It’s not surprising if you have a soft spot for rescue dogs. Each of their experiences is unique, some heartbreaking, so it’s not surprising if you’re instantly drawn to their lovely faces and challenging pasts.
If you’re unsure where to start helping, we got you. Several best dog rescues in Buffalo, New York house adoptable dogs. We’ve made a list along with their contact details, so you can easily reach out to them in case you’ve decided to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate.
9 Best Dog Rescues in Buffalo, NY
1. Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue
Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue is a fantastic foster-based organization that continues to save dogs from high-kill shelters in Western New York. They believe that euthanasia doesn’t bring justice to any innocent dogs. What all the dogs need is to be placed in permanent homes with a family that can bear the responsibility of having a dog.
The dog that started it all is named Buddy. He was saved from euthanasia thanks to Julie Starr, the rescue founder. You can help save one or two more lives by browsing their adoptable dogs. You’ll find pooches of all ages, breeds, and mixes here. You can visit them and have a tour before you can start the adoption process.
How to contact them:
Website: Buddy’s Second Chance Rescue
Address: 2813 Niagara St., Buffalo, NY 14207
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube
2. Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
The City of Buffalo Animal Shelter is a municipal agency that provides services for the welfare of animals around the city. They take all unwanted, abused, lost, and abandoned animals in their care. That includes giving them food, water, love, and shelter. For missing animals that end up in their abode, the staff works hard to reunite them with their families. The rest of the dogs are then socialized and appropriately treated in terms of health, behavior, and other aspects so they become fit as companions for their next furever family.
Looking at all their available dogs is an ideal first step if you want to adopt. They suggest you indicate a specific dog that you like in your application form. The staff will first assess you if you’re fit to adopt. If you’re renting an apartment, your landlord’s number should be included in the form and a vet reference if you’ve previously owned a pet.
How to contact them:
Website: Friends of the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
Address: 380 N. Oak Street, Buffalo, New York 14203
Phone: 716-851-5694
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
3. SPCA Serving Erie County
Take part in transforming the community into something more humane towards animals, especially dogs. The SPCA Serving Erie County is another go-to site should you want to lend a helping hand to the paws that need it. Their effort starts by educating the community, rescuing the dogs, protecting their rights, and enhancing their lives.
By joining them in this cause, you’re contributing greatly to improving the relationship between dogs and people. Open your home for a rescue dog and ensure they have an amazing life with you. You can also donate any amount so more dogs can be fed and treated, volunteer as a foster parent or in organizing events, or speak up to become the voice of these animals.
How to contact them:
Website: SPCA Serving Erie County
Address: 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
Phone: 716-875-7360
4. Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue, Inc.
Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue, Inc. is driven by volunteers. Their efforts are primarily to bring light and hope to Pugs and other small dog breeds that need a new, loving, and permanent home. This is your go-to rescue center if you’ve wanted a Pug breed or other small dogs, as they specialize in taking care of such kinds.
Get to know their available rescued dogs and find out which one will suit your lifestyle and home. Be part of saving one dog at a time. There are hundreds here that need a new loving family. These pooches will make your day-to-day life brighter and much more enjoyable.
Aside from adopting, you can also volunteer or donate to support other dogs.
How to contact them:
Website: Buffalo Pug and Small Breed Rescue, Inc.
Address: 2200 Military Rd, Tonawanda NY 14150
5. Awesome Paws Rescue
Awesome Paws Rescue is awesome indeed. There, you’ll find dogs of all breeds; some of them have come from shelters where they would’ve been lined up for euthanasia. Their adoption process is made more accessible as they’ll walk you through all the steps. If you don’t have a dog yet in mind, they’ll look for the best fit for you.
Eventually, you’ll become part of their success stories. Their dogs are lovely, intelligent, and companionable, and you won’t even think they’ve come from a rescue center. This is all thanks to the organization’s effort to rehabilitate them to help them let go of their past traumas. Get your application started, and you’ll be pre-approved within 10-14 days.
How to contact them:
Website: Awesome Paws Rescue
Address: North Tonawanda, NY
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
6. Pets Alive WNY
Pets Alive WNY is also a go-to rescue if you’re searching for a lovely dog. This organization commits itself to finding only the right household so there’ll be no chance of rehoming in the future. Pets Alive WNY doesn’t usually sift that much when it comes to your home space, yard size, etc., since there are dogs that can happily live in an apartment. Also, some breeds can do well with kids while others find better satisfaction if they’re around adults.
In short, Pets Alive WNY will assess which dog is a better fit for you. They’ll conduct a survey, an interview, and all needed steps to make sure that their goal as a rescue aligns with your objectives of having a dog companion. Their puppies and purebred dogs have an adoption fee of $400, while mixed breeds are only $300. Senior dogs have a special price which will be disclosed to you personally.
How to contact them:
Website: Pets Alive WNY
Address: 3507 Union Rd., Cheektowaga, NY 14225
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
7. Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY, Inc.
Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY, Inc. started by rescuing adult breeder dogs from puppy mills. The start was challenging as there was no support regarding the expenses, but specific individuals later contributed so trips to Ohio could be made to continue the rescue mission. Ultimately, 32 dogs were rescued.
Since this corporation started in 2012, around 2,000 dogs have been granted new lives. Their goal is to empty the cages while seeing dogs in each of their families. They can rescue more dogs just by letting yourself become an instrument to get them to reach their goals. You can adopt, foster, donate, or do all three if you can.
How to contact them:
Website: Furever Friends Dog Rescue of WNY, Inc.
Address: North Tonawanda, NY
Email: [email protected]
8. Nickel City Canine Rescue
Nickel City Canine Rescue is a Buffalo-based, foster-based rescue. They take in all dogs, regardless of their breed, and provide equal treatment or more, especially for those who are injured, sick, or withdrawn. The rescue is 100% made possible thanks to volunteers raising money to further their mission and vision.
Pregnant dogs and those with medical needs are welcomed with wide open doors here at NCCR. You can help clear a space so they can let in a new rescue animal by adopting. Or, you can also aid in their financial endeavors by donating an amount for the welfare of these dogs they rescue. An online form is available on their website if you want to adopt. Once it’s received, a volunteer will look into your application, and the rest will be history.
How to contact them:
Website: Nickel City Canine Rescue
Address: 5635 Harris Hill Road, Suite 6, Williamsville, New York 14221
Email: [email protected]
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
9. A Purr-Fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, Inc.
A Purr-Fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, Inc. is led by rescue warriors who save animal lives and fight for their rights. They welcome cats and dogs and ensure they’re provided with care and nourishment until they become suitable as family companions.
They work hard to find the best family for each pet they have. If you have no idea what kind of dog to get, they’ll walk you through deciding which one to bring home with you. You can also help reinforce their cause by joining their upcoming fundraisers. All the money they’ll raise will be allocated for the welfare of their rescued animals. Support their mission and work by donating, adopting, fostering, or volunteering!
How to contact them:
Website: A Purr-Fect Fit Animal Rescue & Adoption Center, Inc.
Address: 2231 Wehrle Drive, Williamsville, NY 14221 (Between Transit Rd & Spindrift Dr)
Phone: 716-633-6600
You may also reach out through their social media: Facebook, Youtube, and Instagram
Other Sources of Dog Rescues and Adoption in New York
Still looking for the right dog? New York has more dog rescue and adoption sites you can check. With the internet, researching has been made easier. Check out our top 3 picks:
1. Animal Care Centers of NYC: The ACCNYC partners with more than 200 animal placement organizations in the hopes of getting all their rescued pets adopted by furever homes. From bunnies to cats and dogs, you’ll find wonderful companions that can brighten your day. Be part of the noble solution to this heartbreaking problem and join the effort to eliminate homelessness in New York City!
2. Pet Rescue: Pet Rescue is led by a Board of Directors, and its mission involves rescuing all pets that need help. This is a no-kill organization, and they strive to get all animals healthy by getting them subsequently treated by veterinarians before they’re set up for adoption. If you think your house is a good place for any of their rescues, don’t hesitate to adopt now!
3. Social Tees Animal Rescue: If you’re unsure whether you can handle the heat, the STAR offers a foster-to-adopt program. You can test the waters by fostering a dog and determining if it’s a good fit for your household. This is an excellent way of finding out your compatibility both in lifestyle and environment.
How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in Buffalo, NY?
The cost to adopt a dog in Buffalo, New York, is usually between $150 to $250. In some rescues, they may ask for around $300 to $400, depending on the cost of living in the area. These fees cover all vet expenses and other necessary processes before you ultimately bring the pooch home.
This also paves the way for other dogs to have the financial assistance they need. These fees drive rescue centers to survive despite not having government funding.
Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From Buffalo, NY?
It needs not be said, adopting a dog from Buffalo, New York, is a great step toward resolving the issue that haunts the community regarding dog overpopulation. There’s no better place to start working on the mission shared by many rescue centers than in your city.
For every dog you bring home, a new rescue is welcomed in their temporary shelter until it’s their turn to experience how awesome it is to be loved unconditionally.
