Tag: Lattuca

FOURTH OF JULY, OUTDOOR FESTIVALS: No Party for Pets

June 29, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The days immediately following July 4 can result in increased numbers of stray animals admitted to animal control facilities and humane societies, and often the explosive sound of fireworks is to blame. 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 or passer-by finds your animal, an ID collar that includes your phone number can lead to a faster reunion. Remember, don’t limit a search for a lost pet to your geographical location! A frightened animal that bolts can travel long distances, and well-meaning community members trying to help may also transport the animal to an animal control facility or veterinary clinic in a different neighborhood. Find local animal control facilities here >>. 

* DON’T TAKE ANIMALS TO FIREWORKS DISPLAYS. 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. A startled animal may not only break free and run away, but may also bite.

If you bring your dog to these events and realize it’s becoming too overwhelming for him or her, DO NOT KEEP YOUR DOG IN YOUR CAR FOR ANY AMOUNT OF TIME! The effects of heatstroke on even slightly warm days begin within mere minutes. and the results could be fatal.  Stressed animals confined to cars can not only die or suffer severe brain damage, but can also experience an overwhelming stress level that can cause physical harm to the pet, and/or damage to the vehicle’s interior. Home is the safest place for pets this holiday.

* 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, and can be found in many local pet supply shops and online. 

* NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES FOR HOUNDS. The headphones, which must be ordered in advance based on each dog’s specific measurements, contain Bluetooth technology which allows owners to stream their dogs’ most calming musical selections (decibal reduction for the dogs provide a “whisper volume”) directly into their ears.  A simple online search will direct pet owners to the various companies offering these headphones.

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. Home is the safest place for pets on extremely hot days and during arts festivals, food festivals, other crowded outdoor events, and especially fireworks displays.

If you witness animal cruelty or see any animal in need of rescue or emergency assistance this summer, the SPCA Serving Erie County may be able to help. Please call the SPCA Monday through Saturday,
8 a.m. – 4:30  p.m., at (716) 875-7360, ext. 214.

See the SPCA’s additional, important reminders for keeping pets safe in the summer heat here >>

 

SPCA Serving Erie County Launches Pet Loss Support Group June 18

May 12, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca, (716) 875-7360, ext. 244

SPCA Serving Erie County Pet Loss Support Group, held the first and third Thursday of every month at the SPCA.

The bond between a person and a pet is often woven into the quietest moments of daily life — the gentle nudge of a nose at the end of a difficult day, the familiar sound of paws crossing the floor, the unwavering companionship that asks for nothing more than love in return. When that bond is broken through loss or even surrender, the grief can feel profound and isolating. Recognizing the deep emotional impact that comes with saying goodbye to a beloved animal companion, the SPCA Serving Erie County is launching a new Pet Loss Support Group designed to help grieving pet owners find comfort, understanding, and connection.

Beginning Thursday, June 18, the support group will meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location. Scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., the sessions are open to anyone 18 years of age or older coping with the loss of a pet or with the need to rehome a pet. There is no fee to attend, and registration is not required. Participants are welcome to simply arrive and take part in a safe, compassionate environment created specifically for those navigating grief. (While child care will not be available, the SPCA can provide resources for families seeking guidance to help younger children process the loss of a pet.)

The group will be facilitated by Jackie Lentz*, who holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and understands how deeply the loss of an animal companion can affect a person’s emotional well-being. The SPCA Serving Erie County holds Pet Loss Support Groups the first and third Thursday of every month at its 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location; for more information contact the SPCA's Jackie Lentz, 716-875-7360, ext. 204.“Losing a pet can be deeply painful,” said Lentz. “For many people, pets are family members… companions… sources of comfort and support. When they’re gone, the loss can feel overwhelming… and it’s not always something others fully understand or know how to support. This is designed to be a welcoming group, providing a judgment-free environment for anyone coping with the loss of a pet for any reason.”

Lentz emphasizes that every grief journey is unique and deserving of The SPCA Serving Erie County holds Pet Loss Support Groups the first and third Thursday of every month at its 300 Harlem Rd., West Seneca location; for more information contact the SPCA's Jackie Lentz, 716-875-7360, ext. 204.compassion. “Whether the loss is recent, or happened years ago, whether the loss was sudden or expected, all experiences of grief are valid here. Participants will be invited to share their stories, talk about their pets, and express emotions openly.”

At the heart of the new program is a simple but meaningful mission: helping people feel less alone in their grief. There will be no pressure for participants to speak, with listening valued just as much as sharing. “Our goal is not to help people ‘move on.’ We aren’t here to rush healing,” Lentz said. “We are here to help pet owners process loss at their own pace while feeling understood. We hope to normalize all levels of the grieving process… the intense feelings, the feelings of isolation… we want our participants to feel less alone.”

Those seeking additional information about the support group can contact Lentz directly at (716) 875-7360, ext. 204 | JackieL@yourspca.org .

*The SPCA’s Jackie Lentz is a compassionate group facilitator and former Crisis Counselor with a heart for helping people navigate grief and loss. She holds a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. As a devoted animal lover and pet parent herself, she understands the deep bond between people and their pets and the pain that comes with saying goodbye. Through this support group, Jackie offers a safe, supportive space where people can process their grief and feel less alone in their healing journey. 

Click the image below to download the
Pet Loss Support Group PDF:

SPCA Serving Erie County Pet Loss Support Group, held the first and third Thursday of every month at the SPCA. Download the Pet Loss Support Group flier here.

SPCA Serving Erie County Offers Free Adoptions to Current and Past Military Members During Vets & Pets

May 21, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA Vets & Pets offers free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYTo thank the members of the armed services this Memorial 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 Kristen and Tom Pulvino!

Vets & Pets begins Saturday, May 23 and runs through Saturday, May 30* 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 >>.

SPCA Vets & Pets offers free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NYMilitary 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 Adoptions Supervisor Zak Sprowls with any questions: (716) 875-7360, ext. 203.

The SPCA extends a patriotic thank you to Kristen and Tom Pulvino for allowing veterans and current service members the opportunity to adopt a beloved animal companion at no cost, creating life-changing bonds built on healing, hope, and unconditional love!

*Adoption hours are 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The SPCA will be closed Sunday and Monday, May 24 and 25. Potential adoptions must be started by 5 p.m., at least one hour prior to closing. Some exceptions to the program will apply concerning If The Fur Fits trial adoptions; see an Adoptions counselor or contact Sprowls with questions.

SPCA Vets & Pets offers free animal adoptions for past and current service people at the SPCA Serving Erie County NY

#SPCACompassionInAction

There's never been a better time to join our pack!

SPCA EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 

Our goal at the SPCA Serving Erie County is to be a diverse and inclusive workforce that is representative of the community we serve in the most effective way possible. All employment decisions are decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

Licensed Veterinary Technician, Lipsey Clinic

NYS Peace Officer

Offsite Adoptions Coordinator

 

The opportunity to spend your days working around beautiful animals and people who love them seems like it would be enough of a benefit, right? But when you join our pack as a full or part-time staff member we offer you even more! Check out our benefits:
Benefits >>

OTHER SPCA OPPORTUNITIES 

College Internships

Volunteer Opportunities

 

Take This Job and Love It:
Great Benefits Program with Perks for Blue Collar Working Cats

May 11, 2026
By: SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesThey’re a little too temperamental to be considered perfect, in-home, companion cats. Some are even feral. What’s to be done about these categories of cats when agencies like the SPCA Serving Erie County receive them as surrendered animals, or as part of an animal hoarding situation or other type of animal rescue or cruelty case?

For more than a decade, East Aurora-based Feral Cat FOCUS Inc. (FCF) has provided an answer for this agency and other cat welfare organizations in the state. Historically called other names such as the Adopt-A-Barn-Cat program and the Adopt-A-Working-Cat program, the Blue Collar Working Cats program now encompasses more of the varied establishments that have taken advantage of the loyal presence of these hard-working cats!

FCF representatives tell us program cats are cats of various temperaments. In some cases, they are not exactly feral, but they’re unsocial. They call this program a “beautiful adoption alternative” for these types of cats who have nowhere else to go.

According to FCF, Blue Collar Working Cats have been placed in various western New York establishments including wineries, warehouses, nurseries and greenhouses, barns and stables, and more. When an organization representative calls to inquire about receiving Blue Collar Working Cats to live on the property, FCF conducts a thorough interview to SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as wineriesensure proper placement, since not all of the cats will thrive in all of the settings. They also ensure there are enough people who will take full responsibility for the care and feeding of the cats throughout their lifetime.

Once an establishment is deemed a proper setting for specific Blue Collar Working Cats, a representative of FCF brings a minimum of two cats (some larger establishments have four or more Blue Collar Working Cats), already spayed or neutered, treated for fleas, and vaccinated by veterinarians at Operation PETS: the Spay/Neuter Clinic of WNY, Inc. for “grounding” purposes. Cats are placed in extra-large dog crates at their “new home” for a three-week period, which allows them time to adapt to the different people, sights, sounds, smells, and, possibly, other animals that collectively comprise the new setting.  Most importantly, they begin to bond with and recognize the voices of those who will be providing the majority of care.

Temporarily, FCF provides the crates and other equipment, which is on loan during the three-week grounding period. After that, as with any adoption, all care is the responsibility of the new owners. FCF representatives also tell us that, in all the years of managing this program, FCF has had very few cats that didn’t respond to the new surroundings. They attribute that to the fact that the quality of life has increased for the animals and they’re more content; some of the cats SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as warehousesbecome even more social and enjoy being present around people for longer periods of time.

To date, more than 600 establishments house a minimum of two Blue Collar Working Cats. The purpose? “Rodent control, plain and simple,” an FCF representative says. “Sometimes the mere presence of Blue Collar Working Cats is enough to keep rodents away from perceived food sources or food and beverage storage areas.”

FCF is unable to accept surrenders of cats from private owners who believe their cats may not be living a high quality of life indoors, yet feel guilty about keeping them outdoors or giving them up. FCF will, however, walk these cat owners through how to set up a Blue Collar Working Cats program right at home.  FCF representatives say the group works hard to remove the misplaced guilt these cat owners may feel over not keeping a cat indoors, and added that not every cat can live a high-quality life indoors. They help these people establish a Blue Collar Working Cats program right where they are, taking  them through all the steps and assisting them as much as possible in their imitation of the program.

The SPCA Serving Erie County is honored SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesto be one of the organizations with which FCF works in its Blue Collar Working Cats program. Several hundred cats who were not viable adoption candidates found new lives through FCF and this program, and the SPCA is indebted SPCA Serving Erie County, NY works with Feral Cat Focus to place feral or unsocial cats into the Blue Collar Working Cat program, housing them in safe locations such as barns and stablesand eternally grateful to the team at FCF for dedicating so many of their resources to these special cats with high work ethics.

Organization representatives who believe Blue Collar Working Cats might be a welcome addition to their establishments are encouraged to call FCF at (888) 902-9717, email info@feralcatfocus.org, or visit the FCF website to learn more about adopting a working cat team.

Feral Cat FOCUS Inc. is an all-volunteer organization with 501(c)(3) status.

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!

Beane’s 10-Yard Toss Heard ‘Round Buffalo

April 16, 2026
Gina Lattuca, SPCA Chief Communications Officer

Some guys hit the gym. Some guys watch film. And in his own words, Brandon Beane casually throws a football twice a week… just in case someone like Pat McAfee decides to put $100,000 on the line.

Earlier this year on The Pat McAfee Show, sports media personality, podcast host, WWE commentator, and former NFL All-Pro punter McAfee laid down the kind of challenge that sounds easy until you’re holding the ball: hit a small hole from about 10 yards out. Three tries. No pressure—just six figures and bragging rights.

Another unnamed NFL GM (well, we won’t name him here) had stepped up before. He walked away with nothing but a “nice try” and maybe a bruised ego.

But this particular day, it was Beane’s turn.

Brandon Beane on #PMSLIVE with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 donation for the SPCA!
Brandon Beane with Pat McAfee, accepting a challenge that scored a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA!

First throw? A little warm-up. Gotta’ read the defense.

Second throw? An absolute dime. Right through the hole. No replay needed.

Touchdown.

Cue the crowd going wild (in our heads, at least), and just like that, McAfee was on the hook. The winnings? Split between two charities—including our incredible SPCA Serving Erie County.

That’s right—this wasn’t just a trick shot. It was a game-changer for animals in need.

Watch Beane score a $50,000 touchdown for the SPCA here >>

And if you know Beane, you know this wasn’t luck. This is the same man behind Bills Muttfia, a program he and his wife Hayley created seven seasons ago, where every Buffalo Bills home game touchdown means a $100 donation to help save an animal’s life.

As Beane put it, “My wife, Hayley, keeps me updated on all of the awesome work [the SPCA Serving Erie County does] to help animals each and every day. Hayley and I have just always had a heart for rescue animals.”

Read more about all the Beanes do for SPCA animals through BILLS MUTTFIA >>

So it turns out that 10-yard toss wasn’t just a flex—it was a clutch, game-winning play for animals across Erie County.

And honestly? We’ll take Brandon and Hayley on our team any day.

See Beane’s $50,000 TD for the SPCA here >>
Beane threads the needle 34 minutes in:

Find more on Bills Muttfia here >>

SPCA WILL RECEIVE  DONATION FROM NORTHTOWN SUBARU DURING ADOPTION EVENT AS PART OF SUBARU’S SHARE THE LOVE®

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Fudge will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

Longtime SPCA Serving Erie County partner Northtown Subaru will present SPCA representatives with a donation (total yet to be revealed!) during an adoption event this weekend that will feature adorable and adoptable puppies, dogs and cats!

Northtown Subaru chose the SPCA Serving Erie County (in addition to national charities) from which new Subaru owners or lessees could select to receive a $250 donation from Subaru of America, Inc.

Year to date, Northtown has donated $160,207 to The SPCA Serving Erie Country as part of the Subaru Share the Love Initiative!

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Latte will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

The adoption event will take place Saturday, April 18, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Northtown’s exciting, new Subaru location: 6374 Transit Rd, Depew, NY 14043. (The check presentation will take place at 11:30 a.m.)

“Northtown Automotive is proud of our longstanding partnership with the SPCA and our commitment to supporting those organizations that support Western New Yorkers. The SPCA Serving Erie County helps thousands of animals in need every year,” said Harold Erbacher, chief operating officer and co-owner of Northtown Automotive Companies. “We pride ourselves on assisting others by creating a sense of family, generosity and sharing— both at the dealerships where we work and in the community we serve.”

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Hershey will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

“We continue to be so excited over this unique partnership with Northtown Subaru,” says SPCA Serving Erie County President/CEO Cait Daly. “What is most impressive is the fact that this partnership is truly personal for the Northtown reps with whom we work! It’s evident how much they love animals and love the SPCA, and the degree to which they believe in our programs and services is so encouraging. We look forward to continuing this partnership into the future, as the SPCA strives to be a resource for more people in more parts of our region.”

“Because of Northtown Subaru’s unwavering compassion and support, we’re able to give animals in their most vulnerable moments a real chance at life,” said SPCA Associate Director of Corporate and Individual Giving Phillip Weiss. “Their generosity doesn’t just fund care—it brings hope, healing, and the promise of a loving home to animals who have nowhere else to turn. We are truly grateful for their partnership and the profound difference they make every single day.”

This cute puppy will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26
Eve will be available for adoption at Northtown Subaru 4-18-26

Because animals at previous Northtown/SPCA adoption events have been adopted very quickly, interested parties are encouraged to arrive at the April 18 event early to browse animals (and vehicles!).

— SPCA Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

SPCA ISSUES WINTER PET SAFETY TIPS

January 19, 2026
By: Chief Communications Officer Gina Lattuca

The winter storms have returned, and as many veterinary clinics (including the Lipsey Veterinary Clinic at the SPCA) are dealing with smaller work forces, it’s a little more complicated to receive emergency veterinary care.  Plan ahead for the upcoming snowy days and nights now to ensure your pets stay safe and healthy today and throughout the rest of the winter. Read on for some of the SPCA Serving Erie County’s winter pet safety tips.

*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. Thanks to a legislative push in late 2018 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.

* Keep a Tight Leash: Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm. Pets can 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? Lay straw on top of snow for trips outdoors by dogs reluctant to step out onto a freezing surface to relieve themselves.

*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? Don’t forget Buffalo’s new laws pertaining to tethering 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.

For more tips regarding keeping pets safe and healthy during the winter, please contact your veterinarian.

NO BONES ABOUT IT!
KEEP PETS SAFE THIS THANKSGIVING!

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.

SPCA Treats Pet Owners to Tricks for Keeping Pets Safe This Halloween

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.

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