The SPCA Serving Erie County needs YOU on our team for the Shelter Showdown! Support your hometown SPCA here! >>
SPCA KINDNESS CAMP RETURNS FOR FEBRUARY BREAK!
A unique learning experience for children who have at least one thing in common: THEIR LOVE FOR ANIMALS! Children will learn about a variety of animal-related topics while meeting and interacting with cool animals, learning to understand and appreciate the unique bond we share!
Don’t wait to register – space is limited! Register here >> or click the image below!
Rosebud and Paws for Love made the big time!
Check out this article about therapy dog Rosebud and her journey to becoming an SPCA Paws for Love dog in the January 7, 2025 edition of The Washington Post!
Keep your eye open for other pets from the SPCA’s Paws for Love program pictured in the article too!
Click on the image below to read the full article. If prompted, just enter an email address to read for free! Thanks to author Sydney Page for such a heartfelt glimpse at one of our SPCA’s most important programs.
The SPCA Serving Erie County Announces Dog Kennel Renovations, Adjusted Dog Admissions, and Foster Home Needs
November 26, 2024: We’re thrilled to announce some exciting improvements coming to the SPCA Serving Erie County! To provide the best possible care for our dogs, we’re giving their living spaces a makeover. This includes renovating the dog kennels and meet-and-greet rooms with new floors and fresh paint to create a more comfortable, welcoming, and clean environment. Our dedicated staff rigorously cleans the dog kennels every day to prevent the spread of disease. However, this essential sanitation can damage flooring materials. Refinishing the floors will eliminate cracks and crevices where germs can linger, creating a safer and more sanitary environment for the dogs in our care. The effects of proper flooring on dog welfare is well-documented, and keeping the flooring comfortable, germ-free, and safe, with their feet exposed to as few irritants as possible is paramount to their health.
This renovation project will take about a month to complete, and to ensure everything runs smoothly for our residents, we’ll be making some changes to our dog admissions process. Starting December 1, we’ll be welcoming fewer dogs in to our care. Then, beginning January 2, we’ll temporarily pause admitting new dogs to keep our current pups safe and comfortable during construction.
While our capacity is limited, we’ll prioritize admitting dogs with the most urgent needs, such as those rescued from unsafe environments or requiring immediate medical care.
Since space will be limited during the renovation, we’re also hoping to find temporary foster homes for our adoptable dogs. The SPCA would be incredibly grateful if you have room in your heart and home for a dog! Fostering is completely free, and we provide everything you need to care for your temporary companion. Visit our Foster Care page to learn more and apply!
Please note that two of our popular programs, Doggie Entourage and If the Fur Fits, will be temporarily paused during this time.
We appreciate your understanding as we work to create a wonderful space for our dogs! We’re hoping for a smooth renovation and can’t wait to unveil the new and improved digs for our pups!
We’re incredibly grateful to the NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund for their generous support of this project. Their contribution plays a vital role in helping us create a better future for our community’s dogs!
SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets
November 1, 2024
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
To thank the members of the armed services this Veterans 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 Moog.
“At Moog, we believe in the power of community and compassion,” said Jennifer Walter, EVP and chief finance officer at Moog. “The Vets & Pets initiative at the SPCA Serving Erie County is a wonderful opportunity to honor our veterans while helping these individuals find loyal companions. We are proud to support this meaningful cause.”
Vets & Pets begins Monday, November 11, and runs through Saturday, November 16* 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 Senior Director of Operations Mindy Ussrey with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 210.
*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA is closed on Sundays. Final guest passes for those wishing to adopt from the SPCA’s West Seneca location are issued one hour prior to closing.
#SPCACompassionInAction
SPCA Serving Erie County Earns a Four-Star Rating From Charity Navigator
October 14, 2024
The SPCA Serving Erie County is proud to announce that its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency has earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator. This rating designates the SPCA as an official “Give with Confidence” charity, indicating that our organization is using its donations effectively based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. Charity Navigator is America’s largest and most utilized independent charity evaluator. Since 2001, the organization has been an unbiased and trusted source of information for more than 11 million donors annually.
Charity Navigator analyzes nonprofit performance based on four key indicators, referred to as beacons. Currently, nonprofits can earn scores for the Impact & Results, Accountability & Finance, Culture & Community, and Leadership & Adaptability beacons.
“We are delighted to provide the SPCA Serving Erie County with third-party accreditation that validates their operational excellence,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “The Four-Star Rating is the highest possible rating an organization can achieve. We are eager to see the good work that the SPCA is able to accomplish in the years ahead.”
For more information or to view the SPCA’s complete rating, click here.
When a Surprise Rooster Reveal Requires Rehoming
October 16, 2024
By: SPCA Educational Farm Manager Heather Silverthorn
Our friends at Lollypop Farm in Rochester shared the following post on their social media platforms not long ago:
“Over the past couple of months, Lollypop Farm has seen a large increase in roosters needing to be rehomed due to the fact that people have found themselves with a ‘surprise rooster’ in their flock. In fact, from July 1st through [August 29] we had 28 rooster surrender inquiries. Wondering how this might happen?
When someone purchases chicks, they may be told that they are getting all females, but sexing chicks is difficult, so it’s common to end up with at least one rooster in the mix. This can lead to issues like flock imbalance. Ten hens (female) to one rooster (male) is the most common ratio for a flock, and if there is more than one rooster, it may lead to unwanted behaviors like fighting. That being said, if roosters were raised together and get along well, you may be able to adjust the ratio. The most important part is making sure the flock is happy and has enough space to thrive.
Another common reason “surprise roosters” may become a problem is when people are unknowingly violating zoning laws. These laws include a part about noise levels. Have you ever heard a rooster crow?! The sound can be very loud.” See the full post here >>
We at the SPCA Serving Erie County are in a similar predicament. We, too, have been getting an influx of phone calls and drop-ins by people with questions about surrendering their surprise roosters! While we love our feathered friends, we absolutely want them to be in a home where they are best suited.
We always encourage our 
community to get animals they will love and that will make their homes a happier place. However, where these animals are obtained, along with what is allowed in your town/village/city, can play a big part in choosing our feathered/furred friends. We highly recommend skipping local stores in search of chicks; these are not always the best choice because employees often are not able to properly identify the sex of chicks. This can ultimately lead to a rooster as a part of your flock.
While roosters can be very beneficial for a flock, in many towns they aren’t allowed because of their need to crow. When making the choice to bring feathered friends into your life, first check with your local office to find out what their rules are. Once established, using places like the SPCA Serving Erie County to adopt your friend is a great choice. We can also give you ideas on the best places to obtain a flock when faced with restrictions.
If you find yourself with an unexpected rooster, calling your local shelter is a wonderful start. However, many, like the SPCA Serving Erie County, do not always have room available to accept your surrender.
If you’re in a position of needing to rehome a rooster without luck at a shelter, the following social media resources are a great place to start. For WNY locals, there are excellent online sources to research, including:
Livestock in NY
Livestock in WNY
WNY Chicken Peeps
WNY Ducks and Chickens
WNY Crazy Hobby Farmers
Lollypop Farm also recommended an article regarding raising baby chickens. It’s an informative article worth reading before making any chicken purchase! Find that article here >>
The SPCA’s Educational Farm is open to the public Monday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., and Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. More information is available at YourSPCA.org/Educational-Farm .
SPCA President/CEO Cait Daly Named Buffalo Business First “40 Under 40” Winner
August 22, 2024
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca
The SPCA Serving Erie County is thrilled to announce President/CEO Cait Daly has been selected as one of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” winners!
From Buffalo Business First: “It’s never easy to select the annual 40 Under 40 winners. This year was no exception. The winners were chosen from nearly 200 nominations for the 33rd year of the awards, bringing the total number of honorees over the years to 1,320. They are doctors, attorneys, educators and entrepreneurs. Some work to better their community full-time; others give back after hours. They’re all Western New York professionals who are younger than age 40, successful in their professions and involved in their communities.”
See Buffalo Business First’s official announcement >>
Cait is held in incredibly high esteem by the SPCA Serving Erie County’s Board of Directors.
“In a short time, Cait has become an invaluable leader of our SPCA Serving Erie County,” says SPCA Board of Directors Chairperson P. Jeffrey Birtch. “Her dedication, hard work, and compassion never cease to amaze me; it makes the organization a better place to be. Her tireless efforts are nothing short of remarkable.”
SPCA Board of Directors Vice Chairperson Sara Dayton adds, “Cait’s steadfast commitment to making the SPCA Serving Erie County all it can be for the people and animals of this community is unmatched. Animal welfare work is challenging. We’re dealing with beautiful, living, breathing beings every day, and emotions run high. Cait’s unwavering dedication, however, is contagious.”
“I am genuinely grateful for the collaboration Cait has brought to the community through our SPCA,” says SPCA Board Member Hon. Barbara Howe (Ret.). “The number of organizations with which we now work to make Erie County and beyond a better, more compassionate place is increasing every day; Cait’s attitude is inspiring and infectious. Her work is extraordinary, and deeply valued.”
Cait’s leadership at the SPCA is valued not only by board members, but by staff members, volunteers, and the community as well.
It wasn’t enough for Cait to allow the SPCA Serving Erie County to just keep doing what it was doing because it was the way it had been done for decades. Cait took time to learn what all neighborhoods in all parts of Erie County desperately needed…not what we think they should need, but what they DO need. With the help of some dedicated board and staff members, Cait spearheaded efforts to restructure the SPCA’s outreach programs and efforts. The SPCA has among its priorities a focus on doing everything possible to remove the need a family may have to surrender a pet, and works hard directing efforts to keep families together rather than filling the shelter with animals who were already in loving homes. Hundreds of families annually have been able to keep their beloved animals due to the resources provided by the SPCA under Cait’s leadership.
Because of Cait’s vision, new programs were brought to the community in an effort to remove barriers to adoption, thereby shortening animals’ lengths of stay here at the SPCA and keeping our adoption numbers steady during this time that adoptions are declining nationwide.
These efforts and so many others make Cait a fitting recipient of Buffalo Business First’s “40 Under 40” distinction. The SPCA Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers congratulate Cait on this exciting achievement! See the official announcement here >>
✅ Notebooks
✅ Pencils
✅ Crayons
❓ New study buddy pet
Is your child getting ready to go back to school? It’s the perfect time to find them a study buddy!
From August 24 to August 31, the SPCA is reducing adoption fees by half for pets a year old and older!
The first 100 adopters will receive:
– A pencil case loaded up with treats for your new pet!
– A 20% off coupon to the SPCA’s in-shelter store, the Petique, with the option to get an engraved ID tag for only $5!
– An animal-themed bookmark for all your studying needs!
This limited-time sale is only available at the SPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca.