If you are looking for the best places to adopt in New York City, I’ve got your list! When you decide it is time to bring a fur baby home, there are so many places to choose from it can be overwhelming. In a city as big as New York, that list is even larger than usual, as is the list of animals waiting for adoption! That being said, here are my top 3 best places to adopt in New York City!
Related: Your Guide to Dog Adoption in Chicago
Best Places to Adopt in New York City
The Humane Society of New York:
These people care about the animals in their care. Every day they get exercise, they are not just kept in cages or tied up. Volunteers take their time to spend quality time with these loveable animals who only want a place to call home with a loving family. The Humane Society of New York was founded in 1904 to protect the city’s horses against abuse. Troughs were put in the streets, so horses had water (my how times have changed!) The Humane Society is located at 306 East 59th Street New York, NY. You can also check out their website for updates on adoptable dogs.
Animal Care Centers of NYC
Yes, they used to be known as Animal Care and Control, and yes, they didn’t always have the best reputation. Since the city increased their budget quite a bit, though- and kudos to NYC for recognizing that animals need help too!- they have better resources. Unlike the others on this list, Animal Care Centers are required to take every animal brought to them, which means there are A LOT of animals waiting for a forever home.
Related: Where Can You Adopt a Dog in San Diego?
You have 3 locations to choose from! Whether you are in Manhattan, Brooklyn or Staten Island, you will surely find the right pet for you. When you adopt a dog at Animal Care Centers, you will also get a certificate for a free exam at a participating vet, your dog will be spayed or neutered, they will have initial vaccinations as well as a pre-registered microchip. Also your dog will have heartworm testing, and you will be given a license as well as a collar and leash to take your new buddy home safely! If you are looking to adopt a specific breed, they have a special form you can fill out, and they will contact you when your desired breed walks in. Please, though, consider one of their at-risk pooches if you’re not picky? Check out their website for more info.
Animal Haven: This shelter is located in Manhattan. Because they are opening a new facility early this year (how exciting!) all of their dogs are placed in foster homes at the moment. Let that sink in for a second. There are so many families willing to care for these dogs temporarily! Don’t let that hold you back, you can schedule a meet and greet. You want to go to their website for instructions on how to schedule your meet and greet. They want to make sure all of their dogs are adoptable, so if there are behavior issues when they arrive, they work with the dog to correct those. You can rest assured you are getting a great dog when you go to Animal Haven!
I am giving you a virtual pat on the back for deciding to adopt! Honestly? I wish I had done it the first time around. I will adopt when the time is right again! You don’t have to go through that puppy stage while cute and all, is messy! Unless of course you are adopting a puppy. Deciding to adopt is the first step! Whichever shelter you choose to go to, you are giving a dog a second chance at a forever home.
