More Services

NEW! DNA Testing for Dogs

NEW! Mutt Hut Dog Grooming and Catty Shack Cat Grooming at the DCSPCA

Cemetery / Crematorium

Lost/Found

Intake Procedures

Behavior Helpline/Tips

Report a Cruelty & ACO Services

Low Cost Spay/Neuter Info

Youth Educational Programs

Safe Pet Sheltering

Endless Love

NEW! DNA Testing for Dogs

Curious what kind of dog you have? Let our staff find the answer for you. We use Wisdom Panel™ MX, the gold standard in genetic breed identification for mixed-breed dogs. The cost is just $125.00. Dial 452-7722 ext. 114 to make an appointment today.

NEW! Mutt Hut Dog Grooming and Catty Shack Cat Grooming at the DCSPCA

The DCSPCA is so proud to announce the opening of our new grooming facility for your dog or cat – The DCSPCA MUTT HUT for dogs and the CATTY SHACK for cats. We are delighted to tell you that Mary Ellen Cordier who has been a wonderful friend of the shelter for many years, is going to be available on Wednesdays and Thursdays to groom dogs and cats. Mary Ellen has over 25 years of experience with local veterinarians. She started learning the grooming business when she was just 13 years old! Mary Ellen has such a strong love for the homeless animals, and volunteers to groom our shelter animals. She has been enormously helpful grooming dogs and cats that have been seriously neglected and terribly matted. She has alleviated their suffering and made them beautiful!

Now, she will be available to beautify your dog or cat. All of the proceeds from the DCSPCA MUTT HUT and the DCSPCA CATTY SHACK will go to help the homeless animals of the shelter. Your dog will look so good, and you will feel so good!

For more information, or to make an appointment, please call the Animal Services Office at (845) 452-7722 ext. 8. Mary Ellen will be happy to speak with you!

Cemetery / Crematorium Information

	Faithful Companion Pet Cemetery and Crematorium

Faithful Companion’s staff understands the pain and loss felt when a beloved pet passes away.

Services Offered Include:

• Private cremation with cremains returned in a decorative tin
• A full selection of beautiful urns
• Communal cremations
• Burials in our lovely on site pet cemetery
• Memorial grave markers
• Beautiful flowering memorial trees planted on cemetery grounds with plaque
• Pick-up service
• Cremation Certificate
• Grief Counseling

All proceeds from Faithful Companion’s operation go directly to the homeless animals at the Dutchess County SPCA. This lasting tribute allows us to rehabilitate and rehome the unwanted and abused animals in our community.

You may request our services through your veterinarian or by contacting our Faithful Companion Director, George Roussey directly at 845-452-7722 ext 119. Walk-ins are welcome, seven days a week.

Click here for a list of urns that are available for purchase through the Faithful Companion Crematorium Manager.

Lost / Found Services & Lost Pet Guidelines

The Dutchess County SPCA understands how frightening it can be when a beloved pet is missing. So many animals are brought to our shelter and are listed as strays because they aren’t wearing a collar with tags. They may never have had one, or the collar may have come off. Either way, without identification, we can’t locate the owner and return the animal to it’s rightful home, so we often spend a lot of time finding a new home for an animal that may already have one. And you run the risk of never seeing your beloved pet again.

As the saying goes “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, we offer the following tips:
• Always make sure that your pet has some form of identification. Name tags, tattoo, or microchipping all dramatically increase the chances of pet being returned to you if it becomes lost
• Photograph all pets to keep on file and update the photos from time to time
• During unusually busy times such as the holidays or Halloween when lots of people are visiting your home, keep your pet safe and secure in a closed bedroom
• If pets are afraid of loud noises, keep them secure during thunderstorms and 4th of July.

If by chance your pet does become lost, we would like to help and offer the services of the DCSPCA Lost and Found Program Coordinator; Bonnie Hill.

Bonnie can be contacted at 845-384-6375, by email or fax 845-384-6375.
Bonnie will help you coordinate your search efforts and monitor the incoming animals at the DCSPCA to see if any match the description of your pet.

To list your pet or search for your pet online try the following sites:

Find Fido

Hudson Valley Lost/Found Pets

Pets 911

Lost and Found

Pet Network - Lost & Found Animals

 

Lost Pet Guidelines

First and foremost, remember to STAY CALM and don’t give up hope. Losing a pet is frightening, but many mistakes can be made and time wasted if your actions are not thought out with a clear head. These guidelines are designed for quick, easy reference and are listed in the order you should proceed.

1. START THE SEARCH IMMEDIATELY
• Do not hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, neighbors, etc…
• Working in groups of 2 or more, start searching around the area the animal was last seen
• Distribute pictures of animal and/or detailed description: name, breed, color, sex, markings or tattoos, weight, collar or tags
• Don’t forget children on bikes can cover a large area
• Cell phones will help to communicate with others in the search party
• Try different times of day or night. Cats are more active early morning and at night. Dogs may be active anytime and may tend to run farther. Also, dogs may burrow into self made dens and cats may climb trees.
• DO NOT CHASE AND NEVER YELL AT THE ANIMAL! Establish contact by calling and whistling. Be cautious, however, about calling your pet across a busy road. Remember- stay calm. Attempt to stop or slow traffic, keep your own safety in mind
• Bring a flashlight for evening search. Carry a leash or slip collar and carrying case to catch the animal and prevent escape
• Systematically extend the search to surrounding areas. Drive through the neighborhood while calling calmly
• Bring canned pet food warmed in a microwave to entice your pet. The warming intensifies the aroma.
• Place Hav-a-Hart traps in areas where your pet may have been spotted or regularly visits

2. CONTACT AND/OR VISIT DAILY
• Humane Shelters : Dutchess County SPCA (452-7722) Ulster County SPCA ( 331-5377), Putnam County SPCA ( 225-7777) Columbia/Greene SPCA ( 518-828-6044)
• Animal Emergency Clinic of the Hudson Valley ( 471- 8242 )
• Animal Control Facilities: Phone numbers are usually listed under local government offices in blue pages of phone book
• Animal Welfare Agencies: Mid-Hudson Animal Aid ( 831-4321) Animal Rescue Foundation ( 831-5161)
• Local Veterinarians

Contact immediately — some facilities euthanize within 5 days

Do not underestimate how far an animal can travel in a short amount of time. Your pet’s appearance may change through weight loss or matted and dirty coat. Also, someone else’s interpretation of your description may vary greatly. Collars can be broken off and your pet may no longer be wearing tags. Everyone who knows the animal should help visit these places in person, repeatedly.

Also call your Local police, State Troopers, County Sheriffs: Remember- DO NOT USE 911 to report your missing pet. Phone numbers are in the blue pages of your phone book.

3. PREPARE FLYERS
• Use clear photograph if available
• Give detailed descriptions of above photograph
• Mark the date the animal was lost
• Write “ REWARD” at top of flyer, but not an amount
• Note if animal needs medication
• Always list phone number(s) so people can call. Tear tags listing phone number are very easy to make and convenient. Be sure someone will answer 24 hours a day
• Make words LARGE and Easy to Read
• Flyers printed with inkjet printers will run if they get wet. Save these for indoors

4. POST FLYERS
• Always ask permission to post flyer. Bring your own tape and pushpins and post the flyer yourself.
• Post at professional pet places: Veterinary offices, Animal Hospitals, Emergency Clinics, Feed Stores, Groomers, Kennels, Pet Shops and Dog Training Schools
• Post at general places: Community bulletin boards, shopping centers, places of worship, schools, grocery stores, gas stations, post offices, laundromats, trees or telephone poles in highly trafficked areas

5. HAND OUT FLYERS: In your local area all day long, especially to people who travel regularly through your neighborhood, like:
• Mail Delivery Persons ( also UPS and FEDEX drivers )
• Meter Readers
• Newspaper Delivery Persons
• Police and Fire Departments
• Department of Highway Workers

6. PLACE ADS
• Newspapers ( both local and slightly outside the area )
• Radio Stations
• Local T.V. Stations

- Other Sources
• Dog Breed Rescue Groups ( most shelters have a listing of phone numbers )
• Petfinders ( 1-800-666-5678 ) www.petfinder.com
• Internet - DCSPCA Lost and Found department is maintained by volunteer Bonnie Hill. She can be reached at bhill1@hvc.rr.com See our links above

KEEP SEARCHING!! Many pets can disappear for months and still turn up.

Once you have found your pet, please remember to notify everyone of that fact, and please remove all flyers previously posted.

Intake Procedures

The mission of the Dutchess County SPCA is to help the abandoned, abused homeless animals of Dutchess County. To support this mission we will always give priority to those animals first. Also, as a shelter that accepts animals involved in Humane Law cases, from time to time we might not be able to accept incoming animals from private homes.

In order to avoid having to euthanize healthy animals just for the sake of space, we rely on the cooperation and understanding of people such as yourself.

If you’re moving: Please allow plenty of time to either locate a new residence that accepts pets or to find a home for your pet.

If you’re having behavioral problems please do your best to solve them. After all, if you no longer want the animal, chances are that it will be extremely difficult to place.

If you’re suffering allergies, please consult your physician as there are a number of medical possibilities to help. Consult your vet as there are some petfood additives that can reduce pet dander. You can also create a clean room in your house with an animal free zone and use hypo allergenic pillows and pillow covers

If however, you find that you still must relinquish your pet to our shelter:
• You will need to call for an appointment. (please inquire about schedule)
• A spayed or neutered animal that is up to date on vaccinations will receive priority admittance.
• You will be asked to fill out a Pet Personality Profile Form to assist us in finding your pet a new home
• There is an intake fee

Please note that if you miss your scheduled appointment, you will again be placed at the end of any waiting list and must establish another appointment.

Because the shelter is a stressful environment for any animal, we urge you to place your pet privately whenever possible. Our shelter has an incredibly successful adoption percentage, but the sad reality is that some animals remain at our shelter for many months waiting for a new home.

Report A Cruelty - HLEO / ACO Services

    What is Animal Cruelty?

There is no simple or single definition for animal cruelty. Because, cruelty is defined differently by different people. Probably the best way to understand animal cruelty is to directly define it as "CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS". Cruelty usually starts with neglect or abuse and may lead to serious injury and in some cases death.

New York State Agriculture and Markets Law defines an animal as "every living creature except a human being". Cruelty is defined as "every act, omission, or neglect, whereby unjustifiable physical pain, suffering or death is caused or permitted."

The Dutchess County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DCSPCA) founded in 1871, incorporated in 1961, and chartered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is a not-for-profit animal protection organization whose mission is the prevention of cruelty to all animals in Dutchess County. The DCSPCA's Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) is primarily responsible for the enforcement of all state laws dealing with crimes against animals. The DLE employs highly trained and experienced Agent/Investigators who are certified New York State Peace Officers and have the same powers as Police Officers. The following are some types of investigations conducted by the DLE:

• Depriving animals of necessary food, water or shelter
• Failing to provide necessary Veterinary care
• Abandonment of animals
• Fighting mammals and birds
• Poisoning of animals
• Malicious and intentional maiming
• Confinement in unsanitary conditions

The DCSPCA-DLE does not respond to complaints regarding village, town, city or county ordinances such as barking dogs, animals running at large or rabies enforcement. These are Dog Control or Animal Control Officer responsibilities.

TO REPORT SUSPECTED NEGLECT, ABUSE OR CRIMES AGAINST ANIMALS, CONTACT THE DCSPCA-DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT 845-452-7722 ext 4 OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL POLICE.

    Humane Law Enforcement

Cruelty consists of any act(s) which a person intentionally causes, procures or permits any animal to be:

• Abandoned
• Exploited
• Tortured
• Denied food and drink
• Seriously Injured
• Cruelly Beaten
• Overdriven or overloaded
• Denied Veterinary care
• Mutilated or killed
• Exposed to unsafe or unsanitary conditions

This law not only includes the person(s) who actually inflict the act of cruelty but also those who know of such situations yet do not act to either stop or report the act.
Source: New York State Agriculture & Markets, Article 26, Section 353

Abandonment: Abandoning an animal in a public place, on a street or road. This also includes releasing an animal into the wild to fend for itself, or disposing of the animal on any property not belonging to the owner of said animal.
Punishable by imprisonment for up to one (1) year, or a fine of up to $1000.00, or both.

Aggravated Cruelty: Torturing, overloading (beasts of burden), cruelly beating, mutilating or maiming any animal, wild or tame, or permitting any animal to be tortured, cruelly beaten, overloaded, mutilated or maimed.
Punishable by imprisonment for up to one (1) year, or a fine of up to $1000.00, or both.

How to Recognize an Animal Hoarder

ACO Services

The Dutchess County SPCA provides Animal Control services to Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley. You may reach our Animal Control Officers at 845-452-7722 ext 4. You may reach the ACO/Dog Warden of the following towns at the corresponding numbers:

Low Cost Spay / Neuter Information

Myths abound regarding the spaying and neutering of pets. The truth of the matter is that it is a healthy option for them-no bones about it! Spaying a female before her first heat (estrus cycle) reduces the risk of mammary cancer to nearly 0%. They do NOT need to have a litter before spaying. Neutering male animals prevents testicular cancer, and in older pets, prostate problems. These simple surgeries can be done starting when the pet is young (between the ages of two to six months).

The Dutchess County SPCA recognizes and supports early age spay/neuter as the most effective and humane way to prevent pet overpopulation and needless euthanasia. To that end, every dog or cat adopted from the Dutchess County SPCA is spayed or neutered prior to placement in their new home. With millions of cats and dogs being euthanized annually nationwide, even one litter is too many!

LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC (Open to any pet owner. The pet does not have to be adopted from the DCSPCA to use the clinic)

*Call the shelter at 452-7722 ext. 14 for more information and to make an appointment.
Includes a Rabies Vaccination

Youth Educational Programs

Do you need a speaker for your club or organization?

Our Executive Director, Joyce Garrity, will be happy to speak about the DCSPCA, our mission and our programs. Call (845) 454-5345 ext 100 or e-mail us at info@dcspca.org to schedule a date.

Our Humane Law Enforcement Officer is available for speaking engagements in schools, to groups and to law enforcement agencies. He will speak on the topic of cruelty to animals, including identification and reporting procedures involving animal abuse. Call 845-452-7722 ext. 4 to schedule a date.

Our PAWS program (Proper food, Attention, Water, and Shelter) for schoolchildren is also available. A volunteer will come to your classroom with one of our four legged friends and speak to the children about the tender loving care of our wonderful and special pets. Programs that enable the children to help the homeless animals of the DCSPCA can be arranged. Call 845-452-7722 ext. 4 to schedule a date.

All of our educational programs stress early intervention and primary prevention as an important informational tool in both the prevention of cruelty to animals and teaching respect for all forms of life. We look forward to your call.

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Safe Pet Sheltering

The Dutchess County SPCA and Grace Smith House are working together to protect battered women and their pets. The DCSPCA will provide safe shelter for pets while battered women stay at the Grace Smith House emergency shelter. Contact Grace Smith House for more information at (875) 471-3033

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The Dutchess County SPCA’s New Endless Love Program

A new service for members who want peace of mind

Have you ever asked yourself, “Who will take care of my pets after I’m gone?”

Your pets mean a great deal to you and your sincere wish is to give them a good life. The Dutchess County SPCA can help should there ever come a time when your pet has lost you and needs someone to care for them.

Enrolling in the Endless Love Program is easy. This is a new service for our members. We ask that you:

• Maintain a DCSPCA annual membership of at least $50.00 per year, per pet. This means that if you are enrolling multiple pets, each animal should be registered separately and we ask that you maintain an annual membership equal to the number of pets you are enrolling.

• Complete our pet biography to help us find the ideal new home for your pet

• Bring your pet to the shelter to meet our staff. For understandable reasons, we cannot accept wild, exotic or aggressive pets. We will evaluate your pet and let you know right away if he or she is appropriate for this program

• Designate someone to bring your pet to the Dutchess County SPCA in Hyde Park. This might be a friend, neighbor, relative or the executor of your estate

In addition, you may wish to:

• Specify in your will or trust that you have enrolled your pet in the Endless Love Program and wish for someone to take them to the Dutchess County SPCA

• Provide veterinary records

• Provide a copy of your pets microchip registration

• Work with your attorney or professional advisor to create a pet care trust or to include your pet in your will. These funds can cover your pet’s medical and other expenses

• Work with your attorney or professional advisor to make a planned gift to the Dutchess County SPCA. These funds will go to caring for homeless, lost, abused or abandoned animals in Dutchess County. Click here for more information about making a planned gift.

We will provide you with an annual Endless Love enrollment card for you to keep in your wallet or with your other important papers. This will alert others of your wishes and tell them how to contact us in the event of your passing. The card is valid for one year and will be renewed when you renew your membership with the DCSPCA.

Should the need ever arise, we will accept your pet at the shelter and provide them with the care and comfort we know they will need. We will find a loving, lifetime home for them — one that matches what we have learned about your pet through the pet biography and will help your pet through the grieving process.

We will check on your pet after they are placed in their new home. The new owners will have a copy of the pet biography you created. This will help your pet adjust to life in a new home.

We find homes for pets with medical issues, senior pets and those with special needs. Should anything change with your pet, contact us and we will update the pet biography.

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