After three years of planning, fundraising, and construction, the Finger Lakes SPCA of Central New York is celebrating the completion of renovations at its 41 York St location in Auburn.
In December 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Animal Care Companion Standards Act. The act created standards that all shelters in the state must comply with by December 2025 or face shutdown, jeopardizing the future of the SPCA in Cayuga County.
Despite a setback in August when mail containing donations for the renovations was stolen, the community came together and, in December 2023, the shelter was able to raise $80,000 for the necessary upgrades, making it eligible for $115,000 in match grant funds, meaning work could commence.
In May 2025, the SPCA temporarily relocated to the Fingerlakes Mall so that renovations could begin. Speaking with FLX Local Media, Finger Lakes SPCA of CNY Executive Director Nick Lapresi said that, during this time, the shelter’s relationship with the Auburn CountryMax played a key role in the shelter’s continued operation.
“I can’t speak enough about what CountryMax has done for this community.”
CountryMax donates all the food the shelter uses to feed the animals in its care and hosts adoption days on Thursdays and Sundays at the store. Lapresi added that the adoption days will continue at CountryMax even with renovations complete.
In October, with work nearing completion, the SPCA began moving back into the York St facility. The renovations had three main goals: compliance with the Animal Care Companion Standards Act, compliance with state energy codes, and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; Lapresi said all goals have now been met.
Upgrades include:
- A renovated lobby
- FRP walls and special flooring in the cat room, exam room, and surgery rooms, making them easier to clean and sanitize than standard drywall or flooring.
- Three HVAC systems – one for staff areas, one for healthy animal areas, and one for quarantine areas serving sick animals
- Renovated adoption suites where potential adoptees can spend quality time with animals before deciding on adoption
- Modular kennels replacing the 70-year-old dog kennels and allowing more room for dogs in the shelter’s care
- Improved drainage and flushing capabilities for the modular dog kennels
- A dishwasher in the new food and enrichment room to free up time for staff and volunteers
- New exam and surgery rooms that are easier to clean, feature new equipment, and have plenty of windows allowing veterinarians to keep an eye on pets in recovery areas
- A new laundry room
- A renovated Community Animal Retention & Engagement (CARE) Lobby where the SPCA will provide services and support, such as free spay and neutering clinics or the pet food pantry, to community members to keep animals with their owners instead of surrendering them to the shelter.
“We want everyone to know this is a home away from home for these animals while they seek their forever home.”
The new kennels also create a new way for the community to get involved with the shelter. Lapresi said that the SPCA is offering businesses the opportunity to sponsor a kennel annually for $3,000. The money would help support the medical care and daily essentials of canines in the shelter’s care. Lapresi added that sponsors will have their logo placed above their kennel, social media promotions, and the satisfaction of helping animals in need.
Those wishing to sponsor a dog kennel, learn more about the SPCA’s services, volunteer, or adopt a pet can contact the SPCA at 315-253-5841 or [email protected]. Adoptable animals can be viewed here.
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