Westfield Stray Cat Rescue is located at 8494 W. Route 20, home of a former veterinary clinic.

WESTFIELD — The mission of the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue has always been to give cats a safe place to stay until they find their permanent home. In recent years, the shelter found itself in the same position, needing help in search of its own permanent home.

That help came in the form of New York State’s Companion Animals Capital Fund, as the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue recently received a grant in the amount of $288,000 to purchase a facility to be the shelter’s permanent home.

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced the award, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. Competitive grants were awarded to shelters based on a need assessment, detailed project description, and reasonableness of cost.

“We are truly grateful to Governor Hochul and to the Companion Animals Capital Fund for the support we needed to secure the future of the shelter,” said Judith Loomis, Westfield Stray Cat Rescue Board President. “We have always had wonderful support from our community. Letters of recommendation from County Executive Paul Wendel, Jr., Westfield Town Supervisor Martha Bills, and Dr. Sarah Johnson and Nicole Szukala Mott from Whiskers Veterinary Hospital in Dunkirk were greatly appreciated. We thank them for their advocacy and their recognition of the vital part the shelter plays in rescuing stray and abandoned cats and kittens and advancing spaying/neutering throughout the County.”

The Westfield Stray Cat Rescue was previously located on the second floor of the Thrifty Kitty thrift shop on Main Street in Westfield. However, due to changes in New York State laws regarding animal shelters, which went into effect at the end of 2025, the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue was forced to move.

The shelter relocated to the former Westfield Veterinary Clinic at 8494 W. Route 20, Westfield, in May of 2025. It has been leasing the space since its move, but the recently awarded grant funding now makes it possible for the group to purchase the property.

The Westfield Stray Cat Rescue is open on Thursdays from noon to 5 p.m.; Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The New York State Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund is the first state program in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters. The fund supports construction, renovation and expansion projects that will enhance animal care and health and help ensure adoptions for New York’s dogs and cats, with $I million dedicated specifically to sheltering organizations not under contract with municipalities in underserved regions. This builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to securing safe housing and care for sheltered dogs and cats as they await adoption.

“From cats and dogs to small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, and more, pets are family,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of these beloved companion animals start their journey at an animal shelter or humane society, so I’m proud to continue supporting these essential organizations through New York’s historic Companion Animal Capital Projects Fund. This funding awarded today is going to make a real difference, helping to better equip these vital facilities with the tools they need to keep our furry friends safe and well cared for as they wait to meet their new families.”

For more information about the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue, call (716) 232-4152, email wscr@4loveofcats.com, follow the Westfield Stray Cat Rescue on Facebook, or visit in person at 8494 W. Route 20, Westfield.