Muddy Paws Rescue — Local services in New York

Echoing the sentiment that the “matchmaking” process at Muddy Paws is apparently shrouded in secrecy for some people and dogs.

In January 2024 I saw a dog on the Muddy Paws site that I was very interested in adopting. I completed the process to become a registered adopter. I indicated my interest in this particular dog while completing the adoption registration and followed up as soon as I was approved (I believe it was a Thursday or Friday) to arrange a meet and greet with the dog on the following Saturday (1/20/24). I was informed that this particular dog now had a waitlist (reflected on the website) and that if I was interested that I could come to the public part of the adoption event. On Saturday morning the dog’s status on the site once again said “available” as opposed to “waitlist full” so I was hopeful as I went to the adoption event. I arrived shortly after 1:15pm and felt like I was disturbing the volunteers that were deeply engrossed in a personal conversation when I went to inquire about the dog’s status. After I waited for them to finished their conversation, I was advised that the dog was currently in a meet and greet and that I could be scheduled to meet with her at 1:45pm if she had not been adopted, which I chose to do. After standing around on the sidewalk in the freezing cold for a half hour, I was informed that the people who met the dog immediately prior to my scheduled meeting had chosen to adopt her.

I was aggravated with how the entire process played out, as I felt there was absolutely no transparency about what was going on. Throughout the approximately two weeks that I was in contact with Muddy Paws, this particular dog’s status on the website was continuously changing, yet somehow no adoption took place until immediately before I was going to meet her. I got the impression that for some reason or another, Muddy Paws did not want me to adopt this dog to the point where I was deliberately misled. I can’t think of any other reason why, as a registered adopter and despite expressing high interest in this particular dog, I was not contacted when all of the allegedly scheduled meet and greets for the closed portion of the event apparently canceled on Saturday morning.

I live alone in an apartment and this dog was a larger breed. I think this may have played into what I perceived as Muddy Paws giving me the run around, rather than just telling me why they didn’t think that this dog would be a good fit for me. She was ultimately adopted by a family of 4. Even if I disagreed (I do, my family has exclusively had GSDs throughout my life), I’d at least have some insight into their process and more importantly, wouldn’t have wasted my time jumping through all of their hoops and following up with inquiries. I was highly dissatisfied with the lack of transparency in their “matchmaking” and decided that when I ultimately did adopt that I would not do so through Muddy Paws.

I was disappointed but when I left the adoption event that day and went straight to North Shore Animal League just to look around when I met my new best friend, a 3 month old German Shepherd-Husky mix. I completed the extremely rigorous and thorough, yet transparent, adoption process and brought my boy home that day. It’s been almost a year now and I’m ultimately happy that things didn’t work out with Muddy Paws because I love my sweet boy. Having seen how extensive North Shore’s adoption interview and approval process is, I wonder how many Muddy Paws rescues end up being rehomed after being adopted out to...

I cannot express enough how much I adore Muddy Paws Rescue and the incredible community that surrounds it. As an animal lover, I have always sought to support organizations that prioritize the well-being of our furry companions, and Muddy Paws Rescue has surpassed my expectations in every way.

From the moment I stepped foot at the events, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm. The staff and volunteers are genuinely passionate about their work, and their love for animals shines through in every interaction. It is evident that the organization's mission to save dogs is not just a job to them, but a true passion.

Muddy Paws Rescue goes above and beyond to ensure that every dog in their care receives the love, attention, and medical support they need. The team works tirelessly to rescue dogs from various situations, providing them with a safe haven where they can heal and thrive before finding their forever home. Whether it's nursing injured or neglected pups back to health or offering behavioral training and socialization, they leave no stone unturned in their commitment to improving the lives of these animals.

One aspect that sets Muddy Paws Rescue apart is their dedication to finding the perfect forever homes for their dogs. The organization takes the time to understand each dog's individual needs, temperament, and preferences, allowing them to make well-informed matches with potential adopters. This attention to detail ensures that both the dogs and their new families experience a seamless transition and a lifetime of happiness together.

Beyond their remarkable rescue efforts, Muddy Paws Rescue has fostered a truly amazing community. It is heartwarming to witness the network of volunteers, adopters, and supporters who come together to champion this organization's cause. The community events and fundraisers they organize not only raise vital funds for their operations but also create an inclusive and supportive environment for animal lovers to connect and share their passion.

I am proud to be a part of the Muddy Paws Rescue community. The impact they have made on countless lives, both human and canine, is immeasurable. Their tireless dedication, unwavering compassion, and commitment to making a difference are...

I can't express how delighted my family is with the experience we had adopting a dog through Muddy Paws Rescue. My brother and his gf were looking to adopt a dog, and after researching various rescue organizations, they decided to go with Muddy Paws Rescue. From start to finish everyone was very impressed by transparency and fairness during the process.

What really stood out was the exceptional level of interaction we had with their volunteers and staff. Every step of the way, they were there to answer our questions, provide guidance, and share their insights about the dogs available for adoption. It's evident that they genuinely care about the well-being of the dogs and are committed to creating solid matches between the pups and their forever families.

The dedication and passion of the Muddy Paws Rescue team are truly remarkable. It's evident that they invest so much love and effort into each dog's journey. The adoption process is simple to understand, and because all the dogs in their care are in foster homes they are able to provide helpful information about the dogs personality and schedule. We never felt rushed or pressured, which made us confident in our decision.

Our experience with Muddy Paws was so impressive that I decided to join their community as a foster and volunteer. The organization's values align with what I believe in - supporting dogs in need and finding them loving homes. The support from both the organization and the volunteer community is heartwarming, and the expectations for foster parents are clear.

If you're considering adopting a dog or even becoming a part of this incredible mission, I can't recommend Muddy Paws Rescue enough. Their transparency, compassion, and commitment to their cause shine through in everything they do. Thank you, Muddy Paws, for helping us...