City of Buffalo Animal Shelter pets riding in style in new 'PAWS Truck' mobile adoption vehicle

‘PAWS Truck’ made possible through fundraising efforts of Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter

The City of Buffalo Animal Shelter unveiled its new “PAWS Truck,” a mobile adoption vehicle that will help shelter animals find their forever homes.

This vehicle, which cost $186,397, was paid for through the fundraising efforts of Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter. The specially modified Ford E450 box truck includes 12 cages and eight pet carriers, as well as four display pens where potential adopters can view homeless pets from outside the vehicle. It’s also outfitted for a 16-foot awning to shield visitors from the elements as they check out the pets.

“This is a top-of-the-line mobile adoption vehicle that will allow us to really show off our adoptable animals to the community,” said Kelly McCartney, director of the city’s animal shelter. “I thank the Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter for their incredible efforts, along with the community’s support and generosity that made this possible.”

The shelter will show off the new vehicle to the community in Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Delaware Avenue in downtown Buffalo.

President Kerry Neaf said, “Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter began informally almost 15 years ago with the goal of raising funds on a case-by-case basis for animals in need. The hard work of our volunteers and the generosity of the Western New York community has taken us farther than we ever imagined. We are proud to be able to purchase and donate this truck to allow our adoptable animals and volunteers to be transported safely and comfortably.”

The exterior of the new “PAWS Truck” is adorned with photos of animal shelter alumni who have found their forever homes. The featured alums include Phoenix, a Jack Russell terrier, who was shot and set on fire as a puppy in 2012. The resilient dog is now thriving as a therapy dog and beloved pet. Buffalo Photographer Luke Copping donated his talents to hold photo shoots for the four dogs and two cats featured on the truck.

The “PAWS Truck” replaces the original 20-year-old vehicle that was made possible through PetSmart Charities and a matching grant. The vehicles are used to transport adoptable animals to various community events.

The city animal shelter adopted out 2,017 pets in 2021, down from 2019 when it found homes for 2,759 animals. McCartney expects this year’s adoptions to increase now that most COVID-19 restrictions have been dropped.

Earlier this month, the shelter, located at 380 N. Oak St., reopened to the public for walk-in services, including surrenders, stray drop-offs, lost pet reunification, euthanasia and donations.

Walk-in hours are Monday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Tuesday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Wednesday – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Thursday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Saturday – 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Appointments are still required for animal meet and greets, as well as adoptions. To schedule an appointment, call 716-851-5095.

For information on available animals or to get pre-approval to adopt, visit www.friendsofcbas.org.