Category: News

HAUNTED WOODS WALK BENEFITS SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY

Join the 7th Annual Haunted Woods Walk to benefit the SPCA Serving Erie County!

Bring the entire family (most appropriate for children 10 and younger) to this one-hour guided tour and bonfire (weather permitting) at 1660 Orchard Park Road, West Seneca, Fridays and Saturdays in October! This year’s highlights include a creepy space landing, eerie spider house, a haunted pumpkin display, a spooky pirate ship, pumpkin karaoke, and much more!

The Haunted Woods Walk will be held October 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, and 25. Tours begin at 7 p.m.

DON’T GHOST US…JOIN THE FUN! BUT HURRY! THIS EVENT SELLS OUT QUICKLY! 
Only presale tickets will be sold (tickets are not sold at the door). Tickets are available for $5; call (716) 826-4133 to reserve your space(s) now!

One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit the SPCA Serving Erie County!

We’ll see you in the woods for a mysteriously-marvelous time!

(Please, no costumes, strollers, or alcoholic beverages. An adult must accompany children under 12.)

TOUCHDOWN!
Hayley Beane & Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Continue Bills Muttfia for SPCA Serving Erie County Animals

September 4, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

Give in honor of the Beanes and help their Bills Muttfia rookies HERE! >>

Brandon & Hayley Beane

It’s official! For the sixth year in a row, Hayley and Buffalo Bills’ General Manager Brandon Beane will feature the Bills Muttfia program at the SPCA Serving Erie County!*

For every home game touchdown scored by the Buffalo Bills, the Beanes will make a $100 donation towards the care of an animal at the SPCA!* This means that, while ‘rookies’ drafted into Bills Muttfia are at the SPCA, a portion of their care has been sponsored by the Beanes. 

“With the SPCA’s shift toward accepting animals most at-risk, we’ve noticed an increase in care costs while animals are with us,” says SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly. “These donations from the Beanes help the SPCA provide what is required for ‘rookies’ in need of more extensive care while still allowing adopters the ability to adopt at a fraction of what the animal would have cost otherwise. Our basic adoptions include spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, microchips, testing, deworming, temporary identification for dogs and cats, the pet’s first visit to a veterinarian after adoption, and more. The Beanes help the animals of our community by affording the SPCA the ability to provide a significant amount of vital care to animals more in-need, leading to faster adoptions into loving homes.”

Give in honor of the Beanes and help their Bills Muttfia rookies HERE! >>

Dogs, cats, small animals, birds, reptiles, even farm animals will be drafted into the Bills Muttfia.  New Muttfia team members and their stories will be announced on the SPCA’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) the week after each home game.*

“Bills Muttfia is an excellent way to highlight and bring attention to the animals being cared for by the SPCA Serving Erie County,” said Hayley. “It has also been so fun to be involved and wait to see which animals will be drafted into Bills Muttfia!”

Hayley, a member of the SPCA’s Board of Directors, adds, “If you go and visit the SPCA, you’ll be hooked like I was. The tireless work that is done there by the warm, friendly, compassionate staff is really remarkable to see. From assisting animals that are involved in abuse cases to rehabilitating injured wildlife that find their way to the SPCA…it is a wonderful thing to witness and I’m so thankful for them!”

“No matter what happens at work, good day, bad day, you win 40 to nothing, lose 40 to nothing, your dogs are fired up to see you when you come in the door, and that’s a cool feeling, the love and nurturing that they bring to the family,” Brandon stated in a BuffaloBills.com video focused on the Beanes and the importance of pet adoption.

The Beanes not only talk the adoption talk, but they walk the walk. One Muttfia draft pick, a guinea pig named Sherman, was adopted by Hayley in December of 2021. The family soon became larger, with the adoptions of guinea pig Percy and one of Percy’s [surprise] babies, Coco Beane!

Sherman, Percy, and Coco Beane

Another excellent lineup of SPCA animal rookies are waiting to be drafted during the ’25 – ’26 Bills Muttfia season, which begins with the Buffalo Bills’ first home game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Sept. 7 at 8:20 p.m.

“Brandon and I are so excited to start another season of Bills Muttfia!”  Hayley remarks. “We love rescues, plus, it is heartwarming and inspiring to see the wonderful work done by the SPCA Serving Erie County. We can’t wait for lots of touchdowns!” 


The Beane Family

*Please note: Animal adoption fees are paid by adopters.

FOURTH OF JULY, OUTDOOR FESTIVALS: No Party for Pets

July 1, 2025
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The days immediately following July 4 can result in increased numbers of stray animals admitted to animal control facilities and humane societies, and often the explosive sound of fireworks is to blame. Fireworks cause many pets to panic, resulting in extreme and sometimes dangerous escape measures from homes or yards. Without identification, it is nearly impossible to reunite pet with owner.  Please keep the following tips in mind this holiday:

* ENSURE ALL ANIMALS ARE WEARING CURRENT IDENTIFICATION! Even if the animal has microchip identification, place a collar with an ID tag on your pet. If a neighbor or passer-by finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion. Remember, don’t limit a search for a lost pet to your geographical location! A frightened animal that bolts can travel long distances, and well-meaning community members trying to help may also transport the animal to an animal control facility or veterinary clinic in a different neighborhood. Find local animal control facilities here >>. 

* DON’T TAKE ANIMALS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. The sounds and sights of fireworks often have the ability to turn the most calm, quiet, and non-aggressive pet into a stressed, frightened animal. A startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite.

If you bring your dog to these events and realize it’s becoming too overwhelming for him or her, DO NOT KEEP YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME! The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days begin within mere minutes. and the results could be fatal.  Stressed animals confined to cars can not only die or suffer severe brain damage, but can also experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet, and/or damage to the vehicle’s interior. Home is the safest place for pets this holiday.

* HAVE SOMEONE HOME WITH NERVOUS PETS DURING FIREWORKS. If the animal is with someone he or she knows, the pet’s stress level will be greatly reduced. Keep the volume on a television or radio turned up to block some of the noise. ThunderShirts®  reportedly work to calm the anxiety felt by some dogs and cats when they can hear fireworks, thunder, even when they experience separation anxiety, and can be found in many local pet supply shops and online. 

* NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES FOR HOUNDS. The headphones, which must be ordered in advance based on each dog’s specific measurements, contain Bluetooth technology which allows owners to stream their dogs’ most calming musical selections (decibal reduction for the dogs provide a “whisper volume”) directly into their ears.  A simple online search will direct pet owners to the various companies offering these headphones.

Very hot weather paired with immense crowds of people and loud, strange noises heighten the stress level for many animals.  Your pet’s body is closer to the asphalt and can heat up quickly. The hot pavement can also burn unprotected, sensitive paw pads. Home is the safest place for pets on extremely hot days and during arts festivals, food festivals, other crowded outdoor events, and especially fireworks displays.

If you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in need of rescue or emergency assistance this summer, the SPCA Serving Erie County may be able to help. Please call the SPCA Monday through Saturday,
8 a.m. – 4:30  p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

See the SPCA’s additional, important reminders for keeping pets safe in the summer heat 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! >>

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 >>

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.

Please note that these clinics took place in 2025.

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

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