The 11 best places to adopt a dog in New York State

35 Lewis Rd Akron, NY 14001 

Senior pets are adopted at significantly lower rates and often stay in shelters much longer than younger ones. White Whiskers was established in 2020 to give up to 25 senior dogs a refuge while they wait for adoption. They host adoption events throughout western New York and also hold a monthly pet bereavement support group on site. Since its inception, they have already re-homed over 250 dogs, but there are plenty of lovable pups available for adoption today. Give a senior dog a chance!

How to adopt: Check out their thorough adoption process to meet your new bestie.

What we love: They focus on overlooked older pups.

2 Rider Pl, Freeport, NY 11520

Ready to give a dog a second chance? Bobbi and the Strays has two locations to find the perfect furry friend. Their shelters in Queens and Freeport (Long Island) focus on rescuing animals in need—often removing them from “death row” at high-kill shelters—and finding their future forever homes. Once the animals are spayed/neutered and vaccinated, they go up for adoption and also may take part in community programs like anti-bullying and animal education. Their focus is always on the animals’ needs, with a guaranteed return policy to prioritize what’s best for the adopted pets.

How to adopt: An application, including reference checks, is needed, as is standard. Start here.

What we love: Their community and school outreach to teach people about dog rescue.

PO Box 162, Alden, NY 14004

Many adorable doggos live at Awesome Paws Rescue near Buffalo, but they’d rather live with you! There’s Cayenne, the floppy-eared shepherd mix with limitless love, or Duchess, a sweet pittie senior who was abandoned by her former family and just wants a home. Jess is an Australian cattle dog with a proclivity for cuddling, and Penny, a beagle puppy who wants to live with other dogs. All pooches are certified Buffalo Bills fans, as Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir is a supporter of the shelter!

How to adopt: If you are within a 45-mile radius of Buffalo, adopt here.

What we love: How they make dogs celebrities!

153 E 3rd St, Brooklyn, NY 11218

Brooklyn’s Sean Casey Animal Rescue is one of the few shelters in New York that takes on the most difficult medical cases. They have saved thousands of animals from kill shelters and continue to work toward saving every pet they can. Your apartment doesn’t allow dogs? You live in a studio? You can still give love to the doggaronis. The lovable pups at SCAR are always up for a walk around the Windsor Terrace neighborhood with volunteers. And you can post pics of your outing on social media to help boost their chances at adoption!

How to adopt: Ask yourself the questions on their website. When you’re ready, reach out to an adoption specialist.

What we love: The medical attention that most dogs don’t get.

By appointment

Stay Wild is not a traditional shelter with rows of animals in cages. In fact, there are no cages at all. All the animals are either housed on-site in the founders’ home and barns outside of Ithaca or with local fosters. In addition to domestic animals like dogs, cats and rabbits, Stay Wild also rehabs sick or abandoned wildlife. But don’t worry, there are plenty of adorable pups looking for their forever home.

How to adopt: Those 25 and older can explore the adoption process here.

What we love: Stay Wild lets dogs roam free.

33 Warner Rd, Huntington, NY 11743

This Huntington-based animal shelter has been rescuing and re-homing animals since 1927. Little Shelter often takes in pets from kill shelters to give them a second chance at finding their forever home. Dogs with medical or behavioral issues that are often overlooked live at the shelter’s 110-acre sanctuary upstate. Many dogs are still adopted from the sanctuary, but those that aren’t get to live out their days without a cage or the fear of euthanasia.

How to adopt: Bring all members of the household to Little Shelter to start the process.

What we love: Their humane approach to caring for overlooked dogs.

165 Peconic Ln, Peconic, NY 11958

The League—with its two locations in Peconic and Aquebogue—have been guardians for the homeless dogs of Long Island since 1963, when they started their work to transform the local dog pound into the bustling network of dog lovers it is today. They work to give dogs homes, necessary health care, and the love they deserve. They also rescue pups from euthanasia at other shelters. How could you not? These canines are absolutely perfect!

How to adopt: Learn all about adoption at North Fork Animal Welfare League.

What we love: Their network of animal lovers across LI.

3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204

Oodles of poodles (and pitties… and labs… and more!) are waiting for their next adventure at the Mohawk Hudson Human Society. This rescue is a full-service dog haven. Dogs benefit from their training and veterinary services, while humans have access to their behavior helpline and pet bereavement group. They also have a summer camp to get kids involved in all things pet care.

How to adopt: Fill out their inquiry form and browse the adoption process.

What we love: Their playful fundraising events!

7268 Caswell St, North Syracuse, NY

Adopting a dog at Helping Hounds isn’t just a one-and-done transaction; they really stress the longtime partnership between you and your doggo. And they want to support that evolving friendship! When you adopt from this organization, they have an open invitation and come back to learn more about dog behavior and how to be a good pet parent. You also get coupons for your first training, grooming and boarding with Happy Hounds, so you always know you’ve got support when you need it.

How to adopt: Check out the dogs and fill out an application.

What we love: Their lifelong support.

By appointment

The sweet pooches of Social Tees are in the care of foster homes. They focus on a few intakes each year in order to concentrate on high-quality veterinary care and forming those human-dog relationships that last a lifetime. While the dogs are in their temporary spots, Social Tees has an East Village hang-out spot, where they host adoptable pup meet-and-greets and educational opportunities. Donations are always welcome, but foster volunteers are also needed.

How to adopt: Consider fostering with Social Tees if you’re not sure which dog is the match for you.

What we love: Their foster-based approach.

By appointment

New York City folks might recognize Muddy Paws from their adoption events at Petco in Union Square. Muddy Paws prides itself on over 10,000 lives saved, and you can help too! This organization puts dogs in the care of responsible foster caretakers, and from there they can find their fur-ever home. Not quite ready for the next step? There are still ways to get involved through their annual block party and fundraisers.

How to adopt: Check out their adoption page and flex adoptions, which account for a “tryout” phase

What we love: How many dogs they’ve gotten into homes.