Adoption Process

We take three approved applications per animal and we strive to find loving homes for the animals in our care in a timely manner. CNY SPCA Staff reserves the right to decline an application should they feel it is not a good match.

Your new family member does not go home the same day you meet them.  Once you have selected your new family member, we put them in for a final vet check before they go home.  Our veterinarian will give them a vet check, apply final flea medication, make sure all shots are up to date, and prepare a statement for your own veterinarian. Once that is completed, we will call you for an appointment to pick up your new companion. 

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old and not a fulltime undergraduate college student living in student or similar housing.
• If renting, have the permission of the landlord to have a pet in the home.
• If living with parents or roommates, have their consent to have a pet in the home.
• A meet and greet is required for any children under the age of 12 who live primarily in the home of the adopter – other than that a meet and greet with anyone else living in the house is advisable but not required.
• Dogs and cats already in the home must be up to date on all shots. No Meet and greet can be scheduled without proof of up to date rabies on current dogs and cats. We will be contacting your veterinarian for verification.
• A meet and greet is necessary if there are already dogs in the home.
• All adoption applications must be filled out completely and approved prior to any visits with the animal.
• Have a current government issued picture ID with your name and current address to accompany your application.
• Any animal on a HOLD cannot be taken out for a visit until released and made available for adoption.
• All dogs must be licensed with your Town prior to leaving the CNYSPCA, ask an adoption counselor for further details.
• All animals being adopted must be confined in a carrier or on a leash.
• All dog, cats and rabbits adopted will be spayed/neutered before leaving the shelter.
• It is recommended, but not required, that all adopted cats be indoor cats only
• Once you have  been notified that your application is approved and the pre-adoption exam is done, we will schedule a time to pick up your new family member.

“Hold” is as follows:

• Strays: 10 day hold
• Cruelty seizures (non-court): 5 to 10 days hold
• Cruelty cases going to court: Animal may have to stay in our care for an indefinite time until a court decision is rendered. Until then they will not be available for adoption.