About Us

Phoenix Humane Society of Greater Cattaraugus, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of animals in Cattaraugus County and surrounding rural communities. Founded in response to a growing crisis of local neglect, cruelty, and abandonment, our organization focuses exclusively on the animals already here at home—especially those most often overlooked or underserved.

We serve a dual role as both an animal-welfare organization and a municipal sheltering partner. As a holding shelter for many local municipalities, we provide safe housing and care for lost or stray dogs while efforts are made to locate their owners. We also work closely with Dog Control Officers across both contracted and non-contracted areas to care for abandoned, unclaimed, and owner-surrendered dogs, many of whom arrive through cruelty or neglect investigations and require urgent support.

In addition to caring for animals within our community, we also serve as a hub for transfers. When appropriate, some animals are moved to trusted rescue partners to increase their chances of adoption, expand access to specialized care, or place them in regions with higher adoption demand.

Our work extends beyond shelter care. We operate a monthly Mobile Pet Food Pantry to support families in need and help keep pets in their homes. We also offer low-cost vaccination clinics and community outreach efforts that promote responsible pet ownership and increase access to essential services.

With a small shelter facility and a dedicated network of foster homes, we care for dogs, cats, birds, and a variety of domestic animals. We do not import animals from out of state; our mission is rooted in protecting and uplifting the pets already here—those found along rural roadsides, in unsafe environments, or surrendered due to hardship.

Our board of directors is entirely volunteer-based, with no member receiving compensation. Every donation goes directly toward food, medical care, shelter maintenance, equipment, and other critical services that allow us to provide safety, compassion, and second chances to local animals in need. With the support of our community and regional collaborators, we continue working to raise the standard of care for animals across Greater Cattaraugus County.