HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team Inc. 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 does not rehome personal pets. Our focus is on ferals and strays and the 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.
Unfortunately, we cannot take every animal into HEART. Our limited resources limit the number of animals we can care for. How do we decide who gets saved? We look at those that need us most! We never think who would get adopted fastest, instead, we always consider who needs us more. We receive hundreds of requests for help each year, many involving animals in dire need of our help. We have to prioritize care so that the neediest animals receive our attention first.
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 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. |
HEART is one of the founding members of the Animal Alliance of Western New York, along with our friends at:
Animal Advocates of Western New York
Buffalo Companion Animal Network
Buffalo Humane
Cause for Paws (Delta Sonic)
Feral Cat FOCUS
HEART Inc. Animal Rescue & Adoption Team
Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
Pound Hounds & Friends Inc.
Second Chance Sheltering Network Inc.
SPCA Serving Erie County
Ten Lives Club Inc.
By joining together the animal welfare community strengthens their ability to better serve animals through reducing overpopulation and euthanasia, expanding adoption opportunities, and increasing the value of animals in our society. For more information please visit www.aawny.org. |
