Your Guide to Adopting, Volunteering, and More

FAQS

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FAQs

Explore our FAQs below or choose a category to quickly find the answers you need.

Adoptions

How do I adopt an animal?

Please visit the Adopt section of our website and fill out a questionnaire for an animal directly from their adoption profile. Our customer service counselors will call within 48 hours to set up a time to meet any potential pets you are interested in. By adopting, you are not only saving a shelter animal’s life but also ensuring we have space available for another pet in need.

How long is my approved adoption questionnaire good for?

Approved adoption questionnaires are good for one year. After 12 months has lapsed, you must fill out the adoption questionnaire again.

How long does the adoption appointment take?

The adoption appointment can take an hour or even longer. Sometimes the process is spread over multiple days depending on the needs of the animal and the adopter. There will be meet-and-greets with potential pet(s), adoption counseling, and, prior to adoption, all animals must be spayed/neutered, microchipped, examined, and vaccinated. This comprehensive process ensures the best match for both the animal and the adopter.

Can I take my pet home immediately?

The answer is often yes, but the animal must be spayed/neutered, microchipped, examined, and vaccinated before leaving the shelter. If the adopter opts for blood work, this also needs to be completed. So, it depends greatly on what the animal has already completed and what still needs to be done.

What is included in the pet adoption fee?

Your pet will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, have a current veterinary exam, microchipped, and you will take home any medications if needed. Cats and dogs receive a sample bag of food, toys, and treats (depending on food availability). Cats will also receive a break-away collar. You will have to purchase a separate leash and dog license for dogs. Additional services are available at the time of adoption; please see our About Adoption page for more information.

What happens if there are problems with my pet when I get home?

It’s normal for pets to feel stressed when transitioning into a new home. They may take a few weeks to acclimate. We follow the 3-3-3 rule: In the first 3 days, the animal may feel overwhelmed. After 3 weeks, they settle in. After three months, they are comfortable and bonded. You can explore our post-adoption resources for information on adoption aftercare and helping your new pet properly decompress and settle into their new home.

If you have any health, behavioral, or adjustment issues or any questions or concerns, please email us at info@ycspca.org or call us at 717-764-6109. We’re here to guide you through any issues you may have. 

How long do you keep animals that are available for adoption?

There is no set time limit for our animals. If their health and temperament do not decline, we house them here as long as it takes for them to be adopted. Our longest-term resident was here for more than three years!

Are the animals housebroken?

Maybe. Cats and kittens, by nature, will use a litterbox; however, a huge part of taking on a pet is training and socialization. That is why we need dedicated families who are willing to not only play and cuddle with the new pet but also spend the time necessary to train and learn good behaviors.

Do you adopt to customers outside of York County?

Yes, we will adopt to people outside of the county and even in other states.

Why do you have so many Pit Bulls or bully-mixes?

Pit Bulls-type dogs are the most overbred dog breed in the country. They are also the most likely to be discriminated against by housing breed restrictions. This means you will always see them represent a large portion of our shelter population.

Do you perform landlord, veterinary or reference checks?

The York County SPCA supports the Adopters Welcome Philosophy, which was first introduced by the Humane Society of the United States. Adopters Welcome removes the barriers that often exist between customers and adopting an animal. It focuses on the innate belief that people are more good than bad, and we need to trust their intentions for adopting a York County SPCA Animal. This policy promotes adoption as the best way to save animal lives. The intention is to attract adopters by removing barriers and increasing adoption opportunities for the animals in our care.

We believe that adoption counseling is important for success and having open and honest conversations with pet owners will lead to increased adoptions and positive placements. Because of our belief in this philosophy, we do not call landlords, veterinary offices or reference checks when you adopt a pet from us. You can find more information on our Adoption Process and Adopters Welcome Policy page.

Foster

What is animal fostering?

Animal fostering involves taking care of a pet in your home while they wait to find their permanent home. Foster families are critical to the success of our organization and the pets we care for. When you welcome an animal into your home, you are saving two lives – the animal in your home and the one we now have space and capacity to care for in our shelter because of your generosity.  

What types of animals need foster care?

Any animal can benefit from the love a foster family provides. Our most urgent needs for foster families are dogs and young kittens. 

How long do animals need foster care?

Fostering can last anywhere from a few weeks to a several months, depending on the animal’s unique needs and your availability. We always have a need for foster homes throughout the year.

Can I foster if I have other pets?

Depending on the animal you are fostering – yes. It’s important to ensure that your current pets and the foster animal can co-exist peacefully. The York County SPCA can provide support with introducing your pets and if any issues arise while you are fostering. 

Are there any requirements for my home environment in order to foster?

While certain animals may have specific needs, for most animals, we just require you to have the time and attention to devote to your foster pet. 

Do I need to have any special training or skills to foster?

It is dependent on the animal. Most will require basic handling skills, but some animals may need medical or behavioral support. Our team is available to work with you to learn how to care for your foster pet and to ensure it works with your home environment and lifestyle. 

Can I choose which animals I want to foster?

Yes, our foster coordinators will offer suggestions to fit your home but it is up to our foster volunteers to decide who they will bring into their home. 

What do I do with my foster animal while I am on vacation? 

Email your foster coordinator with any upcoming vacation dates so we can either find a temporary vacation foster home or arrange for them to return to the shelter during that time.

May I post pictures of my foster animal on my social media?

Most of the time, the answer is yes! We welcome our foster families supporting us in promoting animal adoption. If your foster pet cannot be posted on social media, our foster coordinator will inform you.

Can I adopt the animal I am fostering? 

In most cases, yes! We do ask our fosters to follow our standard adoption process

Monthly Giving

Is my gift tax-deductible?

Yes, we’ll email you an annual statement in January with a total of your cumulative giving for the previous calendar year to help you with your taxes.

Once I’ve made an online gift, how can I make changes to my account i.e. change the amount or change my credit card number?

It’s so easy! All you need to do is drop us a line by phone or email.

What if I need to stop giving?

Of course! Just let us know by phone or email.

When will my credit card or bank account be charged?

Charges occur once per month. Your first gift will be charged to your credit card or bank account on the date that your transaction is made. All future charges will occur on the same day of the month for the following months. If your first gift was made on the 8th, for example, all future charges will be made on the 8th day of each month.

Can I change the date my credit card or bank account is charged?

Absolutely! Give us a call or send an email, and we can update the payment date in our secure system.

Can I change my current monthly gift from credit/debit card to my checking account?

Giving through your checking account saves on credit card frees and ensures your gift doesn’t lapse due to changes in your card number or expiration date. This giving method is the easiest, most cost-effective way to help animals all year long!

To change your gift from your credit/debit card to your checking account, give us a call with your checking account number and routing number. We’ll update your payment method in our secure system.

Volunteer

What are the basic requirements to volunteer?

Volunteers must:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Complete volunteer orientation, registration, and training*
  • Have a valid, working email address
  • Have the ability to learn and navigate a volunteer database
  • Have the ability to pay $15 to cover the cost of a volunteer t-shirt and engraved name tag ($25 for dog walkers, as you will need to purchase a specific slip lead as well).

If you’re under 18 and interested in supporting our animals, check out our Project Ideas list for projects that can be completed and then donated to the shelter.

Are there any physical requirements?

Yes, most volunteer opportunities do require mobility to get around the shelter, or satellite locations, whether you are sitting, standing, walking from place to place, reaching, grasping with your fingers, walking dogs, etc. Reasonable accommodation can be made, if possible.

Do I need previous experience with animals?

No prior experience is necessary, but it is helpful. Our shelter provides training to ensure volunteers know how to handle and care for the animals safely. The training provided varies from role to role, but for most opportunities, it takes anywhere from one to three hours to complete. If you are interested in dog walking, the training requires training on three consecutive weekend days, for three hours per session.

Can I volunteer if I have allergies?

Our shelter houses a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, and small animals, so exposure to dander, fur, and hay is common. If you have allergies, we recommend volunteering in an area where you will not be exposed to the allergen.

Do I need to commit to a certain day/time or amount of time per month?

While we do not have a minimum number of hours that are required, we do recommend volunteering at least 2-3 times a month to be sure you are up to date on new policies and procedures.

It varies by role, but most volunteer activities are available Sunday through Saturday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Our satellite volunteers assist our cats at Petco and PetSmart, usually with a set weekly shift, either in the morning or evening.

What should I wear when volunteering?
  • Blue volunteer t-shirt and engraved name tag, provided by the YCSPCA.
  • Closed-toe shoes, preferably non-slip for safety.
  • Depending on the role, you may want to wear long sleeves and pants to avoid scratches, as well as warming layers in the cooler months if you are volunteering outside.
Can I take photos with the animals?

Yes, we encourage it! You may take pictures of animals that are currently adoptable and send them to our communications team to possibly use for content. We ask that you do not post pictures of any animals that are not up for adoption on your social media or other networks.

Can I bring my own pets to the shelter while I volunteer?

No, volunteers cannot bring their pets to the shelter for safety and logistical reasons.

Can I volunteer in more than one role?

Yes, once you are registered as a volunteer and trained in one role, you can reach out to the volunteer coordinator to schedule training for other opportunities.

What do I do if I cannot attend a volunteer shift I have signed up for?

If you can no longer attend a shift, you will be taught how to remove yourself from the schedule on our volunteer database.

What if I go on vacation, or need to take a leave of absence?

You will continue to remain as an “active” volunteer if you have volunteered at least one time within 6 months. If you cannot volunteer at least one time within 6 months, you will become “inactive” and will be required to complete a refresher training before returning to volunteer.

What should I do if I can no longer volunteer?

If you are unable to continue volunteering, be sure to notify the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible. This will allow the shelter to find other help and make appropriate arrangements.

Can I bring someone with me to volunteer?

Every person that wishes to volunteer with the YCSPCA, including support staff that will be attending with their clients, needs to complete the volunteer onboarding process before they are permitted to volunteer. 

Can I volunteer with a group or as part of a company?

Currently, we do not have the capacity to host large group projects at the YCSPCA. We recommend utilizing our Project Ideas list for projects that can be completed and then donated to the shelter, or considering hosting an event for us, using these guidelines.

Can I foster animals instead of volunteering at the shelter?

Yes, or you can do both! Fostering is available for dogs, cats, and small animals, as available. If you are interested in learning more about fostering, please visit our Foster page.

Can I volunteer with the YCSPCA to complete my community service hours requirement?

No, our shelter does not participate in community service hours programs currently.

Wish List

Where / When can I donate?

Donations can be delivered Monday – Sunday from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. No appointment is needed, but if you would like to arrange a drop-off time for larger donation quantities, please feel free to email us at info@ycspca.org or call us at (717) 764-6109.

Can I donate used items?

The YCSPCA can accept gently used linens that are free of holes, stains, or damage. We can accept open bags of dry pet food as long as it is unexpired and in its original packaging.

What items can the York County SPCA not accept?

The York County SPCA appreciates the generosity and thoughtfulness of the community that supports us! Regrettably, we are unable to use the following items in our shelter or clinic; however, other nonprofit organizations may be able to accept your generous donations.

  • Controlled substances or chemotherapeutic medications
  • Crochet or knit blankets
  • Pillows
  • Down comforters
  • Used pet beds
  • Used toys
  • Stuffed animals
  • Household items
  • Fitted sheets – regular top sheets are accepted
  • Human clothing
  • Raw hide bones
  • Cushions
  • Mattresses
Can I donate medications my pet is no longer using?

We are unable to take any controlled substances or chemotherapeutic medications. Over the counter supplements must be unopened and in their original packaging. All other medications and medical supplies must be unexpired and unused. If you have questions about whether we can accept your donation, please email medical@ycspca.org for clarification.

Working Cats

What is a working cat?

A working cat is a cat that is not social enough to be adopted out as a house cat but not able to be returned to their original outdoor home due to a safety or health concern. These cats are then placed up for adoption as working cats to be outdoor companions for those with barns, businesses, or any expanse of land that may need a helper hunting for mice.

Where do working cats come from?

The cats available for Working Cat adoption at the York County SPCA have experienced some hardship before reaching this point. These cats were originally brought in through our SNR (shelter, neuter, return) Program due to illness or injury and are unable to return to their original outdoor home due to health or safety concerns, such as a neighbor threatening harm or a chronic illness that requires the cat to have a caretaker. We nurse these cats back to health, make sure they are spayed/ neutered, ear-tip them as a universal indicator of being altered, provide a rabies vaccine, and microchip them. These special cats then wait at the shelter until we can find them a Working Cat placement.

What qualifies as a shelter for working cats?

Working cats need a ‘home base’ where they can get fully away from the outdoors and receive daily food and fresh water. These types of shelters include barns, sheds, warehouses, shops, and greenhouses.

How do I adopt a working cat?

Anyone who is looking for an outside cat companion and has an adequate shelter the cat can call ‘home base’ can adopt a working cat. There are no fees to adopt a working cat, and they are spayed/ neutered, ear-tipped, rabies vaccinated, and microchipped before they go home.

The first step to adopting a working cat is to complete an adoption questionnaire. If you have a neighbor close by, you may want to discuss with them first that you are considering adopting a working cat, so they are not surprised if they see a new cat roaming the area. We suggest adopting working cats in multiples as it will be easier for the cat to adjust to their new environment with a companion.

Can I have a meet & greet with the working cats before adopting one?

We do not conduct meets and greets for working cat candidates as they are not social house cats. This means they would not do well in a typical meet and greet setting and would cause unnecessary stress to the cat. During the working cat adoption process, we give you basic details and photos of eligible cats for you to choose from.

How do I make sure the cat doesn't run away as soon as I take it home?

The acclimation process for working cats can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. The longer the cat is quarantined, the better the chances are that they will not disappear from your property when released.

During the 2–6 week acclimation period, the cat should be confined to an area that will be their home base. This could be a room in a barn, a shed, a large dog crate, etc. You will be responsible for feeding the cat on a daily basis and cleaning the litter box. This also helps the cat to associate you with food and not to perceive you as a threat.

The acclimation period ensures that once the cat is released from their quarantine area, they will spend the majority of their time in the area that has become familiar to them over that time period. If you need help setting up an adequate quarantine area, the YCSPCA can deliver the working cats to your home and help set you up for success.

Your Spay/Neuter Clinic Guide​

Clinic FAQs

Booking & Appointment Changes

How can I schedule an appointment with the spay/neuter clinic?

All appointments for owned animals must be scheduled online using the booking link.

How do I reschedule or cancel an appointment with the spay/neuter clinic?

Contact us and our team can reschedule or cancel the appointment for you. 

Does the spay/neuter clinic offer refunds for cancelled appointments?

To cancel an appointment, please contact us using the contact form. A refund will be issued when the appointment is cancelled.

Does the spay/neuter clinic keep a cancelation list?
Due to the volume of surgeries the clinic performs daily, we do not keep a cancelation list. Our online scheduler always offers the soonest available appointments.
How can I get medical records for my pet from the spay/neuter clinic?

To receive pet medical records, please contact us.  

Pricing & Services Information

Can I add additional services when I drop my pet off for surgery, even if I did not prepay for them?

You can still opt for additional services on the morning of your pet’s surgery during the check in process. 

What forms of payment does the spay/neuter clinic accept?

When scheduling online, we accept most major credit cards. We do NOT accept care credit. At the time of pick up, the clinic accepts credit, cash and check in person. 

Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program

How do I qualify for the Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program?

Any York County resident can have their Pit Bull type dog spayed/neutered for $50. The owner must provide a photo of their license (to prove residency,) a photo of their dog (to confirm it is a Pit Bull type dog; genetic confirmation is not required), and a phone number for contact.

How do I schedule an appointment for the Pit Bull spay/neuter program?

If you have a Pit Bull in your family and would like to schedule an appointment, please contact us with the following information:

  1. A photo of your license. This is to confirm that you are a York County Resident. The Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program is only available to York County Residents.
  2. A photo of your dog to confirm that it is a Pit Bull. Some Pit Bull mixes may qualify for the program, but they need to look primarily like a Pit Bull in order to qualify.
  3. A phone number for contact.
I do not live in York County; can I still utilize the Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program?

Only York County residents qualify for the $50 spay/neuter program, but if you do not live in York County, you can utilize our low cost spay/neuter program.

Can I still opt for additional services if I utilize the Pit Bull Spay/Neuter Program?

Yes, you can still opt for additional services for your pet when you make the appointment or during check in the morning of surgery.

Pre-Surgical Protocol

Where is the spay/neuter clinic located?

The YCSPCA Spay/Neuter Clinic is located at 3159 Susquehanna Trail North. York, PA 17406. The clinic is located to the left of the building. 

My pet is reactive/anxious at the vet’s office. Can they still be seen at the spay/neuter clinic?

If your pet is anxious or reactive, please contact us and we can help guide you on to make the experience go well for your pet. 

When can I drop off and pick up my pet?

Drop off for dogs is 7:00 – 7:30 a.m., owned cats drop off is 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. Pickup times for owned pets is the same day from 3:00 to 4 p.m.

Post-Surgical Protocol

Will my pet go home with pain medications?

All pets go home with pain medication and an e-collar. There is no additional cost for the medication and e-collar.

What is the green mark by the incision / belly button?

Each pet receives a green scoring tattoo. This tattoo is a universal indicator that the pet has been spayed/neutered. It is not an option to decline this service. 

What if my pet’s incision needs a recheck?

If your pet has recently had surgery at our clinic and requires follow-up care related to their procedure, please stop by the clinic Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. with no appointment necessary. There is no charge for the recheck unless we send home additional medications. 

For veterinary emergencies or follow-up concerns not related to your pet’s spay/neuter procedure, we recommend you contact your primary care veterinarian or a local animal emergency hospital.

If you have brought a cat in through the TNR program and you feel that the cat needs a recheck, you can bring the cat to the clinic Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 8:30 a.m. in a humane trap. You will need to sign the cat in just as you did previously, and there is a $20 fee for us to re-sedate the cat and look at the incision. Pick up would then be the following day 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. 

TNR Program

Trap-Neuter-Return

What is included with the TNR Program?

In addition to the spay/neuter service, the TNR Program provides the following for each cat: 

  • Rabies Vaccination: All cats receive a rabies vaccination while in our care.
  • Ear Tipping: Each cat’s left ear is tipped to help people easily identify that they have been spayed/neutered and vaccinated for rabies. Ear tipping is required for all cats and cannot be declined.
  • Tattoo: Each cat receives a green scoring tattoo on the abdominal area by their belly button. This tattoo is a universal sign that the cat has been spayed/neutered.
Do I need an appointment to bring a cat in for TNR?

No appointment is necessary to utilize our TNR program. We offer a walk-in service Monday-Thursday 8:00-8:30 a.m., 1 cat per person, 2-person limit per car. If you would like to bring multiple cats through the TNR program, please contact us.

How do I schedule an appointment to bring multiple cats through the TNR program?

Contact us and we can get you scheduled for appointments to bring multiple TNR cats per visit

Does the cat need to be in a trap even if it’s friendly?

Even if the cat is a friendly outdoor cat, it still needs to be in a humane trap.

For the safety of the cat, yourself, and our staff, all cats must come in a humane live-release trap. Free-roaming cats have unknown rabies status and cannot be handled awake. The humane trap allows staff to sedate the cat through the bars and safely handle them once they are sedated. Cats that arrive in carriers or anything other than a trap will be turned away.  

What if the cat was trapped outside of York County?

Yes, the spay/neuter clinic accepts everyone no matter where they reside or where the cat was trapped.

What if the cat is already spayed/neutered?

If the cat has a microchip, we will attempt to contact the microchip registrant, but the cat and accompanying microchip information will be returned to the trapper if we do not hear back from the microchip registrant before the cat is scheduled to be picked up.

What time can I drop off a cat for TNR?

Drop off for TNR cats is 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Pickup time is 8:00-8:30 a.m. the following day. Scheduled TNR appointments pick up the same day from 3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Still Have Questions?

Additional Resources

Read Our Policies

Learn more about how we handle donations responsibly and align with best practices in shelter animal intake.

Explore Our Learning Center

Discover heartwarming stories, event updates, and insights into our work.

Get In Touch

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