The Best New York, NY Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025

A Good Dog Rescue, Inc

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.

Muddy Paws Rescue

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.

NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

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.

Badass Animal Rescue

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!

Pitbulls and Addicts

Jake's Rescue Ranch

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!

Animal Haven

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.

MeowSquad NYC

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.

Guide Dog Foundation

Air Twiga Animal Rescue

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.

Hearts & Bones Rescue

Hearts & Bones Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foster-based rescue with dual bases in New York City, NY and Dallas, TX. We are dedicated to ending the needless euthanasia of shelter dogs through direct lifesaving, shared learning, and community building. Our incredible network of rescue partners, fosters, volunteers, and a small but mighty staff work together to save dogs in the areas where shelters are under the greatest stress, and unite them with loving adopters ready to give them the lives they deserve.

Barking Back rescue

Barking Back Rescue focuses on the health and wellness of all dogs with a focus on the Catahoula breed. Our values follow: 1. Saftey of animals. 2. Promotion of health for a pup's well-being and environment 3. Decrease of animals in shelters. 4. Educating the general public about the importance of regular checkups, shots, and spaying/neutering animals. 5. Matching the right animals with their perfect family.

Joyful Rescues

To operate as a no-kill rescue (never euthanizing for space or time served). To take in cats, dogs, puppies and kittens in need, within our means (In need meaning abandoned/owner surrenders, saved from high kill shelters, strays from animal control officers or removed from puppy mills). To provide safe housing, quality food, medical care (including vaccinations, de-worming, flea treatment and spay/neuter) and love to all pets in our care until suitable, responsible and loving, permanent homes can be found through a strict screening process. To educate the public on the importance of spaying and neutering which controls the pet overpopulation, responsible pet ownership, and the humane treatment of animals. To educate the public on the horrors of puppy mills and pet store/internet puppies for sale. To assist in spaying/neutering pets for low income families, as funds allow, which will aid in population control.

Heavenly Angels Animal Rescue

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.

B.R.A.T. Rescue Inc.

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.

Schuyler County Humane Society

The Humane Society of Schuyler County is a limited admission, no-kill shelter. Incorporated in 1987, we are the only full-service animal welfare organization serving the needs of our community. The Humane Society provides shelter for stray and surrendered animals, offers animals for adoption, provides a low-cost spay/neuter program, delivers educational resources and manages programs to help area residents care for their pets. We recently completed a major shelter consolidation and renovation project enabling us to offer our services in one convenient location and provide the highest possible level of care for every animal. The facility provides housing for 24 dogs and 45 cats in both the main building and in the Kitty Kaboose. The facility includes a surgical suite, offices, and a meeting room for training and educational programs.

Humane society of Westchester

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.

Rescue Dogs Rock NYC

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.

Hurst's Heart Bulldog Rescue

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.

Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center

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.