to locations where they may have a better chance of being adopted.

Beginning Wednesday, Feb. 19, participating shelters, including the SPCA Serving Erie County, and rescues in New York will list their long-stay pets on BISSELL Pet Foundation’s platform. Once selected, these pets will be transported to new organizations increasing their chances of finding families. Community members are encouraged to visit their local shelters regularly, as new pets will continually be transferred in as part of the program.

“At BISSELL Pet Foundation, we know transport saves lives because we have seen it firsthand. Too many shelter pets are overlooked simply because they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Transport offers a second chance by introducing them to new adopters,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation. “We spent three years developing a platform to make intrastate transport easier for shelters, helping them diversify their populations to increase adoptions. Every pet deserves a chance, and we’re proud to provide a solution that helps shelters save more lives. If you are thinking about adding a pet to your family, please visit your local shelter to adopt or foster.”

This initiative is part of BISSELL Pet Foundation’s mission to alleviate shelter overcrowding and increase adoptions. New York animal welfare organizations not yet part of the program are encouraged to join by contacting info@bissellpetfoundation.org.

For more information about BISSELL Pet Foundation, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.

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Get ready for a birthday party that’s both fun and makes a difference! At the SPCA Serving Erie County, our birthday parties are a blast for animal lovers of all ages – whether you’re celebrating your sixth birthday or you’re turning a sensational 106! You and your guests will have a paw-some time learning about our work and how we help animals and people in our community!

What to Expect

Every party kicks off with a warm welcome from one of our Humane Educators! Guests will explore the SPCA, meet an amazing animal ambassador, and tour our adoptable animal areas and barn. Then, it’s off to our education room for a fun, age-appropriate humane education activity – pre-selected by the birthday guest! The birthday star will also get a photo with an ambassador animal, a special gift, and a photo of an SPCA animal for all of the party guests to sign. And the best part? They’ll get to name one of our homeless pets and receive a photo to follow their journey to adoption online!

Party Packages

– Package 1: 1.5-hour Party, $250: Includes 60 minutes of facilitated activities and 30 minutes for cake, gifts, etc.

– Package 2: 2-hour Party, $325: Includes 90 minutes of facilitated activities and 30 minutes for cake, gifts, etc.

Our party packages accommodate up to ten children (including the birthday child) and three adults. Up to five additional children are $10 each, and additional adults are $5 each. To ensure a great experience for everyone, parties are limited to 18 guests: 15 children and 3 adults.

Digital SPCA birthday invitations and thank you cards (available upon request via email).

Party Schedule

Parties can be scheduled:

– Fridays: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

– Saturdays: 10 a.m. to noon, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

90-minute parties will be scheduled within these time blocks.

What We Provide

We provide the party room, basic decorations (including generic tablecloths), compostable paper products (plates, napkins, and cups), and utensils. Families are welcome to bring their own food, drinks, and additional decorations to personalize the party room. A Humane Educator will be assigned to your party to ensure a fantastic experience for everyone.

Personal decorations: If you’d like us to set up your own decorations, please drop them off one week in advance to the SPCA’s Humane Education Department, 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca.

Optional Party Favors

– Goody Bag ($5 per guest): Cat, dog, or small mammal-themed goody bag.

– Best Friend Stuffed Animal Adoption: Includes a stuffed animal, carrier, and adoption certificate. ($10/guest for small dog or cat; $15/guest for large dog or cat)*

– Crafting with Animals: Supplies for making crafts for our adoptable animals. ($5/guest)*

– Pet Painting: Canvas and paint for each guest. ($12/guest)*

* These options are only available for the 2-hour parties.

Important Note

Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising all attendees at all times.

Ready to Book Your Party?

The fun starts here! >>

Questions?

Send an email to the Humane Education Department here. >>

Cancellations and Refunds

– Cancellations 4+ weeks prior: Refund minus a $75 administrative fee.

– Cancellations 2-4 weeks prior: 50% refund.

– Cancellations less than 2 weeks prior: No refund; full party fee forfeited.

SPCA Serving Erie County Issues Warning About Cold Weather and Pet Safety

With cold temperatures expected to hit our area this week, the SPCA Serving Erie County urges pet owners to take extra precautions to keep their pets safe.

“Just like us, our pets are susceptible to the dangers of extreme cold,” said Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allison Kean. “We encourage all pet owners to take the necessary steps to protect their pets from the elements.”

The SPCA Serving Erie County offers the following tips to keep pets safe during the bitter cold weather:

– If you’re feeling the chill, remember that your pets also feel it! Keep your furry friends cozy indoors and make bathroom breaks quick.

– Wipe their belly and feet as soon as they come indoors, and ensure they have a warm place to lie down.

– Protect your pet’s paw pads from ice. Consider using vet-approved paw protectants, booties, and pet-friendly ice melts.

– If your pet has short hair, consider dressing them in a coat or sweater to protect them from the elements.

– Do not let your pet off-leash on snow and ice. Pets can easily lose their scent and sense of direction in these conditions. Also, make sure your pet’s ID tags have your current information!

– Inspect your parking space for antifreeze spills. Antifreeze is toxic to animals and can be lethal if ingested.

If residents see dogs left outdoors for extended periods in inclement weather and are concerned about the state of the animal’s shelter, and if the location is in Erie County, please contact the SPCA: (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

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