SPCA mobile pet adoption unit gets rolling Saturday in Chappaqua

SPCA Westchester is sending its animal adoption services on the road with its new Mobile Adoption Unit.

The Mobile Adoption Unit, the first-of-its kind in Westchester County, is a 26-foot, climate controlled vehicle that aims to travel around Westchester and Fairfield counties at events such as farmers markets and fairs to help make animal adoptions and rescues more accessible to the public.

SPCA Westchester spokesperson Lisa Bonanno said the shelter was the first brick-and-mortar animal shelter in the Lower Hudson Valley, built in 1883. However, ASPCA and other shelters have implemented mobile adoption centers since the COVID-19 pandemic to increase the chances of adoption.

“SPCA Westchester and shelters nationwide find ourselves in crisis post pandemic with adoption rates steadily decreasing,” Shannon Laukhuf, SPCA Westchester’s CEO said in a news release. "Evolving the adoption process in a more efficient and accessible way is the crucial next step in our mission to help more animals in need.”

The unit includes 20 cages and roll up viewing windows, as well as a booth for matchmaking consultations between shelter staff and prospective adopters.

The Mobile Adoption Unit will make its debut with a ribbon cutting on Saturday, May 11 at the Chappaqua Farmer's Market, located at the Chappaqua Metro-North station. The farmer's market and event starts at 9 a.m.

Bonnano said the Mobile Adoption Unit is available for local businesses and corporations to schedule adoption days or to collaborate on other events. For more information on the program, email kara@spcawestchester.org.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: SPCA mobile pet adoption unit gets rolling Saturday in Chappaqua