North Shore Animal League

Great prices in medical center, but they make you wait a long time. Prices can’t be beat here.

A long drive from NJ but Wolfie is worth it. He is a cairn terrier, high energy, and loving, but a typical puppy and will be for a long time. My daughter tried to adopt a dog for almost a year, she needed one that did not shed and was hypoallergenic. We went to North Shore because of her frustration with adoption groups in NJ. This little guy came right up to my granddaughters and is a delight (at least most of the time). The only problem is he was not neutered, and we know nothing of his background, I don’t even know if he was a stray. There was every dog imaginable there, and many puppy mill rescues which needed more attention than this family could give. The process took long, but I can’t fault them for checking references. I would totally do this again for any pet.

Do you like waiting for well over an hour for any vet appointments you make? Well boy, is Northshore the place for you. Bring a book, and hope you have nothing else to do with your day, because your appointment time means absolutely nothing. This waiting room is a really special level of hell.

I live like nearly 2 hour drive from this place, but my wife and I frequent this place. It’s been about 7 months since we adopted our kitten from here. I just wanted to mention a few things:
1) This place loves your animal just as much as you do. A lot of people complain about the whole tedious process this place makes you go through (references, landlord, previous history w/​pets, family member in household, current pets, current living situation, etc). To be honest, I was pretty annoyed myself when they made me list 3 people who would answer the phone within hour if I wanted to take the pet home with me that day. I was told the process may take up to 3 – 5 hours before they let me walk out with the animal. As annoying as all this may sound, it’s in the best interest for your new pet… these people truly care about the animal and it shows. The shelter is really clean, well kept, doesn’t smell like something is dying inside. The staff is very friendly, and you can tell that they genuinely love their animals.
2) Their adoption fees are on point. I believe I paid roughly $ 100 for a 3 – 4 month old kitten who had all their shots and was told I’d receive $ 50 back if I brought them back to get spayed/​neutered. I’m getting money back for them to fix my pet? Why, thank you!
3) They have the most variety of dogs and cats I’ve seen in the entire NYC area. 3 separate rooms for cats and 2 – 3 large rooms for dogs.
Definitely check out this place if you’re looking for a new addition to your family…

On October 24, my family and I came to look at the wonderful dogs at North Shore Animal league! We arrived wanting a puppy and north shore has a abundance of puppies ranging from a couple weeks old to 6 months and up! We left though with a five month old «lab mix». Now with every animal shelter they can never be to sure what the dogs are actually mixed with. We were first told that «Autumn», now Oreo, was a lab mix possibly with a shepherd. But she’s obviously a pointer possibly mixed with a lab. Anyway, we arrived wanting a puppy and once you arrive and see all the bigger dogs they have a exclusive puppy room just like they have an exclusive kitten room. So we go into the puppy room and pick out this adorable little 7 week old dog that had parasites and stomach problems and was on two different type of medication and we fill out an application, wait forever in line and finally get called to be told that «no you can’t have this dog.» We were heartbroken! Now let me explain why were denied this dog! To adopt animals here you MUST be over 21 and have some type of income with either a house or apartment that allows animals! THEY WILL CALL. In our case this wasn’t the problem because we live in our own house not in a apartment. The problem is my mom works full time and I’m in college (I live at home) and they said in order to take home a small puppy someone needs to be able to check on the dog EVERY 3 hours. Now I could argue about this for a while on how ridiculous that is but we said «okay» and went back to look at older dogs (we were told any dog older then 4 months was fine) we see a few dogs ranging from terrier mixes to sad looking labs to seeing this happy (the only one not barking) little black and white dog. We spend some time with her in the dog room and pet her and she’s so happy and friendly and we decide this is the one. We redo paperwork. We wait another million years and finally we’ve got our dog! Oreo! She’s perfect if not a tad bit naughty at times! They have a pet store on their campus that we got some more supplies at and went home with paperwork on when to take her back for her last shots.
Pros:
* Tons of dogs to choose from.
* The staff were so nice and willing to assist you.
* They have puppies/​kittens if that’s what you came to adopt.
* They give you a free leash and dog food after your successful adoption!
* It’s clean and actually smells pretty nice.
Cons:
* It took forever! Keep that in mind! (We arrived at 11 and didn’t leave till almost 5 o’clock.)
* Not allowed to adopt a small puppy unless you have someone who is always at home.
* Wasn’t told when to feed our dog when we first brought her home (I had to call in to be told that they feed the dogs 3 times a day)
Conclusion:
Be open minded and don’t have a set idea on what type, size, and age you want. And have fun!

To start, I’ll say that I did end up going home with a wonderful new roommate. I came looking to rescue an adult cat to be my companion during medical school. The selection at NSAL was excellent and the volunteers were incredibly warm and helpful at every turn. Unfortunately, the good ends there.
While the volunteers are great, the people who are paid to be there are unpleasant, distrustful, and grossly incompetent. I spent hours looking for a cat, coming in every week to play with them, and getting used to the idea of having a pet for the first time. I made sure my finances were stable, found two trustworthy references, was approved by my landlord to adopt a cat, and made sure that my apartment would be ready. To be clear, I went above and beyond to make sure that I was ready to adopt.
After spending about 10 hours with the cats, I decided to do a pre-​approval. Before even bothering to call my references, the very grumpy person working at the main desk came back in 2 minutes to tell me that my application was rejected and there was nothing I can do. Since I am a full-​time student (professional school, not undergrad), I can’t adopt a cat (because it is not considered a full-​time job). I explained that many students in my school have cats and dogs, and they make wonderful pet owners, but he wouldn’t even listen. I asked to speak to the kennel manager. Surprise, surprise, the manager isn’t available (this was literally 2 minutes after the worker confirmed my application rejection with the kennel manager). He suggested that I wait four years until I officially have a «real job.»
I politely explained that medical school is nothing like undergrad. My cost of living while in school is covered by the federal government and there is plenty of money left over to cover the $ 30-​$ 40/​month to take care of a cat. Compared to how much I shell out every month for tuition, rent, food, clothing, etc, it’s a ridiculous amount to even argue about. In 2015, a professional student’s finances are LOT more stable than most people with full-​time jobs. Half of the students in my class have pets and they were shocked when I told them the reason I was rejected, ESPECIALLY because I wanted an adult cat that would now have to wait many more weeks in a small cage because so few people want to adopt them.
To make a long story short, I was determined to adopt from NSAL, because I liked that it was close to my apartment, had a health center, and would supposedly cover any illnesses that the cat had at the shelter. So, they made me go through an unbelievably embarrassing process of dragging my parents to the adoption center to say that they would cover the cat financially (even though I am doing it myself). When they looked at my parents and immediately said that I was approved (no checking ID, no making sure they had jobs), it became abundantly clear why I was rejected the first time: I am a young, male student who doesn’t fit their «profile» of a good cat owner. They treated me like a boy in elementary school, even though I am old enough to be their manager.
And after all of that, my cat brought home an obvious upper respiratory infection that the adoption center ignored. I had to spend nearly $ 50 to get antibiotics for this illness that he contracted AT the shelter. And to cap it off, the medical center told me (no joke) that they couldn’t give my uncomfortable, sick cat an appointment for the next few days, because «he is a recent adoption and the appointments cost less than the normal fee.» I was so shocked that I asked her to explain it for me again, and I received the same answer again. So, not only did they break their promise to cover any illnesses that the cat had at the shelter, but I had to beg the receptionist for an appointment to get this poor cat seen by a vet.
They get away with this by constantly bragging about being the «biggest» and the «largest» and «over 1 million saved.» And they justify their application process by reciting the mantra that every pet deserves a «forever» home. I can’t speak for everyone, but in my case, they were negligent, rude, and discriminatory. They were not interested the cat’s safety. They lied about covering illnesses that the cat contracted at the shelter. And to cap things off, they ended up lying to me about offering a discount at the health center for NSAL adoptees, it’s only $ 25 off of the first appointment. I could have adopted from a smaller, more friendly shelter that would have actually treated the cat’s illness when symptoms started, I would have saved money overall, and still been able to use NSAL’s health center for the same price.
In summary, I love my new cat, he loves his new home, and I am SO happy to have rescued him from this hellhole. I would recommend that people go to a smaller, more competent shelter that can actually handle the amount of animals they have. There are dozens on Long Island and in NYC that would actually be grateful when you walk in.

I adopted my terrier mix Maya from NSAL back in 2007. She has turned out to be one of the best dogs ever! She’s never had any health issues and is just an all around great dog. We came back in August to take advantage of the «Clear the Shelters» event and ended up adopting a hound mix that we named Marley. He originally had kennel cough but we gave him his meds and he was better in a little over a week. Marley is a pup so we are still working on getting him house-​trained, etc. but he’s a wonderful pup so far and Maya loves her little brother. If we ever wanted another pup (I think two is enough though), we would def come back to NSAL. I don’t believe in buying a dog from a store or breeder. There are just too many strays that need homes. Please adopt… don’t shop!

Adopted a kitten from their adoption truck today in the city and everyone was super friendly and helpful. The kitten is up to date on shots and neutred. We already love this little guy, he ia full of live and super cuddly.

March 25^th 2003, a young girl and her parents drive here searching for a dog.
«What about that one? her father suggests, pointing to a dog curled up in her cage.
The girl freaks out at this simple yes or no question, „I don’t want it!“ She chants.
Her fuss wakes up the dog, the dog looks over as if to say» what is wrong with you, human?!“
Their eyes meet.
«I don’t want it… can we get her?»
Barky (or «Fluffy» as she was known back at North Shore,) is going to be 13 in a few months and still has way too much energy.
It’s okay though, because we love her.
Also she threw up on the drive home from the shelter.
Good times.

They helped contribute to the deaths of 3 dogs that were dumped at the ACC in less than a yr. They don’t work with these dogs to reduce their aggressiveness. And just to prove I am not a nut making this up, the dogs were dumped at the NYC ACC, named Troy, killed in July 2015, Madison, killed October 2014, and Rocky, killed 2015.
. Madison and Troy were aggressive dogs. Why were they not given the right amount of training?
And if you can’t devote the rest of the animal’s life to them, I don’t believe they take them back, hence why they were dumped at the kill shelter. Why are they listed on the no kill network? They should not be! I am ashamed at them!

We lost our beloved kitty recently to a sudden, serious illness. We decided to go to NSAL to adopt a new cat. We did not think it would be a problem because we had adopted from them in the past, and we were approved to adopt from them within the past couple of years (although we ultimately ended up adopting our last cat from another rescue organization).
After we picked out an adorable kitten, however, we were told that they would not adopt to us because our building comes up in a search as a «no pet» building. I spoke with the volunteer and two managers, to explain that we have kept pets openly in our building for over a decade, as have many other tenants, and the management does not mind. They would not even speak with us. They were cold and unpleasant. That kitten lost out on a good and loving home with a responsible and stable family. And my children were crushed, mourning the loss of our previous cat, and then having their hopes dashed after connecting with a new kitty.
Since this upsetting experience, I inquired with a number of other rescue organizations.
Without exception, when I explained our situation in detail, I was told by other organizations that they would be open to adopting to us, if the rest of our application was acceptable. They were all very thorough in checking personal, business, and veterinary references. We have since adopted a sweet kitten from one of these organizations, and are very happy.
While I understand that these organizations want to make sure that their animals go to good and stable homes, NSAL’s rigidity in refusing to consider applicants’ circumstances results in many good individuals, couples, and families being barred from giving animals a good home.

We adopted an adult cat on Sunday afternoon and boy was it a wait! We arrived at about 5:15pm and found the cat we wanted from the FB page and filled out the application at about 5:30 and finally handed it in at about 5:50 or 6. The associate helped us throughout the process told us the approval wait could be about 2 hours or more while we were filling out the application, which was nice of her. We had to give 2 references and they were called within 20 – 30 minutes of handing in our application. After that, we had to wait another 1 hour and 30 minutes, totaling 2 hours just like the associate said.
Honestly, why was that long wait for? I went to go check on our cat because I thought maybe a vet or vet tech was taking a look at her, but she was still in the same cage we found her in! At around 8 my name was finally called, the adoption center lady went over everything, and I paid the adoption fee. We were very impatient and hungry because we finally got out at around 8:15 with our cat, a free 3 lb bag of Purina cat food from the supply store (which is pretty much to help you stay or switch to a much better food) and also a cardboard carrier (which was $ 5)
All in all, it was a very interesting experience. I always tell people who are looking for a dog/​puppy or cat/​kitten to always adopt, and NSAL is probably the best place to adopt in Nassau County. If you are planning on adopting from here, make sure it’s on a day/​time when it’s probably a little less busy and allocate your time. Bring a very generous amount of money with you, as well. Also, be warned that a lot of the animals probably have some kind of small illness or need additional shots, or spay/​neuter if very young. My cat was treated for an upper respiratory infection but she still seems to have a few symptoms so I made a recheck appointment for her.
Once again if you or anyone you know is looking to adopt, try NSAL!

Come here early for the best pick of the litter. If it’s a weekend, it WILL be crowded. No way around that.
The staff (and volunteers) are all helpful and friendly enough. They have a lot of puppies and kittens, as well as older animals waiting to be adopted.
The adoption process is excruciating though. There’s a separate room with several teller-​style windows where you have to fill out paperwork, and then wait for them to call your name over the PA. You also need to list 3 references.
We picked out a pup at 12:10, and they didn’t call one of our references until 3pm. We finished the adoption process around 4:30.
So plan for a full day affair.
At the time, there was an upcharge for younger puppies, but they waived that fee for the holidays. I think all told, it was around $ 250 for the adoption fees.

They have a good selection of dogs, cats and puppies. I got my chow/​German/​golden mix from here. I was told he would be max 45lbs. Oh were they wrong, he’s a happy-​healthy 105lbs. I couldn’t be happier that I drove to North Shore that day just to look around. I had no intend on getting a dog whatsoever! When the staff put my chubby fluff ball into my arms. I fell in love with him and all I said was «he’s mine» while another couple was staring at me to give him up.
The other couple had no chance in hell of me letting him out of my arms. The adoption paperwork was started and a few hrs later we made our way home. He’s now an amazing 7yr old with no health problems and just loves to be pet and lay at your feet.
I also adopted a kitten from here 2 ½ yrs ago that was another North Shore just look around trip. She was another fall in love at first sight deal. She is also amazingly happy and healthy. Extremely affectioned and loves to fall asleep with you every night. She’s also a big talker!
The staff of North Shore and nice and pleasant. Have always been so helpful when I’ve been there. I’m glad that I adopted from here because my children are my world!

The wait is very long to be seen for medical appointments. Expect to wait 1 – 2 hours to be seen passed your appointment slot. However, I have been to private vets and there is no comparison. The vets do this job outstanding at North Shore Animal League. They carefully explain things to you and are transparent about cost. They aim to be cost effective on medicine unlike private vets. They also have great hours.
If you are a walk-​in the price is roughly $ 85.

Always love going there. .this I didn’t get no pet just went for my friend who wanted a cat… But North Shore is great and reasonable for prices as in shots, cages, 1^st toys for your pet etc etc…
But if your a bougie person don’t come here cause as soon as you walk in the place you get hit with «the smell of having a pet» cause shit was I there and food… them dog was barking like crazy… like you the «take me take me take me take me with you home» like alll of the dogs was playful and the cats which made me feel bad I didn’t go home with 3 dogs. lol but yes noeth shore is the place to get your pets neutered before they come to you;)))

I love NSAL! We had wanted to adopt a dog now that we were settled in our apartment for about seven months. It was the right time to expand our little family. We visited NSAL on two separate occasions, as well as visiting a few other local shelters to find the right fit for us. We wanted to be 100% positive with this decision, as it was not only changing our life — but the life of our new furever friend. Then one Saturday in May, I suggested we go back to NSAL. I had a feeling that today was going to be the day.
We walked around and saw the bigger dogs, and then made our way into the puppy room. I looked at one cage and locked eyes with the perfect dog. I knew right then and there, this puppy was ours. I loved her so much from just one glance. In the puppy room, since the animals are young, you are able to hold them and play with them on this large counter area. They don’t want the puppies on the floor since they are susceptible to things the older dogs aren’t since they don’t yet have all their vaccinations. This little angel dog, when they let her out of her cage so I could hold her, curled right up in my arms and fell asleep. I was hooked. This was it.
We began filling out the paper work which asks you for your name, address, number, if you rent or own your home, where you work, how many hours the dog will be by itself during the day, vet reference and two personal references. Now, this may seem like a lot, and some people may be annoyed by it, but you’re adopting a living, breathing creature that is going to depend on you, it’s pack leader, for the rest of their life. So, in my opinion, it’s to be expected.
Now the waiting process. You have to wait in this little area, and it’s hard to hear when they are announcing names over the loudspeaker system. But a few times we weren’t sure and asked someone what name was called, and they told us — very friendly and courteous. You have to be a very patient person, because this waiting process plan on waiting, then waiting, and waiting a little more. I think it tool about 2 ½ — 3 hours to process and finalize approval for our adoption. And during this time, you can’t visit your puppy because they are brought into a separate area and the waiting seems like forever. Bring a book, a magazine, a cup of coffee, because you aren’t allowed to leave the NSAL facility. Not that you’ll be able to concentrate on what you’re reading, but it will help. During this time, they are checking your personal references, where you live, your vet reference if you have one, etc. And then the magical moment arrives when you hear your name and you practically run with excitement to the pick-​up area.
The adoption fee is $ 175 for puppies under 6 months, plus $ 75 for their future spaying/​neutering, which you have to promise to do when you adopt from NSAL. You also get the first vet visit for free and reduced prices on first round of vaccinations. We did the spaying in August when Goji was a little over 6 months old (the recommended age for this surgery), but didn’t end up getting much back since you are required to get pain medication ($ 20 for 4 pills), the Elizabethan collar ($ 10) and then we opted on our own to have her microchipped for $ 35. I think it’s well worth it for the microchipping.
The staff here have been amazing, every single time. They were so helpful with the adoption process and genuinely excited for us. The staff on the day of the spaying was gentle and kind, and promised to take good care of her. The people here clearly love their animals.
We adopted Goji on May 10^th, 2014 and couldn’t be happier. She is the most amazing and loving dog, even when she is eating your socks and running around faster than you could catch her. She is sound asleep right next to me as I type this. Thank you NSAL for all that you do! We hope to adopt a friend for our girl in a year or two. If I had it my way, I’d be adopting 10 more dogs. If you adopt here, just be patient with the process even though I know that can be difficult. You’re getting a friend for life, and your new friend will be furever grateful to you.

Being an avid animal lover, I would never encourage someone to purchase an animal from a pet shop when there are so many homeless animals in the shelters looking for a loving home.
My husband and I made a trip to this shelter for the first time to adopt another doggy after hearing about my sister’s recent experience. She went on a Friday morning and was there for 5 hours so I thought going at night would help alleviate the wait time. Wrong! We were still there for over 3 hours. I think they purposely make you wait that long to weed out the ones that aren’t serious about adopting and caring for an animal. There was one woman in there going on and on about how it was ridiculous that they made her wait so long when «it’s just a damn dog. We taking it off they hands anyway». Needless to say, they denied her application lol.
Never have I seen so many available puppies for adoption! There was a dedicated puppy room along with another section with just puppies. Cuteness overload!!! We picked out our new addition to the family and turned in our adoption paperwork and waited, and waited, and waited. But it was well worth it for our new buddy Champ. If you are looking to add a new member to the family, definitely check out the North Shore Animal LWague. When you adopt they even throw in some neat extras liken a free bag of food from their pet shop across the street and a coupon for a free microchipping.
Another piece of advice, have two solid references available to answer when they call. They DO call your references.

Looking to adopt a dog or cat? If so, you should really consider looking at the animals at North Shore. They have a lot of mutts, a few pit bulls/​mix, and a few small dogs. Their facility is pretty clean but some areas reek of major doggy odor. Some of the older and larger dogs could really use a bubble bath. The staff here are really friendly and they all seem to have a special connection with the dogs. I admire what they do here. They rescue a lot of animals and give them the proper care they deserve.
I fully support North Shore Animal League because many of the other pet stores in Long Island get their pups from puppy mills. Luckily today, there’s some good news. Suffolk County legislators passed a bill today 6÷4÷14 to stop pet stores from selling puppies and kittens raised in mills. Please read the article below from Newsday.

Been 4 years since we adopted our dog from this place and it’s been nothing but a lifetime full of enjoyment.
I would highly recommend this place and I’ve taken at least 3 people here and helped them adopt a dog from this shelter. Good way to use those $ 25 coupons they give you.
One thing to note is that you will need at least 2 references that they will call and ask a few questions about you before they allow you to adopt. It’s all part of the approval process. From the moment you enter till you get your animal, you should allocate at least 3 – 4 hours. Sometimes this place gets extremely busy. The process does take a long time, I just wish it would go a little faster, they have tons of volunteers they could train to help out with the adoption process. I understand the need of finding a good home for the animal but the process can and should be made more efficient.
If you’re looking for puppies/​kittens, the best time to go is Fri and Sat. The volunteers said those days they tend to have more of those young animals.
About 1 year after we adopted our dog, they did make a house visit but we had already moved out of the apt by then. This is just a fyi. Not sure if they still do this but don’t be alarmed if they do.
If I get another opportunity, I will adopt from here again.