The Humane Society of Westchester provides animal rescue services to 19 communities in Westchester County giving safe haven to lost, stray, abandoned and injured domesticated animals.
These rescued animals make up the majority of the animals who enter our shelter. Some have simply lost their way home while others have been abandoned. Our responsibility is to provide them with safe refuge, medical treatment and an abundance of love while they are in our care. We find pets new, loving homes if they cannot be reunited with their families.
These are the municipalities the Humane Society of Westchester provides animal rescue services to:
- Ardsley
- Dobbs Ferry
- Elmsford
- Greenburgh
- Harrison
- Hartsdale
- Hastings-on-Hudson
- Irvington
- Larchmont
- Mount Vernon
- Town of Mamaroneck
- Village of Mamaroneck
- New Rochelle
- Pelham
- Pelham Manor
- Port Chester
- Rye Brook
- City of Rye
- Tarrytown
The Humane Society of Westchester responds to animal related emergencies 24 hours per day and 365 days per year with our contracted municipalities. If you encounter a stray animal in need during the day call the shelter directly. If you have an animal related emergency for a stray animal after 4:00 p.m., contact your local police department. HSW will be notified and address the issue.
If you have witnessed an act of animal cruelty, please contact the Animal Cruelty Unit at the Briarcliff SPCA at 914.941.2896. It is very helpful if you have photos or video as supporting evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I can no longer care for my pet. Can I bring him to your shelter?
A: The Humane Society of Westchester is a no-kill, limited admission organization. We do not euthanize animals to make space for others. Because of the overwhelming number of stray animals we rescue daily in our contracted municipalities, we only evaluate adoptable private pets for intake, by appointment only, when there is space. An intake evaluation takes place when we have space to determine if the pet is adoptable directly from our shelter. In the meantime, we can assist you in finding a new home for your pet directly by referring you to certain rescue organizations and courtesy listing your pet on our adoption page. For more information, Contact us!
Q: I found a stray or injured animal in a municipality other than the 19 that you cover, can I bring it to your shelter?
A: The Humane Society of Westchester is under contract to execute NY State Animal Control law for 19 cities, towns and villages in Westchester County. Every municipality in NY State is required to have a contract to take in stray dogs. Some contracts, like ours, cover stray cats as well. A found animal must be brought to the facility that holds the animal control contract for that municipality. Many Westchester towns have stray animals brought to their police station. If you are unsure who covers any municipality for Animal Control, call the local police station or the Town/Village/City Administrator’s office. Some shelters providing animal control are listed here:
SPCA of Westchester in Briarcliff Manor, (914) 941-2896, covers animal control for Bedford, Briarcliff, Cortlandt, New Castle, Town of Ossining, Ossining Village, Peekskill, Scarsdale and White Plains
Yonkers Animal Shelter, (914) 377-6730, covers animal control for the City of Yonkers
New York City Animal Care Centers (ACC,) (212) 788-4000, covers animal control for all New York City Boroughs.
Q: I found an orphaned or injured wild bird or wild animal. Can I bring it to your shelter?
A: The Humane Society of Westchester is not certified to handle wildlife. Animal Nation (914-400-6014) is a hotline for help to rescue wild animals in need in Westchester County.