Looking to adopt a pet in Minneola, Garden City, Hempstead or other towns in Nassau County, NY? Use our resource guide to find the best adoption center and tips on choosing the pet that’s perfect for you and your family.
There are five pet adoption centers in our immediate area. Here is a little more information on each.
Nassau County SPCA
The Nassau County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an amazing resource for our community and any animal that is in need of rescue from abuse or neglect. This selfless, not-for-profit organization supports all of its operations through the generous efforts of volunteers and donors. Through the Nassau County SPCA, animal lovers can:
Second Chance Animal Rescue
Second Chance Animal Rescue is a no-kill, not-for-profit organization that rescues dogs and cats.
- View Second Chance Animal Dogs, Cats and other animals for adoption
- Use this link if you are interested in helping this organization out with fostering or volunteer work.
- View on Facebook
Bobbi and the Strays
Bobbie and the Strays, a no-kill shelter, adopts out both dogs and cats. There are also ways you can help out these dedicated animal welfare advocates with their work.
- View pets for adoption (Use the link and scroll to the middle of the page.)
- Volunteer
- Foster
- View on Facebook
Last Hope Animal Rescue
Last Hope Animal Rescue strives to ‘rescue and rehabilitate stray, abandoned and death-due pound animals’. Check out their website for cool fundraiser information, links to Amazon Associate shopping, and more!
Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
According to their website, the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter has one of the highest adoption rates in the country!
Nassau County Adoption Resources
What Kind Of Pet Should I Adopt?
According to the ASPCA, and our doctors here at 301VETS (including those at our Cat Only Veterinary Practice), there are a number of things to take into consideration before adopting:
Take Your Time
It’s easy to instantly fall in love with pets at a shelter, but remember, adoption is a lifelong commitment. As much as you want to take that dog or cat home today, give yourself 24 to 48 hours. Usually the rescue organization will work with you to ‘hold’ a pet (for a brief period of time), until you are able to make a clear-headed decision.
Consider The Expense of Owning a Pet
The Simple Dollar, an online, personal, finance site, has done an AMAZING job at complying a guide to help would-be pet owners understand the annual and lifetime cost of owning a dog or a cat. We’ve also included a link to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association where you can learn about health insurance for your pet.
Consider Your Available Time
All dogs and most cats need to spend quality time with you. High-energy dogs will need plenty of physical and mental stimulation. Young dogs will require a walk every 4 hours or so; older dogs need at least 2 lengthy walks per day. Some cats are fine to be by themselves, but the majority will want to snuggle near you and to be pet. Use the links below to explore dogs sorted by energy level and space requirements.
Pets Can Be Messy
Most pets shed, so plan on vacuuming frequently. Cats can dig up indoor potted plants, scratch up furniture, and will track litter out of the litter box onto the surrounding floor. Dogs can chew on furniture and other possessions. Both dogs and cats sometimes have accidents in the house and soil furniture, bedding, and rugs. Walking dogs during inclement weather often means muddy paws and fur. Do you have a way of washing off your pet’s paws or giving him or her a bath? Fortunately, local businesses like Woofer Wash have you covered. For more adoption tips, visit the ASPCA website on the topic.
Pet Adoption Checklist
- Carefully consider your choice to adopt. Talk to friends and take your time. This is a life long commitment
- Prepare your home for a new pet. The ASPCA has a great guide for preparing your home for a puppy or kitten.
- Prepare your shopping list for pet supplies. Petfinder has created an excellent, basic shopping list for new dogs and cats
- Bring your pet to one of our veterinarians. You’ll be amazed at the benefits of choosing one of our hospitals for vet care! (800) 301-VETS.
Pet Adoption FAQs
Where do shelter pets come from?
Shelter and rescue pets come from local government animal control efforts, pet owners that abandon pets, pets rescued from hoarding or other inhumane environments, and from citizens that find stray pets.
Does it cost money to adopt a pet?
Yes. The cost to adopt a pet helps rescue organizations offset the cost of their work and to ensure that the animal adopter takes the adoption process seriously. Adoption costs typically range between $75 and $300 dollars.
Will a shelter give me time to decide if a pet is right for me?
Yes. Most shelters will accept a non-refundable deposit to hold a particular pet until the adopter has time to think things over.
How will I know if my current pet will like the one that I’m adopting?
Most rescue organizations can teach you how to safely introduce your existing pet to the one that you are adopting. For more information on this, you can visit the Human Society’s blog on introducing a dog to a cat, introducing cats to cats, and introducing dogs to dogs.
Can I return my dog or cat to a shelter if it doesn’t work out?
As sad as it is, sometimes the adoption doesn’t work out. It’s okay; it happens! Contact your shelter and explain your situation. They will provide you advice on what you can do next.
Have additional questions? Please reach out to us by phone (800-301 VETS) during business hours or use the after-hours form below.
