Carrot, pictured, is a 5 month old cat who has been at the Chenango SPCA since November of 2021. She is currently available for adoption, among 74 other cats and two dogs. Applications for adoption can be found on the Chenango SPCA website, chenangospca.org, or at the shelter. (Photo from the Chenango SPCA Facebook page)

CHENANGO COUNTY — After a successful year of 600 adoptions in 2021, the Chenango SPCA is still looking for homes for over 100 animals. As of Thursday, January 20, the shelter was home to 112 cats and 12 dogs. Currently, their website lists 75 cats and two dogs as being ready for adoption at this time.

Executive Director Annette Clarke said adopting an animal from the shelter is a process, but that it's to ensure the adopter is ready for a new pet, and that the animal will be going to a loving home.

"It's not good for the animal to leave the shelter and then have to come back to the shelter. So we want them to be kind of sure that this is what they want to do," she said. "So usually we ask them to wait, just 24 hours, and we can process their application, make sure everything is good, and then they can come in and pick the animal."

According to Clarke, the adoption process begins with a completed application, which can be found online at chenangospca.org, or at the shelter. Then, references are checked, and if the applicant has a veterinarian, they are contacted to ensure their current pets are spayed or neutered and up to date on vaccinations.