10 awesome places to adopt a dog or cat in NYC
If your children have started asking to adopt a dog or a cat, good luck holding back once you start browsing through photos online. They’re irresistible! If you’re ready to add a furry family member to the pack, it’ll be decision that will affect your lives for years to come. Not only will you all be showered with unconditional love and wet puppy kisses, but introducing a pet into your home will teach kids about animals, responsibility and caring for another living being. Best of all, you’d be giving a lovable animal another chance at finding a forever home! Here are the spots to visit in NYC if your family’s on the hunt for a four-legged best friend.
Once you've found your soul pet, take a trip to a dog-friendly park, check out an art exhibit for dogs, or have a staycation in any of these pet-friendly hotels in NYC!
Best places to adopt a dog or cat in NYC
ASPCA Adoption Center
Hopeful pet owners can browse through the ASPCA Adoption Center’s online directory of dogs and cats ready to be adopted and, in most cases, can meet the critter and take him home the same day! If there’s a furry friend who’s stolen your heart but isn’t ready to head off just yet, a reservation fee can be paid to place him on hold.
Address: 424 E. 92nd St New York, NY
Hours: Mon–Sat: 11am–7pm, Sun: 11am–6pm
Phone: 212-876-7700 ext. 4120
Website: Aspca.org
Animal Care Centers of NYC
Animal Care Centers of NYC offers an amazing adoption package, which includes spaying or neutering, vaccinations, a certificate for a free exam, embedded pre-registered microchip in case your pet ever gets lost and a collar. Dogs also get a leash, dog license and heartworm test while cat adoptions also include FELV/FIV testing and a cardboard cat carrier. The center encourages families to bring their children and dogs to make sure the addition will be a right fit.
Addresses:
Manhattan Animal Care Center: 326 East 110th St, New York, NY 10029
Brooklyn Animal Care Center: 2336 Linden Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11208
Staten Island Animal Care Center: 3139 Veterans Rd West, Staten Island, NY 10309
Hours: Shelter Hours 8am–8pm, seven days a week. Adoption Hours 7am–7pm, seven days a week.
Phone: 212-788-4000
Website: Nycacc.org
Bideawee
Bideawee has tons of lovable animals in their adoption centers just waiting for you to drop in. From puppies to older (wiser) dogs and cats, this organization covers everything from microchipping to behavioral therapy for pets (for free) to help get them ready for a new life with your family!
Addresses:
The Manhattan Adoption Center: 410 East 38th St, New York, NY 10016
The Westhampton Adoption Center: 118 Old Country Rd, Westhampton, NY 11977
Hours: Hours vary between locations. Visit the site for more details.
Phone: (Both Locations) 844-568-3738
Website: Bideawee.org
City Critters
City Critters’ application and interview process ensure that you and your potential adoptee are the best possible fit. This organization works with companies like Petco and PetSmart to place cuddly pets in person.
Addresses:
Petco Turtle Bay, 991 Second Ave, New York, NY 10022
PetSmart, 632 Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Other Locations
Hours: Petco Turtle Bay: Sat and Sun 12pm–6pm and by appointment
PetSmart: Sat and Sun 1pm–6pm and by appointment
Phone: Petco: 212-593-7213, Petsmart: (212-475-0893
Website: Citycritters.org (or find their pets via Petfinder)
Animal Haven
Look into the adorable face of a pet that needs you…how can you say no? Animal Haven gives the best care possible to dogs and cats in need, but they need your help to find the perfect loving home! The organization also only accepts animals with zero history of aggression, so you’re positive you’re getting an animal with a friendly demeanor.
Address: 200 Centre St New York, NY 10013
Hours: Tue–Sun 12pm–7pm
Phone: 212-274-8511
Website: Animalhavenshelter.org
Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition
This Williamsburg no-kill not-for-profit is perfect for Brooklyn families looking to adopt. Their detailed web descriptions of each animal help you decide if a specific pet is right for you and the kids before leaving the house (though we do recommend meeting them anyway…you never know)!
Address: 86 N 1st St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Hours: (Adoption Hours) Tues–Sat 12pm–4pm
Phone: 718-486-7489
Website: Barcshelter.org
Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue
With “Saving badass dogs from idiot humans” as a motto, we know this savvy shelter means business. Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue saves dogs from high kill, high volume pounds to give them a second chance at life…now it’s your turn to make a difference. See some of their dogs online here.
Address: Network of foster homes in NY, CT and MA
Phone: Contact via e-mail at adopt@badassbk.com
Website: Badassbrooklynanimalrescue.com
Social Tees Animal Rescue
Almost all of the adoptable pets under Social Tees Animal Rescue’s care are not onsite at the shelter, but rather snuggling in foster homes around the city. It’s a much kinder situation for the pet and it gives the organization a better idea of the animal’s temperament. The shelter also has a soft spot for injured, ill and special needs animals and tries to place them in loving homes through its “Underdogs and Undercats” and “Grandpaws” programs. Looking to adopt any of the cuties listed on their site? Then fill out an application to set up a meeting or attend an adoption event at Unleased by Petco (31 Second Ave New York, NY 10003) every Saturday and Sunday 12pm–4pm.
Address: 325 East 5th New York, NY 10003
Phone: 212-614-9653
Website: Socialteesnyc.org
The Humane Society of New York
The Humane Society of New York has been providing ill, injured and abused New York City animals with a home for over 100 years. The center is more than just a shelter; its number one goal is to provide pets with top care at an affordable price and a home-like atmosphere. The only problem you’ll have is wanting to take all of these adorable animals home with you.
Address: 306 E. 59th New York, NY 10022
Hours: Open Mon–Sun (by appointment only) 8:30 AM–4:00 PM
Phone: 212-752-4842
Website: Humanesocietyny.org
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center
Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center is right outside NYC in Huntington, NY, and it’s the only non-NYC shelter to be included in the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. All dogs are spayed/neutered before adoption, and Little Shelter has snagged Best of Long Island for eight straight years (2010–2017) in the Best Animal Shelter/Rescue category. We figured it deserved a mention.
Address: 33 Warner Road Huntington, NY 11743
Hours: Mon–Fri 1pm–7pm, Sat and Sun 12pm–5pm
Phone: 631-368-8770
Website: Littleshelter.com
