GLOVERSVILLE — The Fulton County Regional Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced the purchase of a new facility at 356 South Kingsboro Ave. Extension in Gloversville on Monday.
For over a decade, the SPCA has operated in just 576 square feet. With a new 5,000-square-foot facility, the organization intends to provide better care for dogs. Also, for the first time, the organization will be able to house cats.
The facility will replace the SPCA's current city-owned, leased space and allow the nonprofit to expand services, improve animal care, and comply with the state's Companion Animal Care Standards Act, the SPCA said in a statement.
"This is the moment we've been working toward for years," said Renee Earl, president of the SPCA Board of Directors. "It's more than just a building — it's a promise to the animals and people of our community who depend on us.”
The SPCA intends on using the new facility to grow its community programs, including its Safe Haven program for survivors of domestic violence, its education initiative and growing pet food pantry. The expanded space will also necessitate additional volunteers and volunteer recruitment efforts will expand. While the SPCA does not currently have paid staff, leadership will explore hiring key personnel in the future as funding allows.
The organization does not have a veterinary clinic, however, it additionally hopes to offer low-cost vaccination and spay/neuter clinics to make pet care more accessible in the future. With significant funding and community support, the organization hopes to one day provide emergency services as well, it said.
The new facility was purchased through community donations, fundraising efforts, and grants. In December, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, R-Johnstown, donated $50,000 to the organization in honor of his son AJ who died after a car crash last year.
However, major renovations and compliance upgrades are needed before the space can be fully functional. The SPCA is still securing funding for these renovations and there is no official move-in date. The organization said the total amount required is being finalized.
"This milestone is a testament to the vision of our founding Board members, whose dedication built the foundation for all we have achieved," Earl said in the statement. "It's also a reflection of the incredible support of our community and commitment of our volunteers. We are deeply grateful and excited for what's ahead.”
Donations to the building fund can be made directly at fcrspca.org/transformingtomorrow or by mailing a check to FCRSPCA, PO Box 1274, Gloversville, NY 12078. For information on multi-year pledges, major gifts, and naming opportunities, interested parties should contact the Capital Campaign Committee at campaign@fcrspca.org.
