SPCA Cincinnati to open adoption center in OTR

SPCA Cincinnati plans to open a new adoption center in Over-the-Rhine this fall, expanding its efforts to connect animals with permanent homes through a more visible and accessible location.

The privately funded nonprofit animal welfare organization recently signed a lease for a 1,795-square-foot storefront at 1312 Main St. in Over-the-Rhine. The space, leased from Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), will serve as a street-level adoption center for dogs and cats.

Founded in 1873, SPCA Cincinnati is the oldest humane society in Ohio and the fourth oldest in the United States. The organization serves more than 35,000 animals each year across Greater Cincinnati through adoption services, veterinary care, foster programs, humane education and community outreach.

The new center will accommodate up to six dogs at a time and include a dedicated area for multiple cats. Animals housed there will come through owner surrenders, rescue transfers, foster placements and the organization’s broader care network.

Staff will provide daily feeding, cleaning, enrichment and behavioral support, along with adoption services. Animals will also receive veterinary oversight and medical care through SPCA Cincinnati’s medical and foster systems before becoming available for adoption.

Chris Seelbach, the organization’s president and CEO, said the new center is part of a broader effort to strengthen medical care, expand foster programming, improve adoption access and enhance operations. The goal is to reduce the amount of time animals spend in care while improving outcomes and increasing placements.

The goal is to open sometime this fall.

“This investment represents one of the most significant moments in our organization’s 153-year history,” said Seelbach, a longtime OTR resident. “We believe this expansion has the potential to help redefine what progressive, community-centered animal welfare can look like in Cincinnati and beyond.”

Part of a larger expansion effort

SPCA Cincinnati will continue to operate its primary adoption center and headquarters from its Sharonville campus. Still, Seelbach said the organization viewed an Over-the-Rhine location as an opportunity to increase visibility for adoptable animals and reach potential adopters through the neighborhood’s steady foot traffic. Large storefront windows will put animals in view of passersby and create additional opportunities for adoption.

The organization’s outlined plans include two dog meet-and-greet rooms and a separate area where prospective adopters can interact with animals outside their kennels.

“SPCA Cincinnati provides vital services to the community while expanding access to affordable pet adoption in the neighborhood,” said Christy Samad, executive vice president of civic and commercial space activation for 3CDC. “With several nearby dog parks, exceptional walkability, and community greenspaces, OTR is a natural fit for a pet adoption center.”

SPCA Cincinnati is working with City Studios Architecture and Hunt Builders Corporation on the design and construction of the facility, which remains on track for completion this fall. A specific opening date isn’t yet available. However, Seelbach said a grand-opening celebration will take place once it does.

The organization also plans to offer volunteer and corporate engagement opportunities, Seelbach said. The organization expects to share additional details in the coming weeks.

“Our goal is not simply to house animals,” Seelbach said. “It is to prepare them physically and emotionally for successful placement into permanent homes.”