About Us
Mission:
To rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, neglected, and at-risk dogs and cats through a compassionate foster-based network while educating the community on humane treatment, pet safety, and responsible pet ownership to build a safer future for animals and families alike.
Vision:
A community where every dog and cat has a safe, loving home and no adoptable animal is euthanized due to overcrowding.
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Upstate Pet Project was founded from a deep passion for animal welfare and a recognition that lasting change requires more than simply rescuing pets. After fostering hundreds of dogs and cats over the past 15 years, including animals with significant medical and behavioral challenges, founder Michelle Lyons witnessed firsthand the complex issues that place pets at risk of abandonment, surrender, or euthanasia.
Through these experiences, she realized that saving animals from shelters is only part of the solution. True impact comes from addressing the root causes through education, prevention, and community support.
Upstate Pet Project was created to help build the next generation of responsible pet owners by promoting humane education, pet safety awareness, and the importance of spay/neuter programs. The organization is also committed to connecting pet owners with essential resources, including affordable veterinary care, training, and support services, so families can keep their pets healthy, safe, and in loving homes.
By combining rescue efforts with education and outreach, Upstate Pet Project aims to create a stronger, more compassionate community where fewer pets enter shelters and more families can experience the lifelong bond of pet ownership.
Our Story
Our Approach
100% Foster-Based Model: Operates entirely through a network of dedicated foster homes, providing animals with individualized care in a home environment rather than a traditional shelter setting.
Focus on Vulnerable Animals: Prioritizes at-risk pets, including shelter transfers, owner surrenders, stray animals, and those requiring medical treatment or special care.
Responsible Adoption Practices: Utilizes thorough adoption screening, counseling, and education to ensure lasting, successful matches between pets and families.
Community Collaboration: Builds strong partnerships with local shelters, veterinarians, businesses, and community organizations while promoting accessible spay/neuter services to reduce pet overpopulation.
Education and Outreach: Offers programs that strengthen the human-animal bond, including pet safety classes, humane education initiatives, and the Pawsitive Reading Program, which encourages literacy and confidence through interactions with animals.
Meet the Board
Michelle Lyons
Founder and President
Jeremy Price
Treasurer
Nicole Zeiset
Secretary