Lahaska SPCA undergoing renovations

The Bucks County SPCA in Lahaska has recently made headway on long overdue construction, greatly improving its shelter space and capabilities for both housing and treating animals.
Being scheduled for completion by 2020, the SPCA’s construction ran into complications during COVID-19’s initial surfacing, and had to delay the start until this spring. The SPCA has been making plans for these upgrades since 2018, the year when it finished behind-the-scenes changes to its clinic and other animal care areas.
Fundraising began that same year and support from individual donors along with grant money have fully funded the project. As things are getting back to normal and the construction has picked up, the SPCA expects the new adoption areas to be open to the public by early fall.
The first main renovation is the dog adoption wing. Expanding both its size and offerings, there’s no doubt the SPCA is doing its best to house, comfort, and raise dogs going up for adoption.
There are expected to be a new roof and larger play space, along with a meet-and-greet section for adopters to get to know their possible future pet. In terms of care, within the kennel area there is destined to be a new grooming room; one with a special tub for an easier bathing process for staff and volunteers to use throughout the year of grooming dogs.
Several new kennel spaces will be put in as well, designated for timid or stressed dogs for an easier recovery.
While the SPCA might see a lot more dogs and cats coming in and out of the shelter, there’s no reason not to take time to care for the others, and improve their environment. Little animals such as guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, rats and birds are going to have their own new holding room, and one that will undoubtedly help for reducing stress and feeling safe.
Cindy Kelly, director of communications for the Bucks County SPCA said, “We consulted with an acoustics engineer to ensure the design results in a quiet space. Our goal is to help animals feel calm and safe during their stay with us. Reducing stress is an important factor in helping animals stay healthy.”

As for kittens and cats, the SPCA knows the ins and outs for treating them all, no matter the condition. Kelly wrote, “In 2020, we provided care for more than 700 kittens. In recent years we’ve seen an increase in the number who arrive with contagious skin diseases. Providing an isolated space for their treatment and recovery means we can save even more lives.”
Dozens of kittens and cats come in and stay at a time and the odds of some being sick are probable and expected at the shelter. This is why the SPCA has decided to upgrade its sick kitten recovery room, providing comfortable housing and a play space for kittens being treated for contagious diseases.
Ringworm and cat lice are some that find their way in, although they are treatable with time and care. There will be a deep sink for medicated baths, and a play area for kittens and cats to engage in social development during their treatment.
It is also good to know that all dog adoptions are being done at the Quakertown shelter this summer amid the construction in Lahaska, but cats and small animals are still available for adoption in Lahaska.
The Quakertown shelter is holding an open house for anyone interested in a shelter tour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19. Visitors can watch and play with the animals, ask any questions to the resident expert in animal behavior, and watch demonstrations from special guests like police K-9 units.
This will be a free, family-friendly, and safe event that happens only once a year. The Upper Bucks shelter is located at 60 Reservoir Road, Quakertown. You can visit bc-spca.org for more details and information.
Jackson Cane wrote this piece during an internship at the Herald for his Apex Project, a program required of seniors at New Hope-Solebury High School. Cane is headed for Temple University next year, to major in journalism.

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