The Chenango SPCA in Norwich will get $500,000 to construct and install isolation and double-sided kennels, including HVAC, septic, plumbing, and electrical systems. (Submitted photo)

NORWICH - The Chenango SPCA on County Road 32 in Norwich is excited to announce that they have been awarded a $500,000 grant from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to construct an addition for new dog housing.

The program, called the Companion Animal Capital Fund, is intended to help nonprofit and municipal animal shelters make building improvements to comply with the Companion Animal Care Standards Act, which was signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2022, and takes effect in December 2025.

The proposal submitted by the Chenango SPCA is to build an extension onto the current building. The new extension will contain at least four two-sided dog kennels, which have become the standard in the animal welfare field, as well as a new isolation area for sick dogs. The project will also involve adding new plumbing, HVAC, and utility systems with the capacity to handle an even larger addition in the future. Ultimately, the size and timing of that extension will be determined by the success of the Chenango SPCA’s fundraising efforts.

Brianna Curley, Vice President of the Chenango SPCA’s Board of Directors, said, “I am thrilled beyond words that we have been awarded this significant grant of $500,000. This development will meaningfully enhance our capacity to provide the best possible care for animals in our shelter, furthering our commitment to their welfare and health. We look forward to the positive changes this will bring to our organization and the communities we serve.”

The Chenango SPCA’s Executive Director, Patrick McLaughlin, said, “In the end, our goal is to move all dog housing into the new wing, and to renovate our current dog area for expanded cat housing. That’s going to be a multi-phase project over several years.”

McLaughlin added, “The fundraising for this is going to be a huge undertaking, and we’ll be counting on support from stakeholders throughout Chenango County to make it possible. This grant from the state is a tremendous start, but it will ultimately fund only a portion of our whole project.”

He also clarified the grant is a reimbursement grant, meaning that the state will reimburse the Chenango SPCA for up to $500,000 worth of construction expenses, but will not pay for them directly. In order to incur the expenses in the first place, the Chenango SPCA will need to undertake a special fundraising campaign.

The Chenango SPCA is one of ten animal care organizations throughout the state to be awarded the grant this year. The total amount awarded by the program in 2024, its sixth year of funding, is nearly $3.8 million.

The Chenango SPCA received the maximum possible grant of $500,000 based on the state’s assessment criteria, which included the gravity of need and the reasonableness of project costs.

The Chenango SPCA credits this award to a program established by the New York State Animal Protection Federation to match nonprofit shelters with professional grant writers at discounted rates. Another vital aspect of the application was community support: The Chenango SPCA received letters supporting their application from State Senator Peter Oberacker and Assemblymember Joseph Angelino, as well as several Chenango County municipalities and Dog Control Officers.

In the meantime, the Chenango SPCA continues to house homeless companion animals and place them for adoption.

Visiting hours for potential adopters are Tuesday from 12pm to 7pm and Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

- From the Chenango SPCA