Author: Bethany Kloc

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 twelve children (including the birthday child) and three adults. Additional children, 11 to 15, are $10 each, and additional adults are $5 each. To ensure a great experience for everyone, parties are limited to 18 guests.

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.

Is your resolution to find new love in the new year?

Ready for some unconditional love, tail wags, and wet nose boops?

Now’s the perfect time to find your new best dog friend at the SPCA! We’re overflowing with adorable, adoptable dogs just waiting to shower you with affection!

And guess what? Thanks to our generous friends at Northtown Automotive, adopting your new pup is even more affordable!

Here’s the scoop!

From now until Tuesday, Jan. 21 (or until 50 dogs are adopted), you can snag $50 OFF your dog adoption fee! It’s easy:

– Before visiting the dogs at the SPCA, simply register with Favordrop. Keep an eye on your inbox! You’ll get an email within 24 hours with details on how to get your Favordrop. If you don’t see it, be sure to check your spam or junk folder. This QR code is valid for two weeks. (If not used within two weeks, you can simply re-register for a new code.) This $50 is courtesy of our generous friends at Northtown Automotive!

Get your Favordrop code here!

– Visit us! Come down to the SPCA and meet our amazing dogs. We have pups of all ages, shapes, sizes, and personalities!

– Adopt and save! When you’re ready to make it official, present your Favordrop QR code (sent to your email) at the adoption desk and receive $50 off your new dog’s adoption fee!

View our adoptable dogs!

Don’t wait! This special offer ends Tuesday, Jan. 21. Come find your new dog today and experience the joy of adoption!

The $50 off offer is valid until Thursday, Jan. 21, 2025 or until the first 50 dogs are adopted. Must register with Favordrop to receive QR code. Offer presented by Northtown Automotive. A special thank you to Favordrop for their contribution and their support of animal adoptions!

The SPCA Serving Erie County Announces Dog Kennel Renovations, Adjusted Dog Admissions, and Foster Home Needs

November 26, 2024: We’re thrilled to announce some exciting improvements coming to the SPCA Serving Erie County! To provide the best possible care for our dogs, we’re giving their living spaces a makeover. This includes renovating the dog kennels and meet-and-greet rooms with new floors and fresh paint to create a more comfortable, welcoming, and clean environment. Our dedicated staff rigorously cleans the dog kennels every day to prevent the spread of disease. However, this essential sanitation can damage flooring materials. Refinishing the floors will eliminate cracks and crevices where germs can linger, creating a safer and more sanitary environment for the dogs in our care. The effects of proper flooring on dog welfare is well-documented, and keeping the flooring comfortable, germ-free, and safe, with their feet exposed to as few irritants as possible is paramount to their health.

This renovation project will take about a month to complete, and to ensure everything runs smoothly for our residents, we’ll be making some changes to our dog admissions process. Starting December 1, we’ll be welcoming fewer dogs in to our care. Then, beginning January 2, we’ll temporarily pause admitting new dogs to keep our current pups safe and comfortable during construction.

While our capacity is limited, we’ll prioritize admitting dogs with the most urgent needs, such as those rescued from unsafe environments or requiring immediate medical care.

Since space will be limited during the renovation, we’re also hoping to find temporary foster homes for our adoptable dogs. The SPCA would be incredibly grateful if you have room in your heart and home for a dog! Fostering is completely free, and we provide everything you need to care for your temporary companion. Visit our Foster Care page to learn more and apply!

Please note that two of our popular programs, Doggie Entourage and If the Fur Fits, will be temporarily paused during this time.

We appreciate your understanding as we work to create a wonderful space for our dogs! We’re hoping for a smooth renovation and can’t wait to unveil the new and improved digs for our pups!

We’re incredibly grateful to the NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund for their generous support of this project. Their contribution plays a vital role in helping us create a better future for our community’s dogs!

✅ Notebooks
✅ Pencils
✅ Crayons
❓ New study buddy pet

Is your child getting ready to go back to school? It’s the perfect time to find them a study buddy!

From August 24 to August 31, the SPCA is reducing adoption fees by half for pets a year old and older!

The first 100 adopters will receive:
– A pencil case loaded up with treats for your new pet!
– A 20% off coupon to the SPCA’s in-shelter store, the Petique, with the option to get an engraved ID tag for only $5!
– An animal-themed bookmark for all your studying needs!

This limited-time sale is only available at the SPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca.

See available study buddies here!

Get ready! Give 716 is back for its fourth year, and the SPCA is excited to be part of this amazing community-wide giving event once again! From 7:16 p.m. on Monday, July 15, to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, your donations will help us continue our mission of providing compassionate care and shelter to animals in need!

Check out the SPCA as the Give 716 Charities reps on the Buffalo Bills Foundation home page! Click the image below to hear our own Chief Lindsey Wood talk about why Give 716 is so important to the SPCA:

Get your tickets for the Pawsitive Payday Raffle presented by Hodgson Russ LLP and sponsored by Dual Print & Mail and help rescue and care for animals in need! Get one ticket for $10 or get three tickets for a steal at $25! Grab your tickets here or call Caitlin at 716-875-7360, ext. 230!

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