Category: News

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 in June 2025, 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! >>

SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets

May 20, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

To thank the members of the armed services this Memorial Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County once again offers Vets & Pets, waiving adoption fees on most animals for individuals and immediate families of individuals on active duty, reserves, and honorable discharge, along with service-disabled veterans and those retired from military service! This program, a longtime SPCA tradition, is proudly presented by the kind, caring, and patriotic folks at Northtown Subaru.

“In addition to delivering exceptional automotive services, we are committed to fostering positive transformations within our community, dedicated to spreading warmth and compassion to all. As part of the Northtown family, we consistently rise to meet the needs of others, and are committed to the support of the SPCA Serving Erie County and its invaluable initiatives such as Vet and Pets,” says Harold Erbacher, Co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies.

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, May 24 and runs through Saturday, May 31* at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location (off-site locations are not included in this campaign).

Photos of adoptable animals can be found here >>.

Adoption hours can be found here >>.

Military ID or DD214 will need to be presented. If an individual is currently serving outside of New York State, that individual’s spouse can adopt during Vets & Pets if a military spouse identification card is presented. Adopters can apply the Vets & Pets waived adoption fee promotion toward a total of two animals.

Please contact SPCA Adoptions Supervisor Zak Sprowls with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 203.

*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA is closed Sunday and Monday, May 25 and 26. Final guest passes for those wishing to adopt from the SPCA’s West Seneca location are issued one hour prior to closing.

#SPCACompassionInAction

ASK LEGISLATORS TO KEEP COMPANION ANIMAL CAPITAL FUND IN BUDGET, ADD ANIMAL CRIMES FUND 



UPDATE May 8, 2025 — In an exciting email this morning, New York State Animal Protection Federation Executive Director Libby Post shared that our advocacy efforts worked! There is now $10 million approved for the Companion Animal Capital Fund after the NYS Legislature proposed an additional $5 million be added to the existing $5 million designated by Gov. Kathy Hochul! Thank you to Senator Joseph Addabbo, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Senator Michelle Hinchey, and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo for their work in helping to aquire this additional funding. At this time, no funding has been approved for an Animal Crimes Fund, but future advocacy efforts will be initiated at a later time. A special thanks to the friends of the SPCA Serving Erie County for showing incredible support in achieving this Companion Animal Capital Fund victory!

Submit form to senators and assemblymembers urging funding for companion animals >>

More on 2025 Companion Animal Capital Fund and Animal Crimes Fund >>

Companion animals need your voice *NOW!*

The New York State Animal Protection Federation (NYSAPF) and the SPCA Serving Erie County need your help!

New York State Governor Kathy Hochul included $5 million in the state budget for the Companion Animal Capital Fund, the only fund of its kind in the country that supports capital projects at rescues, shelters, and humane societies such as our SPCA Serving Erie County. This increases organizations’ ability to provide proper care to hundreds of thousands of companion animals throughout the state of New York. Due to the number of qualified organizations in the state, the total, while generous, can be exhausted quickly.

The New York State Legislature added $5 million to the state budget to bring the total to ten million dollars, doubling the amount of money that can be placed towards caring for animals in need in New York State. Now it’s important that this additional five million dollars stay in the budget.

Additionally, the NYSAPF is asking for $2.5 million to help with costs associated with rescuing and caring for abused animals that are victims of animal cruelty cases as part of the Animal Crimes Fund. 

CAN YOU HELP US ENSURE THIS FUNDING IS IN THE NEW YORK STATE BUDGET FOR 2025?

Action needs to be taken as soon as possible, before April 1, 2025! We need your voice today to ensure New York State can help us care for animals in need! 

TAKE ACTION

Those interested in encouraging lawmakers to keep the full Companion Animal Capital Fund and add the Animal Crimes Fund to the New York State budget can add their voice to thousands who want to ensure animals are cared for. Contact lawmakers using an on-line, pre-written form here >>

Send a message to lawmakers here >>

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.

ACCESS Team Member

Behavior Assistant, full time

Behavior Assistant, part time

Community Engagement Specialist

Veterinary Receptionist, Lipsey Veterinary Clinic

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 

College Internships

Volunteer Opportunities

 

SPCA WILL RECEIVE $32,000 DONATION FROM NORTHTOWN SUBARU DURING ADOPTION EVENT AS PART OF SUBARU’S SHARE THE LOVE®

Longtime SPCA Serving Erie County partner Northtown Subaru will present SPCA representatives with a $32,353 donation during an adoption event this weekend that will feature adorable and adoptable puppies, dogs and cats! Northtown Subaru chose the SPCA Serving Erie County in addition to four national charities from which new Subaru owners could select to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of America, Inc.

Year to date, Northtown has donated $160,207 to The SPCA Serving Erie Country as part of the Subaru Share the Love Initiative.

The adoption event will take place Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Northtown Subaru, 3930 Sheridan Drive, Amherst NY 14226. (The check presentation will take place at 12 p.m.)

“In addition to delivering exceptional automotive services, we are committed to fostering positive transformations within our community, dedicated to spreading warmth and compassion to all. As part of the Northtown family, we consistently rise to meet the needs of others, committed to our support of the SPCA Serving Erie County and its invaluable initiatives,” says Harold Erbacher, co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies.

“We continue to be so excited over this unique partnership with Northtown Subaru,” says SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly. “What is most impressive is the fact that this partnership is truly personal for the Northtown reps with whom we work! It’s evident how much they love animals and love the SPCA, and the degree to which they believe in our programs and services is so encouraging. We look forward to continuing this partnership into the future, as the SPCA strives to be a resource for more people in more parts of our region.”

Because animals at previous Northtown/SPCA adoption events have been adopted very quickly, interested parties are encouraged to arrive at the event early to browse animals (and vehicles!).

— SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

DOG ADMISSIONS AT THE SPCA ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.

April 26, 2025 — This month’s multiple-animal cruelty cases combined with a shortage of space and resources have led to maximum capacity conditions at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site. Until further notice, dog admissions at the SPCA are closed. For information on rehoming your pet through another organization, or for assistance on listing your pet on the SPCA’s website through the Rehome program, please visit https://YourSPCA.org/RehomeYourPet. Thank you.

SPCA PARTNERS WITH ERIE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON FREE RABIES VACCINATION CLINIC FOR DOGS, CATS, & FERRETS

Registration required.
Click the image below for details on how to register.

#SPCACompassionInAction

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!

LILIES, CHOCOLATE HARMFUL TO PETS; OTHER EASTER PET SAFETY REMINDERS

April 10, 2025
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

As shopping for the Easter holiday continues this week, the SPCA Serving Erie County reminds pet owners and people bringing gifts to pet owners that chocolate and Easter lilies can be harmful, even deadly, to pets.

All parts of the Easter lily, day lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Asiatic lily, and some others are toxic to felines. Ingesting even a small amount of the plant can result in kidney failure and, if untreated, death. Shortly after ingestion, a cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. As the kidney damage progresses, these signs worsen. In most cases, a cat must be treated within mere hours of ingesting the plant, or damage to the kidneys will be irreversible.

Most chocolate contains high amounts of fat and methylxanthine alkaloids (theobromine and caffeine) that cause constriction of arteries, increased heart rate, and central nervous system/cardiac muscle stimulation.

These effects can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive panting and thirst, hyperactivity, increased urinating, stiffness, and exaggerated reflexes. Cardiac failure, seizures, coma, and death can result if the chocolate ingestion is not found within four to six hours and treated appropriately.

Other holiday reminders:

*Thinking about bringing a bunny into the home? Check out this important article from the well-respected House Rabbit Society! It’s true…even at Easter time, there are responsible ways to bring a bunny into your life!

*If you color your Easter eggs, ensure the food colorings or dyes do not contain ingredients that are toxic to pets.

*Check candy for the ingredient XYLITOL, extremely toxic to dogs even in very small amounts. Xylitol is a low-calorie sugar alcohol used as a sweetener, safe for many humans but extremely toxic to dogs, possibly causing liver failure, seizures, and death.

*Keep Easter baskets, basket ‘grass,’ candy, and foil candy wrappers away from pets. Hiding those Easter baskets? Be sure the pets can’t find them before the kids! Basket grasses and foil wrappers are non-digestible and can get caught in the intestines, leading to blockage and possible perforation. They can lead to choking, strangulation, and even worse, an internal obstruction. In addition to chocolate, discussed above, other candies can be dangerous for pets. Be sure children aren’t tempted to share their Easter basket candies with their four-footed friends!

*If you’re using garlic, onions, or chives in meal preparation, be extra careful about ensuring your pets aren’t sneaking a taste. These items are toxic to both cats and dogs and can cause gastroenteritis and hemolytic anemia. Adding to the risk is the fact that signs of both may not appear for several days. Signs of toxicity include increased heart/breathing rates, pale gums, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and lethargy.

*Tempted to share holiday table scraps with Fido or Fluffy? Use discretion. Be aware of bones in the mix. And remember not to overfeed your animals with table food to which they’re not accustomed; this could lead to digestion problems and other unpleasant gastrointestinal issues.

*Be careful in selecting spring plants for the home. In addition to lilies mentioned above, the foliage, flower, or pod of daffodils can cause upset tummies, vomiting, or diarrhea; flower heads of hydrangeas can cause stomach pains, vomiting, and weakness; even the seeds and pods of wisteria can cause all of the above plus dehydration and collapse.

*Be sure curious pets are not able to get at a garbage bag! Even if harmful items are properly disposed of, an unsupervised pet can chew through a plastic garbage bag and still have access to raw bones and other waste.

Contact your veterinarian for more information.  In an after-hours or holiday veterinary emergency, you can reach an emergency veterinary clinic at  (716) 403-4370  in Cheektowaga or (716) 662-6660 in Orchard Park.

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