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!

The York County SPCA Joins the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect Campaign

The York County SPCA is proud to join animal shelters and rescues across the country in participating in the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign. This initiative raises awareness about the importance of pet adoption and helps place more animals into loving homes.

As part of this effort, the YCSPCA will host two additional Free Adoption Fridays presented by the ASPCA on:

• October 3
• October 10

During these special adoption events, fees will be waived for available adult dogs (older than six months).

Like many shelters nationwide, the YCSPCA is facing high intake numbers, particularly strays. “Thanks to the Rescue Effect from the ASPCA, we can eliminate an adoption barrier and get pets into loving, permanent homes,” said Kristen Dempwolf, YCSPCA Communications Director.

What Is The Rescue Effect?

The Rescue Effect is a national campaign launched by the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and proudly supported this year by Chewy. Running from August through Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month in October, the campaign highlights the lifesaving impact of pet adoption.

With nearly six million dogs and cats entering shelters and rescues across the U.S. in 2024, shelters are fuller than ever. Many animals, especially dogs, are spending longer periods in shelters before being adopted. By choosing adoption, you’re not just giving one pet a forever home—you’re helping shelters like ours save even more animals.

As ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker explains:

“When we work together, we save more lives. When you choose pet adoption, you make a lifesaving impact that benefits more than one animal.”

This year, the ASPCA is providing $2 million in grants to shelters and rescues across 43 states, including more than 100 organizations holding fee-waived adoption events. These grants help cover adoption fees and support shelters’ operating costs so that more animals can find loving homes.

Free Adoption Fridays at the YCSPCA

Our Free Adoption Fridays are designed to make pet adoption accessible while creating space for more animals in need.

What to Know Before You Come:

• First come, first served – no appointments accepted and not for pre-scheduled adoptions.
• The list of available dogs will be shared Friday mornings on our social media and posted in the shelter lobby.
• Foster dogs are not included—only dogs onsite at the YCSPCA are eligible.
• Please bring your own collar and leash if you plan to adopt (limited supplies available for purchase).
• Most dogs can go home the same day, though some may require a follow-up pickup.
• This opportunity is for dogs only, and only during the listed Free Adoption Friday events.

Learn more at: ycspca.org/series/free-adoption-fridays-presented-by-aspca

How You Can Be Part of the Rescue Effect

Even if you aren’t able to adopt right now, there are many ways to create a ripple of positive change:

• Foster a Pet – Providing temporary care opens up space in the shelter for more animals.
• Donate Supplies or Funds – Your support helps us provide food, medical care, and enrichment.
• Advocate – Encourage local leaders to support animal shelters in your community.
• Spread the Word – Share adoption events, success stories, or use the hashtag #TheRescueEffect to inspire others.

Why Adoption Matters

When you adopt, you save two lives: the pet you welcome into your home and the one who takes their place in the shelter. It’s a cycle of compassion that strengthens our entire community of animal lovers.

At the York County SPCA, every adoption means another wagging tail, another purr of contentment, and another chance for us to help the animals still waiting. That’s the Rescue Effect in action.

About the York County SPCA

The York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing long-term human and animal services to residents of York County through programs that find permanent, loving homes for displaced and stray animals, help control animal population growth, investigate and prosecute cruelty offenders, and educate the public about animal wellness and safety. We do not receive funding from the national ASPCA. We are a community resource supporting all York County residents and their animals—learn more at www.ycspca.org.

About the ASPCA®

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org.

On the afternoon of November 13th, 2024, panic gripped the Lindsay family when their youngest—and furriest—family member, Lenox, vanished in a flash. What began as a playful moment in the backyard quickly turned into every pet owner’s worst nightmare.
“We never worried about him getting out—he’s always supervised during playtime,” said Mrs. Lindsay. “But the moment my husband looked away, Lenox bolted under the fence. It happened so fast, we couldn’t even react.”

The family immediately sprang into action, scouring city streets and nearby neighborhoods in search of their beloved pup. But after three long hours with no sign of Lenox, the hope that he’d come trotting home that evening began to fade.

As night fell and temperatures dropped, the worry deepened. The Lindsays turned to their online community for help—posting on neighborhood forums, social media pages, and lost pet resources like Find Toby PA. Their quick action paid off: a community member who had found Lenox saw the posts and contacted the family to let them know he was safe at the York County SPCA.
“The woman who found Lenox told me she had gone to the local police station, handed him over to the authorities, and they were able to bring him to the shelter—keeping him safe from the cold weather we feared he wouldn’t survive,” said Mrs. Lindsay.

Joy was restored when the family reunited with Lenox the very next day. Thanks to the efforts of Find Toby PA and the YCSPCA, Lenox made a warm return to his family—and received some important preventative care for the future.
“When we found Lenox at the shelter, we immediately scheduled to have him microchipped. Had I known how highly recommended microchipping is, I would have done it sooner,” said Mrs. Lindsay.

Lenox’s story is more than just a tale of a lost dog—it’s a reminder of how quickly the unexpected can happen, and how powerful hope, persistence, and community can be in bringing our loved ones home.
At the YCSPCA, we’re honored to be part of a community that ensures every pet is forever loved, safe, and protected—no matter what.

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