If you want to adopt a dog from one of the best dog rescues in New York State, read on to learn about 10 rescues and what they do.
1. Social Tees Animal Rescue (New York City)
Social Tees Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in New York City. They are a strictly no-kill animal safe haven that rescues abandoned animals from high-kill shelters across New York. Their team then provides the animals with love and veterinary care until they can be adopted into their forever homes.
Social Tees Animal Rescue was founded in 1991 and has rescued many cats and dogs in the years since. All of their animals are spayed/neutered, have up to date vaccines, are microchipped, and are tested/treated for fleas and worms prior to adoption.
2. Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue (Buffalo)
If you’re in New York and looking to adopt a small dog, you may want to check out Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue. This nonprofit organization is based in Buffalo, NY, and is run completely by dedicated volunteers. The organization was founded in 2003 with the aim of finding loving homes for abandoned or neglected pugs across New York State.
To adopt from Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue, you must be located within 100 miles of Buffalo or Rochester, NY. A donation is required to help cover medical costs, and all dogs are spayed/neutered prior to adoption. Adoptable dogs can be viewed here, or you can visit this page to donate to Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue.
3. Rescue Pit (Rochester)
Rescue Pit is a nonprofit rescue organization based in Rochester, NY. They have a soft spot for pit bulls, which have a negative stigma and are one of the most commonly found dog breeds in high-kill shelters. Rescue Pit rescues pit bulls from these situations and places them in foster care until a safe, loving, permanent home can be found.
As well as rescuing dogs, the team of dedicated volunteers at Rescue Pit provides general education for the community of Rochester regarding pit bulls and caring for them and provides ongoing support to pit bull owners so that less animals end up in shelters. View adoptable dogs here, or donate to Rescue Pit here.
4. Paws Crossed Animal Rescue (Yonkers)
Based in Yonkers, NY, Paws Crossed Animal Rescue is a private nonprofit organization relying only on donations, fundraising events, and grants for funding. This dedicated no-kill rescue is run by a team of committed volunteers who strive to save as many animal lives as possible. The team at Paws Crossed Animal Rescue also seeks to provide exceptional care for all rescued cats and dogs.
Paws Crossed Animal Rescue was founded in 2016 and has rescued many animals in the years since. In 2019 alone, they rescued and re-homed over 500 dogs. They also provide educational programs to the public to promote responsible pet ownership in an effort to reduce the number of animals that end up in shelters. View adoptable dogs here, or make a tax-deductible donation to Paws Crossed Animal Rescue here.
5. Helping Hounds Dog Rescue (Syracuse)
Helping Hounds Dog Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Syracuse, NY. Their team rescues dogs in need throughout central New York and cares for the animals until they can be re-homed. Founded in 2009, the organization targets overcrowded, high-kill shelters and removes dogs from these settings to give them a second chance at life.
Each year, the team at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue re-homes over 1700 dogs. To view the dogs that are currently available for adoption, click here. If you would like to donate to the team at Helping Hounds Dog Rescue, click here.
6. Bideawee (New York City)
Bidawee is a nonprofit animal rescue based in New York City. They are one of the oldest organizations of their kind in NYC and have been acting as a no-kill animal welfare group for over 100 years. Their aim is to rescue homeless dogs and find permanent, loving homes. Once rescued, cats and dogs enjoy medical care, socialization activities, and quality shelter life until their permanent homes can be found.
If you’re interested in adopting from Bideawee, you can view their adoptable dogs here. On average, housing a dog prior to adoption costs around $1500. As adoption fees are less than $400, the team at Bideawee relies heavily on donations to care for their animals. If you would like to contribute, you can do so here.
7. Awesome Paws Rescue (Buffalo)
Awesome Paws Rescue is based in Buffalo, NY. This nonprofit organization provides support for all breeds of abandoned or neglected dogs. They rescue animals from overcrowded, high-kill shelters and place them in foster homes until they can be adopted into permanent, loving homes.
Their team of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to bring rescued dogs to Buffalo from shelters in the southern states. During foster care, the animals receive medical attention and can rehabilitate while their foster family learns more about their personality and temperament. View available dogs here, or visit this page to donate to Awesome Paws Rescue.
8. BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue (Rochester)
If you’re looking to adopt a high-energy hiking buddy, BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue may be the place for you. This nonprofit organization is based in Rochester, NY, and rescues shepherds from overcrowded shelters or other rescue organizations. They have no shelter – all dogs are housed in foster care until they can be adopted.
Founded in 2002, BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue relies on volunteers to help hundreds of German Shepherds find new homes each year. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view available dogs here. You can also donate to BrightStar German Shepherd Rescue by visiting this page.
9. Pet Rescue (Yonkers)
Pet Rescue is a nonprofit rescue organization based in Yonkers, NY. Their mission is to rescue abandoned, neglected, or homeless cats and dogs and find loving homes for them. Pet Rescue was founded in 1982 by a group of volunteers who care for these rescued animals until they can be adopted into permanent homes.
Prior to adoption, dogs undergo a veterinary exam, are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Adoptable dogs can be viewed here, or you can visit this page to donate to Pet Rescue.
10. Paws for the Cause Rescue (Syracuse)
Paws for the Cause Rescue is a nonprofit organization based in Syracuse, NY. Their mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home dogs and puppies that have been abandoned or surrendered to high-kill shelters.
Their team of volunteers works hard to find the most suitable adopter for each dog and also ensuring that new owners take care of spaying/neutering their dogs. View their available dogs here, or visit this page to make a donation to Paws for the Cause Rescue.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
