This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York, NY. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#73 in United States, #1 in New York, #1 in New York
New York
I started this rescue in 2018 to save really good family dogs at risk in high kill shelters. We are community based and have hundreds of volunteers. We use a common sense approach to rescue and always, always take our dogs back.
"A very dedicated rescue for dogs needing help. You will not find a person more dedicated then Lisa Smith."
— vincent f.
Adoptee
"Our sweet boy Tank was adopted from A Good Dog Rescue! He is just the best and was raised so..."
— sara r.
Adoptee
#199 in United States, #7 in New York, #2 in New York
New York
Muddy Paws Rescue is a completely foster-based dog rescue operating in New York City, with a mission of building and supporting a thriving pack of dog-loving humans dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia of companion pups. Founded in 2016, Muddy Paws has helped more than 7,700 puppies and dogs find loving homes. Partnering with open-intake shelter partners in New York and across the country - Muddy Paws works with a foster network of more than 2,000 homes, and practices a conversation-based, open adoption model to save more than 1,000 lives each year. Muddy Paws operates out of their Hell's Kitchen-based Headquarters - a space that centers and strengthens their #MuddyPawsPack community and lifesaving efforts. For more information, visit muddypawsrescue.org or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and Twitter.
"I have fostered 9 dogs with muddy paws. They ranged from young puppies to large adult dogs. They gave support..."
— lucja g.
Volunteer / foster
"Muddy Paws Rescue NYC saved my precious girl twice! That's right, 2x. The day we brought her home, she nervously..."
— jamie c.
Adoptee, Volunteer / foster
#235 in United States, #8 in New York, #3 in New York
New York
As the leader in the no-kill movement, North Shore Animal League America is committed to saving and rehabilitating the lives of homeless animals and educating the public about the joys and responsibilities of rescue. Founded in 1944, we're one of the world's largest, most comprehensive no-kill rescue and adoption organizations. We are headquartered in Port Washington, N.Y. with 2,000 shelter partners across the country and around the globe.
"Bunnys buddies are all about saving the lives of dogs. They always go above and beyond to make sure..."
— loretta g.
Supporter, Fan
"This non-profit has been a no-kill since its inception. They help an enormous amount of bully breed dogs as well...."
— donna d.
Supporter, Fan
#266 in United States, #9 in New York, #4 in New York
New York
Badass Animal Rescue is a 501(c)3 dog rescue based in Brooklyn, NY. As a leader in responsible rescue, we rescue the most vulnerable dogs regardless of their breed, age, size, and medical history from underserved shelters and communities in the United States. Upon rescue, all our dogs receive comprehensive veterinary care including spay/neuter, vaccinations, deworming, heartworm testing and treatment, and flea/tick and heartworm preventatives. In some cases, this includes surgery and other specialist vet care. Badass does not have a shelter and relies on foster families to provide care, training, and ultimately improve successful adoption outcomes. The more foster homes we have, the more dogs we can save!
"For over a decade I have been supporting and volunteering with this amazing Rescue that works to unchain dogs and..."
— karin w.
Supporter
"They are wonderful very hard workers"
— donna f.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area, and provides behavior intervention when needed to improve chances of adoption. Founded in 1967, we operate an animal shelter in Manhattan. We also provide programs that enhance the bond between animals and people. Animal Haven is a 501(c)3 organization.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
Hurley's Heart Bulldog Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of bulldogs in need. Our mission is to provide compassionate care and comfort to abandoned, abused, or neglected bulldogs, nurse them back to health, and find them loving forever homes. We aim to protect bulldogs, advocate for the welfare of all animals, and strengthen the human-animal bond in our community. Through adoption, education, veterinary care, and outreach, we strive to improve the lives of bulldogs and spread awareness about these wonderful companions. Our goal is for every dog that comes through our program to have the bright future they deserve, surrounded by people who will cherish them as members of the family. We are committed to matching each bulldog with responsible, caring adopters who will provide them with lifetime love and care.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter nestled on six wooded acres in Huntington, Long Island. We have been dedicated to saving abandoned dogs and cats and placing them into loving forever homes since 1927. Age, physical condition, and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a dog or cat whose life is in jeopardy. Through rescue-from-kill facilities, rehabilitation of sick and unsocialized pets, and a 100% spay/neuter program, We hope to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats into loving forever homes. During their stay here at Little Shelter, all dogs and cats receive the highest quality medical care and are spayed or neutered before they are adopted. Every potential adopter is interviewed and thoroughly screened to ensure the right fit for each individual dog or cat.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
As a foster-based rescue, Heavenly Angels is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit. The dogs we take in are evaluated, socialized and receive training in their foster homes. Please consider fostering; it is a wonderful way to save a life and help these animals find a forever home.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
Air Twiga Animal Rescue specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating homeless and medically in-need animals, including American Staffordshire Terrier mixes. We are located throughout the United States. Since its inception, Air Twiga Animal Rescue has saved hundreds of American Staffordshire Terriers, Pit Bull mixes, German Shepherds, Cattle Dogs, Labradors, Golden Retrievers, Border Collies, Jack Russell Terriers, Yorkies, and Shih Tzus. Our rescued dogs receive the finest medical care at the Animal Medical Center in New York, the Animal Hospital of Roslyn, and Montecito Animal Hospital. They also receive top-notch professional behavioral training from Dr. Karlene Bonnes, Founder and President of Animal Behavior Specialists in New York. We strive to eliminate the negative stereotypes about the abandoned and encourage people to adopt instead of buying a pet. Air Twiga Animal Rescue aims to end the unscrupulous killing of valuable, loving animals and realize a future without homeless pets. We rescue the beloved Pit Bull breed in compliance with all local and state laws and ordinances and other animals, wild or domestic, by helicopter or plane, especially those affected by abuse, neglect, injury, illness, and natural calamities. We pilot throughout the United States, including Alaska, Canada, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. With great pride, Air Twiga Animal Rescue/Pilots N Paws has flown Military Canine War heroes from war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq to safety and new homes in the U.S. We have flown retired Military Canine War Heroes from their military bases to the Animal Medical Center in New York and the United States Senate in Washington, D.C., to be awarded the Medal of Honor. Our aircraft were amongst the first on the ground in Texas and Louisiana. Working with Pilots N Paws, we rescued over a hundred canine victims during Hurricane Harvey.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
My name is Allison Monaco. I am the founder of this organization. My lifelong passion for animals, especially dogs, is what made me create this rescue. Along with the help of my husband Craig, we are able to foster and find homes for so many dogs in need. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Nassau County, New York. We rely on donations and foster homes to continue saving lives. Jake, was our dog, that passed away in 2016. He was the most loving dog and shared so many memories with our family. We wanted to honor him by creating this dog rescue in his name. image6 Our foster program allows us to thoroughly assess the behaviors and condition of each dog so that we can develop an individualized approach to help them feel safe and loved, and give them time to recover from any medical or emotional injuries of the past. Upon arrival at JRR, our dogs receive full medical treatment by a veterinarian to ensure their overall health. Then, we spend one-on-one time with each rescue to get to know their unique personality and disposition, and, if needed, provide training to guide them to be the best forever dog they can be. Because of the time and care that we dedicate to each of our rescues, we are able to find them homes with amazing families, where they will be loved and thrive for the rest of their lives. The organization was officially started in February 2017. Since then we have rescued, fostered and found homes for dogs in need from all over the country. Our ability to rescue depends entirely on the donations we receive. With your compassion and generosity, we can continue our mission of saving lives! We pride ourselves on making sure that each and every dog receives the proper medical care before he/she is placed for adoption. Every dollar you donate is tax deductible and goes directly toward saving the life of an animal!
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
BRAT Rescue Inc. is publicly funded 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation that is dedicated to rescuing homeless, abandoned, & abused animals in the Long Island and Queens area. We strive on giving them a better life that they so desperately deserve! We started our rescue back in 2008 and with your support we have saved over 500 dogs and cats who desperately needed our help.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
Rescue Dogs Rock is a non-profit animal rescue founded in 2015. We exist solely on donations and rely primarily on fundraising to help animals in need. Our goal is to raise awareness of the ever growing plight of homeless animals in this country, both in shelters and those dumped on our streets. Way too many amazing animals are euthanized every single day simply because they are homeless. We want to introduce these animals to the public and educate people that unwanted companion animals are not damaged goods or unworthy, but really can be great family pets. Because the abuse, neglect, cruelty and medical cases cost shelters the most money and are the most urgent, they are often the first animals euthanized. Our focus is on the rescue of these urgent animals and provide them immediately the routine, emergency or specialized medical care they need and deserve. We will go beyond just vet care and get these animals rehabilitated as needed using trainers and behaviorists to help overcome issues related to past trauma. It is our belief that no injured or abused animal should lose its life simply due to lack of funds. We do not have our own shelter, and we will rely on volunteers, fosters and adopters to take the animals into their homes and provide them with proper care and nurturing. All of our animals will be vaccinated, heart worm tested, micro-chipped and altered. All of our homes, foster or adopter, will be fully screened, including references and vet check, an interview with the applicant and a home visit to ensure the home is the right fit for the animal.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
MeowSquad is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization started in 2019. Our goal is to reduce the large stray and feral cat population by using Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) techniques as well as working with the community to find forever homes for cats that can be re-socialized or relocate those who cannot into working safe environments.
#600 in United States, #16 in New York, #5 in New York
New York
The Humane Society of Westchester, founded in 1911 as the New Rochelle Humane Society, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting the human/animal bond through the compassionate care and treatment of animals throughout the communities we serve in Westchester County and beyond. To that end, our goal is to create a living environment that is not just a shelter, but a transitional home for stray, lost, abandoned, injured, and abused animals, until they can ultimately be placed in loving permanent homes. Through promotion of successful pet adoption, animal population control, and public education of animal welfare issues, we advance our belief that pet ownership is a lifetime commitment. We service 19 communities in Westchester County including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington, Larchmont, Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Port Chester, Rye Brook, City of Rye and Tarrytown.
Welcome to the 2024 New York, NY Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in New York, NY chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 15 private dog parks in the New York area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore New York dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list
We are looking for loving, responsible adopters who will provide our dogs future vet care on a regular basis, proper shelter indoors and unconditional love. We always take our dogs back and will only adopt if we feel comfortable that this type of care will be provided to our dogs.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.