Bringing a new pet into your home is a big decision. The best way to ensure that you select a furry friend for life is by choosing the right animal to fit your personality and lifestyle. One of the main reasons animals end up abandoned or in shelters is because they were never the right fit for the families who took them home, to begin with.
If you are considering adding a new pet to your family, we suggest researching the type and breed before you start looking for a pet. Then, once you decide what type of animal you want, consider adopting from one of the many wonderful shelters to give once-loved pets a second chance at a forever home.
We have put together a list of the best dog rescues in upstate NY that you should consider when adopting your next furry friend.
Life would be ruff without you.
Top 10 Dog Rescues and Shelters in Upstate New York
1. Broome County Humane Society in Binghamton, NY
Address: 167 Conklin Ave, Binghamton, NY 13903
Phone: 607-724-3709
Email: info@bchumanesoc.com
Location Type: Shelter & Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $145 (Seniors) – $225 (Adult and puppies)
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location offers end of life, boarding, grooming, and low-cost spay and neuter services. They also offer animals for adoption. Owner surrender pets are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
Adoption Requirements: You can view available animals online or visit the shelter in person. An adoption application is also required. Landlord permission for pets is required and you will also need to provide personal and vet references. Current pet information is required and all family members must be present during the meet and greet prior to final approval.
Address: 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450
Phone: 585-223-1330
Email: adoptions@lollypop.org
Location Type: Shelter, Refuge, Farm & Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $10 – $1000 depending on animal species.
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location offers lost pets services, end of life, and low-cost spay and neuter services. They also offer at-risk animals for adoption. Owner surrender pets are accepted on a case-by-case basis. They allow re-homing listings for owners looking to surrender their pets to a good home.
Adoption Requirements: View available dogs on their website. You must be at least 21 to adopt an animal and provide a valid ID. Renters must have landlord permission in writing to adopt. A counselor will review your adoption application and perform an interview to see which pet may fit your lifestyle. You must bring all family members and pets to the meet-in greet prior to adoption.
3. Homeward Bound Dog Rescue of New York, LLC.
Address: P.O. Box 5782, Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-424-1738
Email: tamadvan@gmail.com
Location Type: Foster based rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $175- $500
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This no-kill, not for profit, dog rescue organization staffed entirely by volunteers offers dogs from high-risk shelters, puppy mills, and owner surrenders for adoption. They also accept owner surrenders.
Adoption Requirements: To adopt select a pet from the available dogs online and submit an application. A home visit is required and any existing pets must be spayed or neutered. Dogs will only be adopted out to those within a 40-mile radius.
4. Buffalo Pug & Small Breed Rescue Inc. in Alden, NY
Address: Alden, NY 14004
Phone: (866) 796-8786
Email: rescue@buffalopugs.org
Location Type: Shelter & Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: Varies according to the animal.
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: Serving Buffalo and Rochester this organization offers only small breed dogs from high-risk shelters, rescues, and owner surrenders for adoption into adoptive homes.
Adoption Requirements: Dogs are only adopted out within 100 miles of Buffalo or Rochester, NY. You will need to provide personal and vet references along with your adoption application. Adopters must be 21 to adopt and landlord approval, and a home visit is also mandatory. Click here to see their adoptable pets.
5. Paws for the Cause Rescue in Blossvale, NY
Address: Blossvale, NY 13308
Phone: 315-820-8011
Email: wendygeorge@pawsforthecauserescue.org
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $300- $400.
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location rescues dogs and puppies from high-risk shelters, special needs dogs, and owner surrenders and houses, feeds, clean, medicate and prepare them adoption. They also offer public education programs.
Adoption Requirements: You must be at least 18 to adopt. If you have been denied from other shelters or rescues, you must disclose. Your current pets must be spayed or neutered and current on their vaccinations. Personal, landlord’s agreement (if applicable) and vet references are also required. Find adoption application here.
I’m mutts about you.
6. Helping Hounds Dog Rescue in North Syracuse, NY
Address: 7268 Caswell Street North Syracuse, NY 13212
Phone: (315) 446-5970
Email: info@helpinghoundsny.com
Location Type: Rescue & Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: Adults $400 Puppies $600
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location takes dogs from overcrowded shelters and finds them forever homes.
Adoption Requirements: You can visit the location to view available animals and submit an application in person. You can also submit one online. You must be 21 and have a valid ID to adopt. Proof of address and permission from the landlord for pets is mandatory. For those with current pets, vet references are required. All family members must be present for a meet and greet prior to adoption.
7. Pause 4 All Paws Animal Rescue in Herkimer County, NY
Address: PO Box 846, Little Falls, NY 13365
Phone: 315-791-7297
Email: pause4allpaws@hotmail.com
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: Varies per animal.
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location offers shelter and rescue dogs for adoption. They also offer lost pet services and low-cost spay and neutering. They offer emergency and temporary pet foster placement for families in need.
Adoption Requirements: To adopt you must be at least 18 years old. Personal and vet references are required. Applications are subject to interview and in-person meeting approvals before a dog is offered for adoption. Adoptables are available online .
8. Awesome Paws Rescue in Buffalo, NY
Address: PO Box 376 North Tonawanda, NY 14120
Phone: –
Email: awesomepawsrescue@yahoo.com
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: Puppies $400, Adults $350, Seniors $150
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location offers shelter and rescue dogs for adoption.
Adoption Requirements: You must live within a 45-mile radius and be 18 or older to adopt. Fill out the application and then select a pet from the site. Once received you will then answer more questions regarding your needs, living arrangements, references, and current pets. A meet and greet are required, and pets can be taken home on the same day if approved.
9. The Animal Protective Foundation in Schenectady, NY
Address: 53 Maple Avenue Glenville, NY 12302
Phone: (518) 374-3944 ext. 101
Email:
Location Type: Rescue & Shelter
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $50 – $450
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location offers shelter and rescue animals for adoption. They accept owner surrenders and offer those pets to new homes.
Adoption Requirements: Fill out an application after choosing an animal from the site. A meet and greet will be arranged either in person or virtually. Once approved you can pick up your new pet via curbside pick up.
10. Grrowls NY Inc., in Syracuse, NY
Address: PO Box 6634 Syracuse, New York 13217
Phone: –
Email: applications@grrowls.org
Location Type: Rescue
Designation: 501(c)(3) non-profit
Fees: $350 for dogs under 7 yrs, $300 for dogs aged 7-10 yrs and a donation for dogs aged 11+
All animals offered for adoption will be vaccinated, treated for parasites, spay/neutered, and implanted with a microchip. These services are included with the adoption fee.
Services Offered: This location takes Golden Retrieve from overcrowded shelters, owner surrenders, and those found homeless and finds them forever homes.
Adoption Requirements: Fill out an application with your references, family and pet information, and regular schedule. This will help the rescue to match you with a pet. Once found, you will need to do a meet and greet in person. They do not post pictures of available dogs in foster care or ready for adoption.
What Kind of Dog is Right For You?
Have booties, will run!
Adopting a new furry friend is a big change that should be taken after careful consideration. Along with the actual cost of care, it is critical to choose a dog that fits your lifestyle.
There are a few things to ask yourself before choosing a new dog, but knowing which type is right for you is the best place to start.
- Think about who lives with you at home.
- Do you have small children or seniors?
- Is anyone allergic to dogs or pet dander in general?
- What about a fear of dogs?
The answers to these will give you a starting point when looking for the perfect breed.
Do you have enough space for a pet?
The next thing to consider is the amount of space you have to dedicate to a dog. If you live in a small apartment in the city, it may not be a good idea to adopt a large breed dog that needs lots of space.
On the other hand, even if you have space and a yard, if you don’t have the time or the energy, you may not want to get a dog that requires a lot of attention.
Choosing a dog that fits your actual living space will prevent the need to re-home or abandon the animal later down the line. In general, small to medium is always a safe choice unless you have your own home and a yard for a larger breed to play.
Do you want an active or calmer dog breed?
It is very important to know the activity level of the dog you plan to adopt. Some dogs regardless of size have a lot of energy to spare. At the same time, there are many dogs, even large breeds, that are much more sedate.
Think about how much time you have to play with your dog and how often you will be able to walk them when choosing a breed.
For example, a Border Collie won’t simple keep up with you when walking, it will outpace you and may even outsmart you.
On that same note, consider regular grooming needs. Long-haired dogs will need grooming and haircuts more often than short hair breeds. Their grooming needs also play a part in how much they will shed and how often you will need to rid your home of pet dander.
Owning a pet is a lifelong commitment that will bring you companionship and great joy. Make sure you are completely ready before you adopt.
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