OGDENSBURG– The St. Lawrence Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) has been awarded $500,000 in state grant money to make a variety of improvements at its facility.

The funds will be used to upgrade the shelter’s kennels and flooring, install a soundproofing system and remodel the office, according to a press release published May 22 by the office of Governor Kathy Hochul.

The funds are part of $10 million distributed to 31 organizations statewide to support animal shelter improvements through the New York State Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund, the first state program in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters. 

“From cats and dogs to small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, pets are family,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of these beloved companion animals start their journey at an animal shelter or humane society, so I’m proud to continue supporting these essential organizations through New York’s historic Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund.”

Since the launch of the Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund program in 2017, New York has dedicated over $48 million to the program. In total, 150 projects have been awarded across New York so far. 

The funding helps to offset the costs associated with renovating dog kennels, improving medical facilities, or building more efficient shelters to reduce overall operational costs. Projects funded this year include updated living spaces for dogs and cats, improved HVAC and heating systems, expansions to facilities to improve medical care, as well as additional infrastructure updates.

 New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Animal shelters and humane societies are invaluable organizations to our community, providing temporary housing, essential medical care, daily enrichment activities, and so much more to animals across the state awaiting adoption. Now in its eighth round of funding, the Companion Animal Capital Projects Program has delivered real, positive impact to these organizations and I’m proud to see the good work continue.”