Animal Welfare Organization Expands to OTR

SPCA Cincinnati to Open Adoption Center on Main Street This Fall

CINCINNATI (June 15, 2026) – Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Cincinnati, a privately-funded, non-profit animal welfare and rescue organization, recently signed a lease for the space at 1312 Main Street in Over-the-Rhine (OTR). Founded in 1873, SPCA Cincinnati is the fourth oldest humane society in the United States – and the oldest in Ohio. Today, it serves more than 35,000 animals annually across Greater Cincinnati through adoption, veterinary care, humane education, foster programming, and community outreach. The new 1,795-square-foot street-level adoption center, which is being leased from Cincinnati Center City Development Corp. (3CDC), will accommodate up to six dogs at a time, along with a dedicated space for multiple cats.

Animals at the adoption center — who will come in through owner surrenders, rescue transfers, foster placements, and the SPCA Cincinnati care network — will receive daily care, including feeding, cleaning, enrichment, and behavioral support, along with adoption services. Each animal will also receive veterinary oversight and medical care through SPCA Cincinnati’s broader medical and foster system before becoming available for adoption.

“Our goal is not simply to house animals,” said Chris Seelbach, President & CEO of SPCA Cincinnati. “It is to prepare them physically and emotionally for successful placement into permanent homes.”

As part of a comprehensive transformation at SPCA Cincinnati, the new adoption center represents more than a physical expansion. It reflects a broader investment in medical care, foster program growth, adoption accessibility, behavioral enrichment, and operational improvements — all aimed at reducing length of stay, improving outcomes, and placing more animals into loving homes more quickly.

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

SPCA Cincinnati’s primary adoption center is currently located at its Sharonville campus. Recognizing the importance of visibility in helping animals move more quickly and successfully from intake to adoption, the organization identified the Main Street storefront as an ideal location for a new adoption center. With high foot traffic and daily public engagement, the new location is positioned to significantly increase exposure and adoption opportunities. However, after the new adoption center opens, the Sharonville location will remain SPCA Cincinnati’s primary campus and headquarters.

Specifically designed to be highly accessible and community facing, people will be able to stop in, meet animals, ask questions, and interact with the space without an appointment. The space will include two dog meet-and-greet rooms and a separate meet-and-greet area designed to help potential adopters interact comfortably 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, EVP of Civic & 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.”

Currently, SPCA Cincinnati is working with City Studios Architecture and Hunt Builders Corporation on the design and buildout of the new adoption center, which is on track for completion this fall. Upon completion, the space will feel modern, welcoming, and approachable with storefront visibility that puts adoptable pets in view of passersby. It is expected to create several new positions tied to animal care, adoptions, operations, and customer service, though staffing plans are still being finalized. In addition, volunteer and corporate engagement opportunities will also be available. SPCA Cincinnati is planning a grand opening celebration this fall. Details will be shared as they become available.

To learn more about SPCA Cincinnati, please visit https://www.spcacincinnati.org/ and follow along at https://www.instagram.com/spcacincinnati/.

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