Buffalo selects site for new animal shelter as questions about care persist

BUFFALO, N.Y. — A new chapter has begun for Buffalo’s animal shelter.

After years of questions about conditions inside the city-run facility, a Spectrum News 1 investigation last year found roughly one in five dogs entering the shelter was euthanized, most often with aggression listed as the reason. Now, the city has selected a site for a new $30 million shelter, but with overcrowding and concerns about animal care still part of the conversation, the question now is what will it take to make a lasting difference.

A former police precinct on Louisiana Street in Buffalo is expected to become the city's new animal shelter. City leaders say the site offers room to expand and outdoor space for animals, but with the new facility still years away, the bigger question is how Buffalo, and other communities that are facing issues in their own facilities, can provide humane care for animals right now.

Buffalo's current shelter on Oak Street has been asked to do more with less space for years. Mayor Sean Ryan said the outdated facility makes it harder for staff to provide the care animals need.

“So much pressure on them for caring for the animals in cramped conditions," said Ryan. "And often they have more animals than they can take care of.”

The city’s answer is a new facility that is designed with more indoor space and outdoor areas for animals to enjoy. Deputy Mayor Ben Swanekamp said the project is expected to move forward in phases, with the city seeking funding for design work before major construction.

“This is going to be the most ambitious building project the city has undertaken in quite a long time," said Swanekamp. "The major construction project will be taking place in 2028. And that will be over $30 million as well.”

For years, Buffalo Animal Shelter advocates have called for a better home for Buffalo’s animals, with serious questions being raised about the conditions inside the current shelter. Former executive director of the Erie County SPCA Barbara Carr pointed to challenges of housing insecurity and the rising cost of caring for animals.

Volunteer at the Buffalo Animal Shelter Kelly Gorman said the biggest challenge has been how to balance long-term facility investments with the day-to-day costs of staffing, veterinary care, food and keeping animals healthy while they wait for homes.

“Volunteers can now care for animals on the days the shelters are closed to the public," said Gorman. "Additional qualified staff members have been hired, and there’s also a greater emphasis on enrichment and individualized care for animals.”

Looking toward the future, volunteers at the shelter said additional funding and a new building could help improve conditions, but the work doesn't end with construction.

“A new building doesn't fix everything, but it will provide an opportunity for the city of Buffalo to be a leader in animal welfare and provide better care for our smallest and most vulnerable residents," said Gorman.

Buffalo isn’t the only community that has been confronted with shelter capacity concerns. Earlier this year, Lollypop Farm in Rochester and Spring Farm CARES in Syracuse both reported being at maximum animal capacity. So the question remains how can shelters across the state meet the needs of animals when inflation has dramatically increased the cost of pet ownership.

With shelter space and resources continually stretched thin, anyone who is interested in helping now can contact their local shelter about adoption, fostering or volunteering.