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New York

Poughkeepsie

Animal Farm Foundation

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

Animal Farm Foundation

#87 in United States, #5 in New York, #2 in Poughkeepsie
#11 in pit Bull
#8 in senior dog

https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org

adoptions@animalfarmfoundation.org

Service areas:

Dutchess County, Hudson Valley, Amenia, Dover, Kingston, Stanfordville, Clinton Corners, Poughkeepsie

Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information on animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary National Canine Research Council, a think tank for science and public policy. AFF's team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities. Current AFF programs include our Old Friends program, which is an onsite and foster-based program that gives senior dogs in shelters across the country an opportunity to live out their lives in a loving home. Additionally, we have dogs on the younger side that are also apart of our adoption program, who've come to us to await their new homes while enjoying the farm life. Our Family Pantry program recognizes pets as family and, especially during tough times, provide a way to help pets stay with their families. Furthermore, AFF staff consult with animal shelters across the country on evidence-based, progressive and inclusive enrichment, training, marketing and adoption policies. We also provide toolkits and resources for best practices to governments and community organizations as well as animal shelters and individual dog owners.

Mission and Vision

Animal Farm Foundation (AFF) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization built on the principle that all dogs are individuals. Our Foundation relies on science-based information about animal behavior and public policy, including breed-specific legislation and housing insurance discrimination, derived from our subsidiary National Canine Research Council. AFF's team offers regional and national initiatives that support dogs and the people who care for them in their communities.

Specialization

Pit Bull
Senior dog

Adoption Policy

We have an open adoption policy

https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/adopt/

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"I adopted a pit mix from animal farm back in 2014 (she has since passed)! She was one of the best dogs, well behaved, trained well. It was a smooth and great experience! Animal farm is an amazing organization driven to end the breed discrimination against these animals !!"

— amanda t.

Adoptee

"AFF is the best because it consists of a small but mighty team of knowledgeable individuals who only want the best for the animals that they care for. They treat them all like their own, even offering up their own homes to give the animals a sense of what it’s like to be spoiled in a home. They set animals up for success through training, enrichment, playgroups, field trips, etc. Not only this, but they spread the wealth of their knowledge across the country by visiting other shelters and rescues and training their staff and volunteers to help them better care for the animals and therefore help improve the animal welfare field as a whole, outside of their own backyard. They care about the animals, the people, and the betterment of society as a whole. Their hearts know no bounds and their arms are always open and ready to let other like-minded people into their world. They really make the world a better place, not for money or fame, but simply for the sake of doing it."

— emily t.

Fan

"I had no intention of adopting a pit. After visiting Animal Farm Foundation it was difficult for me to decide which one of these beautiful dogs would be coming home with me. I am so hapoy that I "took a chance". Lucy is the best dog I've ever had. The staff was great, the place was great, and the dogs were awesome!"

— cathy b.

Adoptee, Fan

"I’ve adopted 4 dogs from Animal Farm Foundation in the last 15 years. They are such an amazing organization that helped break the stigma on the “pit bull type dog” being aggressive and dangerous and showed what resilient , loving, loyal, all are around wonderful companions and that each dog is an individual and not to judge a dog just by by looks or based on labels. They helped make aware that a dog can be rehabilitated and is adoptable after a questionable start in life. Their mission now to rescue senior dogs who mostly don’t or wouldn’t have a chance in a municipal shelter is again amazing and they go above and beyond to give each dog exactly what they need. I’m always in awe of what they have accomplished in the last 20 years and hope they continue to do so in the future."

— michelle c.

Adoptee

"I have adopted 2 amazing boys from AFF over the past 13 years. The staff is amazing and their dedication to stopping the stigma around the bully breeds is what makes them stand out from the rest!"

— allison l.

Adoptee

"Animal Farm Foundations (AFF) motto says it all : “All DogsAre Individuals”. I know they practice what they preach first hand because I have been a shelter volunteer for 13+ years. And I adopt my BFF’s from AFF, too! AFF cares for every dog for the unique individual they are. Old or young. Suffering with health problems or full of energy and beans, every dog in their care is respected and loved as if the dog were a beloved personal pet. And in a way, every dog in their shelter IS a beloved pet and a dear friend while in the shelters care. AFF not only helps dogs find loving homes, they volunteer within our local community helping people and their pets. AFF’s goal is to keep family pets in their family homes. One way AFF does this is by donating pet food (a high cost for many hardworking families) to our local food pantries—thus creating “one stop shopping” for families. And AFF staff members help travel to educate other shelters across the country with Play Groups, breed discrimination, etc, ensuring others benefit from their knowledge and experience. To truly understand what an extraordinary shelter/rescue AFF is please visit https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/"

— kathleen c.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

"Animal Farm Foundation is where we adopted our boy, back in 2011. They were amazing to work with. In addition to that wonderful experience, AFF does amazing work nationwide for the betterment of pit bull type dogs. From providing resources to other rescues and shelters, getting involved in drafting fair legislation and fighting breed restrictive laws, to working tirelessly to find homes for senior dogs, their work makes a difference for dogs who are constantly judged and maligned for no reason. They deserve being nominated and I hope they win!"

— meredeth o.

Adoptee, Supporter

"AFF is both one of the foremost experts in advocating the fact that all dogs are individual, including advocating against breed-specific legislation. AFF staff helps other shelters in providing trainings on how to socialize dogs at shelters and how to strategize about adoption communications and marketing. They treat their own dogs-to-be adopted wonderfully, socializing them so well. Finally, they believe all potential adopters, too, are individuals -- they are open to people from different backgrounds, as long as they are committed in the welfare of the dog. In sum: Their approach is all about challenging stereotypes with positivity and evidence of success. Over the years, we have adopted via different organizations, including NY ACC and wonderful private rescue groups, and AFF is by far the most knowledgeable, well-run, trustworthy, and impactful organization we have known. We are regular supporters and have adopted from them. And we are big fans!"

— minna.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

"From the moment I reached out to AFF 5 years ago to now, they have been incredibly easy to work with, coordinate & to offer support when asked. They really know their dogs & gave us a questionnaire to find out who we are & what we were looking for. Wave is the perfect match for our family & I credit AFF with making that connection. They do not require any adoption fees & suggested we bring Wave home for a trial weekend. Speaking of that! Not only is Wave’s personality & activity level a match for us, he came to us straight from the Paws for Purpose program at Rikers prison, so he was incredibly well behaved & trained! Animal Farm Foundation is much more than an animal rescue or shelter. They are providing direct support to people & their pets through a variety of programs, they do advocacy work against BSL & housing insurance. They consult shelters across the country implement best practices for the animals, offer training help, marketing & adoption policies. Animal Farm Foundation is changing lives, both for the snimsks they care for & the communities around them. Two examples of that are the Paws for Purpose program which paired shelter dogs with incarcerated people and the Old Friends program which focuses on finding senior dogs in shelters a home to be in. AFF is doing really really amazing (science-based!!!) work & the positive impact on the communities they serve is huge."

— lauren m.

Adoptee

"The Animal Farm Foundation is great! We have adopted two dogs from them and they were so friendly and helpful through the whole process. They took the time to help us find the right dog and make sure they would fit in our family. They also do so much advocacy to fight breed restrictions and help dogs stay with their families. I can't say enough good things about them!"

— kira p.

Adoptee, Supporter

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David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

All testimonials

— amanda t.

Adoptee

— emily t.

Fan

— cathy b.

Adoptee, Fan

— michelle c.

Adoptee

"I have adopted 2 amazing boys from AFF over the past 13 years. The staff is amazing and their dedication to stopping the stigma around the bully breeds is what makes them stand out from the rest!"

— allison l.

Adoptee

— kathleen c.

Adoptee, Volunteer / foster, Supporter, Fan

— meredeth o.

Adoptee, Supporter

— minna.

Adoptee, Supporter, Fan

— lauren m.

Adoptee

— kira p.

Adoptee, Supporter

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

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Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

Animal Farm Foundation

Mission and Vision

Specialization

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Poughkeepsie

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Poughkeepsie

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Poughkeepsie

David Adams

About Sniffspot

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