Somewhere in Ulster County, a dog is waiting for someone to throw a tennis ball, a cat is waiting for a sunny windowsill, and a senior pet may simply be waiting for a quiet couch. Finding those animals is not always as straightforward as typing “animal shelter near me” into a search box.

Ulster County has a mixture of nonprofit shelters, municipal facilities, foster-based rescues, and specialized animal-welfare organizations. New York State currently lists 14 licensed rescue organizations or municipal shelters under Ulster County, while several additional local groups also facilitate adoption.

The County’s State-Listed Rescue Network

All For The Love Of Whiskers serves the Wawarsing and Kerhonkson area with a strong focus on cats and kittens, while Animals Are Forever is registered in Napanoch. Cast Aside To Survive operates in Saugerties and also works extensively with cats and kittens.

Nothing But Love Canine Foundation in Bloomington focuses on dogs, and Ready For Rescue is registered in West Hurley. Because registered location and public adoption area are not always the same, adopters should verify each group’s current service area before making plans.

Rondout Valley Animals for Adoption in Accord is another locally based option for residents searching for a dog. Highland adds both Snuggle Lovin Doggie Rescue and Take Me Home Pet Rescue, which works with dogs and cats through a foster-based model.

Municipal Shelters Across Ulster County

The Town of Plattekill Municipal Shelter in Modena cares for dogs through the town’s animal-control system and can place unclaimed adoptable animals. The Town of Rochester Municipal Shelter in Accord is another state-recognized municipal facility.

The Town of Saugerties Animal Shelter works with dogs and cats and serves an important public role in northern Ulster County. Saugerties is also home to Ulster County Canines, a nonprofit dog shelter and adoption organization.

In Kingston, the Ulster County SPCA is one of the county’s best-known animal-welfare organizations and places dogs, cats, and small animals. Up Manhattan Cat Rescue is registered in Woodstock, although its public rescue work has primarily focused outside the county, so current service information should be checked first.

The List Does Not End at 14

Project Cat in Accord works with cats and cat adoption, while Paws Unlimited in Kingston appears in regional companion-animal adoption resources. The Phoenicia Cat Project in Mt. Tremper is another grassroots feline rescue resource in the county.

Shandaken Animal Volunteer Effort, commonly known as S.A.V.E., has worked with the Town of Shandaken to help place animals from the municipal system. Second Chance Farm in West Park also appears in regional cat-adoption resources, while Catskill Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties focuses primarily on rescued farmed animals rather than conventional dog-and-cat adoption.

Why the Numbers Vary

Not every animal organization is a traditional walk-in shelter with kennels and public visiting hours. Some operate entirely through foster homes, others require appointments, and municipal facilities may receive animals primarily through dog-control work.

A legal mailing address can also differ from the place where most adoption activity actually occurs. That is why the state list is the strongest official baseline, but not a complete picture of every local organization helping animals find homes.

Before You Visit

Check the organization’s current adoption information, available animals, appointment requirements, and application process before getting in the car. Many rescues spend considerable time matching pets to households because a successful placement depends on more than enthusiasm.

A rescue may already know that a dog needs a fenced yard, that another animal prefers a home without cats, or that a particular cat does best with a feline companion. That information matters because the goal is a permanent home, not simply a fast adoption.

Can’t Adopt? The Rescue Network Still Needs You

Residents who cannot adopt can support the same network by fostering, volunteering, donating supplies, contributing toward veterinary expenses, or sharing adoption profiles. Every foster home can create room for another animal, and every shared profile can expand an animal’s chance of being seen.

From Highland and Modena to Accord, Kingston, Saugerties, Bloomington, Wawarsing, and beyond, Ulster County has a broad collection of animal-welfare organizations. For anyone ready to bring home a companion, the smartest first move is simple: start local, verify current information, and take the time to find the right match.