June 25, 2021 – On Saturday, July 17, the Susquehanna Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SQSPCA) will host a public celebration at 5082-5088 State Highway 28, Cooperstown to mark the completion of its state-of-the-art animal shelter and adjoining campus. 

Following an organizational rebranding, the launch of its SHELTER US capital campaign, and just under three years of intensive fund-raising, the SQSPCA is poised to move into the brand-new shelter building in mid-June. 

“The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will start at 10:45 a.m. on July 17,” said SQSPCA Executive Director Stacie Haynes, “but the public is invited to stop by any time throughout the day to help us commemorate this historic moment in the shelter’s history.” 

The SHELTER US project – buoyed by a $500,000 New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund Grant through the Department of Agriculture and Markets – is relocating the shelter and thrift store facilities 1.2 miles north of the current location on State Route 28 between Cooperstown and Oneonta.  

The new facilities will improve the daily lives of sheltered dogs and cats by better conforming to guidelines established by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. Upgraded features will include two entrances separating incoming animals from visitors and animals leaving for their new homes, a sterile surgery suite with safe recovery area, a fresh air ventilation system to benefit visitors as well as animals under shelter care, and convenient parking. 

The open house will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., including guided tours of the new facility and light refreshments. Those wishing to attend the ribbon cutting and/or open house are encouraged to RSVP via online registration form at sqspca.org/open-house by July 10. 

In operation since 1917, the Susquehanna SPCA is a 501c3 nonprofit 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 or call 607-547-8111.