Category: Uncategorized

Updated April 14, 3:32 p.m.

MASK POLICY: Face masks are REQUIRED for all unvaccinated adults & children, and for all adults & children utilizing services in the Lipsey Clinic, Wildlife Department, or participating in a Humane Education program, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are OPTIONAL for vaccinated individuals not utilizing services of the Humane Education Department, Wildlife Department, or Lipsey Clinic.

 


SPCA SERVICES & PROGRAMS

During the COVID pandemic, the SPCA Serving Erie County is regularly modifying its services and programs in an effort to protect community members, patrons, volunteers, and staff members. This information is updated when necessary, and supersedes other information you may see on this website or others. Thank you!


ANIMAL ADOPTIONS:

-Beginning Monday, April 18, 2022, no appointments will be necessary for any animal adoptions!

-Adoptions are open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.


ANIMAL ADMISSIONS:
-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the SPCA.

-The SPCA admits surrendered animals BY APPOINTMENT ONLY at this time and you will be added to a surrender waiting list. There is a long WAITING LIST TO SURRENDER ANIMALS. This list is vital in allowing us to save animals’ lives and remain open for animal admissions. As of March 8, cat and dog surrenders are being scheduled in April of 2022. Please think ahead and make your surrender appointments early! Can’t wait? Learn more about the REHOME BY Adopt-a-Pet.com program here >>

-If you need to rehome your pet more quickly, or are interested in finding a home for your pet on your own, learn more about the REHOME BY Adopt-a-Pet.com program here >>

-Admission appointments will be made in accordance with staff and shelter population during this updated COVID Response phase. We will also schedule appointments around the admission of animals already owned by the SPCA residing in volunteer foster homes (200+ animals) who will slowly and safely be brought back into the shelter and placed for adoption.

-Please know we do not take your patience in this matter for granted! The consideration you’ve shown us during this phase is tremendously appreciated.

-If you are calling Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., please call 716-875-7360, press 0, and ask for the Admissions Department. If you are calling Monday through Saturday, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., with an emergency only, please call 716-875-7360, ext. 214.

-At this time we are unable to assist after 7:30 p.m., however, there are emergency animal clinics in Erie County with systems in place to assist you after 7:30 p.m.

 

ANIMAL EMERGENCIES, ANIMAL RESCUE, & ANIMAL CRUELTY INVESTIGATIONS:
-If you are experiencing an emergency with your animal or find that an animal is in an emergency situation, please call the SPCA Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., at 716-875-7360, ext. 214.

-At this time we are unable to assist after 7:30 p.m., however, there are emergency animal clinics, animal control organizations, and law enforcement agencies in Erie County with systems in place to assist you between 7:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.

-When you call, please advise the dispatcher if you or any members of your household are experiencing flu-like symptoms. This information will ensure first responders can prepare to prevent the spread of any illnesses.

DONATIONS:
-Those wishing to make financial donations are encouraged to do so online, by phone at 716-875-7360 ext. 227, or through the mail at SPCA Serving Erie County, 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca, NY 14224.

-The SPCA is once again able to accept in-kind donations of towels, sheets, blankets, newspapers, etc. dropped off by those wearing masks at our West Seneca shelter’s Adoptions doors! Although we are not able to pick up these donations, we sincerely appreciate the time and effort made by those who think of our animals and drop off these items to us. Receipts for in-kind donations can be picked up at the time of donation drop-off.

EDUCATIONAL FARM:

–OPEN once again to the general public! Educational Farm hours:

Monday – Saturday: 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Sunday: Closed

-Those interested in adopting farm animals or fowl should call 716-875-7360, ext. 212 or 215 for more information.

-If you have farm animals or fowl you wish to surrender to the SPCA Serving Erie County,  please follow the Animal Admissions guidelines above.

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the Educational Farm.


END-OF-LIFE SERVICES:
-If you have made that difficult decision for your pet, the SPCA is still able to help with euthanasia services at this time BY APPOINTMENT.

-If you are calling Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., please call 716-875-7360, press 0, and ask for the Admissions Department to make your appointment. If you are calling Monday through Saturday, 4 p.m.-7:30 p.m., in an emergency euthanasia situation only, please call 716-875-7360, ext. 214.

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the SPCA.

-Information on pet euthanasia  is available here >>  

FIELD TRIPS, TOURS, OTHER GROUP VISITS:
See virtual field trip and tour options here >>

HUMANE EDUCATION:
-See existing programs for children, including Tale for Two,  here >>

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the SPCA.

LIPSEY CLINIC AT THE SPCA SERVING ERIE COUNTY:

-We are thrilled to welcome back Dr. Puleo from her maternity leave! As we transition back to our normal operations, we will first ensure priority of our existing clients by opening up appointments, and will ultimately reopen on a full-scale basis. We’ll keep you posted as we gradually start to welcome new clients again, so keep watching this page! We hope to see you and your pet soon!

-See the Lipsey Clinic page here >>

PETIQUE:
–OPEN to the general public Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.  The number of people shopping in the Petique at one time will remain in accordance with current county occupancy guidelines.

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the Petique.

–Curbside pick-up is available to the general public. For more information on curbside pick-up and items available, please contact the Petique: 716-875-7360, ext. 237. You may pay for your items by credit card over the phone, or have exact cash with you when you arrive at 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca to pick up your items! When you arrive, just call the number above and we will bring your items out to you. We promise, we’ll be wearing face masks, and we ask that you wear yours as well!

VOLUNTEERS:
-There is an immediate need for volunteers in particular departments. See those volunteer opportunities here >>

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the SPCA.

WILDLIFE:
-The Wildlife Department will be responding to animal emergencies.

-Anyone with a wild animal emergency should CALL BEFORE TOUCHING THE ANIMAL(s) OR BRINGING THE ANIMAL(s) IN!

-Only those wearing appropriate face masks, regardless of vaccination status, 
will be permitted to enter the SPCA.

-The Wildlife Department at the SPCA can be reached Monday – Sunday, INCLUDING HOLIDAYS, at the following times:

8 a.m. – 8 p.m. : Please call 716-875-7360, ext. 247.
8 p.m. – 8 a.m. : We are closed.

 

At this time, other departments will operate in limited capacities. Again, this information is rapidly changing.

PETS IN HOMES

Can you assist ill family members or friends by caring for the household pet(s) if someone becomes ill? If so, click on the images below for full-sized infographics to share, courtesy of Animalsheltering.org:

  

Pertaining to pets in homes, Animalsheltering.org recommends pet owners take the following simple steps to ensure preparedness in case of illness:

– Identify a family member or friend who can care for pets if someone in the household becomes ill;
– Have crates, food, and extra supplies on hand for quick movement of pets should it become necessary;
– All animal vaccines should be up-to-date in the event boarding becomes necessary;
– Ensure all medications are documented with dosages, administering directions, and if possible, your veterinarian’s prescription;
– Ensure pets are wearing identification (collar & ID tag) or are microchipped.

The SPCA also reminds you to eliminate any contact with your pet if you are exhibiting signs of illness.

-Find a list of recommendations for SPCA Officer Tyler Robertson’s  PET DISASTER PREPAREDNESS KIT here >>

-Find SPCA Serving Erie County recommendations for properly caring for your pets during this COVID-19 Response period here >>

-Find information on equine care during the COVID-19 pandemic here >>

-For more information on your pets and COVID-19, please speak with your veterinarian.

CURRENT INFO: Pets & COVID-19

Because information and updates are continuing to change at an incredibly rapid pace, we do not want to run the risk of providing anything less than the most current information concerning animals and COVID-19. The SPCA urges viewers of our website to seek information at any given time by speaking personally with their trusted veterinarians, or find relevant up-to-date information using one of the trusted resources we’ve cited in the past:
–Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC)
-Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA)
-American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
-World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA)
-United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

In a WSAVA advisory document entitled The New Coronavirus and Companion Animals, it is stated, “You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people,” recommending that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. “This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.”

This page will be regularly updated with the most current developments at the SPCA Serving Erie County. Please check back frequently.

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

** PETIQUE SHOPPING **

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holiday season! Actually, we’re full steam ahead…and while all kinds of retail outlets and websites claim to have the perfect gift-giving ideas, WE REALLY HAVE THEM HERE AT THE SPCA PETIQUE! Check out some of our newest items, pictured below!

Can’t decide which is the most perfect gift?
Good thing GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE!!

Stop by the Petique, located in our 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and be prepared to do all your holiday shopping (or gift certificate-purchasing!) here!
Frequent shopper cards available:
20 $5 punches = $10 off your next purchase!

Wondering if we carry a particular item?
Call the Petique: (716) 875-7360, ext. 237!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPCA Serving Erie County Board of Directors Announces
Caitlin M. Daly as New President/CEO

November 1, 2021
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The Board of Directors of the SPCA Serving Erie County is pleased to announce the appointment of Caitlin M. Daly as the organization’s new President/CEO.

See this story on Newsradio 930 WBEN >>

Daly, a native of Washington, D.C., comes to the SPCA Serving Erie County most recently from the Humane Society of Greater Rochester, Lollypop Farm, where she served two years as the organization’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

See this story in the Buffalo News >>

A frequent speaker at national and local animal welfare conferences, Daly received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Longwood University in Virginia. Her work in animal welfare started 12 years ago in North Carolina, and since then, she has served as an executive director, fundraiser, social media specialist, foster/adoption coordinator, and more at various shelters along the East Coast.

See this story on WIVB-TV News 4 Buffalo >>

Prior to her work at Lollypop Farm, Daly served as executive director at the Fredericksburg SPCA in Virginia. There, Daly’s program Adventure Tails, a day-out program for animals, exponentially increased adoption rates and received national recognition; Adventure Tails is now being integrated into shelter programs throughout the country.

See this story in Business First >>

Daly is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator through the Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, and is Fear Free-certified by Fear Free®, a transformative animal welfare initiative founded in 2016 to provide unparalleled education on animals’ emotional well-being and enrichment, and on the reduction of fear, anxiety, and stress in pets.

See this story in Bee Publications >>

“Cait’s credentials, energy, and empathy are outstanding,” SPCA Board of Directors Chairperson Julie Desmond Schechter says. “She’ll be an incredible leader to our already-amazing team at the SPCA! We’re extremely excited to begin this next chapter at our organization.”

“It is my honor and a great achievement to join the SPCA Serving Erie County team. I look forward to leading with kindness, compassion, and encouragement,” says Daly. “I will jump in with full enthusiasm to ensure the best possible community for animals and the people who love them. We are going to do amazing things together!”

Daly shares her life with Jena, a 14-year-old German Shepherd mix; Poe, a five-year-old Puggle mix (pictured with Daly at top); Noah, a five-year-old Chihuahua; and Bella, an eight-year-old Siberian Forest Cat. All have been adopted from various agencies and all are, in Daly’s words, “…so spoiled!”

Daly is scheduled to begin her work with the SPCA Serving Erie County in January, 2022.

FROM THE OFFICE OF ERIE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY JOHN J. FLYNN:

ACCUSED DOG FIGHTER INDICTED ON NUMEROUS FELONY CHARGES FOR ILLEGAL GUNS, NARCOTICS, AND ANIMAL CRUELTY

The defendant, who was wanted on an indictment warrant, was arrested in Georgia and brought back to Western New York to face prosecution after nearly a year on the run

See press conference here >>

November 1, 2021 — Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn announces that 44-year-old Douglas D. Williams of Buffalo was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice M. William Boller on a 12-count indictment charging him with the following offenses:

-Three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third  Degree (Class “B” felonies)
-One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (Class “C” felony)
-One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class “C” felony)
-Three counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Training Animal with Intent That It Will Engage in Animal Fighting (Class “E” felony under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
-Two counts of Overdriving, Torturing, and Injuring Animals; Failure to Provide Proper Sustenance (Class “A” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)
-Two counts of Prohibition of Animal Fighting, Possession, Sale or Making of Animal Fighting Paraphernalia (Class “B” misdemeanor under New York Agriculture and Markets Law)

It is alleged that on Friday, October 9, 2020, the defendant, who was the subject of an investigation led by the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, was arrested during a traffic stop in the Town of Clarence. A search warrant was executed at the defendant’s residence on Bailey Avenue in the City of Buffalo where an illegal firearm and a quantity of cocaine, heroin and fentanyl was allegedly recovered.

Investigators also allegedly found five dogs, believed to be used for fighting, in inadequate conditions inside the home. Two additional dogs were inside the defendant’s vehicle at the time of his arrest.

All seven dogs were placed into the care and custody of the SPCA Serving Erie County. The dogs underwent several evaluations, but ultimately were euthanized after being deemed too unsafe for rehabilitation and adoption.

“In addition to being in possession of potentially deadly narcotics and illegal guns, this defendant is accused of using cruel methods to train these dogs to become dangerous animals. This case highlights the tragedy of these underground, illegal activities. I am pleased to announce that this defendant has been arrested after being wanted on a warrant for nearly a year, so my office can proceed with prosecution. I want to thank the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this case and other animal cruelty investigations,” said Erie County District Attorney John Flynn.

“At the SPCA Serving Erie County, we are exposed to many different types of cruelty, different acts of violence towards animals. However, the most barbaric and disheartening cases we see are cases of dog fighting. We commit ourselves each and every day to doing everything in our power to end this inhuman activity. Together with community members who support our work, other law enforcement agencies, and the District Attorney’s Office, we’ve been able to do more than ever before to help put an end to this uncivilized evil. There’s still much work to be done, but we’re thankful our community is headed in the right direction,” said Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca of the SPCA.

“We are grateful to the anonymous tips that led to the arrest of a convicted felon who was selling narcotics and operating illegal and cruel dogfighting matches. We are also appreciative of the Buffalo Police Department’s and The SPCA Serving Erie County’s role in the investigation, which brought an end to the narcotics dealing and cruelty to animals,” said Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard.

Williams was initially arraigned in Buffalo City Court on October 10, 2020 on numerous felony charges. He was released after posting bail. When the defendant failed to appear for a return court date, a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Williams was arrested by US Marshals in the Atlanta, Georgia area. He waived extradition proceedings and was transported back to Buffalo last week.

Williams is scheduled to return on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. for an attorney appearance. Judge Boller remanded the defendant without bail.

If convicted on all charges, Williams faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

DA Flynn commends the Erie County Sheriff’s Office and the SPCA Serving Erie County for their work in this investigation. Flynn also commends the US Marshals and the New York State Division of Parole who assisted in locating and transporting the defendant back to Western New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Megan Mahoney of the Animal Cruelty Unit.

As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Full story on website of Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn >>

Purchases at BauerleStore.com Help Animals at SPCA Serving Erie County; Donations Increased During Halloween Flash Sale

Shop BauerleStore.com now >>

October 25, 2021 — SPCA media partner Tom Bauerle, on air at NewsRadio 930 WBEN weekdays 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., has selected the SPCA Serving Erie County as the recipient of partial proceeds earned on all purchases at BauerleStore.com!

Starting Monday, use promo code SPCA31 to take advantage of a Halloween special discount: 31% off all items through October 31, when ALL proceeds will be donated to the animals at the SPCA!

Store merchandise, featuring products made only in the USA, ranges from water bottles and mugs to shirts and blankets.

This fundraising concept is one example of Bauerle’s longtime support of the SPCA. “The SPCA Serving Erie County has been a favorite charity of mine for most of my life,” says Bauerle, whose relationship with the organization has grown over several decades. In addition to personal donations, Bauerle has guest-hosted events, broadcasted during the annual Radiothon for more than 15 years, and found other unique ways to help the animals at the organization.

“I still remember one gift to the SPCA,  a large-screen television used in a feline recovery room at the Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda shelter. Veterinary technicians at the SPCA told me that the television would be used to play videos of other cats, birds, insects, even classical music that would help keep the cats’ minds stimulated and occupied, assisting in their recovery…and it WORKED!”

Visit BauerleStore.com October 25 – 31 and remember to use promo code SPCA31 for a special 31% discount! Thanks, Tom, for a Halloween donation we know will be ghoulishly great!

Shop BauerleStore.com now >>

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer

 


Register children ages 7-11 here >>

SPCA Kindness Camp:
– A unique learning experience for children who share a love for animals!
-Children learn about a wide variety of animal-related topics while meeting
and interacting with animals!
-Lessons, activities, games, hands-on crafts!
-$55 per camper
 -Register children ages 7 – 11  right here >>

Questions? Contact SPCA Director of Humane Education Christine Davis:
(716) 875-7360, ext. 262 or christined@yourspca.org

Shelter Animals Count Releases COVID-19 Impact 3-Year Comparison Report

September 30, 2021 — From ShelterAnimalsCount.org, an independent nonprofit that is home to The National Database of sheltered animal statistics, providing facts and enabling insights to save lives:

Shelter Animals Count (SAC), The National Database of animal sheltering statistics, enables fact-based insights to improve animal welfare in the United States.

SAC just released its latest report analyzing data for the first halves of the last three years (2019, 2020 and 2021). The report compares data from the first six months of 2019, 2020 and 2021 to look at pandemic-related trends in animal welfare.

Three hundred forty one animal welfare organizations across the United States provided complete data for the 18 months covered in the study, and only that data was included in the report.

This report provides clues as to whether 2021 numbers are following a predictable trend as we move towards a “new normal,” or if things are still abnormal due to special market behavior. Based on the analysis, it appears that 2021 is following a normal pre-pandemic trend so far.

More people are keeping their pets, based on intake numbers remaining at pandemic level lows overall, and an almost insignificant increase in owner surrender since the pandemic began.

Read the entire article here >>

See the full report here >>

 

Click the image below for more details!


Download an employment application

Please send completed application to The SPCA Serving Erie County, c/o Human Resources, 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224.

Click here to see current volunteer position openings!

 

 

SPCA DOG ADOPTIONS REOPEN AFTER TEMPORARY PAUSE THIS MONTH

UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 21 — Dog adoptions will reopen today at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

This comes to us from SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth:

“Starting 9/21, the SPCA Serving Erie County will slowly reopen our canine adoption center to facilitate adoptions of the recovered or exposed and quarantined dogs to help reduce our population.

The SPCA Serving Erie County has recently seen multiple cases of complicated upper respiratory disease including life-threatening pneumonia.  Our testing so far identified Canine Pneumovirus as well as Canine Adenovirus 2 and Mycoplasma cynos on Idexx Respiratory PCR.  These dogs were all vaccinated on intake with a 5-way DHPP and an intranasal trivalent Bordetella vaccine.    With the assistance of Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program at University of Florida we were able to obtain more information on this newer virus, and wanted to share as much information as possible in case this is running through the general population.

Canine Pneumovirus

-First identified in 2010
-Considered part of CIRD (Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex) “kennel cough” which also includes Bordetella, Canine Adenovirus, Canine parainfluenza
-Incubation period <1 week – avg 2 to 5 days
-ShedS <10 days and starts prior to visible clinical signs
-Recovery 1 to 2 weeks
-Isolation of cases is key to preventing additional cases – increases in cases are likely due to importation of dogs from higher density areas and overcrowding in shelter
-There is no vaccine nor likely to be one
-Treatment is symptomatic – treat for cough, secondary infections, pneumonia; most recover with minimal interventionWe treated our shelter dogs’ pneumonia cases with Baytril and Clavamox for 14 days, but Doxycycline seemed to help clear the Mycoplasma. Each dog in our care was quarantined for 10 days minimum to assess for symptoms.  Only one bulldog required in hospital IV fluid and antibiotic therapy as well as nebulization.

The SPCA Serving Erie County worked with local municipalities and foster homes to halt the physical intake of dogs on 9/9 when we identified multiple cases.  We have been diligently monitoring the situation, treating aggressively and no new pneumonia cases have been identified in more than a week.   We have rescheduled local dog surrenders due to this issue and will be prioritizing the local community needs before we consider bringing in transport dogs from other states.

Concerning cats, Panleukopenia is also currently going through the stray/public feline population at a significant rate.  We experienced an exposure situation in the shelter a few weeks back but were able to quickly identify and isolate.  Our cat adoption center is open and currently doing well.  We are being vigilant with intake testing for this disease to prevent exposures.  (Incidentally, ringworm has also been seen at increased rates in the stray/public population.) ”

In an effort to properly address the pneumonia affecting our shelter population, the SPCA consulted directly with Clinical Assistant Professor in Shelter Medicine and Director of the Maddie’s Shelter Medicine Program Dr. Cynda Crawford at the University of Florida. Dr. Crawford’s areas of expertise include diagnosis, treatment, management, and prevention of infectious diseases in dogs and cats in sheltering facilities. She focuses on the diagnosis and management of viruses and bacteria that cause respiratory infections in shelter dogs. Dr. Crawford’s accomplishments include discovery of canine influenza virus and development of the canine influenza vaccine. Educational achievements include partnering with Dr Julie Levy to develop the Professional Certificate in Shelter Medicine for advanced training of veterinary students in the knowledge and skills to serve as veterinarians in shelters.

Rushforth added, “In learning about the situation affecting animal health at the SPCA, Dr. Crawford commented that this is not unique to our facility, and nationwide, shelters are facing significant challenges with infectious diseases and overpopulation issues as well as staffing shortages. Dr. Crawford also commended our quick response to the medical situation faced at our shelter, and called our ability to reopen adoptions in this period of time good news and a sign that the situation is being managed properly.”


September 9, 2021 — This week, we experienced more than one case of dog pneumonia at the SPCA Serving Erie County.

The SPCA is responding to this in a number of different ways, including a change in how staff members and volunteers interact with animals in the building.

We are carefully observing the animals for any early signs of illness and immediately administering early treatment if necessary, and expanding our deep-cleaning protocols to rectify this situation.

There’s quite a bit involved in containing and clearing the shelter of an infectious disease, but it’s imperative we do so to protect our current population while not putting animals outside the shelter at risk. This is why we’ve chosen to pause dog adoptions.

“Outbreaks of this nature are unfortunately not uncommon in animal sheltering, especially when part of our mission is to serve sick and injured animals,” says SPCA Vice President of Veterinary Services Melanie Rushforth. “Our team of professional caretakers has increased safety protocols to ensure we contain this, and our quick response will have a positive effect on the health of both our current and future population.”

Some unfamiliar with infectious diseases may consider pausing dog adoptions an over-the-top response to the situation, but SPCA Serving Erie County representatives believe the situation calls for this extreme of a response. We cannot take a chance on someone transporting the virus on shoes or clothing simply by walking through our kennels, thus putting animals at home at risk. And we know we cannot place our dogs in homes right now if there is a chance they may have been infected.

The choice to pause dog adoptions for a minimum of one week gives us time to monitor the health of our dogs while fully clearing the shelter of this illness.

“We encourage all pet owners to stay up-to-date on preventive medicine for their pets,” Rushforth added. “We all play a role in decreasing a pandemic of any nature.”

At the end of next week officials at the SPCA will reevaluate the situation and determine whether dog adoptions need to remain paused beyond September 19. While it’s possible the pause date may have to be extended, we of course are hoping this will not be necessary.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

–Gina Lattuca, SPCA Serving Erie County Chief Communications Officer

Get Email Updates

Share