When you adopt a homeless dog or cat from a shelter or rescue group in New York City, you’re not only saving the life of a loving and loyal animal, you’re making space for other pets to find families of their own.

When you foster a cat or dog in New York City, you’re not only providing a safe and loving place for a pet to learn and grow, you’re helping to make room for more animals in the shelter.

Fostering is an easy, short-term, hands-on way to make a lifetime of difference. Whether you open your home (and heart) to a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, Best Friends will provide everything you need, including food, supplies, support and medical care, to ensure that your foster pet’s stay is a happy and healthy one.

You can help out in so many ways here in New York City, and your contribution is welcome and appreciated! You can provide companionship to dogs and cats, foster pets in your home, help with marketing or social media, and transport animals to locations where their chances for adoption are higher. 

Volunteers in New York City also help with providing rides to pets for veterinary appointments, caregiving on-site at the lifesaving center, offering tours and information to visitors, Spanish translation, and community outreach with the Borough Engagement Team.