If a search for the best dog rescues in Western New York has brought you to this post, you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve featured 8 top dog rescues for your review.
1. Awesome Paws Rescue (Buffalo)
Based in Buffalo, NY, Awesome Paws Rescue is a non-profit organization dedicated to saving the lives of dogs stuck in overcrowded shelters in the southern states. Rescued dogs are transported from the south up to Buffalo, where they are then placed in foster care until they can be adopted into a loving, permanent home.
If you’re interested in adopting from Awesome Paws Rescue, you need to first complete an application online that will be reviewed by a member of the organization. If approved, they might have some ideas of dogs that would be a good fit for you – you can also view their available pets here. Of course, you can also help the team at Awesome Paws Rescue by making a donation.
2. A Purr-fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center (Williamsville)
A Purr-fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center is an organization led by a team of dedicated volunteers who rescue animals in need and provide shelter, food, and love for them, until a permanent home can be found for each pet. Based in Williamsville, NY, A Purr-fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center is a dedicated no-kill rescue organization.
From name alone, A Purr-fect Fit may sound like a cat rescue organization, but they also have dogs available for adoption. Click here to view their adoptable pets. The organization also relies heavily on volunteers and fosters to care for their rescued animals. If you’re looking for another way to help out, you can donate to A Purr-fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center here.
3. Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue (Buffalo)
Founded in 2003, the Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue is a non-profit organization led by volunteers. Based in Buffalo, NY, this organization rescues Pugs and other small dogs (including terriers, boxers, chihuahuas, and more) and adopts them into loving homes (as long as they are within 100 miles of Rochester or Buffalo).
Before being listed for adoption, all dogs are vaccinated, heartworm/parasite tested, and spayed/neutered (age permitting). If you think a smaller dog is a great fit for you and your family, you can view their available dogs here. If you would like to support their cause, click here to donate to the Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue.
4. Nickel City Canine Rescue (Williamsville)
Nickel City Canine Rescue is a Williamsville-based rescue organization that has saved and successfully adopted over 700 dogs. The organization is run entirely by volunteers, and all dogs are fostered in homes (not at a shelter) before they are adopted. They spay and neuter every animal they care for in an effort to reduce pet over-population.
Nickel City Canine Rescue saves all dogs, regardless of their age or the type of medical care they may require. Prior to being listed for adoption, all dogs are vaccinated, de-wormed, treated for fleas/ticks, heartworm tested, and microchipped. View available dogs here, or donate to Nickel City Canine Rescue here.
5. Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY (Buffalo)
Another Buffalo-based rescue, Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY, has been operating since 2012 and has rescued more than 2000 dogs in the years since. The organization was initially founded by a small group of friends, and has since grown into a large network of dedicated volunteers who are committed to saving breeding dogs at puppy mills.
As well as rescuing dogs, the organization also works hard to educate the public regarding puppy mills and the conditions faced by many of the dogs there. They promote adopting a rescue dog rather than purchasing a dog that may have come from a puppy mill. To view their adoptable dogs (they are all placed in foster homes prior to adoption), click here. You can also donate to Furever Friends here.
6. Queen City Pitties Animal Rescue (Tonawanda)
Queen City Pitties Animal Rescue is a breed-specific dog rescue organization that focuses their resources on saving Pit Bulls and Put Bull mixes. These dogs sometimes have a bad reputation and make up over 60% of the dogs found in most city shelters. The organization is dedicated to educating the public about this breed and the joy that a Pit Bull can bring with the right training and care.
Once rescued, all dogs are placed in foster care – there is no shelter you can visit to view them. Before being adopted, dogs are vaccinated, heartworm tested, tested for parasites, microchipped, and spayed/neutered. Their foster family will also assess their temperament and provide training. If you’re interested in adopting, view their available dogs here. You can donate to Queen City Pitties here.
7. HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team (Hamburg)
First founded in 1984, HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team has been responsible for saving thousands of pets in need. This non-profit, no-kill group is run completely by volunteers who work tirelessly to save neglected, injured, orphaned, abused, or sick animals. Based in Hamburg, NY, the organization operates throughout Western New York.
Once rescued, dogs are placed in foster homes until they can be adopted. While in foster care, they are vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and their personality/temperament is assessed to ensure they can be placed in a home that’s a great fit. If you’re interested in adopting, view the available dogs here. You can also donate to HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team here.
8. Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue (Buffalo)
Based in Buffalo, NY, Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue was first founded in 2013. Dogs are rescued from high-kill, overcrowded shelters and placed in loving foster homes until they can be permanently adopted. Prior to adoption, each dog is vaccinated and spayed/neutered.
If you’re interested in adopting, you can view all of their adorable dogs here. Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue receives no government funding – if you would like to help out the organization you can do so by donating here.
“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.”
