Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The City of Buffalo has received more than $412,000 of funding for major improvements to the City Animal Shelter, though plans remain in place for a new long-term solution for the facility sometime in the future.
The funding includes a $370,838 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets through the Companion Animal Capital Fund, as well as a $41,204 local match from Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. The Companion Animal Capital Fund is a comprehensive statewide program that helps animal shelters improve and expand facilities that care for homeless animals across the state.
The scope of the work from the Companion Animal Capital Projects fund award includes:
- Expanding kennel space into an existing garage area
- Installing a new HVAC system to improve comfort and air quality for animals and staff
- Repair and repaint interior walls throughout the facility
- Installing new epoxy flooring
- Installing sound-deadening ceiling tiles in animal housing areas
- Purchasing and installing new cat kennels
- Purchasing and installing a hydraulic lift examination table
- Constructing a new outdoor recreation area for shelter animals
"These changes will help us provide a better environment for the animals in our care, while giving staff and volunteers the tools and facilities they need to do their job effectively," said Mayor Sean Ryan during Tuesday's announcement. "This is an important step forward as we continue working to improve the shelter and build a better future for Buffalo's animals."
The city expects to formally accept the grant funding later this year, with construction anticipated to begin following approval of the funding agreement and continue through 2027.
The Buffalo Animal Shelter opened in 1995 and serves as the city's municipal shelter, caring for thousands of animals each year. This funding will allow the city to modernize portions of the facility and expand its capacity through a series of capital projects.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ryan says the city continues to work to identify an adequate location for a new animal shelter, with plans of funding for the new shelter being incorporated in the city's Capital Budget for the 2026-27 Fiscal Year.
"The changes we are making will improve conditions for animals, staff, volunteers and visitors at the current shelter. But we have not lost sight of the larger goal, Mayor Ryan added. "Our administration continues to actively pursue a long-term home for the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter and remains committed to building a facility that meets the needs of animals, staff, volunteers and our community for decades to come."
The city continues to explore its options, with no short list of sites being confirmed just yet.
Plans remain to find a new long-term solution for the animal shelter
Plans remain to find a new long-term solution for the animal shelter
