Humane Society of New York
A Legacy of Care
Since 1904, the Humane Society of New York has been dedicated to making a difference for animals, evolving from our early work with the city’s working horses to our current role as a sanctuary for hundreds of dogs and cats in need.
We believe that every animal deserves a safe place to lay their head at night. Our mission is to reduce animal suffering and provide essential care for the most vulnerable pets in our community.
Our Approach to Healing
Our work is centered at the Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center, a no-kill facility where animals find safety without time limits. Because our adoption center is integrated with a full-service veterinary hospital, we are uniquely equipped to provide comprehensive, life-saving medical care to every animal in our sanctuary.
While they wait for their forever homes, our animals receive more than just medical attention; they benefit from personalized training, playgroups, socialization, and regular interaction with our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Finding Your Perfect Companion
We believe that thoughtful, careful matching is the key to creating a lifelong, loving bond between a pet and their new family. Because we are committed to the lifetime well-being of our animals, we go above and beyond to ensure a smooth transition, including home visits and ongoing support for new adopters.
We are also proud to offer a lifetime promise: if for any reason an adopted animal can no longer stay with their family, they are always welcome back home with us, no questions asked.
Start Your Journey
Are you ready to welcome a new friend into your life? We invite you to explore our Adoptable Pets page or view our profiles on adoptapet.com to see the wonderful dogs and cats currently waiting for their second chance.
When you are ready to take the next step, please visit our adoption process page to submit an application and schedule an appointment to meet your future companion.
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 21, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Affordable and high-quality medical care
- Compassionate and professional veterinary staff
- Difficult communication and automated phone system
Recent Videos
10/9 - Who is walking who? A good walk is about more than getting from one block to the next. Keeping your dog close by your side can help them feel secure, keep you aware of what is happening around you, and make it easier for you to guide them through all the sights, sounds, and distractions of the area. Bill Berloni, our Director of Animal Training and Behavior, often sees dogs out in front of their people, deciding where to go and when to stop. His advice? Bring your dog back to your side and make the walk something you navigate together. This can make a big difference for dogs who are easily overwhelmed or unsure of their surroundings, and it gives you a better opportunity to notice what your dog is communicating along the way. So as we celebrate National Walk Your Dog Week, take a look at your next walk from your dog’s perspective. Are they exploring with you, or are you just trying to keep up? And if you are looking for a new walking companion, the dog of your dreams may be waiting at the Humane Society of New York. 🐾 #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #dogsofig #dogsofnyc #dogsofnewyork #nycdogs #dogtraining #walkyourdog #dogwalking #nationalwalkyourdogweek #dogtrainer #newyork #nyc #nycpets
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10/6 - This week is National Walk Your Dog Week! A reminder of just how important regular walks are to a dog’s health and well-being. 🐾 For dogs living in New York City, walks are especially important. With many homes not having a private yard, a daily walk may be one of a dog’s main opportunities to get meaningful exercise, explore their surroundings, experience sights and smells, and simply enjoy being outside. Walks also provide more than physical exercise. They are also a chance to spend time together, strengthen your bond, and give your dog the mental stimulation that comes from taking in the world around them. Getting our adoptable dogs outside is an important part of their care here at the Humane Society of New York. Our team prioritizes walks so the dogs in our care can stay active and healthy, get to explore the neighborhood, and also enjoy time with the people caring for them. If walks have not been as consistent as you would like with your own dog, this week is a great reminder to start again! It doesn’t have to be a long adventure. A walk around the block can still give your dog exercise, enrichment, and time with you that they need. We will also be sharing a video later this week with Bill Berloni, who will be talking about ways to help dogs who pull on the leash. If your walks could use a little less tug-of-war, be sure to look for it! 🐕 #adoptdontshop #rescuedog #dogsofig #dogsofnyc #dogsofnewyork #nycdogs #adopt #walkyourdog #dogwalking #nationalwalkyourdogweek #walk #newyork #nyc #nycpets
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10/2 - As pets get older, things can start to look a little different. Knowing what changes to look for can help you recognize when your senior pet may be experiencing cognitive decline and how to support them best. You may notice changes in house-training, confusion about where they are or what they’re supposed to be doing, difficulty recognizing familiar people, or moments when they seem unusually disconnected from their surroundings. Some dogs may even stare into space or become stuck behind furniture because they’re having trouble figuring out how to get around it. Cognitive dysfunction is typically progressive, but there are options that may help. Certain medications and dietary choices can support brain activity and, in some cases, improve cognitive function and quality of life. If you notice new or unusual changes in your older pet’s behavior, talk with your veterinarian. They can help determine what may be causing the changes and what options may be appropriate for your pet. 🐾 #veterinarian #petcare #aging #seniordog #seniorcat #agingpets #pethealth #petcare #dogcare #catcare #healthypets #veterinarians #pets
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9/28 - Four years ago, Noriko adopted Yuki from the Humane Society of New York. Since then, he has become much more than a beloved pet. He has been her best companion, a steady presence through some of life’s most difficult moments. Noriko remembers one moment in particular, when her late husband’s health was declining. During his final hours, Yuki stayed by her husband’s side, quietly resting on the bed beside him until the ambulance arrived. She never asked him to stay there. He simply did. Moments like these can make the bond between a person and an animal feel almost impossible to put into words. Noriko says that having Yuki in her life has brought her so much love, comfort, and companionship, and she remains deeply grateful that the two of them found each other through HSNY. We share in that gratefulness and wish them many more years together! #adoptdontshop #rescuecat #catsofig #catsofnyc #catsofnewyork #nyccats #adopt #orangecat #orangecats #orangecatsofinstagram #happytails
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9/25 - Are dog parks a good way to socialize your dog? The answer depends on the dog. Not every dog enjoys being surrounded by a group of unfamiliar dogs, and that is perfectly okay! Some dogs prefer one-on-one playdates, while others may not want to be around other dogs at all. A dog’s past experiences, health, age, temperament, or simply their individual preferences can all play a role in how they feel about other dogs. For socializing puppies and newly adopted dogs, start with one dog at a time so you can learn what your dog actually enjoys. Try a friendly neighbor’s dog or a dog you already know, and pay attention to how your dog responds. For dogs who genuinely enjoy playing with other dogs, a well-run dog park can be a great outlet. But choosing a good dog park doesn’t mean you can take a hands-off approach once you get there. Your job as a responsible pet owner is to stay present, watch what is happening, understand your dog’s body language, and step in when they need you. Even a dog who loves playing with other dogs may have moments when they have had enough. You are your dog’s best advocate. Know your dog and choose environments that suit them. Remember that being “social” doesn’t have to mean playing with every dog they meet, and there is also nothing wrong with a dog who would rather have a little more personal space. #dogsofig #petcare #doglover #dogparks #dogpark #pethealth #dogcare #dogs #rescuedog #dogtrainer #dogtraining #pets
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9/24 - @remembermethursday honors orphan pets and advocates for shelter adoption. Meet some of my @cbsnewyork family and their rescues. Every Thursday on our Noon Show we introduce you to furry friends who need a home. @humanesocietyny
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9/21 - Sometimes the best companions know when you need them without being asked. 🧡 Noriko adopted Yuki from the Humane Society of New York. She describes him as her best companion! One of her favorite things about him is the way he seems to understand when she needs a little extra comfort. If she is watching a movie and tears come to her eyes, Yuki quietly comes over, sits beside her, and looks at her as if to ask, “Are you okay?” She never taught him how to respond to sadness. Somehow, he just learned. That kind of connection is one of the many wonderful things about sharing your life with an animal. We are so happy Yuki found his person in Noriko! Happy Tails! #adoptdontshop #rescuecat #catsofig #catsofnyc #catsofnewyork #nyccats #adopt #orangecat #orangecats #orangecatsofinstagram #happytails
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9/15 - Everybody has somebody. Frankie has been waiting for his. If you've spent any time around the Humane Society of New York, you may recognize Frankie making his rounds through the office, collecting treats and saying hello along the way. He is a loved figure here, and for good reason! Bill Berloni, our Director of Animal Training and Behavior, has spent plenty of time getting to know Frankie. He has even brought Frankie to his own apartment, where Frankie settles in comfortably, sleeps on the bed without taking over, and shows just how easily he can be part of a home. Here at HSNY, Frankie gets to socialize with kids and adults and has playmates among other dogs, giving him plenty of opportunities to show the different sides of his personality. But as much as Frankie is known and loved here, his person still hasn't come along. Frankie deserves someone who will appreciate his intelligence, his affectionate nature, his playful spirit, and all that wonderful energy. Someone who will make him part of their everyday life and give him the home he has been waiting for. Frankie's adoption information is in our bio. Please share! 🐾 #dogtrainer #dogtraining #dogsofig #training #instadog #trainingdogs #dogs #dogsofnewyork #nycdogs #dogsofnyc #rescuedog #adopt #rescue
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