SPCA in Cattaraugus County Launches $6M Renovation and Expansion to Meet New NYS Animal Care Standards
The 120-year-old SPCA in Cattaraugus County seeks community support for critical facility upgrades and a veterinary clinic to meet state-mandated animal welfare standards.
OLEAN - For 120 years, the SPCA in Cattaraugus County has served as the largest 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter in the Southern Tier, but today, their 40-year-old building no longer meets animal welfare standards.
“While we have been addressing renovations over time including a new roof, HVAC system, and insulation, the SPCA in Cattaraugus County, like most non-profit animal shelters, does not have the budget to take on a complete renovation,” said Board President Karen Crowley. “The New York State Companion Animal Care Standards Act goes into effect in December 2025, and we must show progress. These standards are non-negotiable and we need the community’s financial support to ensure the SPCA will continue to serve the animals and people of our area for years to come. Our goal is to meet and exceed the standards of care.”
Under the new state regulations, the SPCA in Cattaraugus County must take on a slate of renovations including:
Transforming surfaces in contact with animals to non-porous, non-toxic, and water resistant, with adequate drainage.
Expanding space for animals to stretch, lay down, circle and stand comfortably, away from where they eliminate and from food and water.
Ensuring lighting in animal housing areas offers eight hours each of light and dark in a 24-hour cycle.
Properly segregating dogs and cats to reduce the cats’ exposure to barking and decrease stress and anxiety.
Ensuring proper isolation areas for any animal with an infectious disease.
Reducing noise decibels to 85 or below.
Replacing rusted dog kennel fencing and doors.
Providing lower-stress housing for all cats to decrease the risk of illness and increase quality of life.
The SPCA also intends to add a veterinary clinic for low-cost spay and neuter services.
“Without a veterinary clinic, our teams travel up to 120 miles per round trip to obtain medical care and spay and neuter animals,” said Ronnie Schenkein, a retired veterinarian and board member. “This is not sustainable. Adding the clinic, while not part of the state mandate, will significantly cut travel time and costs, and will allow the Cattaraugus County community to come to us for affordable services on-site.”
Total cost for the renovation and addition project is estimated at $6,000,000. In 2024 the SPCA received a $1.5 million grant to be distributed over 4 years from Mr. Tom Golisano, which will be invested to support an annual building maintenance fund, supplement staff salaries, and create an endowment for sustainability and long-term needs.
“The investments made possible through the Golisano gift gives donors confidence that their investment in the Claws & Paws Capital Campaign is safeguarded by long-term planning and viability,” Crowley said.
Kellie Roberts, Executive Director added, “We are seeking lead gifts from individuals throughout Western New York who love animals and want to be a part of a once-in-lifetime transformational project right here in Western New York. We are doing everything in our power to ensure the SPCA in Cattaraugus County not only survives but thrives for the next 120 years.”
To date, the SPCA has received two commitments of $200,000 each and multiple smaller gifts totaling about $20,000. Marianne Laine, who recently contributed a major gift to the campaign said, “It was after getting our dog Annie that I became more aware of our local SPCA and its mission to aid the lost and homeless pets in our area. I knew then what a necessary and valued asset this was to our area and how it needed our support. I am happy that my contribution to this campaign will have a room named in honor of Annie. She would be so pleased.”
Individuals and organizations interested in becoming involved can learn more and pledge their support at www.spcacattco.org.