Waterford Advisors, LLC Donates $500 for Adoptions of 15 Cats 8 Years and Older
May 12, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Starting tomorrow to help the SPCA kick off its public grand opening in its new West Seneca location, fifteen cats eights years old and older at the SPCA Serving Erie County’s new 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca shelter will go to their new homes with waived adoption fees, courtesy of Waterford Advisors, LLC! A donation made by Waterford Advisors, LLC will cover each cat’s adoption fee.

The cats will be selected by the Adoptions staff at the SPCA based on criteria that includes age and length of stay. Notice of the waived adoption fee will be featured on each animal’s YourSPCA.org profile and housing area.

“We’re always so grateful when companies come forward to participate in specific programs and events, especially programs that help senior animals who sometimes experience slightly longer lengths of stay at the shelter,” says SPCA president and CEO Gary Willoughby. “Waterford Advisors LLC came aboard as a Wine and Wags sponsor, and decided to further their involvement with this senior cat adoption promotion, which will ultimately better the lives of several pets and people!”

“Waterford Advisors LLC’s staff and many of our clients are true animal lovers and feel that animals are a part of our families,” adds Christina M. Michalczak, CFP®, QPFC at Waterford Advisors, LLC. “It breaks our hearts to see so many animals, especially older ones that just want to be loved, waiting to find their forever homes. We hope this donation helps these older animals find comfort and happiness in loving homes.”

Every cat adopted from the SPCA Serving Erie County is spayed or neutered, and receives age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, seasonal flea control, microchip identification, feline leukemia test, free first physical exam courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, a free bag of food, and 30 days free veterinary insurance.

Descriptions of the cats available at the SPCA, most accompanied by photos, are available here. Cats can be adopted at the SPCA’s new 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca location.

SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

January 17, 2019
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Frigid temperatures and snow are returning to the region this weekend. Please take every precaution in ensuring dogs and cats are only outdoors for very short periods of time with owners’ supervision! Other basic cold weather tips include:

*OUTDOOR ANIMAL SHELTER MUST BE SUITABLE FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER: …and if it’s not, animal welfare officers can rescue the pet even before he or she shows signs of suffering, thanks to New York State’s Shelter Law that went into effect in 2003. Read more about that law here. Thanks to a legislative push late last year that led to stronger laws concerning the tethering of dogs within Buffalo city limits, the SPCA and other law enforcement organizations can now take even more steps to ensure dogs are protected from the elements. Read about that new law here.

* Keep a Tight Leash: Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm.  Pets frequently lose their scent on snow and ice, especially if snow is falling at a fast rate, and your pet can easily lose his sense of direction.  Pets may also panic during a snowstorm and run away; many pets are lost during the winter months. Remember to keep current identification on your pet at all times!

*Keep Pets At Home: Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather.  A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold.  Your pet could literally freeze to death.

*Always Dry Pet’s Wet Feet:   Thoroughly wipe off your pet’s legs and stomach when she comes in and out of the rain, snow or ice.  Check her sensitive foot pads, which may be bleeding from snow or ice encrusted in them.  Your pet may also pick up salt and other chemicals on her feet accidentally.  These chemicals could hurt her if she swallows them while licking her feet.

*Lay Straw for Dogs’ Visits Outdoors: Can’t get your dog to wear booties? This comes to us from ASPCApro: lay straw on top of snow for trips outdoors by dogs reluctant to step out onto a freezing surface to relieve themselves. More info here >>

*Check Cars for Cats: During the winter, stray or neglected cats outdoors sometimes sleep under the hood of the car where it’s warm and comfortable.  If you start the motor, cats could get caught in or flung about by the fan belt, causing serious injury or death.  To prevent this, bang loudly on the hood and sides of your car before turning on the ignition to give the cat a chance to escape.

*Keep Outdoor ‘Sessions’ Short:  Take your dog outside only for as long as it takes for him to relieve himself.  Dogs, particularly small, short-haired breeds like Chihuahuas and terriers, suffer from the cold despite their seemingly warm fur coats. Live within Buffalo city limits? Read about the new law pertaining to the tethering of dogs in inclement weather.

*Bathe Pets Only When Necessary: Your pet runs the chance of catching a cold when wet, especially in cold weather.  If you absolutely must bathe your pet, consult a professional groomer or veterinarian.

*Keep Pets Warm:  Limit the clipping of your pet’s hair in the cold winter months, keeping your pet as warm as possible.  Brush your pet daily in lieu of clipping to keep your pet’s coat healthy, shiny, clean and mat-free. Make sure your pet has a warm place to sleep far away from outside drafts.

*Hungry Pets:  Speak to your veterinarian about increasing your pet’s supply of food, particularly protein, to keep his fur thick and healthy through the winter months. Inquire about vitamin and oil supplements.

*ANTIFREEZE IS POISON TO PETS:  ANTIFREEZE, EVEN IN SMALL DOSES, IS A LETHAL POISON FOR DOGS AND CATS! Because of its sweet taste, animals are attracted to it.  Be sure to clean up spills thoroughly, and consider switching to an animal-friendly antifreeze. Ensure that, if you store Antifreeze in a garage, shed, or other places accessible to your pets, it is well out of pets’ reach.

If your pet becomes lost, be sure to visit YourSPCA.org’s Lost and Found page for recommendations on where to post lost pet listings, and tips for finding your lost pets.

ALL ADOPTION FEES WAIVED FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL PAST AND PRESENT DURING VETS AND PETS
May 22, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

To celebrate the men and women of the armed services this Memorial Day, the SPCA Serving Erie County is waiving animal adoption fees for individuals on active duty, reserves, honorable discharge, service-disabled veterans, or those retired from military services. The program runs today through May 31. Military ID or DD214 will need to be presented.

Animals can be adopted from the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca shelter or one of several other offsite adoption locations. PLEASE NOTE: the SPCA’s West Seneca shelter will be closed Memorial Day, but animals can be adopted from most of our offsite locations!

Photos of adoptable animals at our West Seneca shelter can be found here, and photos of animals available at our offsite locations, as well as a list of those offsite locations and addresses, are here.

For more information, contact the SPCA at 716-875-7360, ext. 236, or visit our Adoption FAQs page.

How You Can Help

LAW CALLS FOR PROPER OUTDOOR ANIMAL SHELTERING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

December 27, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Reports of dogs left outdoors for extended periods of time without access to shelter during the coldest, windiest, and/or snowiest days of winter are the most frequent complaints received by the SPCA Serving Erie County and other humane societies across New York State throughout the winter months.

A New York State Agriculture and Markets Law passed in November 2003 (N.Y. AGM. LAW § 353-B: Appropriate shelter for dogs left outdoors) states that anyone with custody of a dog left outdoors must provide the dog with shelter appropriate to its breed, size, physical condition, and climate, adequately protecting the animal.

The law (in abbreviated form) reads this way: “The Owner or Custodian of a dog left outdoors in inclement weather must provide the dog with shelter appropriate to its breed, physical condition, and the climate. INCLEMENT WEATHER: weather conditions likely to adversely affect the health or safety of the dog (includes rain, sleet, ice, snow, wind, extreme heat or cold, and anything else that is likely to adversely affect the well-being of the dog). DOG LEFT OUTDOORS: A dog that is outside in inclement weather without ready access to, or the ability to enter a house, apartment building, office building, or any other permanent structure that meets the minimum standards for shelter required by this law.  PHYSICAL CONDITION: includes any special medical needs of a dog due to disease, illness, injury, age, or breed which an owner or custodian should reasonably know about.”

The law goes on to describe minimum standards for animal shelter, and penalties for violations, summarized below:

     -If the shelter is deemed insufficient, state animal welfare officers have the ability to legally intervene and seize the animal due to lack of adequate shelter, even if the animal is healthy and unharmed.

     -Guidelines that constitute proper housing include a permanent structure with a waterproof roof that is structurally sound, sufficiently insulated to protect the animal from the elements, with space to change position.

     -The structure and surrounding area needs to be free from excessive dirt, trash or waste so as not to threaten the physical well-being of the dog.

     -Beginning 72 hours after a charge of a violation, each day that an owner does not provide adequate shelter in inclement weather constitutes a separate violation. Violation of the law entails escalating fines:  $50 – $100 for a first offense, and $100 – $250 each for subsequent offenses. If a dog is seized for a violation of the law, the owner is not able to reclaim the dog without proof that he or she is providing the dog with adequate shelter in compliance with this provision.

Read the law in its entirety here.

The SPCA encourages community members to keep pets as companions, living inside homes or apartments… particularly on winter’s most frigid days, and summer’s hottest and most humid days.

If residents see dogs left outdoors for extended periods of time in inclement weather and are concerned about the state of the animal’s shelter, and if the location is in Erie County, please contact the SPCA: 716-875-7360.

See other SPCA winter pet safety tips here.

–Dog Tick Q & A

–How to Inspect For & Remove Ticks from Cats

–WBEN 930 am’s Focus: Lyme Disease on A New Morning with Susan Rose and Brian Mazurowski (audio)

 

From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein
How to Protect Yourself from Ticks
Common Sense Prevention & Alert Observations are Recommended

ERIE COUNTY, NY— After another mild Western New York winter, the number of ticks in Erie County may be increased compared to previous years. More ticks could lead to more people exposed to tick borne diseases, such as Lyme disease, which is widespread in Erie County.

This year, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) experts and other health researchers are warning of another disease carried by ticks, Powossan virus. While Powassan is still very rare, it is too early to predict if Powassan is truly becoming more prevalent.

Powossan virus causes encephalitis—or swelling of the brain—and kills about 10% of people who become ill while other victims may sustain permanent neurological damage. According to the New York State Department of Health, since the early 1990’s, the New York State Western Region (17 Western Counties) has not reported any Powassan virus cases.  However, while rare, Powassan exists in areas where Western New Yorkers may travel for business or recreation.”

April to September is a very active time of year for ticks,” said Peter Tripi, Senior Public Health Sanitarian. “Nymphs and overwintering adults are seeking a blood meal. In the mid-summer, active larvae can be found on mice as hosts until they become nymphs and jump off, seeking
their next meal. Both ticks and humans have tested positive for Lyme disease in Erie County.”

“Should you discover a tick on your skin, carefully remove the entire tick and observe for signs and symptoms of disease,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “The sooner the tick is removed, the less likely that an infectious disease is transmitted. Transfer of an infectious agent depends on the tick’s feeding interval or period of attachment and whether the tick was removed properly. Generally, the tick must be attached to an individual for 36 to 48 hours or more before it can spread bacteria. Ultimately, a person with known (or suspected) history of tick bite needs to consult with a healthcare provider for assessment of symptoms, which may or may not lead to a diagnosis of a tick-borne disease. Not all ticks bites lead to Lyme disease or Powassan virus.”

Ticks, especially in the nymph stage, are extremely small so a thorough skin and clothing inspection is necessary after spending time outdoors where ticks are present or suspected. In tick infested areas, try to avoid contact with soil, leaf litter and vegetation. If you garden, hike, camp, hunt, work or otherwise spend time in the outdoors, take steps to protect yourself.

Burstein added: “After spending time outdoors in an area likely to have ticks, such as brushy, woody or grassy places, it is very important that you check yourself, your children and your pets for ticks.”

What Can I Do To Reduce Ticks In My Yard?

Keep lawns mowed and edges trimmed.

Clear brush, leaf litter and tall grass around the house, and at the edges of gardens and stone walls.

Stack woodpiles neatly away from the house and preferably off the ground.

In the fall, clear your yard of all leaf and garden litter, where ticks can live in the winter.

Keep the ground under bird feeders clean so as not to attract small animals that can carry ticks into your yard.

Locate children’s swing sets and other play equipment in sunny, dry areas of the yard, away from the woods where ticks can be abundant.

Using an approved insecticide once a year (in June) can significantly reduce tick numbers on a residential property.

Avoid Direct Contact with Ticks

Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter.

Walk in the center of trails. Stay on cleared trails when walking or hiking; avoid the edge habitat where ticks are likely to be.

Repel Ticks on Skin and Clothing

On children older than 2 months of age and adults, use repellent that contains 20 percent or more DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 on exposed skin according to the instructions given on the product label for protection that lasts several hours.

Always follow product instructions.

Parents should apply product to their children, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth. Insect repellents also are not recommended for children younger than 2 months.

Use products that contain permethrin on clothing. Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, camping gear and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. It remains protective through several washings. Pre-treated clothing is available and may be protective longer. Do NOT apply to skin.

Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long, light-colored pants tucked into socks or closed-toed shoes. While this may be difficult to do during hot weather, it will help keep ticks away from your skin and help you spot a tick on your clothing faster.

To keep your pets safe, talk to your veterinarian about effective tick control options.

Find and Remove Ticks from Your Body

Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.

Conduct a full-body tick check using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body upon return from tick-infested areas. Parents should check their children for ticks under the arms, in and around the ears, inside the belly button, behind the knees, between the legs, around the waist, and especially in their hair.

Examine gear and pets. Ticks can ride into the home on clothing and pets, then attach to a person later, so carefully examine pets, coats, and day packs.

Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors. If the clothes are damp, additional time may be needed.If the clothes require washing first, hot water is recommended. Cold and medium temperature water will not kill ticks effectively. If the clothes cannot be washed in hot water, tumble dry on low heat for 90 minutes or high heat for 60 minutes. The clothes should be warm and completely dry.

For More Information:

Erie County Department of Health-Stop Ticks

New York State Department of Health-General Information about Lyme disease & Tick Bite Prevention

New York State Department of Health Information about Tick Repellent

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Ticks

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-Powossan Virus

Environmental Protection Agency-Select Proper Insect Repellant

THIS PAGE IS OUTDATED. Please visit this page for current volunteer positions.

EMERGENCY VOLUNTEER NEED!

The SPCA Serving Erie County needs volunteers to work with our
lonely animals residing at offsite adoption locations!

Volunteers are needed at:
Pet Supplies Plus, Depew
Petco, Clarence
Petco, Niagara Falls (new location!)
PetSmart, East Aurora (new location!)
PetSmart, Orchard Park
Hours and days are flexible!
Just spending time interacting with our little ones keeps them
happy, healthy, and ready to be adopted…and they need you!
To learn more, please contact Mary, SPCA offsite adoption coordinator,
at 716-629-3512 or offsite@spcaec.com!
Check out the animals available at offsite locations right here!

SPCA Issues Hot Weather Reminders Designed to Keep Pets Safe
June 28, 2018
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer 

Keep pets healthy and happy all summer long

HEATSTROKE CAN KILL, AND FAST. Most pet owners realize that keeping pets in hot cars can kill them…but not many realize just how quickly the effects of heatstroke can set in for a dog or cat. Heatstroke is a condition animals begin to suffer gradually, but it accelerates quickly; it’s easy for early signs of heatstroke to go unrecognized, and for the pet to be in an emergency situation within mere minutes.

On warm days, a vehicle acts like an oven.  It holds the heat inside, and that heat becomes very intense even on days that don’t seem too warm. On an 85-degree day, for example, even with the windows open, the temperature inside a car can climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes, and to 120 degrees in 30 minutes.  With the humidity we experience here in Buffalo, it may go even higher.  Because a dog’s normal body temperature is 101-102.5 degrees Fahrenheit, he can withstand a body temperature of 107-108 degrees for only a very short time before suffering irreparable brain damage…or death.

The typical signs of heatstroke are:
– Panting
– High body temperature
– Dehydration
– Red mouth/eye membranes
– Rapid, irregular heart rate
– Diarrhea
– Weakness, looking dazed
– Coma

If your pet begins exhibiting any of these signs, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Here is what New York State residents can do if a pet is seen in a hot vehicle.

Also, use caution during warm weather months when leaving animals outside in yards or on porches. Never leave them outside extended periods of time. Ensure appropriate shade and water are always available. Keep close supervision on your pet when outdoors on hot, humid, sunny summer days. If you see an animal left on a porch or in a yard with no access to shelter, or with inadequate shelter, the SPCA may be able to intervene in accordance with New York State’s Animal Shelter Law.  Contact the SPCA immediately if the location is within Erie County: (716) 875-7360. In after-hours emergencies, call the SPCA at (716) 712-0251. Read more about the Animal Shelter Law here.

ADMINISTER FLEA PREVENTION PRODUCTS CORRECTLY! Early last June, the SPCA received two cats on death’s door after cheap, incorrect flea products were applied. The SPCA has already received several phone calls this season from people who misapplied flea products to their pets.   DO NOT APPLY PRODUCTS MEANT FOR DOGS ON CATS, AND DO NOT APPLY CAT FLEA PRODUCTS TO DOGS, AND FOLLOW DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE VOLUME AND MANNER OF APPLICATION!  Read the directions carefully PRIOR to application, not during application. The application of improper flea products, low-quality flea products, or products applied incorrectly, can cause internal damage or death to your pet. Always consult a veterinarian before purchasing and applying flea products.

KEEP PETS HOME DURING OUTDOOR FESTIVALS. Arts festivals, food festivals, summer fireworks displays, and other crowded outdoor events are no places for dogs.  Extremely hot weather, paired with immense crowds of people and strange noises and scents, heightens the stress level for many animals; the repetitive, exploding sound of fireworks is enough to make even the calmest animal frantic and sometimes aggressive. Your pet’s body is closer to the asphalt and can heat up much more quickly.  The hot pavement can also burn unprotected, sensitive paw pads.

DON’T FORCE EXERCISE, primarily after a meal or in hot, humid weather. Instead, exercise pets in the cool of the early morning or evening. Be extra-sensitive to older and overweight animals, or those prone to heart or respiratory problems. Bring an ample supply of water along on the walk. For “indoor” walks, bring pets to shop at the SPCA’s Petique, or other pet-friendly stores.

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU WALK! Avoid walking your dog in areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals, or have puddles or spots of auto coolant. The sweet taste of poisonous liquids attracts animals and can sicken or kill them if ingested. Clean any spills immediately or consider using animal-friendly products to help minimize risks.

WATCH WHAT THEY EAT & DRINK! In July of 2012, two family dogs in North Buffalo died after eating poisonous mushrooms (amanita) growing right in the backyard. Check yards and any areas pets frequent. If something looks suspicious, don’t take a chance….GET RID OF IT. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection spread through the urine of contaminated animals. The bacteria can get into water (puddles, ponds, pools, etc.) or soil and survive there for months. Humans AND animals can be infected. Use caution when letting your pet drink, walk through, or swim in water that may have been exposed to infected animals (rodents, wildlife, infected domestic animals, and others).

KEEP YOUR PET WELL-GROOMED AND CLEAN to combat summer skin problems. If your dog’s coat is appropriate, cutting his hair to a one-inch length will help prevent overheating and will also allow you to watch for fleas and ticks. Don’t shave down to the skin, though; your pet can get sunburned (see below)! A cat should be brushed frequently to keep a tangle-free coat. Long-haired cats will be more comfortable with a stylish, summer clip.

KEEPS PETS SAFE WHILE OUTSIDE. Cats should be kept indoors at all times of the year and never allowed to roam loose, unprotected and unsupervised.  If dogs are allowed outside for an extended period of time, ensure there is proper shade and fresh water available at all times.  During the hottest and most humid parts of the day, bring dogs in the house. Keep identification on all animals at all times. And remember…pets can get sunburned too. Speak with your veterinarian about applying sunblock to your pet’s sun-sensitive areas, such as nose and ears.

USE CAUTION WHEN MAKING SUMMER PURCHASES! When purchasing lawn and garden products, always read the labels for ingredients toxic to dogs, cats, and other animals. Fertilizers, weed killers, herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals can be fatal to your pets. “Weed out” the toxic products from your garage, and learn more about non-toxic, pet-friendly seasonal items. Snail, slug, and rat/mouse baits, and ant/roach baits and traps are also hazardous. Metaldehyde, one of the poisonous ingredients in many baits, is often very appealing to pets, and metaldehyde poisoning can cause increased heart rate, breathing complications, seizures, liver complications, and death. If insect and nuisance animal control items must be purchased, keep them in locations impossible for pets to reach.

KEEP CORN COBS AWAY FROM DOGS! In August of 2013, SPCA veterinarians removed corn cobs from the intestines of not one but TWO dogs! Both survived, but without veterinary treatment the results could have been fatal. Read this article from Vermont’s Animal Hospital of Hinesburg/Bristol Animal Hospital discussing the risk: http://www.hinesburgbristolvet.com/site/view/220060_TheDangerofCornCobs.pml .

DO NOT USE HUMAN INSECT REPELLENTS ON PETS! These items are toxic when ingested at high doses, and dogs and cats may lick it off and ingest it, potentially resulting in a toxicity. Read more about what you can use here.

BUNNIES NEED TO KEEP COOL TOO! Pet rabbits who live indoors with no air conditioning can benefit from an easy cooling technique. Rabbit owners can freeze a filled water bottle. Once the water bottle is frozen, it can be wrapped in a cloth and placed on the rabbit’s cage floor. If the rabbit becomes too warm, she’ll instinctively know to lie next to the bottle. Fans can also be pointed in the general direction of a rabbit cage, and rabbits will raise their ears (their natural cooling system) to catch the breeze and cool off. On hot days, pet owners with rabbits living in outdoor pens will want to ensure their pets are cool enough in outdoor locations; if not, rabbits and pens should come indoors. 

If you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in need of rescue or emergency assistance this summer, the SPCA Serving Erie County can help; please call  (716) 875-7360. During non-business hours in Erie County emergencies only, contact the SPCA at (716) 712-0251.

Erie County Juvenile Charged with Animal Cruelty

February 28, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

A juvenile in Erie County was convicted of animal cruelty after a thorough SPCA Serving Erie County investigation uncovered the death of two kittens. That juvenile appeared in Erie County Family Court last Friday and pled guilty to animal cruelty.

The SPCA’s charging officer, also a NYS Peace Officer, has worked on the investigation since fall of 2016. The officer worked with representatives of the District Attorney’s Office and the Erie County Attorney’s Office in establishing the charges.

Sentencing will take place in April.

FOURTH OF JULY, OUTDOOR FESTIVALS:
No Picnic for Pets

June 30, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

ENSURE ANIMALS WEAR IDENTIFICATION

The SPCA Serving Erie County receives more stray, unidentified animals in the days immediately following July 4th than any other time throughout the year.

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 finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion.

* DON’T TAKE ANIMALS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS…a startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite. An animal confined to a closed vehicle during these displays can experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet, and/or damage to the vehicle’s interior.

* 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. Read more about Dog ThunderShirts or Cat ThunderShirts.

If a pet manages to escape, community members can visit our Stray Animal Information page, which includes effective ways to find a lost pet. See contact information for animal control organizations by village, town, or city here.

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. Don’t take a chance…home is the safest place for pets this holiday.Home is also the safest place for pets, especially on extremely hot days, during arts festivals, food festivals, and other crowded outdoor events.  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.

If you bring your dog to these events and realize it’s becoming too overwhelming for him or her, DON’T KEEP YOUR DOG IN A TURNED-OFF CAR WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME!  The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days can begin within mere minutes.

See additional summer pet tips here. For more information, call the SPCA: (716) 875-7360.

Saperston Real Estate Corporation Sponsors 25 Senior Dog Adoptions at the SPCA Serving Erie County

February 27, 2017
By: Gina Browning, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Twenty-five senior dogs at the SPCA Serving Erie County’s 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda shelter will go to their new homes with waived adoption fees, courtesy of Saperston Real Estate Corporation! A donation made earlier this month will cover each dog’s $50 adoption fee.

The dogs (including Dakota, pictured here and available for adoption at the SPCA at the time of this writing) will be selected by the Adoptions staff at the SPCA based on criteria that includes age and length of stay. Notice of the waived adoption fee will be featured on each animal’s YourSPCA.org profile and kennel.

“This donation confirms our belief that we serve the best community in the nation,” says SPCA president and CEO Gary Willoughby. “This well-respected company has taken an interest in our animals and has supported them through financial and in-kind donations for decades; this donation from the Saperston Corporation made specifically to help rehome senior dogs and find them new, loving families is just one of many kind, compassionate gestures made by a company that does so much to support our community.”

“We have been involved with the SPCA for as long as I can remember, contributing in any way  we can and watching the organization grow into what it is today,” says Will Saperston. “This donation is for the citizens of Erie County who support the SPCA in the hopes that they will adopt an animal in need and make their family a little bit bigger.”

Every dog adopted from the SPCA Serving Erie County is spayed or neutered, and receives age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, seasonal flea control, microchip identification, free first physical exam courtesy of the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society, 30 days free veterinary insurance, and three weeks of unlimited email access to the SPCA’s Behavior and Training Department for advice.

Descriptions of the dogs available at the SPCA, most accompanied by photos, are available here. Dogs can be adopted at the SPCA’s 205 Ensminger Rd., Tonawanda location, where the humane society will be located approximately one more month before beginning its move to its new home at 300 Harlem Road in West Seneca.