We've adopted 2 dogs from NYSHAR and both times the experience was wonderful. The people who take time out of their daily lives every single day to care for and foster these pups are truly selfless and amazing. If you are seriously looking for a four legged friend to complete your family, I highly recommend Safe Haven. They're the best read more

I have been a foster mom for SHAR for several years. In addition, I have adopted through them. Several of my friends have adopted their dogs from SHAR. They are a great rescue group. They make sure all the pups are well cared for with vet appointments, vaccines and whatever meds they may need. True that they are picky with potential adopters and that's ok. Their standards are high. Not everyone is approved and that sometimes results in negative reviews. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - My foster pup - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

Adopted 2 times from this group because I loved everything they do for these pups! Highly recommend. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Nikki and Nico. 5 and 3 1/2 - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

We had a wonderful experience adopting our pup from NYSHAR. The volunteers who work for this organization are caring, thoughtful and well organized. I completed the application on Saturday, heard back on Tuesday, was interviewed and accepted, and had our meet and greet with Pickles (now renamed Jojo) on Wednesday. We fell instantly in love and took him home that day. Our hearts our full and our family is complete. We are so grateful to NYSHAR for all their hard work and dedication in giving these beautiful pets a second chance by matching them to loving families. read more

Me and my wife filled out several applications for a kitten and were told "they didn't feel comfortable" letting us adopt a cat because we live in a fifth wheel. Before knowing what our situation looks like, our place is the size of a small house and we travel across the nation for work. So be mindful if you travel for work like many others they will cross you right off the list. Our home is a loving home too. Do better. read more

I got my dog from SHAR and am so in reasonably grateful for everything they do. help keep rescues like this one alive !! they're doing god work. read more

We had a great experience with this rescue! The process was smooth, quick, and friendly. The fosters and volunteers are lovely. This was my first experience adopting a puppy and we're so happy we chose Safe Haven. Thank you for helping us find our Cody boy! read more

I had the best experience with NYSHAR and would highly recommend them. I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician and I was very impressed with the entire adoption process. I have two beautiful dogs that I adopted as puppies from NYSHAR. I was impressed with every person I dealt with and their knowledge of their puppies and their concern that the animal would be going into a safe and loving and most of all a fitting home. Most people do not realize just how difficult this process is for the NYSHAR Staff. Thank you. I have referred you all and would defiantly come back to you in the future. read more

Love this rescue! I have adopted all of my dogs through them. They care about their dogs, and make sure each are placed with the best fit for both the dog and their new family. The volunteers and fosters are all really friendly and also make sure the dogs are put first and foremost. I highly suggest adopting from this rescue. read more

Because my daughter had such a great experience adopting her dog, Maggie (fka Hester) through Safe Haven, I knew I wanted to also. Fostering and adopting through Safe Haven was a wonderful experience. They exercised such great care and thoroughness in vetting the fosters/adopters to ensure the puppies & kittens are going to safe and loving homes. Communication with them was excellent and they quickly answered all my questions. I opted to foster with intent to adopt and couldn't be happier with my Luna (fka Harper). She's so smart and sweet. I recommend Safe Haven to anyone looking to foster and/or adopt. These rescues need and deserve loving homes. Bravo to Safe Haven for all that they do. Luna has brought so much love into our home. Sometime in the future I hope to get a sibling for Luna and will absolutely go through Safe Haven! Here are some pics of Luna from her Happy Gotcha Day to this week. And see how much she and Maggie love each other read more

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We did a foster to adopt 2 years ago and it was the best experience. We put our application in and within a day or so was contacted. We already had an older dog in the family and we weren't certain how he would react to another dog joining. Worked with Megan and Ally who were both patient and answered all our questions. Jax (fka Cale) has been the best addition since and we cannot recommend this rescue enough. We first heard of them thru friends who also rescued their dogs from here. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Jax on his gotcha day - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

We recently adopted a puppy from Safe Haven Animal Rescue and had a wonderful experience! The adoption price was extremely fair which includes initial vaccines and spay/neuter. The staff is thorough and responsive in answering all of our questions which made it a very easy process. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

We recently adopted our pup 5.5 mo old pup Rusty from here. He was being fostered by Ariel and her family after being rescued from a high kill shelter in Texas. I'm so grateful to SHAR and Ariel for saving him and caring for him when he was so sick and under weight. The adoption process was thorough and well organized and the adoption fee was also much lower than a lot of other local shelters. Rusty already had some potty training and basic commands when we brought him home and Ariel and Lynne were available for questions even after we brought him home to make the transition as smooth as possible. I would highly recommend adopting from SHAR, they do a wonderful job and care about placing their rescues with the right people. read more

I adopted my pup from Safe Haven last July and it was the best decision of my life. He is the most precious addition to my family. Safe haven does incredible jobs with the pups they take in. The fosters are incredible and doing a great job training the puppies. Safe haven does thorough background checks to make sure the puppies they save are going to the right family that are the best fit for the puppy. They are an outstanding agency who have saved countless amount of lives. I can't wait to adopt again from them in the future read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

I have fostered for this group for 5 years. I have seen the compassion and kindness they have for helping dogs in Puerto Rico and within the united states. I've helped with almost 50 dogs getting adopted - while overall they adopted out hundreds every year. They make sure all dogs are spayed and chipped. They charge a minimum fee. I recommend them to my friends and family. I've had friends adopt from them too. read more

I adopted two rescues from Puerto Rico through NYSHAR. They did a thorough screening and I got my first baby dog in 2019. I am home alone so we got very close. In 2022, another rescue was needing a home. She was 1 1/2 years old and had a rough early life. She was my foster fail . They are now curled up next to me. NYSHAR has been helpful during these years and if I had room and $$, I would get another! read more

We have adopted two dogs from NYSHAR and have been very pleased with both experiences. They truly care about the best interests of the dogs and were great to work with. Would definitely recommend them and work with them again. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

We had such an easy and wonderful adoption process with NY Safe Haven. The application was simple and the woman who handled our case was amazing. We applied, were approved and had our meet & great with our sweet girl in a very timely but not rushed fashion. I couldn't recommend them to others enough! My first recommendation when anyone is looking to adopt! read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

I adopted from Ny Safehaven in 2020 and again August 2024 . My sister adopted from them in 2020 also. They absolutely care about the animals and put them first. They want them to have the best home. The adoption process was smooth. They called my vet checked all my references in a very timely manner. Checked my home to make sure it was suitable. They brought the puppy to my home to meet my other dog to make sure they would get along. They even paid for my puppy's to see their vet after I adopted them for minor issues , no questions asked. They are a wonderful rescue and I will adopt from them again ! Thank you for all you do for the animals. read more

Got my little girl from safe haven a few months ago and it was an extensive adoption process compared to my first dog from a local shelter. I was approved after all the paperwork necessary and couldn't be more happy with my little girl even though she is crazy! I would recommend getting your next pup from here! read more

I asked for help finding homes for kittens last July. The interaction wasnt helpful. Months later the person claiming to be running the rescue for 5 years was trying to argue with me on Facebook. She was arrogant, and even screenshot my original email asking for help to Facebook. Im making a formal complaint to Petsmart corporate. They dont have all their financial information readily available but this rescue has some problems. read more

We adopted Giles (formerly Dewy) two years ago and love him! The process was flawless. We had to cancel our first appointment for his drop off and reschedule to the next day. The foster was flexible and understood immediately. We got a healthy happy puppy! read more

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Adopted both my kitty angels through Safe Haven. They were amazing and always answered my questions or concerns when I had them! Will only use them to adopt in the future! Thank you for all you do you guys are Amazing!! read more

We adopted the sweetest, most gentle dog 3 years ago. We appreciated the care and comprehensive approach to adoption. Our dog was fostered prior to our adoption which is a wonderful concept to acclimate the dogs to a home environment. Would highly recommend this rescue! Thank you read more

we adopted our boy from Safe Haven back in September. Safe Haven is the absolute best. we worked with Michelle and she was wonderful. the amount of love and support they give these beautiful animals is unmatched. I would recommend Safe Haven to anyone looking to adopt a furry friend. read more

Fostered for them and it was always a wonderful experience! Communication, supplies and vet care were always readily available...They truly care about the pups they rescue. The adopters screening process is top notch with them making sure the pups are placed in proper homes. Definitely a great rescue!! read more

I have one star because the woman who processed the application and was going through the process with us was super sweet And had great communication. Other than that, this rescue is absolutely terrible and ridiculous. I was denied 4 years ago because my my dog which was 13 years old already and had a lot of health issues, did not have heartwork vaxx. My vet advised it was not necessary and that also, at this age/point in his life she was not recommend it, plus she said there's a cutoff date for vaxxes when it comes to age/health conditions etc. I was simply doing what MY VET (who I trust with everything) was telling me to do. fast forward to 2025, my dog passed away , 3 months shy of turning 17. It was the worst day of my life and took some time for me to want to open up my Home again, and give a pup the best life and all the love they deserve. I submitted an application and was denied RIGHT away due to me being "denied previously back in 2021" Doesn't matter the circumstance and or that ny dog is deceased, they are holding it against me, even though I said I was willing to put him and keep him on heart worm from the jump. Apparently I am barred due to above and it's pretty terrible of them to hold that against me. read more

I've heard so many bad things about this rescue that I really can't chose one to go in depth about. The overall summary would have to be the very young, very immature owner lets her ego and personal problems interfere with business, often doing things that benefit her sense of ownership and powers vs what's best for business and most importantly what's important for the animals. Because of this the volunteer turn over rate isn't good. How well is a rescue going to run if your continuously losing volunteers? I'd stay away. Not worth the drama. read more

Safe Haven Animal Rescue - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me

I would give zero stars if I could. Do not get your hopes up if you plan on adopting a dog or a cat from this organization. You pretty much jump through hoops for them with filling out the application and giving them your vet care information, References, and videos, and or pictures of your home to make sure it is suitable for the animal. Once that is done, they string you along for a couple of more days to let you know whether or not you've been chosen to put the application forward. We have three healthy, indoor cats and one dog that is indoor as well but since some of the vaccinations were not up-to-date, and we have since made appointments with our vet to make sure that our animals are up-to-date with vaccinations, etc. that still was not "good enough." What I really wanted to mention is the fact that we had adopted a kitten from this organization during the pandemic in 2020 and when we adopted her the next day, we had to bring her to the vet because she was very sick and needed to be on antibiotics. She was coughing, sneezing, and dripping green goo from her nose. A colleague of mine also adopted two dogs through this organization, on my recommendation, as well and had problems with both of the dogs that required medical attention and antibiotics as well. I hope the pup that we were interested in is adopted ASAP so if there is something medically wrong going on with the pup, whoever adopts them can quickly remedy the situation. After reading reviews on here, I can see clearly there is a problem with this organization. Thank you. read more

Similar to all the previous reviews, I also applied to adopt a dog from this rescue. One of the volunteers cleared my application, home pics/videos, and references I was told I was only waiting to hear back from the founder. I had to update my 2 dogs vaccines, I called my vet and made an appt for one of my dogs and she said that my other dog is exempt from future vaccines since he has cancer. I contacted the volunteer with an update and was denied by the founder with no explanation other than "we are uncomfortable." The sweet volunteer, Lynne, who cleared me advocated for my family and I to the founder disagreeing with her decision on denying a puppy to a good home. After learning who the founder was I realized I had mutual friends, growing up in the same school district so I reached out to a mutual friend asking to put in a good word for my family and I as they know we love all our pets like they're our children. The young, immature, power trip of a 28 year old female founder replied to me telling me to not reach out to "her" friends and that we were still denied. When speaking with our mutual friends they were confused as to why she was acting this way, making things way too personal as if I was a terrible person. My family and I have never been denied a pet, we have been told by multiple friends and family that if they could when they pass theyd love to come back as one of our pets because that's how well taken care of they are. The owner of this rescue is nothing but narcisstic and selfish, she's all about being the boss and making decisions claiming it's for the best interest of the animals but in reality she's only denying them loving homes just to assert her dominance. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND!!! when speaking with my vet she said she has heard multiple complaints of this rescue and that their animals are not taken care of, they have a reputation of being sick and neglected. STAY AWAY FROM THIS RESCUE!!!!!!! read more

Love this Rescue! NYSHAR, we recently adopted from there and the puppy had been up to date with their vet and very well trained. They care about all of their foster dogs future well being, so there is a thorough review of your application and vet records along with home visit for all pets to meet and get familiar. Thank you for saving all of the dogs and puppies that you can!! read more

I adopted 2 dogs from this rescue, fostered for them, done numerous airport runs to pick up new rescues arriving from Puerto Rico, and have been a volunteer processing many of the applications for over 3 years. Many times over the years there have been situations in which I haven't seen eye to eye with the founder. I have firsthand witnessed a lack of maturity, organization, hypocritical decisions, and lack of consistency with handling many different situations throughout the years. Which has also led to many other volunteers & fosters to leave the rescue as well. As of this week, I am no longer involved with this rescue. Unfortunately, the founder was more concerned about showing that she's the boss, rather than doing what is in the best interest of a rescue dog. She claims it was due to a lack in communication that all of this could've been avoided. It was more important to rip a happy puppy from a loving home with the happiest 5 year old boy just to prove a point. That she is the "boss". She has obviously lost sight of what rescuing is all about. This has also happened plenty of other times before but was swept under the rug for the good of the rest of the puppies she was set out to rescue. Yes, they do help to rescue cute puppies/dogs, but I will no longer recommend them or be associated with them. It's not enough to have compassion to rescue dogs, you also have to value the people helping with your rescue & sometimes have a little humility & do the right thing by the animals you're set out to save in the first place. They are the utmost priority. I am so sad, mad & extremely disappointed that this poor puppy & poor family had to be the latest causality in this immature power struggle. read more

Disappointing. I totally agree with a previous review, don't get your hopes up to adopt. I had a similar experience of submitting what I thought was a thorough application ( vet information, references, drivers license, address, agree to home visit, etc.) Then after waiting over a week to get a very blunt email, that had no name who it was from, denying our application. The email said because we do not have a fenced in yard. No phone call or house visit, didn't talk to any of the three references, etc. This wasn't an issue when we adopted our last dog from a different rescue. I understand that's a policy with some rescues, but those rescues state that clearly on their website and on their application so you know before you submit an application. I emailed back just asking for some clarification on if that was the only reason and have not received a reply. Was just very upsetting as we had our hopes up to adopt that dog. read more

I've heard so many bad things about this rescue that I really can't chose one to go in depth about. The overall summary would have to be the very young, very immature owner lets her ego and personal problems interfere with business, often doing things that benefit her sense of ownership and powers vs what's best for business and most importantly what's important for the animals. Because of this the volunteer turn over rate isn't good. How well is a rescue going to run if your continuously losing volunteers? I'd stay away. Not worth the drama. read more

If they could get zero stars they would. Immature founder,volunteers leaving right and left these poor animals are getting stuck in the middle of egos and tantrums. Breaks my heart -please look up REPUTABLE rescues! read more

All my life I have had the honor of sharing my home with adopted dogs from rescues and shelters across Long Island. I have collected donations, ran fundraisers and donated both time and money to numerous reputable organizations that support animal welfare. Those who know me, know I am passionate about animal rights and provide a safe and loving environment for my current rescue dog. A few months ago, a good friend of mine told me about a rescue she was fostering for and how rewarding it was to care for puppies until they found their forever homes. When my son entered full day school, I wanted to use my newfound "free" time for good and was ready to open my home to fostering. To make a very long and heartbreaking story short, Garth, the most amazing, loyal and loving puppy shared our home for two weeks. I was told as a foster, I would have priority in the adoption process. Soon, I admittedly joined the ranks of fellow "foster fails" and let the rescue know I wanted our home to be Garth's forever home. My contact at the agency was thrilled and so was my four year old when I shared the news. Days later, we had a devastating and most importantly, senseless experience with the founder that resulted in Garth being torn away from our home. This entire ordeal was preventable. I later found out that the founder had words and power struggles with numerous other volunteers and my family was simply a casualty of a spiteful point she was trying to prove. Any person who works in rescue, or simply any decent human, would realize an animal is not a pawn to be used. The entire mission of an animal rescue is to place animals in loving, stable, safe homes, which we clearly provided. It has come to my attention that several volunteers and fosters left immediately after this despicable situation. Many more have come out of the woodwork stating that they quietly left in the months prior due to interactions with the founder and even questionable financial issues. All of this saddens me, but nothing tears my heart out more than thinking of Garth's beautiful eyes and wondering how he is, feeling like I let him down. I still hope to one day have Garth rejoin our family. Safe Haven poses under the guise of helping animals. It is so shameful that an organization who boasts about having the animals' best interest at heart, is in fact heartless. read more

If I could give them 0 stars I would! Very upsetting! I fostered a 10 week old pup with intent to adopt. Once signing the contract and paying the adoption fee in advance though technically he wasn't mine, a trusted medical professional advised me that the date they selected for his neutering was way too early. They were requiring me to get him neutered at 13 weeks, not even 4 months. The more research I did the more concerned I got, as numerous research articles with scientific findings have shown a 3-4x increase in the rate of dogs developing certain cancers and joint disorders (especially in larger breed dogs which this dog was). I immediately emailed them to express my concerns and asked if we can push back the neutering to at least 6 months. They immediately declined my offer and said the date had to stand at 13 weeks or I'd have to give the pup back. I further looked up NYS laws which show dogs adopted via rescue had up to 30 days from turning 6 months to be neutered and forwarded them this & they still declined my offer. In the end they wound up taking the pup after he spent 12 days in our home, becoming attached to his new surroundings, humans siblings and big dog sister. They refused to give me a legit reason as to why I couldn't wait until he turned 6 months & also refused to give me my money back. Such a traumatizing, horrible experience for my family. Please please I urge you not to adopt from this rescue! There are others out there who do care about an animals long term health, this is certainly not one of them!!! read more