Photo by Stephanie Norris, ASPCA
Need Help?
As New Yorkers, animals share our lives, and we all want them to be healthy, happy, and safe. We've gathered a range of resources that can help you take good care of your pets and help other animals in need.
New York City area animal shelters and rescue groups are full of loving, beautiful cats, dogs, rabbits, and other animals in need of homes. Large and small, young and old, mutts and purebreds — thousands are waiting today. If you are ready to care for a pet and expand your family, please explore adoption!
Keeping your furry friends safe and healthy is your top responsibility as a pet owner. These resources can help improve your pets' health and prevent or address threats to their well-being.
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As a New York City pet owner, it's important to know about your legal rights and responsibilities, and where to turn when you need legal help.
Sometimes pet owners need some extra help to overcome challenges that threaten their ability to keep their pets in their homes. In New York City, there are organizations that can help you explore potential solutions before you permanently surrender your pet, or take him/her into their care should surrender be the best option.
Animal Cruelty, Abuse & Neglect
New York State law defines animal cruelty as a situation where a person causes unjustified harm, pain, or suffering to an animal or neglects an animal's care by not providing the animal with proper food, water, medical care, or suitable shelter.
Cats, dogs, and other pets are sometimes left behind when owners suffer medical problems, are incarcerated, are evicted, or just move away. These animals rely on the help of neighbors to get out safely.
Injured, Ill, or Orphaned Animals
When domestic pets or wildlife are injured, ill, or orphaned, they often need human assistance to survive. These organizations and resources can help you help them.
Bideawee's Feral Cat Initiative supports the efforts of organizations and individuals who work to help feral and stray community cats and perform Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) in New York City.
Rabbits can make wonderful pets. If you’re thinking of adopting a rabbit, or you’re looking for information and resources to help you care for your rabbit, you’ll find them here.
Animal Education & Visit Requests
Is your school, business, or civic group looking to host an animal-related group to speak at and/or bring animals to an event, such as a class, animal recognition day, or on-site pet adoption event? These local organizations may be able to help.
These organizations provide information about and opportunities to get involved in animal welfare legislation in New York City and beyond.
The Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals currently has no positions available, but if you're interested in pursuing a career or internship in animal welfare in the New York City area, there are numerous avenues you can explore.
Starting an Animal Rescue or Sanctuary
So you think you want to start a animal rescue group or sanctuary? That's great! But to get started, you'll first want to consider the many challenges you will likely encounter along the way. These resources can offer you some guidance.
Creating a Strategic Plan [PDF]
Every animal welfare organization needs a blueprint to guide its efforts in lifesaving. Your Strategic Plan is key to creating targeted and result-oriented programs, and evaluating your successes and challenges.