A new shelter has emerged in Niagara County to care for stray dogs in Lockport following the Niagara County SPCA's announcement that it could no longer provide this service. PAWS Inn The Falls, an animal facility that opened its doors in September, has officially partnered with the city to take in and care for lost or abandoned dogs.
Nicole Dyer, the director of the shelter and a licensed veterinary technician, emphasized the organization's dedication to making a positive impact in the community. She highlighted the limited resources available for both pet owners and animals in Niagara County, underscoring her organization's mission to be a valuable asset to the area.
For many years, the Niagara County SPCA was responsible for taking in stray dogs from Lockport. However, a few years ago the shelter informed city officials that they could no longer continue this service. As one Lockport official said, the SPCA made it very clear they were "done" with the city's stray dogs.
Amy Lewis, the Executive Director of the Niagara County SPCA, previously explained the organization's decision to cease stray dog sheltering. She noted that their focus is on preventing cruelty and supporting pet owners in need and, with the increasing pet population both locally and across the country, the SPCA recognized that it could not adequately provide shelter for all stray dogs in Niagara County while maintaining its no-kill mission. As a result, they returned responsibility for stray dog sheltering to the municipalities.
Faced with a lack of alternatives, the city issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for dog sheltering services and received a single response from PAWS Inn The Falls. Subsequently, the city entered into a contract with the shelter for $2,400 per month, amounting to an annual total of $28,800.
However, the city’s budget for 2025 had only allocated $24,000 for dog control services, resulting in a $4,800 deficit. Last week, the Lockport Common Council voted to reallocate funds, approving the agreement and allowing the shelter to proceed with its operations.
Several dogs are at PAWS Inn The Falls looking for their FUREVER homes. Visit their website for more information: https://www.pawsinnthefalls.com.
PAWS Inn The Falls is located at 2070 Cayuga Drive Extension, Niagara Falls, NY 14304.
PAWS Inn The Falls Becomes Lockport's New Shelter for Stray Dogs