Top 8 Dog Rescues In New York: Instead Of Shop, Adopt

If you’re looking for a pet and a best friend, why wouldn’t you try to find one in a dog rescue in New York?

From Long Island to Westchester, you’ll be able to find rescues that offer wonderful canines that can become great pets, even though they’re not selectively bred by a professional breeder.

Spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping are essential procedures that all pups from these rescue organizations go through.

If you’re interested in adopting a pup in New York, read this article and discover the best rescue centers in the Empire State.

The Best Dog Rescues In New York

1. Happy Tails Dog Rescue

This is one of the non-profit associations that are devoted to saving the canines which are found in places with harsh conditions.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of facilities that approve of the euthanasia of pups that haven’t found their forever homes yet.

They don’t only save animals by taking them onto their premises but also by providing help and education to the people around them on the importance of spaying and neutering.

Overpopulation is a common issue and leads to pups being left on the street or in bad places that can’t or don’t want to help these poor pups to survive and become someone’s beloved family pets.

How To Adopt Dogs

Every doggie deserves to have a happy home, filled with love and happiness. If you wish to rescue dogs, you can do so by adopting a pup from this organization.

The adoption process is fairly easy. All of the documentation that is necessary for adoption can be found on the official website of the adoption center.

Once you fill the forms out, you can send them to the adoption care center, which will then contact you as soon as they have reviewed the application form.

Price Of Adoption

The adoption of a pup requires a symbolic fee, which is used to cover the expenses of medical care, food, and other supplies that are needed to keep the rescue center open to all sorts of canines.

If you wish to adopt a younger canine, up to seven years of age, you should pay about $400, while older canines cost just $250.

The expenses that are usually included in this price are vaccines, microchipping, spaying/neutering, and heartworm examinations.

If you have any additional questions or inquiries about the adoption process, you can contact the staff from the adoption center via phone or email.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: P.O. Box 69, Smithtown, New York

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Happy Tails Dog Rescue

Contact number: 631 947 0036

2. Social Tees Animal Rescue

The rescue foundation known as Social Tees Animal Rescue has its headquarters in New York City.

They are a secure sanctuary for canines and other animals and have a strict non-killing policy, which means that they keep the animals in their premises until they pass away naturally, even if they don’t get the chance to be adopted.

Therefore, they primarily try to save stray dogs from facilities around NYC that have a high death rate.

After these pups are saved, the volunteers from Social Tees Animal Rescue try to provide them with as much love and affection as possible.

Each canine that is saved in this way receives complete medical care and a second chance at life.

How To Adopt

Puppies from this rescue can be either fostered or adopted. All first-time potential dog owners have the choice of getting a foster pup until they’re sure they’d be able to own a canine.

The first step is to get the application form from the official website of the rescue center, fill it out, and then send it to the animal center as soon as possible.

You can choose the pup you like by seeing them on social media or on the website.

After you make a decision, you’ll need to wait until your application is reviewed.

Once they approve your request, you’ll be able to have the first encounter with your new pup.

If you make the decision to adopt, the next step is to complete the adoption process. This includes documentation, health clearances, and other details that can be provided by the volunteers.

Foster Homes

Foster parenting is the best option for people who are not yet sure whether they are ready to have a pet.

Another great thing about fostering dogs from rescues is that you’re helping these animals feel love and affection again, but you’re also helping the center by providing them with the space to save more animals from the streets.

If you want to foster a pet from this rescue center, all you need to do is complete the dog foster application and contact the volunteers to get further instructions regarding the whole process.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: New York, New York State

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Social Tees Rescue

Contact number: 212 614 9653

3. Bideawee

This is another non-profit organization that is completely devoted to the rescuing of animals from the streets.

Bideawee is one of the oldest rescue organizations in the state of New York and has saved thousands of animals during the whole century of its existence.

Their main objective is to rescue stray animals and provide them with warm and loving forever homes through their pet adoption programs.

They rescue both canines and felines and provide them with proper medical treatment, participation in activities that promote socialization, and also life in a reputable animal shelter until they’re adopted.

How To Adopt

If you want to adopt a pet from this no-kill rescue, you will need to complete the application form, but you should also prepare the necessary documentation, such as a photo ID with a utility bill that confirms the address of your residence at the moment, proof of living in a pet-friendly apartment if you livein rented accommodation, and a leash.

As soon as the documentation is reviewed and approved, you’ll be able to take the pup home with you.

This animal center has premises in several places, including Manhattan, West Hampton, and Wantagh, which makes it even easier for you to pick up a pup.

Adoption Price

The adoption of a canine from a pet rescue requires you to make a symbolic payment, which essentially covers the cost of taking care of the animals in the center.

If you want to adopt a young puppy under six months of age, you’ll need to pay $400. However, if you prefer an adult pup that is under 40 pounds, you can get one for $300, while adult pooches over 40 pounds cost $185.

If you’re still not sure whether you should adopt or not, you can help the center by paying a donation to support their work and enable them to save more animals.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: Wantagh, Manhattan, or Westhampton, New York

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Bideawee Rescue Center

Contact number: 866 262 8133

4. Brooklyn Animal Action

A group of volunteers has gathered in an organization to help the animals of New York City find loving homes and families that will provide them with plenty of love and happiness.

However, they don’t just save animals and place them in their rescue, they also perform trap-neuter-release procedures that should ultimately minimize the number of stray canines on the streets.

This rescue has been active for more than ten years, with the aim of creating a better life for the animals of New York.

They also decided to rehome pets from people who can’t keep their furry friends for some reason. Therefore, instead of another stray pet on the street, this animal will be taken care of until they find a suitable home for them.

Cats Or Dogs?

It can be said that this rescue saves cats primarily, but they don’t discriminate against canines, which is why pups might appear here occasionally as well.

There are plenty of dog rescues in New York and beyond, which is why this organization focuses more on cats.

Still, if they come across a canine that lives in harsh conditions, they’ll provide it with the necessary animal care and make sure that they’re placed in loving homes as well.

How To Adopt

Those who’d like to adopt a pet from this place can do so by completing the form, which can be found on the rescue’s website.

After the application is reviewed, you can expect a call from the rescue or an email with further instructions.

However, if you have previously owned a pet, you are supposed to prepare a vet reference as well. If this is your first time getting a pet, you’ll be instructed by a volunteer about your next steps.

The final part of the process is the home visit, during which, the volunteer makes a detailed inspection of your home in order to check whether everything complies with their standards.

One of the things that you should pay attention to are plants, especially toxic ones that might do harm to your pet. Keep them as far away as possible from the reach of a dog or a cat to ensure that they’ll be completely safe.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: Brooklyn, New York

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Brooklyn Animal Action

5. Paws Crossed Animal Rescue

This is a privately run nonprofit group that receives all of its income from grants, as well as contributions and fundraising activities.

This no-kill rescue organization is managed by a bunch of community volunteers who have made it their mission to save the lives of as many animals as they can.

In addition to finding homes for saved canines and felines, the volunteers at Paws Crossed Dog Rescue work hard to give them the best possible care.

How To Adopt

Adopting a rescued canine is one of the noblest things that you can do for animals. In return, you will get a pup that will never leave your side and will be forever grateful for everything that you did for them.

When it comes to the Paws Crossed canines, they have health records that prove that all the pups have received vaccines, were dewormed, microchipped, and spayed/neutered, which will be shared with you once you go to pick up the pup.

All you need to do in order to adopt a pup is fill out the application form and make contact with the rescue team, who will let you know all of the other details regarding the whole process.

Adoption Fee

The exact price of adopting a canine isn’t stated on their website, but that is because the adoption fee isn’t the same for all canines.

Some pups might cost more than others because of their size, age, gender, and other factors.

If you’re not able to adopt, but you still want to help, you can do so either by volunteering, giving donations, or fostering a pet.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: Elmsford, New York

Email address: [email protected]/[email protected]

Official website: Paws Crossed Animal Rescue

Contact number: 914 372 7878

6. Animal Haven

This is a non-profit association that is devoted to placing stray canines and cats from all over the NYC area in suitable homes with good owners.

When necessary, the group also conducts behavior modification in order to increase the pets’ chances of being adopted.

Essentially, this means that they include special training, which helps all hurt and disappointed animals to rehabilitate and practice at the same time.

These training programs include daily practices and advanced training sessions, but they also do counseling with future owners of rescue pets to prepare them for life with a canine that hasn’t been adapted to family life or that was disappointed by one if they were abandoned on the streets.

How To Adopt

Adopting a pup from the rescue is a big responsibility and duty which requires a lot of hard work and time.

However, if you’re ready for this adventure, all you need to do is check out the adoptable pets on the rescue’s website and make contact with the staff from the center.

You are more than welcome to visit the center as well, but if you’re not able to do so, a phone call will be okay.

Once you choose the pup that you’d like to adopt, you will need to complete the application form. However, don’t expect it to be reviewed during the initial visit (it might take a while).

Adoption Fee

Just like the majority of non-profit organizations, Animal Haven finances all of their work through donations, fundraising events, and the adoption fees that they receive from future rescue dog owners.

The price varies depending on the age of each canine; therefore, you’ll need to pay $450 for doggies that are under four months of age, $395 for pooches that are up to one year of age, and $295 for canines that are older than one year.

If you have any other inquiries regarding the dogs from this shelter or the adoption process, feel free to contact the staff, who will be more than happy to help you.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: New York, New York

Email address: Animal Haven Contact Form

Official Website: Animal Haven

Contact number: 212 274 8511

7. SPCA Westchester

This is a humane society that was founded in the 19th century, which makes them one of the oldest rescues in the USA.

The main focus of this organization is to save canines and other animals from the streets and kennels that keep them in bad conditions.

With more than 27 thousand square feet of property, it’s safe to say that SPCA is also one of the largest rescue associations in the state of New York and beyond.

They also accept pets that are abandoned by their owners and have a surrender program for all those who can’t take care of their family pets anymore.

They also offer cats and cute bunnies for adoption, which they also save from streets and places that treat animals badly.

Which Breeds Do They Rescue?

Most of the dog breeds that can be found in dog rescues in New York, including the SPCA, are mixed-breed pups, which isn’t a surprise, considering that people usually prefer purebred canines.

Crossbreeds are often a result of accidental breedings. If they’re not selectively bred, hybrids are usually not welcomed by many people.

The SPCA usually has Hounds, Shar-Pei and Pit Bull crosses, Shetland Sheepdog mix, Blue Heelers, Terrier and German Shepherd cross, and even Aussie Shepherds.

READ NEXT: Blue Heeler Mixes: 30 Adorable Pups You Need To See

How To Adopt A Dog

Adopting a canine from this rescue center is a fairly easy process and simply requires you to fill out the adoption questionnaire, after which, you’ll be contacted by the rescue center.

One of the things that I love the most about this rescue association is the fact that they allow visits to their premises every day.

You can contact the staff of the rescue center before you do the questionnaire if you have any questions or would like to hear more in detail about the whole adoption process.

Adoption Fee

At the SPCA, dogs are treated equally, even when it comes to their prices, so you’ll need to pay $400 for a canine, regardless of their breed, size, age, or gender.

You can check out all of the adoptable pets on their website.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: Briarcliff Manor, New York

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: SPCA Westchester

Contact number: 914 941 2896

8. Mighty Mutts And Ollie’s Place

If you’re looking to adopt a pup from a no-kill shelter in New York, feel free to check out this rescue center. Don’t be discouraged by the pictures of cats on their homepage.

Even though they’re mostly a cat rescue, they do not discriminate against canines that are in need, so they often offer doggies for adoption as well.

How To Adopt A Dog

Mighty Mutts And Ollie’s have a set of conditions that each potential owner of their rescue pups should fulfill before they even apply.

These rules can be found on the same webpage as the adoption application form, which you need to complete before any contact with the rescue center.

Donations are always welcome, as there would be no way for them to cover all of their expenses if it weren’t for donators.

Adoption Fee

The tax-deductible fee of $200 is considered a donation or a gift to the rescue in order to take a pup home. With this money, many more doggies can be taken care of and moved from the streets to their forever homes.

If you’re not able to adopt a pup, consider making a donation that will help this association continue its work.

Rescue Center Details:

Address: New York, New York

Email address: [email protected]

Official website: Mighty Mutts And Ollie’s Place

Final Thoughts

There are many dog rescues in New York that devote all of their time to saving canines from the streets and shelters that keep pups living in harsh conditions.

Unfortunately, there are many irresponsible dog owners and breeders that leave pups on the streets if they’re not of impeccable health and looks.

Adopting a canine is a noble thing to do, especially if you’re not looking for a specific breed.

If you’re not living in New York, you can also check out other dog rescues around the USA.

Just keep in mind that almost every rescue will ask you to bring a collar and a harness or a leash when you come to pick up the pup.

If you’re not sure where to find good dog equipment, you can check out online shopping sites like Amazon or Chewy.