May 14, 2020 – It’s full steam ahead as the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA) announces a $100,000 challenge grant in support of its multi-million-dollar SHELTER US Campaign. The announcement comes as work on the new campus moves from site preparation to the shelter building itself.   

“To have an anonymous donor offer us a challenge grant of this magnitude at such a crucial time for our project is truly amazing,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes. “We understand folks are looking for ways to economize and tighten their budgets given these uncertain times. Here is an opportunity to maximize support of our efforts by having your contribution doubled.”

From now through August 1, every new donation or pledge to the SHELTER US Campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000, for a total of $200,000 toward the campaign goal.

“Those who can give $5 are now actually helping to contribute $10. A donation of $5,000 becomes $10,000, and so on. This is truly an incredible opportunity,” Haynes explained.

With $1.5 million of the $5 million goal still to be secured, the SQSPCA is optimistic.

“The COVID-19 crisis has been a good demonstration of how essential our shelter really is. In a time of fear and uncertainty, we have risen to the challenge and actually increased our positive impact on behalf of animals in need,” Haynes went on to say.

Normal shelter operations – accepting surrendered, stray, and seized animals and adopting them into loving homes – have continued without interruption during the global pandemic. At the same time, the SQSPCA has added new services in order to meet the growing needs of the community. These include a 24/7 pet food pantry, a temporary emergency boarding program for essential workers or those succumbing to illness, and free weekly rabies vaccination clinics in partnership with the Otsego County Department of Health.

“We are also partnering with the United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties to mobilize volunteer assistance for those who need help caring for their pets. These efforts will keep people and pets together as they navigate troubled times,” said Haynes. “Additionally, we had six animals arrive at the shelter yesterday that were relinquished due to death or illness from overcrowded New York City shelters, a transfer arranged through the New York State Animal Protection Federation.”

The shelter also tapped into its Emergency Medical Fund to save the life of a mother dog and her seven puppies recently, and rescued and rehomed five goats earlier this week.

Shelter officials project that these and other mission-based efforts will be both more effective and more efficient in the new location. The SQSPCA will move from its current site, located in a flood zone, to a new campus that will include a state-of-the-art shelter designed to increase the health and safety of animals, visitors, staff, and volunteers. The new facility conforms to guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and will allow the shelter to follow industry best practices, Haynes said.

“This project is special because when donors visit the new shelter, they will see as well as feel the tangible difference they have made. We present a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to leave a legacy as part of the SHELTER US project through naming opportunities, which are available from $5,000-$100,000,” she added.

To request an information packet, call Haynes at (607) 547-8111, extension 101.

The SHELTER US Capital Campaign Committee, chaired by Cooperstown resident and former Susquehanna SPCA Board member Anne Keith, will continue to work with the SQSPCA Board of Directors and staff to secure the funds necessary to reach the $5 million target. 

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501c3 charitable organization committed to caring for homeless, surrendered, and seized companion animals and finding them loving, forever homes. For more information or to donate, visit www.sqspca.org