(518) 828-6044 [email protected]

Adopt-A-Pet

Our staff is ready to help you and your family find the right pet for your household, an animal who will spend the rest of its life with you. The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA serves 5,000 animals every year and cares for each one until we are able to find it a permanent and loving home.

Adoption Application

Learn more about pet adoption

Adopting a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience for all those involved in the process, for both the members of the household and for the companion who will share the rest of its life with them.

Assuming responsibility for another creature is also a serious commitment, not to be entered into lightly. We at the shelter are the first to embrace your decision to take one of our animals home with you, and we are here to answer your questions and give you as much information upfront as possible so that the transition is as smooth and stress-free as it can be. Your home should become your new pet’s forever home.

Many adopters will be quick to tell you that a rescued dog or cat is the best companion they have ever had—that it seems to know it has been given a new start for a happy life. While we can’t prove this
scientifically, we do agree with them!

Whether this is your first dog, your sixth rabbit, or your tenth cat, let us help you make it a positive, permanent partnership!

In order to process you adoption application, you will need to provide the following, so please bring these with you to the shelter:
• two personal references
• your veterinarian’s phone number, if you currently own or previously owned animals
• your landlord’s phone number, if you rent your residence

If you currently have a dog(s) and are looking to adopt another, we will schedule a time for you to bring your current pet(s) for a meet-and-greet with your new, adopted dog.

Keep in mind that you may not find the perfect pet for you on your first visit. Take your time, be patient, and don’t panic! The right dog for you is out there, and our Adoption Staff wants to help you find it. There are always animals waiting to come into our shelter, and as soon as a lucky dog or cat leaves the shelter for its new home, we bring in one of these that is on stand-by—and one of them just might be the ideal match for you. You can always fill out a “Special Request Card” with your preference and leave it with one of our Adoption Counselors in case that certain pet comes to us, but to be up-to-date on what animals we have available, be sure to keep an eye on our website and visit us weekly. You can also check in with us by calling (518) 828-6044 or by emailing [email protected].
Available Dogs
Available Cats
Other Available Animals

The Fees

The fees for adopting animals at The Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA help us provide medical care, food, and shelter for the animals in our care. We never euthanize animals for space constraints; adoptable pets stay with us as long as it takes to find their forever homes.

*The adoption fee for Pitbull mixes is now $100. There is no adoption fee for senior pets! Dogs over the age of 7 and cats over the age of 10 are free. Thanks to generous donors who sponsor the adoption fees for these pets, the adoption is free but still includes all the same benefits as a regular adoption. All normal adoption requirements and screening also apply.

Dogs

$225
  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Distemper combo vaccination
  • Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccination
  • Canine Influenza vaccine
  • De-Worming
  • Heartworm/Lyme/Ehrliciosis
  • Rabies ID Tag
  • Collar and Leash
  • Free exam to CGHS adoption animals with our health/wellness clinic, if scheduled within 14 days of adoption.
  • 24PetWatch Microchipping & Registration (young puppies excluded)
  • A free bag of dog food to ease the transition to your brand at home

Cats

$100
  • Spay/neuter surgery
  • Rabies vaccination
  • Distemper combo vaccination
  • Cardboard cat carrier
  • De-worming
  • Feline Leukemia/Feline Heartworm / FIV Test
  • Breakaway collar for cats
  • Free exam to CGHS adoption animals with our health/wellness clinic, if scheduled within 14 days of adoption.
  • 24PetWatch Microchipping & Registration
  • Free bag of cat food to ease the transition to your brand at home

Keep In Mind

Keep in mind that you may not find the perfect pet for you on your first visit. Take your time, be patient, and don’t panic! The right pet for you is out there, and our Adoption Staff wants to help you find it. There are always animals waiting to come into our shelter, and as soon as a lucky pet leaves the shelter for it’s new home, we bring in one of these that is on stand-by – and one of them just might be the ideal match for you. To continue to stay up-to-date on the animals we have available for adoption, be sure to keep an eye on our website.

Things to consider when adopting

We’re so happy that you’re looking to adopt a pet with us. Keep in mind that it is a lifelong commitment, so please consider the following before you take that step. Our goal is not to deter you from adopting, but to pose some questions for you to consider in advance. We have found that by doing this with prospective adopters, it helps reduce the number of pets that are returned by well-meaning adopters who didn’t thoroughly think through what it takes to own a pet.

Why do you want a pet?
Are you looking for a companion to join you on your morning run? Do you want someone to cuddle with while you watch your favorite shows? Your answers can help us find you a pet that will be a good match for your lifestyle and hopefully avoid an incompatible pairing.
Are you allowed to have pets where you live?
If you are allowed to have pets, have you told your landlord that you’re looking to adopt? If you rent, are you planning to move anytime soon? It can be more of a challenge or more restricting to find a place that allows pets. If you’re planning on moving in the near future, it is a good idea to wait until you are moved into your new pet-friendly home before adopting. Further, it will be less stressful for your pet to adjust to only one new home.
Do you have enough time for a pet?
This is especially important for dogs or puppies. If you are not home very much, you may want to consider adopting an adult cat that will be able to adjust to your busy schedule, as opposed to a high-energy dog that will eat your sofa if it doesn’t get it’s daily hike.
Can I afford a pet?
Animals require food, annual vaccinations, and vet exams-for starters. On average, it costs $400 to $2,500 per year to provide basic food, routine vet care, and supplies for a dog (excluding grooming, boarding, and emergency health care). For cats, the annual cost can run from $200 to $700. Depending on the age and breed of the animal, you may be looking at around 15 years of expenses.
Who will be responsible to care for the animal?
Have you determined who will exercise, feed, groom, and clean up after your pet? Will you be able to get your pet to the vet every year and as needed for the rest of its life? If you are a parent trying to teach your children responsibility, we applaud you, but keep in mind that there is a good chance YOU will be the primary caregiver.
Is your family ready?
Is everyone in your household on board with the adoption? If you live alone, do you have the time and finances? Does anyone have allergies to pets?

In order to process your adoption application, you will need to provide the following, so please
bring these with you to the shelter:

References

Two personal references

Veterinarian’s Phone Number

Your veterinarian’s phone number, if you currently own or have previously owned
animals

Landlord's Phone Number

Your landlords phone number, if you rent your residence

If you currently have a dog(s) and are looking to adopt another, we will schedule a time for you to bring your current pet(s) for a meet-and-greet with your new, adopted dog.

You can also check in with us by calling or by emailing.

Call Us
Email Us