Best Places to Adopt a Pet in Brooklyn (Updated for 2025)
- webmasterbrooklynb
- Jun 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 12
Thinking about adding a new best friend to your life? Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, a gentle senior dog, or even a small dog or friendly cat, Brooklyn offers some of the best places for pet adoption in the entire country. From trusted rescue organizations to dedicated nonprofit shelters, these local adoption centers are doing lifesaving work every day to place homeless animals in loving homes.
Choosing adoption gives homeless dogs and cats a second chance—and gives you the best chance at finding a lifelong companion. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of the adoption process, plus a roundup of top-rated NYC animal shelters and volunteer organizations to check out.
Shelter or Breeder? What to Consider
For most people, a shelter or rescue group is the perfect place to start when looking for adoptable pets. These organizations focus on matching animals to the right pet parent, ensuring you get a good match—not just a cute face. Plus, when you adopt from a registered NYS shelter, you’re often saving a life and supporting a charitable non-profit organization.
Adopting a mixed-breed dog may also reduce future veterinary care needs. These dogs tend to have fewer genetic health issues, which can mean fewer vet visits and less concern about medical conditions down the line. Shelters also provide basic medical care—including vaccines, neuter surgery, and treatment for any health issues—before sending pets to their forever homes.
That said, if you’re committed to getting a specific purebred dog from a breeder, make sure you avoid pet stores and puppy mills. Look for an ethical, registered breeder who treats animals humanely and meets standards set by the NYS Department of Agriculture. Always ask about their veterinary care standards, living conditions, and how they socialize puppies. A good breeder will want to ensure their animals are going to safe places and loving homes.
Questions to Ask Before You Adopt
When visiting an adoption center, come prepared with questions. The more you know, the better your browsing experience—and the smoother the transition into your home. Here’s what to ask:
• What’s this pet’s history or background?
• How do they do with kids, strangers, or other animals?
• Have they had any training?
• What kind of energy and exercise needs do they have?
• Are there any known health issues or medical conditions?
• Have they been spayed/neutered or had a recent veterinary check?
• What’s the adoption fee, and what does it cover?
Understanding these details helps ensure you’re choosing the right pet for your lifestyle—and giving a homeless dog or cat the best chance at a new home.
Top Pet Adoption Centers in Brooklyn
These organizations stand out not just in Brooklyn, but across the entire country, for their exceptional education, innovative work, and commitment to reducing euthanasia rates. Many also offer foster homes, educational programs, and support after adoption.
🐶 BARC Shelter
A Brooklyn staple, BARC connects adoptable animals with people looking for their new furry friend. They even list courtesy posts for owners trying to rehome pets directly—helping reduce the number of homeless animals.
🐾 Sean Casey Animal Rescue
This nonprofit organization is one of the best-known NYC animal shelters. They’re known for making the adoption process smooth and informative, helping you find the right pet while educating you on their care.
🏡 Animal Care Centers of NYC (Brooklyn Location)
As NYC’s largest animal shelter, ACC is a hub for adoptable pets, stray services, and even surrender or end-of-life support. It’s a vital part of NYC’s pet adoption network and is registered with the NYS Department of Agriculture (registration #RR128).
❤️ AMA Animal Rescue
This volunteer organization has gained a reputation for giving homeless dogs a second chance through lifesaving care and consistent community engagement. Their adoption center hosts events and highlights success stories to inspire others to adopt.
😎 Badass Animal Rescue
Focused on saving pets from high-kill shelters across the south, this Brooklyn-based group is committed to placing adoptable dogs in forever homes here in NYC. They’re also a top choice for small dog lovers.
Why Adoption Matters
Every adoptable pet represents a life that deserves a home. Across Brooklyn, shelters and rescue organizations are working tirelessly to improve the lives of homeless pets through veterinary care, educational programs, foster networks, and adoption events.
Last year alone, local nonprofits helped thousands of animals avoid euthanasia and find safe places to thrive. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, foster, or adopt, there are countless ways to support this lifesaving work.
If you’re ready to meet your new best friend, start your search at one of these top workplaces for pet care and adoption. Each one is a nonprofit organization doing incredible, hands-on work to change the lives of dogs—and the people who love them.
Need Help After You Adopt?
Whether you’re welcoming a senior dog or navigating the early stages with a new puppy, this Puppy 101 Series offers real-world tips on training, socialization, and setup. It’s designed to help you build a strong foundation from day one.
If you’re in Brooklyn, feel free to contact us anytime. We’d be happy to chat about your pet care needs and how we can support you and your newest family member.
And if you’re in Manhattan, we work closely with our trusted friends at MixyPaws—a fantastic local team of professional dog walkers and caregivers.