With more than two decades of experience in animal welfare, Noll brings a deep understanding of both animal care and cruelty investigations. He began his career in 2004 as a kennel staff caretaker at the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area and quickly grew into a multifaceted leader within the field. Over the years, he has worked across nearly every aspect of shelter operations, including animal intake, adoptions, behavioral care, shelter administration, staff training, and staff safety.

Noll’s passion for animal protection led him into cruelty investigations in 2007, where he developed a specialization in handling complex and high-risk cases, including working with difficult animals. In 2015, after taking his Oath of Office, he became the sole humane officer serving Dauphin, Perry, and Cumberland counties. In that role, he not only led investigations but also mentored and trained fellow officers while building strong relationships with community partners to address animal welfare concerns at their root.

“Patrick brings a rare combination of enforcement experience and compassion,” said Steven Martinez, Executive Director of the York County SPCA. “His approach focuses on what is best for the animal, while also working with pet owners through education and outreach. This addition strengthens our ability to respond to cruelty cases and better serve our community.”

As Humane Society Police Officer, Noll will be responsible for investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect across York County, enforcing Pennsylvania’s animal welfare laws, and collaborating closely with local municipalities, law enforcement agencies, and residents. His work will focus not only on enforcement but also on education and proactive community engagement—helping prevent issues before they arise and supporting families in keeping their pets safe and cared for.

This addition reflects the York County SPCA’s ongoing commitment to protecting animals, supporting pet owners, and strengthening the bond between people and pets in our community. By investing in experienced, compassionate professionals like Officer Noll, the organization continues to expand its impact and ensure that animals across York County have a voice and the protection they deserve.

The York County SPCA is pleased to announce the results of its annual meeting, at which the Board of Directors elected a new executive committee and board members.

The following individuals have been elected to serve in leadership roles for the York County SPCA’s Board of Directors:

• President – Sue DeStephano, First Capital Federal Credit Union
• Vice President – Brett Marcy, Apollo Communications
• Secretary – Em Lonardi, Retired
• Treasurer – Sean Mansberger, emc, CPA’s LLC
• Immediate Past President – Katie Mahoney, York County Economic Alliance

“Our board plays a critical role in advancing our mission and strengthening our impact in York County. I am excited to welcome our new executive committee and new board member,” said Steven Martinez, YCSPCA Executive Director. “Each brings valuable expertise, leadership, and a deep commitment to our lifesaving mission. Their guidance will help us execute our strategic plan, expand access to services, and ensure we remain a trusted resource for the community we serve.”

“As I step into this role during our 100th anniversary year, I’m filled with gratitude for what our volunteers, staff, and board members have built together through the years—and excitement for what’s ahead,” said Sue DeStephano, newly elected board president, “when care and compassion lead the way, amazing things happen for animals and the people who love them.”

In addition to electing new board leadership, Steve Smith, Executive Director of the PA House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, joined the organization as a board member.

“I am deeply grateful to our previous executive committee and outgoing board members for their service and leadership,” said Martinez. “They helped guide our organization through important growth and transformation. Because of their dedication, we are stronger, more focused, and better positioned to meet the evolving needs of animals and people in our community. Their impact will continue to shape our work for years to come.”

“We are thrilled to welcome our newly recruited volunteer board members to the Board of Directors,” said Steven Martinez, Executive Director at York County SPCA. “Their commitment to animal services and their diverse skill sets will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of our organization and help us achieve our strategic goals.”

Media Contact: 
Kristen Dempwolf
Communications Director
kdempwolf@ycspca.org

Since 1926, we have sheltered and cared for sick, injured, abandoned, and lost animals, working tirelessly to find them loving, permanent homes. Over the decades, our services have grown to meet the needs of our community, including spay and neuter programs, human service programs, and public education on animal health and safety. In 2022, we were officially recognized as a no‑kill shelter, achieving a save rate above 90 percent, ensuring we save every animal in our care that can be saved. Since 2022, we have consistently achieved a save rate of at least 93 percent each year.

To celebrate this historic year, we are proud to unveil our official 100th anniversary logo, created in partnership with local designer Stephanie Benamor, symbolizing a century of compassion and service to the York County community.

As part of our 100-year celebration, we are thrilled to be the 2026 season presenting partner with the York Revolution to honor this milestone. Together, we will celebrate a century of care for animals and the communities that support them. Learn more here: York Revolution Press Release

Get ready to celebrate with us! We’ll soon announce a special community event to mark this incredible milestone. Throughout 2026, we’ll be hosting more celebrations and offering opportunities for the community to join us in supporting our lifesaving work. Visit our events calendar to learn more.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 100 years of making a difference for animals and the communities that depend on us!

Your generosity fuels the most essential parts of our work: providing safe shelter for stray and displaced animals, offering medical care and rehabilitation to animals in need of a second chance, and supporting community members who rely on us to help keep families and pets together.

Every contribution helps ensure that animals in York County receive the care and compassion they deserve.

Easy and Impactful Ways to Make a Year-End Gift

Whether you prefer a straightforward donation or a tax-smart giving strategy, there are many meaningful ways to support the YCSPCA before December 31.

• Traditional Gifts
  • One-time or monthly donations: Make a gift online, mail a check, or set up a recurring donation. These gifts provide immediate support for animals who need food, safety, medical care, and love right now.
• Gifts Through Retirement Accounts
  • Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you are 70½ or older, you can give directly from your IRA. This gift can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and may reduce your taxable income.
  • IRA charitable rollover: A similar way to make a tax-advantaged donation directly through your retirement account.
• Gifts of Stock or Securities
  • Appreciated stock: Donating stocks or mutual funds you’ve held for over a year may help you avoid capital gains taxes while maximizing your impact for the animals in our care.
• Employer-Based Giving
  • Matching gifts: Many employers match charitable contributions — doubling or even tripling your gift. Check with your HR department or benefits portal to see if your workplace participates.
• Legacy and Planned Gifts
  • Bequests in your will: A simple, powerful way to leave a legacy of compassion without impacting your finances today.
  • Beneficiary designations: Name the YCSPCA as a beneficiary of your IRA, life insurance policy, or retirement plan. It’s an easy way to make a long-lasting impact without changing your will.

Every donation makes a real and immediate difference for the animals who need us most. Thank you for considering a year-end gift to the York County SPCA!

If you have any questions, contact Jessica Hoffman at jhoffman@ycspca.org or 717-400-1994.

Please note: The York County SPCA does not provide legal, tax, or financial advice. We encourage you to consult a professional advisor to determine the best giving options for your individual circumstances.

The holiday season is right around the corner, and the York County SPCA team is gearing up for a busy stretch filled with community events, celebrations, and—of course—caring for the animals who count on us every single day. To help you plan your visits, adoptions, and donation drop-offs, we’ve put together a full list of our upcoming holiday closures and adjusted hours.

We appreciate your understanding as we balance serving our community with ensuring our dedicated staff can enjoy well-deserved time with their families and teammates.

Brougher Companion Animal Shelter holiday schedule:

Friday, November 21

Closing at 2:00 p.m.
The shelter will close early for our Staff Holiday Party.
No public browsing hours.

Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving Day

Closed all day
We hope you enjoy the holiday with family, friends, and lots of good food!

Saturday, December 6

Closed for Browsing Hours
Our team will be hosting Pet Photos with Santa! The shelter will remain closed to the public for browsing, but Santa will be busy spreading cheer for registered participants. Register here!

Wednesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve

Closing at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day

Closed all day

Wednesday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve

Closing at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday, January 1 – New Year’s Day

Closed all day

Spay/Neuter Clinic holiday schedule:

Wednesday, November 26 – Thursday, November 27

Monday, December 22 – Friday, January 2

We will reopen on Monday, January 5.

We encourage supporters to plan visits and donations around these dates and to keep an eye on our social media for reminders, last-minute updates, and festive happenings at the shelter. Thank you for helping us make this season bright for the animals in our care. From all of us at the York County SPCA, we wish you a safe, warm, and happy holiday season!

So how exactly do animals come into our shelter? It’s more intentional than you might expect—and that’s by design.

Our Intake Model: Rooted in National Best Practices

Our admissions process follows national best practices and is guided by one central goal: to give every animal the best possible chance at a live outcome. We do not euthanize animals for space. Instead, we actively manage intake in a way that protects animals, supports the community, and ensures our team has the capacity to provide quality care.

The York County SPCA only accepts animals from within York County, Pennsylvania, and proudly fulfills our contracts with most York County municipalities to provide stray animal services.

We Prioritize Urgency and Community Impact

Outside of our municipal stray housing contracts, we carefully evaluate other types of animal intakes to ensure we are prioritizing the most urgent cases. This includes:

• Pets in crisis due to owner hospitalization, eviction, or death
• Pets living in a dangerous or unsafe environment
• Injured or ill animals requiring urgent medical care

By managing non-stray intake intentionally, we ensure our shelter remains available to those animals with the greatest need, without compromising care or outcomes.

Keeping People and Pets Together

One of the most effective ways we manage shelter intake is by helping to prevent unnecessary surrender in the first place. Our human service programs are designed to support York County families through tough times so they can remain united with their furry family members, because often, a little help can make the difference between a pet staying in their home or entering the shelter system.

Our safety net services include:

• Pet Food Pantry: Free pet food for families facing temporary financial hardship
• SafePet Program: Emergency boarding for pets of individuals fleeing domestic violence, loss of housing, or entering medical care.
• CARMA Program: Low-cost emergency veterinary care for urgent but treatable medical conditions
• Rehoming Resources: Support for families who need to rehome a pet, including our partnership with Adopt-a-Pet.com for owner-to-owner adoptions

These programs are part of a growing movement in animal welfare that recognizes the importance of keeping the bond between people and pets intact whenever possible.

Stray Dogs

When stray dogs are brought in from contracted municipalities by local law enforcement, animal control officers, or PA state dog wardens, we welcome each one with open arms, no matter their age, breed, behavior, or condition. We then follow Pennsylvania’s legal 48-hour stray hold process. This period gives families time to reclaim their missing pets, while we provide food, shelter, veterinary care, and safety. For example, instead of the public chasing a stray dog with unknown health and behavior, it’s safer for a trained professional with proper safety equipment to lawfully capture the dog, collect appropriate information, and safely transfer the animal into our care. If these pets are not reclaimed, our staff and volunteers work to find them loving, permanent homes.

Community Cats

Not all cats seen outdoors are lost or in need of rescue. Many are what we call community cats—a broad term that includes feral cats, loosely owned neighborhood cats, indoor/outdoor pets, and other free-roaming cats who are accustomed to living outside. These cats have often spent their entire lives outdoors and are well-adapted to their environments.

For healthy community cats living in stable locations, removal and shelter intake is not in their best interest. Confinement in a shelter can lead to extreme stress, illness, and—in the case of unsocialized cats—behavioral challenges that make adoption nearly impossible. For cats over three pounds, we focus instead on Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR): humanely trapping the cat, spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and returning it to its original location. This proven strategy reduces overpopulation, supports public health, and improves the long-term welfare of outdoor cat populations.

We evaluate each situation individually. If a cat appears sick, injured, or without any consistent caregiver, we will bring it into our care for treatment. Suppose the cat cannot safely return to its original environment. In that case, we may consider placement through our Working Cat program, a lifesaving alternative for cats who are not suited for indoor living but still deserve a chance at a meaningful life. These cats are placed with barns, warehouses, breweries, and other facilities where they receive food, shelter, and basic care while helping control pests naturally.

Suppose a cat cannot be returned outdoors for medical or safety reasons and is behaviorally suitable for indoor life. In that case, we make every effort to place that cat through our traditional adoption program.

A Lifesaving Shift in Practice

Many people are surprised to learn that feral or unsocialized cats are often not candidates for traditional adoption. For years, shelters across the country struggled to find safe and humane solutions for community cats. The result was heartbreaking.

In 2018, the cat euthanasia rate at the York County SPCA was 70.1%. Many of these were healthy, free-roaming cats whose only barrier to survival was a shelter system that wasn’t built to serve them.

A few years ago, we implemented a data-supported win-win strategy that saves cat lives while simultaneously reducing their numbers. Today, thanks to strategic changes in our intake policy and a stronger focus on programs like TNR, Working Cat placements, and community education, our cat euthanasia rate fell to 4.5% and our spay/neuter efforts increased over 85% since 2019. By boosting our spay/neuter and vaccination efforts, we fill the community with healthy sterilized cats, which will reduce their numbers over time while keeping the public safe.

This transformation didn’t happen overnight—it required commitment, innovation, and an honest reckoning with what it means to save lives and reduce population growth rates effectively. These policies have spared thousands of animals and the people who care for them the pain of unnecessary loss.

Found Kittens

Each year, especially from spring through fall, we receive an influx of kittens—some just hours old. While it’s natural to want to help, the best thing you can do for a tiny kitten is pause before intervening.

If you find a kitten under three pounds, we recommend leaving it where it is unless it appears injured, ill, or in immediate danger. In most cases, the mother is nearby, hunting or hiding, and will return shortly. Removing kittens too soon can put them at higher risk, mainly because their immune systems are not yet strong enough for a shelter environment. If you come across a kitten who is hurt, unwell, or in a dangerous situation, regardless of their weight, please contact us immediately to determine the best next steps.

If you’re sure the mother is not returning or is deceased, we encourage you to consider becoming a temporary foster. With your care and our support, the kitten can grow big enough (around three pounds) to be vaccinated, sterilized, and adopted. We’re here to support you every step of the way with fostering, providing food, supplies, and medical care. But if fostering isn’t an option for you, that’s okay, we’ll still take in the kitten(s) and work with our foster network to help keep them out of the shelter.  Thanks to our dedicated network of foster families, hundreds of kittens each year are given the chance to grow, thrive, and eventually find loving homes. Every situation is unique, and we encourage you to visit our Community Cats page to learn more before taking action.

Owned Pets: Intake By Appointment

We understand that giving up a pet is often the result of a personal crisis—whether due to housing, finances, or changes in health. When a family can no longer care for a pet, we’re here to help.

To provide the best outcome for each animal, we accept owned pets by appointment only. This allows us to:

• Understand the pet’s history and needs
• Prevent overcrowding and stress-related illness
• Create individualized placement plans for adoption, foster, or rescue transfer

We also offer alternative solutions, like medical assistance or support with rehoming, to help the animal safely transition without entering the shelter.

Working Together to Save Lives

Modern animal sheltering is about more than housing—it’s about building a community-based safety net that protects both animals and people. At the York County SPCA, we’re proud to follow a proven, best-practice model that supports our municipal partners, honors our role in protecting public health and safety, and ensures all the animals in our care have the best chance at a live outcome.

By understanding how animals enter our care, you help us ensure that every pet receives the time, attention, and support they need to thrive.

If you have questions about our admissions process or need support, visit our Shelter Admissions page or email info@ycspca.org.

New Public Browsing Hours:

• Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (unchanged)
• Open by appointment: Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Why the Change?

This adjustment allows our team dedicated time in the mornings to provide essential care to our shelter pets, handle customer service inquiries, and prepare for the day ahead. By aligning our browsing hours with when we have the most staff available in our lobby, we can offer a more positive experience for walk-in visitors. We will be open by appointment seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

We also hope the later weekday hours and the addition of Fridays for public browsing will make it easier for more community members to stop by and meet their future furry family members.

We’re Here for You

We understand how important it is to be accessible to the public, and this new schedule reflects our ongoing effort to balance that accessibility with the needs of our animals and team. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we navigate this transition.

For more information, visit www.ycspca.org or email info@ycspca.org.

Each year, millions of pets go missing, often due to preventable accidents. With summer bringing more visitors, road trips, and time outdoors, now is the time to check your surroundings and build habits that keep your pet safe. Here are some easy ways to protect your furry family members this season:

1. Do a Home Safety Check

Start by taking a close look around your home and yard.

• Inspect window screens for looseness or tears, especially if your pet likes to lounge near open windows.
• Walk the perimeter of your fence and patch any holes or weak spots. Even small gaps can be tempting for curious pets!
• Check doors and gates to make sure they latch securely and can’t be nudged open.

If your pet does get lost, identification is their best chance at getting home quickly.

• Make sure your pet wears a collar with a visible ID tag that includes your current phone number.
• If they’re microchipped, log in to your microchip registry and double-check that your contact information is up to date.

3. Remind House Guests

More summer visitors mean more opportunities for a door or gate to be left open.
Before gatherings or visits, politely remind guests:

“Just a heads-up—[Pet’s Name] is around, so please be mindful when coming in or out!”

A simple reminder goes a long way toward preventing an accidental escape.

4. Travel Safel

Whether it’s a trip to the vet or a summer road trip, always secure your pet during car rides.

• Use a pet seat belt, crash-tested crate, or secure carrier to keep them safe (and prevent surprise escapes when you open the car door).
• Never leave them unattended in the car, especially in warm weather.

5. Register on Petco Love Lost

If your pet ever does go missing, having them pre-registered on PetcoLoveLost.org can make all the difference.
This free, AI-powered tool helps reunite lost pets with their families through facial recognition technology.
Upload a photo now, just in case—so you can relax all summer knowing you’re prepared.

Peace of Mind is Just a Few Steps Away

Preventing a lost pet starts with awareness, a little preparation, and sharing these tips with others. Take a few minutes this month to make sure your pet is protected—because the best place for them is right by your side.

Read more

Dr. Emilie Lonardi: A Lifelong Educator and Animal Advocate

Dr. Emilie Lonardi is a familiar name in the world of education, having spent more than 40 years as a leader in public schools. She served as Superintendent of Schools for both the West York Area and Downingtown Area School Districts and has taught at Penn State Harrisburg and York College for decades.

In addition to her extensive educational leadership, Em has served on numerous boards, including the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators (PASA) and the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). After retiring, she turned her attention toward one of her lifelong passions—animal welfare—becoming an active YCSPCA volunteer and logging nearly 100 hours of service in 2024 alone.

Em recently fostered a senior dog from the YCSPCA, an experience that reaffirmed her dedication to our cause. She looks forward to opening her home to more foster dogs in the near future.

“I have spent my career serving students under my care, and now, the chance to shift my focus to animal care, another passion of mine, is exciting and will be extremely rewarding,” Em shared.

Katie Schwienteck: Communications Expert and Devoted Animal Lover
We are also pleased to welcome Katie Schwienteck, a dynamic communications professional with over 18 years of experience in higher education and community engagement. Katie currently serves as the Communications and Marketing Director for the Enrollment Management Division at York College of Pennsylvania and also leads her own consulting business, CommuniKate Solutions.

Katie’s expertise in strategic messaging, public relations, and organizational communication will be invaluable to our work. She and her husband share their home with their beloved dog, Clare, and she is excited to combine her love of animals with her desire to serve the community.
“I am thrilled to find a place that matches my love of animals with a desire to serve my community,” Katie said.

David M. Davidson Jr.: Finance Leader and Community Advocate
Rounding out our newest additions is David M. Davidson Jr., who brings over 50 years of experience in engineering and local governance to the YCSPCA Board. Dave served as CFO of C.S. Davidson, Inc. and has been deeply involved in a range of local organizations, including the Farm & Natural Lands Trust of York County and the York County Community Foundation. His expertise in finance and strategic planning makes him a valuable asset to our board as we look to the future of the YCSPCA. Dave has long admired the work of our organization and is passionate about supporting animal welfare initiatives.

“Animals need an advocate, and YCSPCA’s education and outreach are vital to that advocacy. Achieving a ‘no-kill’ designation is a key element in the YCSPCA’s operations. I hope I can help sustain these and other initiatives,” Dave said.

A Growing Team, A Stronger Mission
Sue DeStephano, Chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee, expressed her excitement about these new additions:
“Our York County SPCA board is filled with enthusiastic community leaders with valuable skills, experiences, ideas, and connections. They believe in the mission and are always eager to help. We are excited to have Katie Schwienteck, Em Lonardi, and Dave Davidson join this wonderful group and look forward to the contributions they will make.”
We are honored to welcome Em, Katie, and Dave to the York County SPCA Board of Directors. Their knowledge, dedication, and love for animals will strengthen our ability to serve the community and create a brighter future for the animals in our care.

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!