All HAPPILY EVER AFTER adopters will have a chance to win a winter prize basket filled with treats and merch from the SPCA, a blanket perfect for cuddling with your new love, and an overnight stay at the beautiful Wingate by Wyndham Ellicottville hotel courtesy of
SPCA Board Member Danielle Jacobs!
Total Sports Buffalo is hosting an exclusive online auction filled with incredible, authenticated Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres memorabilia now through December 11 — and you won’t want to miss it!
This special virtual event gives Bills and Sabres fans the opportunity to secure one-of-a-kind, signed items while supporting a meaningful cause. A portion of the proceeds from this auction will be donated to the SPCA Serving Erie County, helping provide care, shelter, and second chances to animals who are in need and at risk in our community!
The auction features a wide range of high-demand collectibles, including signed helmets, jerseys, footballs, and more from some of Buffalo’s most loved players. Whether you’re building your collection, shopping for a Bills/Sabres fan, or looking for a unique piece of team history, this lineup offers something for everyone!
Your winning bid goes beyond securing an unforgettable piece of Bills memorabilia. It directly supports the SPCA Serving Erie County’s lifesaving work — providing medical care, safe shelter, and compassion to pets who rely on the community’s generosity.
Explore the complete auction catalog and place your bids by clicking here!
Bid generously, share widely, and help us make a difference for animals who need us most. Every supporter plays a role in creating brighter futures — both on the field and in our shelter!
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: 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: 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.
Click the image below for locations and details:
October 24, 2025
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
WITH A FEW EXTRA PRECAUTIONS, PETS CAN HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN TOO!
Halloween is meant to be fun for children of all ages, but according to the SPCA Serving Erie County, pets often experience the dark side of Halloween fun. With extra precautions, seasonal problems can often be avoided:
HUNGRY PETS: CHOCOLATE CAN BE FATAL TO YOUR PET! Please share this tip with children, who may be tempted to share their Halloween take with their best four-footed friends! The sweet smell of Halloween chocolate and other candy left by a door pleases pets, as do cookies and cakes served at Halloween parties. Sweets can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain or worse. Purchase Halloween treats made specifically for pets and keep the “people” treats away from where pets can reach them.
PETS AS VICTIMS: Halloween is traditionally known for trick-or-treaters…and pranksters. KEEP ALL PETS INSIDE on Halloween night, and the nights immediately preceding and following October 31. This will prevent them from being stolen, teased, kicked, blinded by flashlights or abused in other ways.
NERVOUS/TERRITORIAL PETS: Constant door-knocking or doorbell-ringing may cause an extremely nervous pet to shake or tremble uncontrollably, or have an “accident” in the house. Territorial pets may become aggressive at the sound of unfamiliar visitors. Keep nervous or territorial pets distracted in another room with the door closed.
CURIOUS PETS: Keep pets away from costume-making areas, where sequins or buttons can be swallowed. Scissors used for cutting patterns, or knives used for carving jack o’lanterns, can harm your pet. Also remember to keep pets away from a candle-illuminated jack o’lantern. Halloween has become a popular season for decorations as well. Keep decorations out of your pet’s reach, or securely attached in place to prevent your pet from pulling the decorations down. Swallowing a decorative object may cause intestinal problems and present a potential emergency.
KEEP CURRENT ID ON PETS: Exuberant or nervous pets may bolt out doors opened for trick-or-treat candy handouts. Ensure they are wearing proper identification (even if they are microchipped) in case they become lost. Collars are available for purchase at the Petique, located at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca site, and other pet supply shops. If you lose or find a pet, visit the SPCA’s Lost & Found page for tips on what to do next.
Contact the SPCA Serving Erie County with any questions or concerns: (716) 875-7360.
It’s here! The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce our
Big Mutt-tober adoption event, happening now through Friday, Oct. 31!
To celebrate, adoption fees for all eligible large dogs (44+ pounds) are slashed by 50%!
Plus, every Big Mutt-tober adoption also includes a coupon for 20% off one purchase in our on-site store, the Petique (currently featuring…yes…”I Like Big Mutts” T-shirts, while supplies last!)!
It’s the perfect way to save on both your new best friend and all the supplies you’ll need to welcome them home!
How to Participate in Big Mutt-tober:
Finding your new best friend is easy!
– Browse our big dogs online: Visit our adoption page to see all the wonderful big dogs waiting to meet you!
– Visit the SPCA: Come to our shelter at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca to meet them in person! Spend some time in a meet-and-greet room or outside in a play yard to get to know their personality. And remember, many dogs qualify for If The Fur Fits trial adoptions, and Doggie Entourage day-out excursions, if you’d like to get to know your dogs a little better outside the shelter!
– Talk with our team: Our knowledgeable adoption counselors and volunteers are here to answer your questions and help you find the perfect canine companion for your home and lifestyle!
More to Love! Why a Big Dog Might Be Your Perfect Match!
Thinking about adding a big dog to your family? There are so many reasons why they make incredible companions.
– Don’t let their size fool you! Many large dogs are calm, gentle giants whose favorite activity is curling up on the couch with their favorite people.
– If you love to hike, run, or explore the beautiful parks of Western New York, a big dog is the perfect partner to keep up with your active lifestyle!
– Many of the big dogs available for adoption are adults, and unlike puppies, adult dogs have already grown into their paws and their personalities. You’ll know from the start about their temperament and energy level!
From the office of Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane:
October 1, 2025 — Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that Kimberly A. Parkhill-Brown, 46, of City of Tonawanda, was arraigned yesterday morning before Tonawanda City Court Judge Mark Saltarelli on two counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree (Class E felonies), three counts of Falsifying Business Records in the Second Degree (Class A misdemeanors) and one count of Companion Animal Stealing (unclassified misdemeanor under New York State Agriculture and Markets Law).
It is alleged that on or about Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the victim’s Yorkshire terrier, “Benji,” went missing from her residence in Niagara County. Later the same day, the victim allegedly received a phone call from a veterinarian’s office in the City of Tonawanda, notifying her that “Benji” had been found by another individual who brought the dog into their office to be scanned for a microchip. The victim allegedly received a second call, notifying her that “Benji” was no longer at the office after being discharged to the individuals who brought him in.
The defendant, while working as a veterinarian, is accused of knowingly making false entries into the office’s business records. It is alleged that on July 17, 2024, the defendant allegedly made a false entry in the patient log, with the intent to defraud, by intentionally changing the reason for the visit from “dog found in the woods” to “itchy skin.” The defendant allegedly altered the sex of the dog in the patient log from “male” to “female spayed.”
It is alleged that on Thursday, August 8, 2024, the defendant, while working as a veterinarian, falsified business records with the intent to defraud or aid in the concealment of a crime by changing the patient log entry by altering the name of the dog. It is also alleged that the same day, the defendant unlawfully removed the dog’s microchip, registered to the dog’s lawful owner, and replaced it with another microchip. The defendant is accused of companion animal stealing by removing identification by which the owner may be ascertained from the dog. The defendant allegedly changed the name of the dog again in the patient log on Monday, August 12, 2024.
The dog was later returned to the victim.
Parkhill is scheduled to return on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. She was released on her own recognizance as the charges are non-qualifying offenses for bail.
If convicted of the highest charge, Parkhill faces up to four years in prison.
DA Keane commends Detective Brett Rogers of the City of Tonawanda Police Department for his work in this investigation as well as Chief Investigator Lindsey Wood of the SPCA Serving Erie County and Investigator Jonathan Bondi of the Niagara County SPCA.
The case is being prosecuted by Chief Gary M. Ertel of the Special Investigations and Prosecutions Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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.)
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!