Top animal shelters on the East Coast

Maxdog

Max was one of dozens of puppies transported north from an overcrowded rural shelter where he had little chance of adoption. After health checks and a foster stay on Long Island, the shy pup found a family within two weeks — and now runs the local dog park.

Olivecat

Olive, a young tabby, arrived at Angell Animal Medical Center with a fractured leg after a fall. Surgery and several weeks of recovery later, she healed fully and was adopted by the vet tech who nursed her back to health.

Busterdog

Buster, a 10-year-old beagle, was surrendered after his elderly owner could no longer care for him. The senior dog waited quietly until a retiree came in looking for a calm companion — the two have been inseparable since.

Pearlcat

Pearl was among a group of cats rescued from a cruelty case, timid and mistrusting of hands. Months of gentle rehabilitation in the shelter's quiet room rebuilt her confidence, and she now rules a quiet apartment as the only pet.

DJdog

DJ was found tied in a basement with little socialization. Volunteers spent months teaching him that people could be kind, and he eventually graduated to a foster home — then a forever home where he now works as a certified therapy dog visiting seniors.

Biscuitcat

Biscuit, a tiny kitten with a broken hind leg, was bottle-fed in a foster home while his splint healed. By the time he was old enough to adopt, he'd charmed the whole family — and stayed with them for good.

Marleydog

Marley, a young lab mix, tested heartworm-positive on intake — a serious but treatable condition. The shelter funded his months-long treatment, and he recovered fully before going home with a family who'd been waiting for exactly him.