Our History

The Washington County SPCA was formed in 1959 by a group of citizens concerned about abuse and neglect of animals in Washington County. The SPCA was incorporated in 1960. It is a 501 (C) 3 not-for-profit corporation.

In 1969, the shelter on Route 4 was built on land sold to them for a dollar and with donated materials and labor. The building was to house up to 35 animals in the basement and featured an office, meeting room, kitchen and bathroom on the first floor.

Originally the shelter served only the Washington County area. However, over the years, a large percentage of the SPCA's donations and adoptions have come from outside the county. Since 1969, thousands of animals from the tri-county area and beyond have received care and love until they were adopted into new homes. The original 35 animals slowly grew to a daily number of up to 110 animals. All areas of the building were then used for our animals.

The SPCA is a no-kill shelter. Animals are kept until they are adopted. Only if an animal is seriously ill or completely unsuitable for adoption is it euthanized by a local veterinarian.

During the SPCA's 1994 annual meeting, the need for a new building was discussed. Fundraising efforts towards this goal started immediately. It was also realized that the organization needed to grow and to do that, needed the assistance of full time staff. In May 1996, the SPCA's first Executive Director was hired.

It was necessary to eliminate the confusion many in the area had that this was a government agency. The organization does not receive Federal, State or local funding but relies on individuals and businesses, shelter adoption fees, dues, gifts, bequests and special events to fund it's needs.

The membership voted on a new name and the SPCA of Upstate New York was chosen. This name not only removes the image of being tied to a county, but also shows our expanded mission area.

Today, we have moved into our new building (Over 15,000 square feet) and look forward to serving the community and its animals in many different ways.



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