Programs &
Services
Feeding Pets. Supporting People.
Animal Services That Support Pets & People in Bath, NY
We offer community-focused programs to promote animal wellness, responsible pet ownership, and long-term solutions for animals in need.
Animal Response Services
To the best of our ability and as resources permit, FLSPCA responds to animal safety incidents and animal cruelty case scenes when called upon by area law enforcement. With funding support of Steuben County, we provide help with rescue strategy and/or rescue response. When we receive public reports of an animal in a life-threatening situation with nowhere else to turn, we provide aid as we are able.
Please do not bring in animals for potential admission without calling us first. Please understand that we cannot always take such animals as we are frequently at or above capacity. We will always give you information regarding other places that may take them.
If you suspect cruelty, please call 911. Cases always begin with law enforcement, not with us. Stray dogs should first be reported to your town Dog Control Office (DCO). A current list of these is available here:
Dog Training
Our agency’s goal is not only to help companion animals get adopted, but also to help keep animals in their homes, preventing them from becoming homeless in the first place. This program works to help support and strengthen the human-companion animal bond making happier lives for both animals and people. Classes help humans to communicate more effectively with their canine companions and offer socialization and exercise opportunities for both. We provide a venue and a variety of obedience, socialization and fun class selections. Our classes are based on an understanding of how animals learn and incorporate kindness and respect for both the animal and guardian.
Classes are typically held from May to October. Our goal is to provide training that will overcome canine behavioral problems that might otherwise cause an owner to relinquish their pet. Call for schedule & availability:
607-622-5363
Read about some Keys to a Happy Dog Home:
**When you receive food from our organization, you agree not to hold the Finger Lakes SPCA, its staff, volunteers, and benefactors liable in the unfortunate even your pet(s) become ill or suffer an adverse reaction from the food we provide. You understand there is always a potential risk involved in feeding your cat or dog a new food. By agreeing to these terms, you are certifying that your animal is not chained outside or in a kennel 24/7.
Pet Food Pantry
Remember the Pantry is open the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, 11 am to 4 pm. It’s always best to call first: 607-622-5363. We are located at 72 Cameron St., Bath, in the yellow farmhouse.
Our pet food pantry helps struggling pet owners keep their companions fed during tough times. We accept food donations year-round and distribute to residents in need. Please read our guidelines below and agree to them to receive assistance. If you have any concerns or questions, please e-mail us at janean@fingerlakesspca.org or call 607-622-5363.
- When: Open the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month, from 11 AM to 4 PM
- What’s available: Pet food only (no other pet supplies)
- Who can use it: Steuben County residents only
- You can receive food once per month
- We do not deliver food
- We accept unopened, unexpired food donations
- Service may be refused to anyone who breaks the rules or mistreats staff/volunteers
- Breeders are not eligible for food assistance
- How to register (first-time only):
- Fill out our food pantry application
- Bring photo ID and a second proof of address (like a utility bill)
- You can authorize someone else to pick up food for you—just make sure they bring ID
Humane Education
Humane education teaches kindness, develops empathy, and cultivates compassion toward animals, people, and the natural world. Our humane education services work to help create a kind and caring community. Through educational tours and presentations at our shelter involving our homeless animals, and by providing speakers and presentations (both on and offsite to youth and adults alike and as volunteer and staff resources permit), we encourage the humane treatment and responsible guardianship of animals.
- Classroom visits
- Shelter tours for students & youth groups
- Seasonal events & educational handouts
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return)
TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) is a humane and effective approach for feral/community cats. Now in practice for decades in the US after being proven in Europe, scientific studies show that Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return improves the lives of feral cats, improves their relationships with the people who live near them, and decreases the size of colonies over time.
We support community members in stabilizing cat colonies with our TNVR program. If you need assistance in trapping cats, please call and let us know. We can help! Unsure if your cat or cats are “owned” or “feral/community”? Please check out these guidelines [link to below information]. When you call to schedule we’ll help you determine which program your cat is eligible for: Catnip or TNVR.
Here is the fee schedule (for both catnip and tnvr)
| Basic Spay or Neuter: | $80 |
|---|---|
| Includes rabies vaccine | |
| Distemper Vaccine | $15 |
| FIV/FELV Test | $25 |
| Microchip | $25 |
| Flea Meds | $5 |
| Earmite Meds | $5 |
Determining Socialization Level
The following is a guide to assessing Level of Socialization from the organization Alley Cat Allies (ACA). Their full overview of determining socialization level can be found at
https://www.alleycat.org/resources/cat-socialization-continuum-guide/
Socialized Cat Behaviors
When in close proximity to people, a socialized cat will often: Vocalize (chirp, meow)
- Approach
- Allow touch
- Raise her ears regularly
- Raise her tail
- Retain a relaxed posture
- Reach toward a person
- Rub
- Knead
- Play
- Purr
- Groom or shake her body
- Sniff
- Expose her stomach
- Stay visible during the daytime
- Show interest in household sounds
Unsocialized Cat Behaviors
When in close proximity to people, an unsocialized cat will:
- Not vocalize (chirping, meowing)
- Not allow touch
- Flee and hide from an approaching person
- Keep her ears consistently back or flat
- Tightly wrap her tail around her
- Retain an arched or tense posture
- Swipe or lash out at people
- Dilate pupils
- Hiss
- Growl
- Howl
- Bristle fur
- Crouch or crawl
- Not relax around people
- Hide during the daytime
- Show no interest in household sounds
$80 per cat– includes a rabies vaccine, distemper vaccine, flea and tick prevention and an ear tip. Maximum of 3 cats per per program participant. Call 607-776-3039 (11 am and 4 pm except Thursday and Sunday closed)
Silver Paws Program
Look for pets listed as “Silver Paws Program Participant” on our Adoptable Dogs and Adoptable Cats pages. Stop by the shelter at 72 Cameron Street, Bath, NY | Call us at 607-776-3039 to inquire!
The Silver Paws Program was created to bring together two groups who truly benefit from each other—senior people and senior pets. Many older adults enjoy the companionship of animals during their golden years. At the same time, senior pets—who are often already trained, calm, and well-mannered—tend to wait longer for adoption. This program helps bridge that gap by encouraging meaningful, low-stress adoptions. Eligible animals include senior dogs and cats, as well as those who’ve been patiently waiting for a home.
How It Works
If you’re 55 or older, you can adopt one of our Silver Paws Program participants with no adoption fee. Each adoption includes:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Initial vaccinations & deworming
- One dose of flea preventative
- For cats: FIV & leukemia testing
The Shoppe
Our Shoppe is typically open 11 am to 4 pm (closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
Support animals with every purchase! Our on-site Shoppe features gently used pet items, branded gear, and seasonal gifts.
- 100% of proceeds benefit the shelter
- Volunteer-run & community-supported
- Located in the Farmhouse on our River’s Edge Farm Campus
