WEST SENECA, N.Y. — Seven years after opening its location on Harlem Road, the SPCA Serving Erie County is getting ready for some much-needed renovations, according to President and CEO Cait Daly.
Pointing at the greenish-white floors of the dog kennel, Daly said all of the floors are going to be replaced during the remodel.
The wear and tear of thousands of dogs meant their kennel and meet-and-greet rooms have seen better days, which despite meticulous cleaning, Daly said can result in unwanted germs.
Deep scratches in the walls, chipped paint, and cracks in the floor coating have not stopped the SPCA from operating, but thanks to a grant from the NYS Companion Animal Capital Fund, they can now be addressed.
"When germs are really in there, they can be hard to get and cause future illness for dogs and it's just unsanitary. So like I said, routine maintenance to get these floors totally clean," Daly said.
The resurfacing and floor repair will cost around $163,000 and the painting an additional $14,623. The floor will be a shade of green, a color Daly said can be soothing for dogs.
While preparations are underway starting Monday for construction, the SPCA is reducing the number of dogs they can admit and will temporarily pause admissions once work begins on Jan. 2, 2025. The project is expected to take about a month.
"We don't want dogs to be around the noise and construction, so we're going to get as many as we can out into the community and in homes which is great for the dogs and it will be great for our project," said Daly.
She recommends emailing yourspca@yourspca.org, calling 716-875-7360, or checking the shelter's website for information about adopting. They are also seeking new fosters to help in this time of need.