• Does the SPCA receive financial aid from the government?
• Can someone just leave an animal outside the door of your shelter?
• Where do you get the dogs and cats that are at the shelter?
• If I want to adopt a dog and already have one dog at home, why do I need to bring my dog to meet the new one?
• When I adopt an animal why do I have to give a deposit in addition to the adoption fee?
• If I have a boyscout/girlscout troop that needs to earn a community service badge, can I bring them to the shelter to help out?
• Does the SPCA ever get animals other than just dogs and cats?
• The new web site is nice, but is it costing money that would be better spent on caring for animals?

Don't see your question here? Email us at spcauny@earthlink.net and we'll be happy to respond, or to add your question to this page.

Does the spca receive financial aid from the government?
No. The SPCA of Upstate New York, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, and a no-kill shelter. We rely on donations from individuals and businesses, bequests and Animal Service Contracts.     Back to top

Can someone just leave an animal outside the door of your shelter?
No. This is abandonment, and it is illegal. Please see the New York State statute on abandonment. Back to top

Where do you get the dogs and cats that are at the shelter?
The animals at the shelter come from various avenues, such as: animal control; people who cannot care for their animals any more due to various life changes; animals that have been rescued from cruelty or neglect situations; unexpected litters of puppies or kittens, and other situations. We also work with a kill shelter rescuing puppies and adults that would otherwise be euthanized.     Back to top

If I want to adopt a dog and already have one dog at home, why do I need to bring my dog to meet the new one?
It is very important when getting a new dog or puppy that everyone gets along! We want to be certain that there are no problems between the animals, or family members for that matter. It is very hard once you bring an animal home to have to remove them from their new home and bring them back to the shelter. It is also very stressful and confusing to the animal.     Back to top

When I adopt an animal why do I have to give a deposit in addition to the adoption fee?
This is required by the state. Any animal that is adopted from our shelter is required to be spayed or neutered. Once this procedure is done on the animal, your deposit is returned. If you do not bring the animal back to have the spay or neuter, your deposit goes to the New York State Animal Population Fund, and you are in violation of our agreement. You can view the New York State statute here.    Back to top

If I have a boyscout/girlscout troop that needs to earn a community service badge, can I bring them to the shelter to help out?
YES! But you must call first to schedule the time to do this. We always love to have young people come into the shelter to find out what it’s all about!     Back to top

Does the SPCA ever get animals other than just dogs and cats?
YES! In the past we have had sheep, goats, chickens, geese, rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, and birds. Our staff and volunteers have experience and knowledge of all of these types of animals, so we are able to care for them properly until a permanent home is found for them.     Back to top

The new web site is nice, but is it costing money that would be better spent on caring for animals?
NO! Our web site is designed and maintained completely free of charge by My Own Carnival, a locally-owned business that donates their services in support of our mission. This is a perfect example of how individuals and companies can contribute to our mission in a non-financial way, and help us save lives!     Back to top