ERIE COUNTY SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Provides training and educational opportunities for wildlife rehabilitators across New York State to enhance professional capacity in wildlife care and rehabilitation.

Operates a Wildlife Department that provides daily care, medical treatment, and rehabilitation for wild animals, including threatened and endangered species such as Bald Eagles and Peregrine Falcons. Admits nearly 3,500 wild animals annually and handles over 8,000 wildlife-related calls each year, in coordination with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Provides humane care and shelter for distressed animals, including domestic, farm, and exotic animals surrendered by owners, found as strays, or seized during cruelty investigations. Assists approximately 12,000 animals annually through rescue, shelter, and care services.

Operates an educational farm established in 1977 that houses surrendered, stray, or seized farm animals and provides daily care and behavioral support. Offers public visits and humane education opportunities for children and adults through live animal interactions, with the farm open Monday through Saturday.

Operates the Lipsey Veterinary Clinic to provide high-quality, affordable, non-emergency veterinary services, including diagnostics, wellness exams, vaccines, basic preventatives, and treatment of minor illnesses. Performed complex procedures such as spay and mastectomy for animals with medical needs, and covers full costs for families unable to afford care through support programs.

Operates pet adoption services Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with final adoptions beginning by 5 p.m., facilitating the placement of shelter animals into permanent homes.

Operates a Pet Food Pantry that distributes donated pet food and supplies to community members in need through direct distribution, case assistance, and community events. Also runs the Marie Gebura Caring Hearts Fund and other programs to prevent pet surrenders due to financial hardship, including covering veterinary costs for families in crisis.

Operates an on-site boutique selling pet and pet-related products, with proceeds directly supporting the care of homeless and injured animals at the SPCA.

Operates the Paws for Love therapy pet visitation program with 270 certified therapy pet teams as of December 2025, bringing dogs, cats, and other animals to hundreds of locations across Erie County, including nursing homes, courts, colleges, and the Buffalo/Niagara International Airport to provide emotional support and stress relief.

Engages volunteers in hands-on animal care activities, including fitting collars and harnesses on adopted dogs prior to adoption.

Provides community support services during business hours, including maintaining and distributing a list of pet-friendly rental properties in Erie County and surrounding areas to help pet owners secure housing and avoid surrender.

Provides humane euthanasia services exclusively for animals at the end of life due to medical conditions, following medical evaluation, and does not accept requests for behavioral or age-related euthanasia. Offers guidance on end-of-life decisions and options for general or private cremation, with pricing based on animal weight and owner selection.