Author: Gina

April 22, 2020

The USDA has released a document regarding the confirmation of COVID in two cats residing in separate parts of New York State.

Included in this document is the following statement: “Public health officials are still learning about SARS-CoV-2, but there is no evidence that pets play a role in spreading the virus in the United States. Therefore, there is no justification in taking measures against companion animals that may compromise their welfare. Further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals, including pets, could be affected.”

Read the full USDA document here.

SPCA Premieres #bestwithmom Campaign

Baby season is in full swing. It’s the time of year for baby animals of all types, including kittens, squirrels, and rabbits.

Due to the current health crisis, the SPCA Serving Erie County has been forced to temporarily change its admission policies when it comes to these animals. In an effort to educate community members on what’s best for these young animals during this COVID-19 Response phase, the SPCA has premiered the #bestwithmom campaign.

Wondering what to do with that baby bunny or squirrel you found in the yard? Did your cat have kittens, or did you find an unowned mom cat and kittens outdoors? The SPCA is only able to admit injured or ill animals in emergency situations at this time, but the good news is the animal you see may not need our intervention at all. Find the appropriate image below to learn what to do next in your specific situation:

Please read this wonderful resource from Multnomah County Animal Services to help determine if the kittens you’ve found are in need of your help.

SPCA Paws for Love Volunteers Partner with Libraries for ‘Read With a Dog’ Program

April 11, 2020 — Volunteers with the SPCA Serving Erie County Paws for Love program often bring their therapy dogs to libraries for reading sessions in an effort to increase children’s interest in books in the most perfect setting possible: a library!

Aurora Town Public Library is going virtual with its reading program, and has invited SPCA Paws for Love two- and four-footed volunteers  to participate!

Each Friday in May at 11 a.m., a new reading video will be posted on the Aurora Town Public Library Facebook page and YouTube channel. Other Buffalo & Erie County libraries may participate in this reading program; we will share that information when more details are available.

No registration is required to view the reading videos. Visit http://www.BuffaloLib.org for more information.

— Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

April 6, 2020 — You read that right!

We know it will change soon…but at the SPCA Serving Erie County we’re taking this moment to celebrate the “emptiness” of our cat adoption rooms!

Right now, all the cats available for adoption at the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter have been adopted by loving members of our community willing to give them wonderful, new homes, even during our current health crisis.

We’re trying not to delude ourselves.

We know there are still a few beautiful, available cats in foster homes waiting to be adopted (see them at http://YourSPCA.org/adoptable-animals).

We know there are still cats at the shelter receiving some kind of treatment, so they’re not able to be adopted at this time.

We know there are many, many SPCA cats previously surrendered to the SPCA who are temporarily residing in foster homes with kittens on the way…which means it won’t be long before these rooms are completely filled again.

But today, we celebrate!

We are working at the SPCA to determine how and when to slowly and, more importantly, SAFELY, bring previously-admitted cats from foster homes back to the shelter after their kittens are  born and old enough to be separated from the moms. Much is still undetermined due to health concerns during this COVID-19 period. We will share details when more information is available.

Thank you to the people of our community for continuing to support the SPCA Serving Erie County and our animals during this crucial time. We are honored to serve you.

— Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Today, news was released of a tiger at the Bronx Zoo testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19 in humans). Read the USDA’s statement on the tests that were conducted, as well as FAQs on animals and COVID-19 based on what is known about the virus at this time (including ‘Can people give this virus to animals?’ and ‘Should I avoid contact with pets and other animals?’) by clicking the image below: