This month, the SPCA Serving Erie County is introducing two exciting new programs to the community.
If The Fur Fits allows potential adopters to bring an adoptable animal into the home a specified period of time prior to finalizing an adoption. Because an adoption has not officially taken place, adopters can use the trial period to determine how well animals will fit into their homes and lifestyles.
“If The Fur Fits helps to alleviate fears or doubts in folks’ minds, fears and doubts that might prevent them from trying adoption,” says SPCA Director of Behavior and Adoptions Mindy Ussrey. “We know animals often behave differently in environments other than hectic shelter environments. This program allows potential adopters to familiarize themselves with how different types of animals will react in home environments, how other family members or pets will react to a possible new pet in the home, and if there’s a good chance of successful, permanent residency. By removing some of these doubts, it’s our expectation that successful placements increase when the animals work out in the homes. If an animal does not work out during the trial period, potential adopters will hopefully see ‘if the fur fits’ with another animal.”
Doggie Entourage, open to potential adopters and non-adopters, allows community members to take a dog out of the SPCA for a few hours or the entire day. Dogs benefit from their field trips away from the shelter environment, and people can take advantage of spending the day with a dog even if they’re not considering adoption.
“Doggie Entourage has already led to some extremely successful adoptions,” Ussrey says. “People have brought dogs to visit friends and family members for the day, and the next thing we knew the dog was being adopted by one of those people! It’s a win-win for the community and for our shelter dogs!” Businesses can also arrange for Doggie Entourage visits when members of the SPCA Behavior team are available.
Many animals at the SPCA’s 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca location qualify for one or, in the case of dogs, both programs. To see adoptable animals at the SPCA Serving Erie County, please visit //YourSPCA.org/adoptable-animals. For more information on If The Fur Fits, visit //YourSPCA.org/IfTheFurFits. For details on Doggie Entourage, visit //YourSPCA.org/Entourage.
