Oh, what a treat it is to have a fuzzy, furry little friend with you, and what better way to get a pet, than to adopt them from a shelter. Being a supporter of the local SPCA comes with so many benefits. Not only do you get to have a little fur-ball to take care of, but you also get the security of knowing that you can show love, and compassion to an animal that was brutally mistreated, unloved, and unwanted by their owner. How sad to think something so adorable, and naturally loving was once unloved, and left by itself.

"The mission of the SPCA is to create a caring and kind community that encourages fair and humane treatment of all creatures.  Our knowledgeable, caring, and open-minded team of staff and volunteers achieves that mission through proactive efforts to address the current status of animals in our community, education of adults and children, rescue and sheltering of animals in need, and placement of animals into appropriate homes." -SPCA

One way to adopt a new cat, or a new pup is to go to the clinic directly. You can look at the pictures on their website first www.yourspca.com if you are looking for a specific breed.

The Erie County SPCA is located at:
 205 Ensminger Road
 Tonawanda, NY 14150
 716-875-7360

Their adoption hours are as follows:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. (pre-approvals close at 5:30 p.m.)
Tuesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. (pre-approvals close at 7:30 p.m.)
Saturday: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. (pre-approvals close at 4:30 p.m.)
Sunday: Closed

There are also many offsite shelter locations which can be found on their website at yourspca.org.
There are also cat adoption sites at McKinley, Galleria, and Eastern Hills Mall.
If you're ready for that change in your life, the adoption process is easier than you might think.
Number one, you're going to have to have a little bit of money saved up in order to adopt your little friend.

The adoption fees are as follows:
Most cats 3 years and older: the adoption fee is waved; as with all animals, adoption approval required
Most cats/kittens 21 weeks - 3 years: $85
Most kittens 20 weeks and younger: $125
Particular purebreds of any age: special prices in effect ($150 and up)
Dogs 10 years and older: adoption fee waived; as with all animals, adoption approval required
Most dogs 7 years and older:  $100
Most dogs/puppies 21 weeks - 6 years : $135
Most pups 20 weeks and younger: $250 (price includes bordetella vaccination)
Particular purebreds and/or smaller sizes: special prices in effect ($200 - $350)
Ferrets:  $75
Rabbits: $40
Guinea Pigs: $15
You can pay with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, personal check, or cash. You must also bring photo ID, and proof of your current address.
 
Say you live in an apartment, or somewhere you can't have an animal, but you really want to help. There are plenty of ways to help without actually taking a little fur-ball home with you. For one, the SPCA is always looking for donations. You can sign up at their website at yourspca.org in order to sign up to be a donor. Just click on the 'Donate' Button off the their home screen. Your donation can be any amount, and every bit counts. These donations are used in order to keep the SPCA up-and-running. From keeping the building up and running, keeping the vet bills paid, and also funds the pet rescue team which rescues pets from unfriendly environments.

If you are not interested in adopting a pet, but would like to help take care of one until it is adopted, fostering an animal is always an option. You can foster an animal that needs your love. You can contact SPCA's Foster Care Coordinator, Megan Kraemer, 716-629-3509 if you are interested.There is a foster care information session on March 21st, 2015. You can attend to learn more about foster care.

The SPCA accepts volunteers at their shelters. The SPCA is looking for photographers to take pictures of these furry friends, so if you enjoy taking pictures, and want to help, please contact Tara at [email protected]. They are also looking for shelter volunteers, and you can volunteer by contacting the SPCA volunteer office at 716-629-3503. In order to be a volunteer, There will also be a volunteer information session on March 23rd, 2015.

The SPCA also offers many volunteer internship programs. Go to their website at www.yourspca.com to get involved.

Another way to support the SPCA if you already own an Animal is by visiting, and purchasing your animal supplies at the SPCA PETIQUE. Here, they have a variety of pet food, pet clothes, and pet supplies. Form Jackets, to toys, to cages, the Petique has all of your Pet Supplies. All of the proceeds from the Petique go directly to the SPCA. The Petique is found at their main location on 205 Ensminger Road in Tonawanda,NY. 

The Petique hours are:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11am-6pm,
Tuesday & Thursday from 11am-8pm
Saturday from 10am-5pm. So let the shopping begin!
Your Community. Your Support. Your SPCA.