THIS PROGRAM IS TEMPORARILY ON HOLD (December 2020)

Canine Foster Care Program for Special SPCA Dogs

Off-site and virtual off-site adoption locations can be found below. Have a question? Adoption questions are answered on our ADOPTION FAQs PAGE!

Please note: Off-site payment at all locations must be made by cash or check. Free carriers are not available for pet transport, so please bring along a pet carrier, or come prepared to purchase one at the off-site location (where available!). Thank you!

To become an official off-site adoption location, please contact SPCA Off-site Adoptions: 716-875-7360, ext. 235.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is in need of New Leash On Life foster homes! Can you help? Call the SPCA Behavior and Training Department at 716-875-7360 ext. 241 to learn more about joining this life-saving program.

What is the NEW LEASH ON LIFE Program?

NEW LEASH ON LIFE is a foster program designed to help dogs who are incredible adoption candidates, but who have special needs or simply do not adapt well to a shelter environment.

Where do these dogs go?

SPCA staff members and volunteers are dedicated to finding new homes for these dogs, but do not want to contribute to their increased stress levels by keeping them at our shelter. Instead, a group of unique volunteers agree to house them and give them the love and attention they need while they wait for their new, permanent homes. They are still available for adoption, like any other dog…they are just available somewhere else! The SPCA even provides training equipment, leashes and collars, food dishes, toys, and more!

Come on, what's the catch? What's REALLY wrong with these dogs?

Absolutely nothing. But an animal shelter environment, full of different sounds, scents, and sights, may make them nervous, skittish, hyper, and even reactive when they may not normally exhibit these behaviors in a quieter setting, away from hundreds of other dogs and animals. They simply have special needs that can be better met in a home environment. They may be very shy, or may require a special food program, they may be deaf, or they become too nervous or depressed in a shelter setting and need to be in a home setting to thrive mentally and emotionally. They are great dogs, every bit as adoptable as the others!

Can I become a NEW LEASH ON LIFE volunteer myself?

We are always in need of additional foster homes! To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please contact the SPCA’s Behavior and Training Department for more information or for an application: 716-875-7360 ext. 241. Applications can also be downloaded below. New Leash On Life dogs ARE available for adoption, and are listed below.

Download a New Leash On Life volunteer application

See available New Leash On Life dogs

Animals Currently in our NEW LEASH ON LIFE Program:

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