
Wanting to have a dog for a long time?
Now, you’ve finally decided you want to go forward with this.
So waste no time and…
Check out these dog rescues in Upstate New York.
You can foster, adopt or volunteer in these shelters. And meet new, cute, and furry friends while doing that.
Keep reading to discover:
- 13 best dog rescues in Upstate New York.
- Adoption process and other services they offer.
- Address and contact information of the dog rescues.
- And so much more…
Table of contents
- 11 best dog rescues in Upstate NY
- #1: SPCA Serving Erie County
- #2: Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
- #3: The Humane Society
- #4: SPCA of Tompkins County
- #5: Dutchess County SPCA
- #6: SPCA Westchester and Veterinary Clinic
- #7: Mr. Mo Project
- #8: Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA
- #9: Columbia-Greene Humane Society
- #10: Jefferson County SPCA
- #11: Chqhumane.org
The contents of this list are data taken from Google Maps. I picked the rescues which have many good reviews and a high rating.
These reviews come from people who have direct experience adopting, fostering, or volunteering from these shelters.
You can use this as a guide to know what to expect and prepare if you’ll visit these places.
Disclaimer: The reviews and ratings for each rescue are subject to change. The numbers reflected on this list is the number at the time of writing. It might not be the same by the time you read this article.
11 best dog rescues in Upstate NY
#1: SPCA Serving Erie County
I put this at the top because it has the most reviews and a high rating.
Rating: 4.4
Reviews: 1452
Website: http://www.yourspca.org/
Address: 300 Harlem Road, West Seneca, NY 14224
Phone: 716-875-7360
Opening hours:
Surrender Hours:
- Monday- Saturday: 8 AM- 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Adoption Hours:
- Monday- Saturday: 11 AM- 5 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Note: Adoption pre-approval closes at 4 PM. Appointments should be set before dog visitations and adoptions.
Stray Animal Viewing Hours:
- Monday- Saturday: 12 PM- 4 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Wildlife Department
In case of animal emergencies, especially wild animal situations, the shelter can be called for assistance.
Warning: Call first before touching the animal to give it the proper care and handling procedure.
Educational Farm
SPCA’s Educational Barn and Farm is open for tours. The farm animals are also up for adoption.
Employment Opportunities
The rescue needs people to fill up the following positions:
- Veterinarian.
- Farm Assistant.
- Guest Services Coordinator.
- Donor Engagement Manager.
- Licensed Veterinary Technician.
If you think you are fit for the job, you can visit this page to learn more about the application process.
Social media presence:
#2: Mohawk Hudson Humane Society
Rating: 4.4
Reviews: 863
Website: https://mohawkhumane.org/
Address: 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204
Phone: 518 434 8128
Opening hours:
Adoption and Pet Food Pantry:
- Every day (except Wednesday): 12 PM -5 PM
- Wednesday: Closed
Social media presence:
Services
Animal Abuser Registry
The Albany County Animal Abuser Registry is hosted by MHHS on their website. This is a way to ensure that pooches are not adopted, fostered, or sold to animal abusers in the registry.
Behavior and Enrichment Helpline
The rescue also offers assistance with behavioral issues of your Fidos.
Some of the problems they deal with are:
- New pet basics.
- Separation distress.
- Fear and “stranger danger”.
- Dog and cat interaction issues.
- Destructive behaviors such as chewing, digging, or scratching.
#3: The Humane Society
Rating: 4.4
Reviews: 404
Website: http://bchumanesoc.com/
Address: 167 Conklin Ave., Binghamton, NY
Phone: (607) 724-3709
Opening hours:
- Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Social media presence:
Boarding
If you have somewhere to go to and you can’t bring your pooch with you, you can avail yourself of their boarding service.
Pretty convenient isn’t it?
Plus, you get a 10% discount if you’re dog is adopted from their place.
If you want to avail of this service, you can click here for more information.
Grooming
You can give them a call to set an appointment for their grooming service.
Note: An up-to-date rabies vaccination is required before your doggos can be groomed by the rescue.
#4: SPCA of Tompkins County
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 319
Website: http://www.spcaonline.com/
Address: 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: (607) 257-1822
Opening hours:
- Sunday- Saturday: By appointment only
Note: Due to COVID 19, the rescue has an appointment-only schedule. You can check their website to browse among the adoptable pooches they have.
Editor’s Pick: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)
Social media presence:
#5: Dutchess County SPCA

Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 318
Website: https://dcspca.org/
Address: 636 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538
Phone: 845-452-7722, x-430
Opening hours:
- Wednesday – Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Clinic Services
Their clinic service offers low-cost vaccinations and other services such as:
- Deworming.
- Microchipping.
- Diagnostic testing.
Clinic Hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Thrift Store
Fan of bargains? You can visit Dutchess County SPCA Thrift Store.
All proceeds in the store will go to supporting the rescue’s programs and animals in their care.
If you don’t want to shop, you can also donate items to the store.
#6: SPCA Westchester and Veterinary Clinic
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 287
Website: http://www.spcawestchester.org/
Address: 590 North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
Phone: (914) 941-2896
Opening hours:
- Everyday: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Social media presence:
Golden Outreach Pet Therapy
You and your Fido can become one of the 50 volunteer teams (Hooman + dog) who visit healthcare facilities every week through this program.
Set an appointment with SPCA to check if your dog is fit to participate. If not, you can still join and pair up with an SPCA dog.
Disclaimer: Due to the COVID 19 situation, this program has been temporarily halted. You can check their website or contact the shelter for updates on this.
#7: Mr. Mo Project
Rating: 5.0
Reviews: 278
Website: http://www.mrmoproject.com/
Address: 641 Grooms Rd, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Phone: (518) 435-5973 – Mariesa
(518) 881-8631 – Chris
Opening hours:
- They are open 24/7
Social media presence:
Fostering
This rescue is focused on getting foster parents for their dogs.
Browse this list to check the dogs available for fostering.
Fill out this application form to become a foster or sponsor their pooches.
#8: Chemung County Humane Society & SPCA
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 282
Website: https://www.chemungspca.org/
Address: 2435 St Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903
Phone: (607) 732-1827
Opening hours:
- Tuesday- Saturday: 11 AM – 4:30 PM
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Services
Adoption
To start adopting from this rescue, fill out this form.
The shelter charges an adoption fee that covers:
- Vaccines.
- Vet exam.
- Microchip.
- Spay/Neuter.
- Toys and Treats.
- Internal and external parasite treatment.
Adoption fees vary depending on the age of the pooch you want to adopt. Here are the prices:
- Puppies: $375.
- Adult Dogs ages 1-7 years old: $225.
- Senior Dogs ages 8 and older: $150.
Relinquishing Your Pet
The rescue accepts pets that are relinquished by their owners. They also offer assistance to help the owners keep their pets.
Here are some of the things they can help you with:
- Food assistance.
- Affordable pet vaccines.
- Temporary boarding facilities.
- Affordable spay and neuter services.
- Help with training and behavior issues.
Read Next: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)
Social media presence:
#9: Columbia-Greene Humane Society
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 268
Website: http://cghs.org/
Address: 111 Humane Society Rd., Hudson, NY 12534
Phone: (518) 828-6044
Opening hours:
- Tuesday- Saturday: 11:30 AM – 4 PM
Social media presence:
Services
Boarding / Daycare
You’ve heard of a child’s daycare center, but CGHS added a new spin to that with their doggie boarding/daycare.
Their experienced and highly-trained staff will take care of your pooch for you. It can be for a few hours or several days.
All dogs under their wing will also come with 24/7 vet care. So you can be assured that your dog is in good hands.
To book a daycare/boarding reservation, check out this page.
Grooming
Dog grooming services are handled by the shelter’s professional groomer, Julie Blenner.
You can read this, to learn more about their grooming service.
Note: All the proceeds of both the daycare and grooming services will go to the care and maintenance of the animals in the rescue.

#10: Jefferson County SPCA
Rating: 4.5
Reviews: 255
Website: http://jeffersoncountyspca.org/
Main Shelter:
Address: 5056 Water St., Watertown, NY. 13601
Phone: 315-782-3260
Opening hours:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Petco Adoption Center:
Address: 21851 Towne Center Dr., Watertown, NY. 13601
Phone: 315-777-4031
Opening hours:
- Sunday- Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM
Social media presence:
Reading Tip: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]
#11: Chqhumane.org
Rating: 4.6
Reviews: 247
Website: http://chqhumane.org/
Address: 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701
Phone: 716-665-2209
Opening hours:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 1 PM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM -3 PM
- Thursday and Sunday: Closed
Volunteering
Both adults and children can volunteer at the rescue. Children must be 9 years or older and accompanied by an adult.
Here are some of the activities for volunteers:
- Animal Care.
- Receptionist.
- Dog Walking.
- Cat Socializing.
Note: COVID 19 vaccination is a requirement when you volunteer.
Expawdition
If you’re still hesitant whether to adopt or foster a pooch, you can try their “Expawdition” program.
Take a CCHS dog for a day trip. This way, dogs from the rescue can explore the world outside the kennel.
If you’re interested, you can click this link to fill out an application.
Social media presence: