Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
What does SPCA stand for?
Is the SPCA of Luzerne County a chapter of, or supported by, any national organizations?
How does the SPCA of Luzerne County get it’s Funding?
How many animals does the SPCA care for?
Where do the animals come from?
Are you a “no-kill” shelter?
What is process for adopting an animal from the SPCA of Luzerne County?
How long do you keep the animals at your shelter?
I need to put my pet up for adoption. Can I bring it to you?
What kind of animals do you care for?
I lost my pet. Where are you located and when are you open?
There are stray pets in my neighborhood. Can you come pick them up?
What should I do if I suspect animal cruelty or neglect?
What does the SPCA of Luzerne County do to prevent animal cruelty and neglect?
I need to have my pet put to sleep. What can I do?
Do you board animals?
Does the SPCA provide free or low-cost veterinary care?
I am interested in Volunteering what do I do?
How can I help the SPCA of Luzerne County and the animals?
What does SPCA stand for?
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. There are many organizations with SPCA as part of their names, but they are not affiliated organizations, and there is no national SPCA. SPCA is now a common name used to describe animal adoption centers.
Is the SPCA of Luzerne County a chapter of, or supported by, any national organizations?
No. We do not receive funding from, nor are we affiliated with, the Humane Society of the United States located in Washington DC, the American Humane Association located in Denver, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals located in New York City. The SPCA of Luzerne County is a private, independent, 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation. All animal welfare organizations are autonomous.
How does the SPCA of Luzerne County get it’s Funding?
The SPCA of Luzerne Count is a private, local charitable organization that depends on donations from the community and fundraising events for the majority of our operating support.
How many animals does the SPCA care for?
The SPCA of Luzerne County cares for over 6,000 animals every year.
Where do the animals come from?
The animals are strays and owner-surrendered animals from throughout Luzerne County.
Are you a “no-kill” shelter?
No, the SPCA of Luzerne County is an “open door” or open admission shelter, committed to sheltering sick, injured and homeless animals and continually accepting animals in need. “No kill,” or limited admission shelters, in order to avoid euthanasia, must limit their intake of animals to those they have room to house or foster at any given time, as well as those whose potential for adoption is very good. Unfortunately, in most communities – there are still more homeless animals than there are homes available. “No kill” shelters can only maintain their status by turning some animals away, while “open door” shelters continue to accept those animals in need of shelter regardless of their health, age, breed, temperament or adoptability.
The SPCA’s mission is the prevention of cruelty to animals by providing:
- Shelter for unwanted, discarded, neglected, and often abused animals.
- An adoption program to place these animals into caring, permanent homes.
- Humane educations programs to enlighten the public about animal problems.
- Humane law enforcement and prosecution programs to address animal cruelty.
What is the process for adopting an animal from the SPCA of Luzerne County?
The SPCA of Luzerne County makes every effort to adopt animals into permanent, loving homes. Each adoption is evaluated according to how a particular animal would fit into a particular home situation. We recommend that potential adopters have an idea of what type of animal would fit best into their home prior to visiting the SPCA. Once here, potential adopters complete an Adoption Application and will discuss what animal they are interested in with our adoption staff. Learn more of what you need before adopting.
How long do you keep the animals at your shelter?
There is no set time limit for how long an animal can remain at our shelter. As long as an animal maintains general good health and a sound temperament, we will keep a pet until it is adopted.
I need to put my pet up for adoption. Can I bring it to you?
Before bringing your pet to any adoption center, please try other sources, such as friends and family members who may be able to care for your pet.
If you are unable to find someone to take care of your pet, you can call the SPCA of Luzerne County at 570-825-4111 and make an appointment to bring us your pet. Please bring a valid photo ID and all veterinary records for your pet to your appointment. Your pet will be evaluated before it can be placed up for adoption. Please be aware that we cannot guarantee that your pet will qualify for our adoption program. If your pet does not meet our requirements, we can talk to you about other options. Click here for more information on surrendering your animal. Learn more.
What kind of animals do you care for?
We care for as many animals that we are equipped to do so. We primarily take in and make available for adoption dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. Occasionally, we will get a turtle or other reptiles or even some birds. When we receive wild life, farm animals or exotic animals we will work closely with rescues, conservatories, and wild life groups to be sure that they get the best care they can.
I lost my pet. Where are you located and when are you open?
We would be more than happy to help reunite you with your pet! Learn more about how we can help.
There are stray pets in my neighborhood. Can you come pick them up?
No. The SPCA of Luzerne County is unable to come out and pick up stray animals; however, we can offer you some suggestions. If there is a stray dog or cat in your neighborhood, you can contact either local law enforcement and/or animal control (if your municipality has) or the local state dog warden at (570) 674-4983.
What should I do if I suspect animal cruelty or neglect?
If you witness animal cruelty you should contact us immediately to report the situation, so that we can investigate. If the act is violent and/or criminal you should immediately report it to your local law enforcement. Learn more information on animal cruelty or neglect.
What does the SPCA of Luzerne County do to prevent animal cruelty and neglect?
We employ three full-time Humane Officers who respond to over 700 initial calls of abuse and/or neglect a year. We work diligently to educate animal owners about the law and proper animal care.
I need to have my pet put to sleep. What can I do?
The SPCA of Luzerne County provides humane euthanasia for pets. There is a fee for this service. If you would like the cremains returned, you can request a private cremation. We also have a cemetery. Learn more about these service. Owners cannot be present during euthanasia.
Do you board animals?
No, the SPCA of Luzerne County is not a boarding facility. We shelter and care for needy animals who are looking for new homes.
Does the SPCA provide free or low-cost veterinary care?
No, we do not. The SPCA of Luzerne County does offer a low-cost spay/neuter assist program. Learn more about our Spay/Neuter Assist Program.
I am interested in Volunteering what do I do?
We are always in need for volunteers. We have a Volunteer program, to learn more click here.
How can I help the SPCA of Luzerne County and the animals?
There are many ways to help the SPCA of Luzerne County and the animals in our care. Monetary contributions are appreciated, however gifts of needed supplies are also helpful as is the gift of your time. In addition to cash donations, there a variety of options of how you can help…. including wills and bequests, the SPCA Wish List, memorial brick, hosting a fundraiser s, being a corporate sponsor and much more…