If you’re interested in adopting a new pet, there are many excellent shelters in NYC to choose from. These shelters not only offer pets for adoption, but they also have several resources to help you find the perfect fit for your family.
One of the best ways to support your local animal shelter is by donating. You can donate items like dog and cat food, litter boxes and litter bags, blankets, towels, crate mats, toys, etc.
Best Friends
Whether you want a pet for your family or you are looking to make space for another homeless animal, adopting a shelter pet is a lifesaving act that helps dogs and cats find their forever homes. Not only do you add a new member to your family, but you also contribute to a national movement that will take the nation to no-kill by 2025—and you’re changing the lives of pets and the communities they live in along the way.
Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary and collaborates with thousands of rescue groups and shelters to save animals across the country. They are a leader in the no-kill movement and a model for the future of animal welfare.
They have a team of dedicated staff members, volunteers, and foster families, bringing care to hundreds of homeless pets each day. They offer a variety of services, including spay and neuter, vaccinations, medical care, and behavioral support to help homeless pets thrive in their new homes.
In addition to adoption, Best Friends supports local animal shelters by providing supplies, training, and resources. They work in close partnership with shelters to save as many lives as possible and provide lifelong support for shelter animals, so they can thrive and enjoy a happy life.
One of the most heart-warming things we get to do at Best Friends is shared stories of rescues who have found their fur-ever homes. It is a joy to see how the power of people working together can create lasting change in the lives of dogs and cats.
If you are looking to adopt a shelter dog or cat, we recommend visiting the shelter in your city and chatting with staff about what you can expect from the experience. They can also answer any questions you may have, such as the type of care your dog or cat needs and how to socialize him or her with other pets.
Wags & Walks
Wags & Walks is a family of dog-loving volunteers working to save family-friendly dogs from high-kill shelters by offering up some of the most fun pet care in town. They have a full complement of trained and certified dog walkers and doggy daycare personnel at your disposal, as well as some of the best groomers around. They also have a large network of adopters and foster parents to help you along the way. The top-notch team of animal lovers will take your dog for a spin and make them feel right at home. The best part is you can bring them back again and again! A small fee will cover the bill for you and your four-legged friend. You can even have a mini spa treatment for them if you’re feeling the pinch! The company also offers a free health assessment of your pet. They are the best in the business!
Austin Pets Alive!
Located right here in Austin, Texas, Austin Pets Alive isn’t your average animal shelter. Instead, they pioneer comprehensive, innovative programs designed to save the animals who most need help avoiding euthanasia.
Since 2008, APA has saved over 70,000 dogs and cats from being killed at Central Texas shelters. These are the pets who typically have health issues or behavioral needs requiring more care and resources than other shelters have to offer. They need our support to ensure they get the chance at life that they deserve.
They also provide veterinary services to every dog and cat who enters their shelter, including emergency surgery for those that need it. Recently, they performed a foreign body surgery on a special little pup who ingested some type of rope before he came into their care, allowing him to heal up and become healthy and happy in his forever home.
The non-profit relies on donations to survive, and they have several social media channels that help them raise awareness and connect with potential adopters. In 2018, they partnered with Khoros, a social media software company that helps nonprofits automate their social media efforts and improve their reach.
In addition to their regular foster program, they recently launched a Virtual Foster Program that pairs dedicated volunteers with long-stay dogs who are awaiting adoption. These dogs aren’t necessarily easy to place, but the program has found success, so far.
This holiday season, Austin Pets Alive is looking for the most vulnerable kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs to find their forever homes. Starting December 1-31, adoption fees will be lowered to $31 (surgery deposits still apply). This will be a great opportunity to give a furry friend the gift of forever!
Homeward Bound Homeward Bound is a nonprofit organization that provides counseling, mentoring, and other services to children who have experienced the trauma of homelessness. This includes Camp Homeward Bound, a summer camp that provides young people with the chance to reconnect with friends and learn important life skills. The organization also helps pets in need of a new home through its Pet Adoption Center. The shelter is hosting a Valentine’s Day event on February 16th, during which all adoptable animals will be available at no charge. If you’re interested in adopting a dog, consider signing up for the Home is Where the Heart campaign. For more information, visit their website. You can also donate to the cause! All donations are tax-deductible. And if you’re not ready to make a long-term commitment, consider starting a fundraiser in your honor!