Some of these organizations also have spay/neuter programs, and some help stem the overpopulation of stray and feral community cats in NYC through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs.
Bear in mind that each rescue group and shelter has its own adoption process, procedures, and adoption fees which are determined entirely by the individual organization. A good first step is to visit the websites of these organizations. Many of these sites include information about the group’s adoption process, as well as contact information and adoption applications.
Animal shelters and rescue groups serving the five boroughs and greater NYC area include:
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)
(Temporarily closed; will re-open in 2026)
Almost Home Animal Rescue & Adoption
American Maltese Association Rescue
Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF)
Animals Can’t Talk Rescue and Adoption (ACT)
Bull Terrier Rescue New Jersey
Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (CARE of DC)
Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New Jersey
Feathered Friends Parrot Adoption Services
Ferret Association of Connecticut
Forgotten Friends of Long Island
German Shepherd Rescue of New York
German Shepherd Rescue of Southeastern Pennsylvania
German Shorthaired Pointer Club Rescue Program
Glen Highland Farm Border Collie Rescue
Glen Wild Animal Rescue / Rescue Dogs Rescue Soldiers
GRROWLS (Golden Retriever Rescue Operated With Love Statewide)
Heart and Soul Animal Rescue of Long Island
Internet Miniature Pinscher Service (IMPS)
Italian Greyhound Rescue Foundation
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue
Mid-Atlantic Basset Hound Rescue
Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue League
Mountain Rottie Rescue of New York
New England Border Collie Rescue
New England Old English Sheepdog Rescue
New Jersey Schnauzer Rescue Network
North Fork Animal Welfare League
North Shore Animal League America
The Patricia H. Ladew Foundation
Pet Adoption League of NY / A Chow Rescue
RSVP Animal Welfare & Rescue Group
Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and Adoption Center
Scottish Terrier Club of Greater New York Rescue
Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation
Town of Brookhaven Animal Shelter
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter/The Shelter Connection
Town of Smithtown Animal Shelter & Adoption Center