Our Mission

Muddy Paws Rescue is dedicated to saving lives and creating happy tails through foster-based care, advocacy, and community outreach. We aim to build and support a thriving community of dog-loving humans committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia of companion dogs.

A Community Built on Love

Founded in 2015 by Rachael Ziering, our organization emerged from a vision to transform the animal welfare landscape in New York City. We believe in the power of shared learning, continuous innovation, and maintaining a positive, welcoming environment for every member of our pack.

Our Foster-Based Model

We are a foster-based rescue, meaning our dogs do not live in a traditional shelter facility. Instead, they reside in loving foster homes across the city, where they receive personalized care and attention while waiting for their forever families. This model allows our team to better understand each pup's personality and needs, ensuring a higher quality of life and successful, long-term matches.

A Meaningful Connection

We practice an open-adoptions process that removes barriers, encouraging a conversation-based approach to finding your new best friend. We believe that by fostering trust and maintaining transparency, we create lasting relationships between our adopters and their rescued companions. Our team is here to support you at every step of your journey, ensuring that both you and your pup have the tools you need to thrive.

Join the Pack

Whether you are looking to open your heart and home to a new companion or want to support our mission, there are many ways to get involved. We invite you to browse our current list of adoptable dogs, sign up to foster, or join our community of volunteers today. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one happy tail at a time.

Trust Assessment
SilverRated Sep 10, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedFoster-BasedOperating 10+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Transparent adoption process
  • Staff dedication and support
  • Operational friction regarding adoption timelines
Vetted byASPCAPETCO LOVEPedigree FoundationPetSmart Charities
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
Time Out New York State

4/16 - The 11 best places to adopt a dog in New York State

Dogs deserve a second chance, and NY rescues are giving them just that.

Recent Videos

10/10 - Our Kismet foster puppy diaries are over, but the happy endings are just beginning 🐾 Thank you to everyone who's followed along our foster journey! Consider this your sign to start your own ❤️

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10/9 - That fall crisp is finally in the air 🍁🍂 - if you’re looking for an apple picking bff or inspo for your latest carved pumpkin masterpiece, come by our adoption event! We’ll be at Petco USQ Saturday from 11-2:30 ready to make some matches 💙

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10/9 - @bellapoarch is an introvert, but Spritz has enough personality for both of them ❤️ Bella Poarch is happiest keeping things low-key, but her Dodo Dream Date Spritz has other plans. The adoptable pup’s nonstop energy brings out Bella’s playful side as they get to know each other. Check out all the adoptable pups at @muddypawsrescuenyc! From puppy cuddles to Picnic at the Cemetery 🐶💐 Don’t miss seeing Bella live, coming to a city near you. Click the link in our bio to learn more. Produced by @parham_thedodo Edited by @eliandsmores

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10/9 - Bella Poarch’s pets know the real her 🥹❤️ @bellapoarch is naturally introverted, but around her pets, she never stops talking. On her Dodo Dream Date with adoptable puppy Spritz, Bella opens up about why animals understand her better than people, what she admires about their carefree personalities and why Spritz might just be a real-life Bulbasaur. Spritz has found her match but there are more sweet animals looking for their homes at @muddypawsrescuenyc! For even more of Bella’s world, step into Picnic at the Cemetery 🖤💐Her album is available to stream now. For even more of Bella’s world, step into Picnic at the Cemetery 🖤💐 Her album is available to stream now. And catch Bella on tour! Click the link in our bio to learn how to get your tickets. Produced by @parham_thedodo Edited by @eliandsmores

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10/6 - It’s October, which is Adopt a Shelter Dog month 🐾❤️To celebrate, we are donating 100% of the profits from online sales of Shelter Dogs from October 5-11 to Muddy Paws Rescue NYC! Check out the inspiring episode featuring Muddy Paws Rescue NYC on the @ShelterDogsBook YouTube channel 🐶🐾 Have a Shelter Dog story? Let us know! Comment below or contact us at shaferstedronova@gmail.com Get your copy of Amelie’s fourth book, Shelter Dogs, and 100% of the profits go to animal shelters and rescue organizations. Learn more at shelterdogsbook.com, and order wherever books are sold 🐾🎉 Little House of Dreams Entertainment, LLC 2026. All Rights Reserved #shelterdogs #amelieanastasia #muddypawsrescuenyc #adoptdontshop #nyc

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10/2 - No these pups aren’t searching for Babylon, just a family of their very own. On Saturday, we’ll have tons more dogs waiting at Petco USQ from 11-2:30 hoping for their chance to fall in love with you! No appointment? No problem. We can complete your registration on site then get you on the books to meet a pup. Be ready to head home together that day!

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9/30 - Just two @muddypawsrescuenyc puppies making the most of their 9 to 5 (playing and sleeping) 🐶😴

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9/28 - Clear your calendar for our Block Party - returning Oct 17th! Swing by W 54th St b/t 9th and 10th Aves from 10am-5pm for adoptable pups and cats from MPR, @nycacc and @bfas_ny, tons of local vendors and small businesses, delicious food and drinks, portrait artists, music, raffles, merch and more! Bring your pup, bring your kids, and get ready to have a blast with us! Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: @bestfriendsanimalsociety, @amcny, @brutusbroth, @heartofchelseavet, @bluepearlvet, @boccesbakery, @getjoy, Moses & Singer LLP, @naturalrapport, @veg

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9/19 - Foster puppy diaries 🐶🤎 Meet the new Kismet fosters Logan and Warren from @muddypawsrescuenyc, one of Kismet’s feeding partners! Follow along for all the puppy chaos, firsts, and everything in between.

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9/18 - It’s almost adoption event day!! Stop by Petco Union Square on Saturday from 11-2:30 to chat with our team, register to adopt, meet a pup and head home together! These are just a few of the faces you’ll see - head to our website to peek at them all, read their bios and check if they’re scheduled to attend ☺️

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Visit Us At

821 9th Ave FRNT 1, New York, NY 10019

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