HEART, Inc. Animal Rescue & Adoption Team

HEART Inc. Animal Rescue & Adoption Team was formed in 1984 by dedicated volunteers who realized that Western New York had a serious stray cat and dog problem. Since HEART’s inception, we have saved the lives of thousands of animals.

We are an all-volunteer, non-profit, no-kill organization whose main objective is to alleviate the suffering of neglected, injured, orphaned, sick or abused animals in Western New York.

HEART is the advocate for the "underdog" whether feline or canine, fur or feather. We believe that all animals deserve the right to live a good quality life, regardless of handicap or personality.

HEART's focus is on ferals and strays. Our rescues are abandoned animals that scavenge for food and shelter to survive. They are animals that once belonged to someone who never took the time to spay or neuter them, so they strayed from home, never to find their way home again. They are the kittens and puppies born to unspayed animals and left to die. They are animals injured through abuse or neglect and facing life-threatening situations.

HEART does not have a shelter. Our rescued animals are placed in foster homes, where the love and healing process begins. Our goal is to find safe, loving, permanent homes for all our animals.

HEART's Cat Department does not rehome personal pets. HEART's Dog Department will counsel and assist dog owners in placing personal dogs before owners enter them into the already overcrowded shelter system. No personal pets, dog or cat, will be accepted into our foster homes for adoption. Foster homes are reserved for strays.

HEART has a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit status. We receive no government funding and operate solely on donations and money raised within the community. All money is used for the care of animals in need. All donations are tax deductible.

All animals rescued by HEART are seen by veterinarians who work directly with our organization. HEART resorts to euthanasia only in cases of extreme suffering or when a contagious fatal disease is present. We rely on the recommendation of a veterinarian in such cases.

HEART believes that education is of the utmost importance and is the key to stopping abuse.

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