We practice responsible and innovative ways to reduce animal overpopulation in shelters, rescue and rehabilitate critically injured and neglected animals, and connect the community to services that enable animals to remain in their homes. Together we are advocates, rescuers, and educators. Together we make a difference. Why do we do what we do? Because they Matter.
Second Chance Rescue NYC
501(c)(3) Nonprofit
Both
Appointment Required
Type:
Rescue
Address:
Phone:
Email:
Website:
Our Mission
About Us
Founded in 2009, NYC Second Chance Rescue has grown into a lifesaving organization committed to helping the animals who are most often overlooked. To date, we have saved more than 17,000 animals from overcrowded shelters, abandonment, neglect, abuse, and life-threatening medical circumstances.
Our work extends beyond traditional rescue. We partner with shelters and communities to help reduce euthanasia, provide critical medical and behavioral care, rehabilitate animals with complex needs, and challenge discrimination against specific breeds. We believe rescue must address both the immediate crisis and the larger systems that contribute to shelter overcrowding.
What makes NYC Second Chance Rescue unique is our commitment to the hardest-to-place animals; those who are medically complex, severely neglected, senior, large-breed, or otherwise at risk of being overlooked. At the same time, we work to keep pets with the families who love them by connecting people with resources and practical support before surrender becomes the only option.
We are a united force of rescuers, advocates, educators, volunteers, and community partners working toward a future where fewer animals enter shelters, fewer lives are lost, and every animal is given the chance they deserve.
Services We Offer
Adoptions, Fostering Program, Spay/Neuter Services, Medical Care, Training/Behavior, Animal Rescue/Transport, Public Education, Volunteer Program
Adoption Process
Application, Screening process, Contract. To learn more details, please visit https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adopt/.
How to Meet Our Pets
You must be an approved adopter to schedule a meet-and-greet with a dog or cat in foster care or at our Adoption Center.
You can also meet some of our adoptables at adoption events (https://nycsecondchancerescue.org/adoption-events/).
Special Programs & Areas Served
Special Programs: Keeping Families Together: Our community outreach program helps prevent unnecessary surrenders by connecting pet owners with resources to keep their animals safely at home. Through pet food assistance and community support, we address challenges before they become crises.
Rescue & Rehabilitation
We specialize in animals facing extraordinary circumstances, including severe medical needs, neglect, abandonment, behavioral challenges, and discrimination based on breed. We provide the medical care, rehabilitation, patience, and individualized support these animals need to recover and find loving homes.
Shelter Partnerships & Transport
We work with overwhelmed shelters and rescue partners to provide lifesaving placement for animals at risk of euthanasia. Our transport efforts help move animals from areas with limited shelter capacity to communities where they have a greater opportunity for adoption.
Medical & Critical Care
Animals with serious injuries, illness, or complex medical needs are often among the least likely to find rescue. We take on these cases and provide access to veterinary care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support so that medical need does not determine whether an animal gets a second chance.
Community Education & Advocacy
We educate the public about responsible pet ownership, animal welfare, breed discrimination, shelter overcrowding, adoption, spaying/neutering, and the importance of keeping pets in their homes.
Adoption & Lifelong Placement
Our goal is not simply to move an animal out of a shelter; it is to create the right match and give each animal the foundation for a safe, stable, lifelong home. We work to understand each animal as an individual and to advocate for the environment in which they can thrive.
Areas Served: Only residents of New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Northern Virginia, Vermont, Rhode Island, the District of Columbia, and Georgia can adopt from our rescue. *Some restrictions may apply.
