Beverly Animal Shelter in Waterloo will close in April 2026, according to the Finger Lakes Times. The closure comes after its board was notified that the lease for the property will be terminated, ending more than three decades of animal rescue at the Waterloo location.
The nonprofit shelter, founded in 1991 by Dallyn Jenkins, has served Seneca County by rescuing, housing and adopting out thousands of animals. Jenkins, who owned and operated the shelter until her death in October 2024, left the property at 50 E. River St. to family friend Caitlin Reese.
Following Jenkins’ death, Reese issued a 90-day lease termination to the shelter, setting a timeline that board members say leaves them without enough control over the property to continue operations long term. Board President Pat Morrin said the organization explored purchasing the building but was unable to reach an agreement.
Reese said a formal written purchase offer was never submitted and that her decisions regarding the property were guided by animal welfare. She said future plans for the site have not been finalized but are intended to benefit animals.
The impending closure was also influenced by new state regulations governing animal shelters that took effect this week. The updated rules include expanded requirements for veterinary care, documentation, vaccinations and facility standards. While the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is treating the first year as an educational period, the board determined compliance would require extensive upgrades.
Because Beverly Animal Shelter does not own its building, it is ineligible for New York’s competitive animal shelter capital grant program, which has awarded more than $48 million statewide to help shelters improve facilities. A previous $100,000 private donation helped fund some improvements, but significant work remains.
The board also considered relocating the shelter but has been unable to find a suitable property to purchase, Morrin told the Finger Lakes Times.
As operations wind down, the shelter has stopped accepting most new animals and is focused on rehoming those currently in its care. Adoption fees may be reduced or waived if necessary, and donations are still being accepted to cover food and supplies until the shelter closes.
Board members said the loss of Beverly Animal Shelter will leave Seneca County without a dedicated location for residents to surrender animals, raising concerns about where abandoned or unwanted pets will go once the shelter closes.
The board said the decision to shut down was made reluctantly but reflects the reality of losing the property and the challenges of meeting new regulatory standards without ownership or long-term stability.
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