
ONE-NIGHT STANDS: ENCOURAGED!
FALLING IN LOVE: Optional
Doggie Entourage just got an after-hours upgrade!
Introducing BARK AFTER DARK, an overnight sleepover – with no strings attached – for SPCA dogs!
Available every weekend*, take an SPCA dog home with you for one or two nights with Bark After Dark, presented by Moog!
Q: WHAT’S BARK AFTER DARK?
A: It’s a fun, new sleepover program for adoptable dogs at the SPCA!
Q: WAIT, WHAT DO YOU MEAN? AN SPCA DOG CAN COME TO MY HOUSE FOR A SLUMBER PARTY?
A: YES! You can have a sleepover just Saturday night, or turn your one-night stand into a two-day fling and keep the dog Saturday and Sunday nights!
Q: THIS CAN’T BE REAL! DO I HAVE TO BE INTERESTED IN PERMANENTLY ADOPTING?
A: NOPE! Forever love is always encouraged, of course, and your one-night stand might steal your heart…but Bark After Dark requires no commitment, no drama, no promises. Just fun!
Q: HOW CAN I FIND OUT WHICH DOGS ARE AVAILABLE FOR A SLEEP-OVER?
A: It’s easy! If you’re 18 years of age or older, you just contact the SPCA after 10 a.m. on Saturdays! Call (716) 875-7360, ext. 207 to learn what Bark After Dark dogs are available.* Visiting earlier in the week? Look for the Bark After Dark signs with available dogs! *
Q: WHAT IF THERE’S A DOG I’D LIKE TO BRING HOME FOR BARK AFTER DARK?
A: Test your chemistry by reserving an available dog by phone. Pick-ups at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site will be arranged Saturdays between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dogs are available on a first come, first served basis. Dogs will need to be returned to the SPCA Sunday or Monday at 10:30 a.m.
Q: CAN I INTRODUCE THE SPCA DOG TO MY DOG AND OTHER PETS AT HOME?
A: Easy, now! Remember, this is a fling, not a mixer! Bark After Dark is available to people with no other pets, or those with the ability to keep your new SPCA friend separate from all other animals.
Q: WHAT IF I WANT TO MAKE THIS A PERMANENT COMMITMENT AND ADOPT THE DOG?
A: We were hoping you’d ask! Speak with Adoptions staff to find out how to turn this one-night stand into forever love! And the best part…if you decide right away to make this relationship a lasting one and wish to adopt Monday morning, you have first priority over others who may visit to meet the dog! This is one of the few times in life a one or two-night stand really DOES work out!
Q: THIS IS ALL GOING SO FAST. WHAT IF I JUST WANT TO HANG OUT WITH AN SPCA DOG FOR A COUPLE HOURS?
A: If you’re looking for a daytime hang rather than an overnight stay, we have a program for that too! Check out our DOGGIE ENTOURAGE program here >> !
*NOTE: Dogs must meet certain specific behavior criteria before being accepted into the Bark After Dark program. That means that, on occasion, no dogs will be available for a Saturday slumber party. Yes, we know this is just a fling…but we want to do everything possible to turn your fling into forever! Thanks for understanding!
For more information on Bark After Dark, please contact SPCA Adoptions and Foster Care Manager Zak Sprowls: zaks@yourspca.org.
The SPCA Serving Erie County extends a tail-wagging thanks to MOOG, sponsors of BARK AFTER DARK and DOGGIE ENTOURAGE! Thanks, MOOG, for keeping our dogs on the move!
There's never been a better time to join our pack!
SPCA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Our goal at the SPCA Serving Erie County is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of the community we serve in the most effective way possible. All employment decisions are decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.
Community Support Services Consultant
Licensed Veterinary Technician, part time
Licensed Veterinary Technician, part time hourly
The opportunity to spend your days working around beautiful animals and people who love them seems like it would be enough of a benefit, right? But when you join our pack as a full or part-time staff member we offer you even more! Check out our benefits:
Benefits >>
OTHER SPCA OPPORTUNITIES
SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS
January 19, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The winter storms have returned, and as many veterinary clinics (including the Lipsey Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA) are dealing with smaller work forces, it’s a little more complicated to receive emergency veterinary care. Â Plan ahead for the upcoming snowy days and nights now to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy today and throughout the rest of the winter. Read on for some of the SPCA Serving Erie County’s winter pet safety tips.
*OUTDOOR ANIMAL SHELTER MUST BE SUITABLE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: …and if it’s not, animal welfare officers can rescue the pet even before he or she shows signs of suffering, thanks to New York State’s Shelter
Law that went into effect in 2003. Thanks to a legislative push in late 2018 that led to stronger laws concerning the tethering of dogs within Buffalo city limits, the SPCA and other law enforcement organizations can now take even more steps to ensure dogs are protected from the elements.
* Keep a Tight Leash: Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Pets can lose their scent on snow and ice, especially if snow is falling at a fast rate, and your pet can easily lose his sense of direction. Pets may also panic during a snowstorm and run away; many pets are lost during the winter months. Remember to keep current identification on your pet at all times!
*Keep Pets At Home: Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. Your pet could literally freeze to death.

*Always Dry Pet’s Wet Feet: Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach when she comes in and out of the rain, snow or ice. Check her sensitive foot pads, which may be bleeding from snow or ice encrusted in them. Your pet may also pick up salt and other chemicals on her feet accidentally. These chemicals could hurt her if she swallows them while licking her feet.
*Lay Straw for Dogs’ Visits Outdoors: Can’t get your dog to wear booties? Lay straw on top of snow for trips outdoors by dogs reluctant to step out onto a freezing surface to relieve themselves.
*Check Cars for Cats: During the winter, stray or neglected cats outdoors sometimes sleep under the hood of the car where it’s warm and comfortable. If you start the motor, cats could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or death. To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.
*Keep Outdoor Sessions Short: Take your dog outside only for as long as it takes for him to relieve himself. Dogs, particularly small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas and terriers, suffer from the cold despite their seemingly warm fur coats. Live within Buffalo city limits? Don’t forget Buffalo’s new laws pertaining to tethering dogs in inclement weather.

*Bathe Pets Only When Necessary: Your pet runs the chance of catching a cold when wet, especially in cold weather. If you absolutely must bathe your pet, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.
*Keep Pets Warm: Limit the clipping of your pet’s hair in the cold winter months, keeping your pet as warm as possible. Brush your pet daily in lieu of clipping to keep your pet’s coat healthy, shiny, clean and mat-free. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from outside drafts.
*Hungry Pets: Speak to your veterinarian about increasing your pet’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy through the winter months. Inquire about vitamin and oil supplements.
*ANTIFREEZE IS POISON TO PETS: ANTIFREEZE, EVEN IN SMALL DOSES, IS A LETHAL POISON FOR DOGS AND CATS! Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it. Be sure to clean up spills thoroughly, and consider switching to an animal-friendly antifreeze. Ensure that, if you store Antifreeze in a garage, shed, or other places accessible to your pets, it is well out of pets’ reach.
If your pet becomes lost, be sure to visit YourSPCA.org’s Lost and Found page for recommendations on where to post lost pet listings, and tips for finding your lost pets.
For more tips regarding keeping pets safe and healthy during the winter, please contact your veterinarian.
Vaccine & Microchip Clinics
We’re proud to work with some amazing organizations throughout the county to bring affordable, proactive pet health services into communities that may have limited pet resources available!
Appointments are highly encouraged at all our clinics. We’ll do our very best to accommodate walk-up requests, but we cannot guarantee service.
Payment may be cash, credit card, PayPal, or Venmo.
Please note:
A $10 registration fee per pet is required when booking. This fee will be applied toward the services you select at the clinic. Please note that the fee is non-transferable to another clinic date and is non-refundable for no-shows.
If you’re only interested in receiving a DHPP (for dogs) or HCP (for cats) vaccine, please email ajaworski@yourspca.org to register your pet at no cost. This option applies only to pets receiving one of these vaccines and no additional services.
Clinics are species-specific. For the safety of all animals, only dogs will be seen at canine clinics, and only cats will be seen at feline clinics. Please check back for new clinic postings if there are no currently scheduled clinics that meet your needs.
If you are requesting a 3-year rabies vaccine, we require proof of a previous rabies vaccination at the time of your appointment.
For more information about upcoming clinics, contact 716-875-7360, ext. 241 or ajaworski@yourspca.org.
What to Bring
– Please bring your dog(s) on a properly fitted collar or harness and non-retractable leash, and cat(s) inside a cat carrier (one cat per carrier).
– Collars and ID tags on your pets are recommended.
– Most recent (if any) medical records for your pet(s).
Clinic Locations
What to Expect
– There may still be a wait! Please be patient with our staff and volunteers.
– Do not let your pup(s) meet other dogs attending the clinic (no matter how much they may want to)! Some dogs love new friends, and some dogs are nervous in large crowds.
– Dog clinics are held outdoors, so please make sure that you (and your pup!) are properly equipped to spend some time outside.
– If we cannot safely handle an animal at the time of the vaccination, we may recommend you seek vaccination services with your veterinarian.
– We’ll have pet supplies (food, toys, etc.) available while supplies last!
Vaccine and Microchip Fees
– Bundle Packages:
– The Whole Shebark (Dog): $45
Includes: Rabies, DHPP, Leptospirosis, Flea Treatment, Dewormer, Microchip and Registration.
– Baby Bundle (for puppies 6-12 weeks): $25
Includes: Dewormer, DHPP, Flea Treatment, Microchip & Registration.
– The Whole Kittencaboodle (Cat): $40
Includes: Rabies, HCP, Flea Treatment, Dewormer, Microchip and Registration.
– Baby Bundle (for Kittens 6-12 weeks): $25
Includes: Dewormer, HCP, Flea Treatment, Microchip and Registration.
– Dewormer (Pyrantel): $10
– Rabies (1 and 3 year): $15
– DHPP (Dog): FREE
– HCP (Cat): FREE
– Leptospirosis (Dog): $15
– Flea Treatment (1 month): $15
– Microchip: $15 (includes registration). Please bring a government-issued ID.
All animals who have been loved by us since 2025 are ready to be loved by you! Their adoption fees are just $25!
See adoptable animals here >>
NO BONES ABOUT IT!
KEEP PETS SAFE THIS THANKSGIVING!
November 21, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Planning a delicious holiday meal? Those scrumptious smells are enough to drive any four-legged critter into a food frenzy! The SPCA Serving Erie County has issued these Thanksgiving holiday reminders to keep your pets safe, slim, and trim:
HUNGRY PETS: Too many holiday treats won’t only pack the pounds on us…they’ll pack them on our pets. Many pets are on standard, limited diets; feeding them large quantities of food they don’t normally receive could cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, none of which are welcome during this festive holiday…or at any other time, for that matter. Use discretion. Turkey bones are also dangerous for pets. A brittle, spiky bone could cause irritation of the stomach or intestines, or could lodge in your pet’s esophagus.
NOTE: Dogs eating foods to which they’re not accustomed may experience BLOAT, a life-threatening condition. Dogs experiencing bloat may have difficulty breathing, may appear weak and/or depressed, may attempt to vomit but cannot, and/or may appear to be extremely uncomfortable for no apparent reason. If your pet exhibits signs of bloat, bring him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Speak with your veterinarian for more information on this condition.

NO BREAD FOR BARNEY:Â Think twice before leaving that homemade bread dough atop the oven to rise. According to the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center, when bread dough is ingested, an animal’s body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach. As alcohol is produced during the rising process, the dough expands. Pets who have eaten bread dough may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, disorientation and depression.
PEANUT BUTTER WARNING: Using peanut butter as a holiday treat for your pet? Remember to check the label! Xylitol is a sugar substitute now added to some peanut butters, along with other foods and candies. It’s safe for most humans, but deadly to pets, even in small quantities! Be sure to check labels for Xylitol or other ingredients that could be dangerous for your pet. It’s also a bad idea to give any animal caffeine-laced peanut butter or other foods; serious health problems could ensue.

GARBAGE PICKERS? Some animals patiently wait for the chance to pick through the garbage when you’re not around. Aluminum foils with juices, plastic wraps with frostings, even tasty strings from tying turkeys…well, the temptation can just be too much for your deprived pets. Keep your garbage bags away from where pets can chew through them to get to the goods. Ingestion of these items can be life-threatening.
SWEET TEMPTATIONS: CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO PETS! Chocolate contains a substance called Theobromine, a compound very similar to caffeine in structure. Theobromine can be toxic to dogs and cats in small quantities, causing vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, seizures, rapid and irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, coma, even death. Keep chocolate safely away from all animals.
POTPOURRI PROBLEMS:Â Of course we want our homes to smell nice when guests arrive…but be mindful that liquid and other types of potpourri, especially sprinkled into rugs, along with many scented essential candles and oils are toxic to dogs, cats, even birds and other animals.
With changes to the veterinary industry, seeking timely medical care for your pet, especially on a holiday, can prove itself to be problematic. Pet owners are advised to take every preventative measure possible to eliminate the chance of animals requiring emergency veterinary care.




