Top Rated NY-based Animal Rescues & Charities

Collated by friend to all animals Carolyn Harpster

Their mission is to end animal homelessness. Almost 15K lives saved in 2023. Locations in BK, Staten Island, and Manhattan. ACC operates as the city’s only open-admission sheltering organization, never turning any animal away. Because of this, they are a kill shelter - meaning you will see “at-risk” animals on their website - they simply cannot save every single animal that comes through their doors but do the best they can with what they have, which is why adoption and volunteers are so important.

*(shout out Liam ❤️)

Located in Soho in NYC + several states across the U.S. Dogs and cats for adoption. Best Friends is leading the no-kill movement by running life-saving adoption and spay/neuter programs for dogs and cats, providing support and training for animal shelters and rescue groups, and mobilizing community members on behalf of pets in need across the country. NYC ACC sends a ton of animals to BFA to alleviate capacity issues.

Providing ill, injured and abused NYC animals with a home for over 100 years. The center is more than just a shelter - it also provides medical care to pets at an affordable price and a loving atmosphere.

A non-profit (501c3 ) no-kill rescue in East Village finding forever homes for abandoned dogs and cats.  A foster-based, community oriented organization founded on the principles of responsible pet ownership and creating a supportive environment for staff and volunteers.

Brooklyn-based dog rescue committed to saving lives through education, support, and service. A dedicated foster network helps provide temporary, safe homes for these dogs while they find matches that result in permanent adoption placement.

*(shout out Otis ❤️)

Motto: “Saving badass dogs from idiot humans.” Saves dogs from high-kill, high-volume pounds from out of state to give them a second chance at life.

A no-kill, non profit animal shelter based out of Williamsburg, Brooklyn for over 30 years.

Dog adoption in NYC! With a great reputation, many friends of Midweek have fostered through Muddy Paws. Mission is to build and support a thriving community of dog-loving humans dedicated to ending unnecessary euthanasia of companion dogs.

Cat and dog adoptions! Has served the New York City Tri-State area since 1967. Trusted experts in the animal rescue world. They provide care including behavior intervention, enrichment outings, and ongoing support after adoption, making them one of the top choices for pet adoption in the region.

Non-profit foster-based dog rescue based in NYC and Dallas dedicated to saving the lives of dogs in need.

NYC’s first cat cafe where you can meet and play with adoptable cats in the space. They take incredible care of these cats and take animals from the NYC ACC! They also have an incredible hands-on foster program.

*(shout out Butter ❤️)

Cats and dogs! Two stores in Williamsburg and they are experts in food, toys, enrichment, etc. Brooklyn based for 20 years, focusing on rescuing and rehousing animals in need. They have helped thousands of pets get their vaccines, prepped for adoption, find lovings homes.

*(shout out Chai ❤️)

Not a rescue BUT just opened within the last few months - a new nonprofit clinic focused on making vet care more affordable.

Cat rescuer in Bedstuy, BK - all info on her IG!

Rescuing and TNRing cats in NYC with a focus on the Bronx - you can adopt cats they rescue.