Over 164 million households in the United States own at least 1 pet. Heck, I have 3! Sadly, there are 6 to 8 million pets that enter shelters each year.

If you are thinking about a pet adoption, think shelter first. A full 25 percent of shelter pets are purebred animals, so if you are fussy and want one, shelters have them.

And you are saving an animal's life.  Since the flood of 2011, area shelters have had high populations to take care of, so yes, your adopting just one pet does make a difference.

Here are the shelters that serve the Southern Tier with adoptions, education programs, clinics and more:

  • BChumanesoc.com
    BChumanesoc.com
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    Broome County Humane Society

    The BC Humane Society is one of the busiest shelters in the Southern Tier. They share their mission:

    The humane society is an independent, non-profit animal welfare organization. They receive no government funding, are dedicated to preventing animal cruelty and finding homes for companion animals. They serve the community by sheltering animals, finding them homes, investigating reports of animal cruelty, educating people of all ages, and rescuing animals from threatening situations.

    They are located at 2 Jackson Street on Binghamton. They are open Tuesday – Friday 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm.

    BC Humane’s phone number is: (607) 724-3709. Find them on Facebook!

     

  • True Friends Animal Welfare Center
    True Friends Animal Welfare Center
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    True Friends Animal Welfare Center

    True Friends was born because the Pennsylvania SPCA was closing the Montrose shelter. That meant there would be no shelter for Susquehanna and Wyoming Counties. A group of concerned residents got together and formed True Friends in 2011. The residents wanted to continue the tradition of having a safe place for pets that began, with the original shelter, in the 1930’s.

    The shelter is no-kill and is run by volunteers. They encourage fostering pets and hold educational sessions.

     

    True Friends is located at 16332 SR 706 in  Montrose  PA . Their number is  570-278-1228.
    Open daily from 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Find them on Facebook.

  • Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA
    Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA
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    Stray Haven Humane Society & SPCA

    Stray Haven serves Tioga County in NY. Stray Haven has been a champion for stray, unwanted, abused and neglected animals for 40 years. They have various education programs and clinics besides their adoption program. One of the most interesting services they offer is Pet Therapy!

    Volunteers and your support is always welcome.

    You can find Stray Haven at 194 Shepard Road in Waverly, NY.  You can call them at 565-2859 and find them on Facebook!

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    Cortland Community SPCA

    Like some of the shelters on this list, Cortland Community SPCA is the only full service animal shelter in the area. They are no kill and have a variety of education programs and clinics.

    They rely on donations for most of their operating budget and they always welcome volunteers.

    The shelter is located at 879 McLean Rd in Cortland.You can call them at 753-9386.

    Cortland Community SPCA is open 1 to 6 pm Tuesday through Friday and noon to 4 pm on Saturday.

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    Chenango County SPCA

    The CSPA was founded back in 1907,so they have been serving the community for quite a while. They recently expanded to make room for more kitties.

    The CSPCA houses lost, surrendered, abused and stray animals. They offer adoptions and education programs as well. Volunteer opportunities are always available.

    The shelter is located at 6160 County Road 32 in Norwich. Their number is 334-9724.

    The CSPCA hours of operation are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday noon to 4:30 pm and Saturday 11 am to 3 pm.

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    Broome County (Front Street) Dog Shelter

    The Broome County Dog Shelter has been up and running since 1956. It is not funded by the County, but by contracts with twelve area towns.

    The dogs her are stray and adoptable. There are education programs and referral programs to help pet owners as well.

    The shelter is located off Upper front Street at 110 Cutler Pond Road in Binghamton. You may call for hours or information at 778- 2493.

  • Every Dog's Dream
    Every Dog's Dream
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    Every Dog's Dream

    Every Dog's Dream is a no kill rescue that is private. They have hooked up with Petco to make the dogs they rescue have a better shot at adoption and to expand education programs.
    You can find Every Dog's Dream here:
    Adoption Center:
    PETCO 420 Harry L. Drive in JC. 

    Rescue and Sanctuary:
    1270 State Highway 206 in Greene.

    They are open:
    Wednesday - noon - 6pm,
    Thursday 1 - 7pm, Friday noon - 6pm and
    Saturday -Sunday 10am - 4pm.

     

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