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.

Read more

In October 2020, the York County SPCA responded to a heartbreaking call about animals living in deplorable conditions. Baldwin’s home was condemned after the YCSPCA’s Humane Society Police Officer discovered 14 underweight dogs, three malnourished cats, six neglected birds, and the skeletal remains of dogs and other animals.

The conditions were among the worst we had ever seen. Animals were confined to small cages, standing in their own waste, suffering from severe health issues, and visibly traumatized. Some were on the brink of death.

The animals were immediately placed in the YCSPCA’s protective custody, where they began their long journey of recovery. However, the disputed legal case meant they couldn’t be adopted into loving homes until the process concluded.

While they were safe with us, the prolonged legal battle posed significant challenges for their recovery. Our dedicated team and foster volunteers worked tirelessly to provide medical care, nourishment, emotional healing, and comfort during the four years of litigation.

Baldwin’s guilty plea and sentencing on December 9 have freed the animals to find their forever homes. Many of them have already been adopted by their foster families, who provided critical care and stability during the legal process. Today, only one animal, Stella, remains in the YCSPCA’s care and is awaiting adoption. Learn more about Stella.

We estimate that the total cost of care for these animals—including medical treatment, food, shelter, and rehabilitation—exceeded $250,000 throughout the four-year legal battle.

Please consider making a gift to support animals when they need us most and make a life-changing difference.

Make a gift to support homeless pets, like those involved in this tragic case. 

These benefits include preventing disease, reducing the risk of illness, and prolonging their life. Vaccines are cost-effective since preventing disease through administering a vaccine is more affordable than treating the illness the disease would cause. Vaccinating pets helps ensure public health and safety by preventing the spread of disease among animals and reducing the risk of zoonotic diseases, meaning they can be spread to humans like rabies (National Immunization Awareness Month | Riverside Animal Hospital, 2023). 

Many pets frequently visit high-risk environments where transmission is easier, such as boarding kennels, dog parks, and grooming salons (August Is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month | City of Mission Viejo, n.d.). In these environments, pets are in close contact with one another, and surfaces may be contaminated. Keeping your pets up to date on their immunizations reduces the risk of them getting sick or infecting others. 

In July, our own shelter faced a difficult situation because of unvaccinated dogs in the community. In the span of one week, three dogs admitted to our shelter became symptomatic and tested positive for canine parvovirusor “parvo,” a highly contagious disease affecting dogs. Canine parvovirus causes gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to death which mainly occurs when dogs are unvaccinated or have a weakened immune system. Thankfully, most of the dogs in our care had been fully vaccinated and were at low risk for contracting the disease. When a dog enters our shelter as a stray, our staff administers four vaccines: 

1. DHPP, also called DA2PP – this protects against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza 
2. CIV – this protects against canine influenza  
3. Bordetella/parainfluenza intranasal vaccine – we give this as an intranasal (into the nose) vaccine because it starts working faster and gives them better local immunity to these contagious respiratory diseases 
4. Rabies vaccine

Shelter Medical Director, Dr. Natalie Weekes, says, “The DHPP and CIV vaccine must be boostered. Typically, in a home environment with a pet, you would booster a vaccine 3-4 weeks after the initial vaccine. However, due to the high risk of exposure in a shelter environment, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV) recommends booster vaccines at two weeks in animal shelters. So, that is what we do. Then, they are considered ‘fully vaccinated’ two weeks after their booster vaccine.”

Dr. Natalie Weekes, Shelter Medical Director, examining Hank with Veterinary Technician, Stacey.

 In the case of the parvovirus outbreak, some of our dogs had not yet received their booster vaccination because they were not due yet or had just recently received the booster. So, they were at a higher risk of contracting the virus if they came into contact with a positive dog or contaminated surfaces. 

Many may not realize that when a virus enters an animal shelter, such as this occurrence, we must activate prevention measures quickly to manage the spread to the rest of our canine population, as well as staff and volunteers’ dogs in their homes. We separated the positive dogs in an isolated area and closely monitored all dogs for 14 days (the incubation time for this specific virus). This could have been prevented if all dogs in our community were vaccinated to prevent them from fatal diseases like parvovirus. However, cost is often a barrier, so access to low-cost vaccination clinics is important. 

Dr. Weekes stresses how important it is for the public to keep their pet’s vaccinations current. Some diseases that immunizations protect against, such as parvovirus, can live in the environment for months to years. “This means if an infected dog walks down your street, and you walk your dog down the same street a couple of days later, they will be exposed to that disease and have a high chance of contracting it,” says Dr. Weekes. “Some diseases these vaccines protect against, such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus, can be fatal if contracted.” 

Our Spay/Neuter Clinic staff preparing vaccinations for the animals coming in to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

Dr. Weekes also encourages pet owners in the community to discuss the core and non-core vaccines that are recommended for their pets based on the owner’s lifestyle and the pet’s exposure risks. Core vaccines are essential vaccinations for protecting the health of a dog (Core vs Non-Core Pet Vaccinations, 2024). Non-core vaccines are vaccinations that are decided depending on the individual dog’s exposure risks (Canine Core and Non-Core Vaccines Explained, n.d.). She reminds owners that “young animals are the most susceptible to diseases due to their weakened and still developing immune system, so it is important to ensure they are fully vaccinated before taking them around other animals.” 

The best way to observe National Immunization Awareness Month would be to make sure that your furry friends have received all the immunizations they need to continue to live happy and healthy lives. If you are unsure of your pet’s immunization status or know they are behind, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to update your pet’s vaccinations. If you’re seeking low-cost vaccination clinics for your pets, research online to see if local shelters, pet stores, or veterinary centers are holding events offering affordable vaccinations. Many hold events like this throughout the year. We also recommend researching your local Tractor Supply store, as many locations have PetVet Wellness Centers which offer low-cost, basic veterinary care – including vaccinations, microchipping, nail trims, deworming, and more. Click here to find the location closest to your residence.

References: 

August is National Pet Immunization Awareness Month | City of Mission Viejo. (n.d.). www.cityofmissionviejo.org. Retrieved July 24, 2024, from https://www.cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services/august-national-pet-immunization-awareness-month#:~:text=August%20is%20National%20Immunization%20Awareness%20Month

Canine Core and Non-Core Vaccines Explained. (n.d.). www.gardensanimalhospital.com. Retrieved July 29, 2024, from  
https://www.gardensanimalhospital.com/post/canine-core-and-non-core-vaccines-explained

Core Vs Non-Core Pet Vaccinations. (2024, January 11). www.transitanimal.com.https://transitanimal.com/core-vs-non-core-pet-vaccinations 

National Immunization Awareness Month | Riverside Animal Hospital. (2023, August 3). Riversideanimalgb.com. https://riversideanimalgb.com/news/national-immunization-awareness-month-23  

Photography Credit: 

Tetra Creative Studio https://tetracreative.studio/

Why Make a Will?

A will is more than just a legal document; it’s a way to express your values and priorities. By making a will, you can: 

• Ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. 
• Provide for your loved ones and dependents. 
• Support the causes and organizations that matter most to you. 

Why Include the York County SPCA? 

The York County SPCA is a pillar of compassion and care in our community, dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding permanent homes for pets in need. By naming the York County SPCA in your will, you can: 

• Help provide ongoing care and shelter for homeless animals. 
• Support vital programs such as spay/neuter services, medical care, and adoption initiatives. 
• Leave a lasting legacy of kindness and compassion. 

How to Include the York County SPCA in Your Will 

Including the York County SPCA in your will is a straightforward process. Here are a few steps to get you started: 

• Consult with an Attorney: A legal professional can help draft or update your will to include charitable bequests. 
• Specify Your Bequest: Decide on the type of gift you’d like to leave, whether it’s a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset. 
• Use Our Legal Name and Information: Ensure your bequest is directed correctly using our full legal name, York County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and our tax identification number. 

Join Us in Making a Difference

This August, take the opportunity to create or update your will and consider the impact you can have on the lives of countless animals. Your thoughtful planning today can ensure a brighter future for the animals that most need us. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to the York County SPCA. Together, we can create a legacy of compassion and care. 

For more information on legacy giving opportunities, please contact Chad Myers, Director of Philanthropy, via email: cmyers@ycspca.org or phone: 717-764-6109 ext. 205. 

Lobo is a one-year-old male German shepherd, but upon looking at him when he came in, you would not have been able to distinguish his breed due to the severe amount of hair loss and scabbing he had all over his frail body. He was absolutely miserable when he arrived at the shelter. He was so itchy and just could not get comfortable. Our veterinary team knew they had to establish a medical treatment plan quickly to help this precious boy heal. After performing a skin scraping, we diagnosed him with sarcoptic mange (also known as scabies). This is a contagious disease caused by microscopic mites. In addition to this, he had severe skin and ear infections. Dr. Natalie Weekes, Shelter Medical Director, says, “His case is one of the worst cases of scabies we have seen here at the shelter.” We started treatment right away and placed him in quarantine to ensure his condition did not spread to any of our other canine population. 

As weeks passed, our staff began to witness Lobo not only going through a physical healing but also a mental one too. You would initially find Lobo curled up in a tiny ball on his Kuranda bed in the corner of his kennel for most of the day. Now, we were getting to see glimmers of his personality shine through as he began to trust we were helping him.

Lobo as his fur started to grow in and his bubbly personality came out while in our care!

Our canine foster and rescue coordinator worked to secure Lobo a foster home so he could be in an environment away from the shelter to decompress and continue healing. He did not remain long in his first foster home simply because he was playing too rough for the resident small dogs. We went back to the drawing board to secure him a second foster. Within only a few days, Kendra reached out: “I had originally put in an application to foster cats, and then something just kept telling me to put in to foster dogs. Not long after that, I saw the post that Lobo was looking for a foster. I went and picked him up right away, and honestly, he foster failed from the second I saw him.” 

In only a week, Kendra decided it was time to make it official and welcome Lobo as a permanent member of her family. You would not believe the transformation he has made in only two months from first arriving at the shelter – his hair is growing in beautifully. You can actually tell he is a German shepherd now! 

Lobo and his forever mom, Kendra!

Kendra shares, “When I first brought Lobo home, he was more timid and he had a lot of hair to grow. He fit in right away with my other male dog; they play endlessly. Since adopting him, he is living his best life. He insists our kiddie pool is his own personal water bowl. He loves to ride in the car, so I take him just about everywhere I go. He loves to be by my side no matter what I’m doing. He adores my kids like they are his own babies. He is the perfect dog, and he was ours even before he wasn’t.” 

Lobo sleeping with Kendra’s son.

Lobo found the perfect home as a soft place to land after all he endured in only the first year of his life. Our hearts are warmed knowing he has a bright future ahead of him full of love and happiness. Now, he is thriving and even getting to have human siblings he can shed affection on. Thank you, Kendra and family, for taking a chance on Lobo and thank you to our community for never wavering in supporting the most vulnerable animals. We couldn’t do it without you! 

Our veterinary wing staff, directed by Dr. Weekes and Dr. Ritchey, immediately started her on a regular routine of antibiotics and medicated baths to soothe her skin infection. She improved dramatically, leading our staff to believe that the severity of her skin condition was likely from neglect, not an underlying condition. Marrah likely endured many years with no veterinary treatment, and as a result, her skin and ear canals became thickened and inflamed.

In addition to her skin issues, Marrah showed signs of giving birth to multiple litters of puppies. Our vet staff found she had a high-grade heart murmur and mammary masses that required removal and biopsy. Luckily, the results of the biopsy found the masses to be noncancerous. She would have been significantly less likely to develop her mammary masses had she been spayed at a younger age.

With a lot of encouragement and care, the marvelous Marrah has made a wonderful recovery through her medicated baths and regular feedings to restore her weight. Due to her medical history, our team knew she would thrive in a committed foster home or rescue. This would provide her a soft place to land and space to heal for the time being.

Speranza Animal Rescue in Mechanicsburg graciously offered to have Marrah transferred to their rescue and rehabilitation center. Marrah arrived at Speranza in late February after a month of being in our care. Speranza was able to help Marrah find the perfect foster home to allow her to decompress in a home environment and be spoiled with lots of love!

In her new foster home, she has human and four-legged siblings, who are eager to give tons of cuddles, love, and treats. Marrah’s skin and coat are healing beautifully, and you would never know she was the same dog brought to us in January. Marrah’s story shows us that with intention, time, and care, an animal can have a complete life transformation for a hopeful future ahead. A special thank you to Speranza Animal Rescue and Marrah’s foster family for partnering with us on her journey.

Earlier this summer, a senior Shih Tzu, later named Dottie, was found as a stray in devastating condition. The kind citizen who found Dottie transported her to a local animal hospital, who then contacted us. We took Dottie in and treated her numerous medical issues. Still, we knew she needed more specialized attention, so we reached out to the place we knew she belonged – Monkey’s House.

Monkey’s House Dog Hospice and Sanctuary provides loving care to homeless dogs with terminal diagnoses. They have worked with us many times in the past to help heal and house dogs who need extra support at the end of their lives. One of our amazing volunteers and fosters, Sara, also volunteers with Monkey’s House. Sara has been critical to Dottie’s recovery, a lifeline on her care team. We’re tremendously grateful to both Sara and Monkey’s House for being part of Dottie’s village. Here is what Monkey’s House said when they welcomed Dottie into their care:

“On a hot, 90+ degree day, someone noticed a box on the grass. For some reason, they looked in the box. Inside was a flea covered, severely matted, emaciated, dehydrated, and paralyzed senior dog. Thanks to good people who acted quickly, this dog (now named Dottie) survived. Her fleas were killed, and her mats were cut off. She was given medical attention, food, water, and most importantly, love.

Unfortunately, one of her back legs needed to be amputated – deepest gratitude to the great team at the York County SPCA for saving her and taking great care of her. A very special thanks to Sara for fostering her, helping her recover from surgery, loving her, helping her heal, and for transporting her here.

Dottie will not be defined by her past or this unfathomable horror. We vow that from this moment forward, Dottie will be loved and treasured beyond measure, and she will know it; she will feel it every. single. day. Please join us in welcoming Dottie, the best is yet to come!”

Officer Cruz received a call from Bubbles’ previous owner stating that she had taken in the dogs when they had nowhere else to go, but she could not afford the veterinary bills to treat Bubbles’ skin issues. She had worked with Officer Cruz to surrender animals in the past. Officer Cruz always showed up to either provide resources, assist with rehoming the animals, or bring them to our shelter. In this case, it was clear the 10 puppies and their parents needed to be surrendered. Because Officer Cruz had developed a positive relationship with the owner, she agreed to sign the dogs into our care immediately.

Animal welfare reaches beyond investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect. In 2021, Officer Cruz conducted 1,038 animal welfare checks. Every single time a cruelty/neglect report is submitted to the YCSPCA, a welfare check is completed. Of those 1,038 animal welfare checks, only 250 cases required a full investigation. Unfortunately, this is partly due to Pennsylvania’s lenient animal cruelty laws. Officer Cruz can only pursue and seek prosecution based on these laws. That aside, many times these situations can be resolved with educational resources and building a relationship with the animal owner or caretaker. When appropriate, Officer Cruz takes a community outreach approach by providing pet owners in need with free pet food, water bowls, or other supplies, access to and information on our spay/neuter clinic, and education on various animal welfare topics. He works to build strong relationships with community members. With that foundational bond, pet owners in need understand they can rely on Officer Cruz for assistance rather than allow their pet to suffer unnecessarily.

This was the case with Bubbles. And the result? Bubbles and her ten puppies were immediately placed in an experienced foster home where they could receive the specialized care and attention they needed. Bubbles let her guard down tremendously and blossomed into a sweet, easygoing girl who loves to be doted on. Now, she, Nemo, and all ten puppies have been happily adopted.