SAVING THE LIVES OF ANIMALS…THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO
HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team Inc. was formed in 1984. Since then we have saved the lives of thousands of animals.
HEART is 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 has a 501(C)(3) not-for-profit status. As a nonprofit organization HEART receives no government funding and operates solely on donations and money raised within the community. All donations are tax deductible.
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. We treat all living creatures as we ourselves would wish to be treated.
HEART rescues, fosters, and places companion animals up for adoption. Each story is different and many are heart-breaking, but in every case there is a common thread - an animal that deserves a second chance at life and a permanent, loving home.
HEART does not have a shelter. Our rescued animals are placed in volunteer foster homes, where the love and healing process begins. Our goal is to find safe, loving, permanent homes for all our animals.
We love all animals at HEART but unfortunately we cannot take every animal into our organization. How do we decide who gets saved? We look at those that need us most! We never think who would get adopted the 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 limited resources so we must prioritize care so that the neediest animals receive our attention first.
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.
An important aspect of HEART’s mission and philosophy is to work collaboratively with other shelters and rescue organizations. As part of this effort, HEART is one of the founding members of the Animal Alliance of Western New York. The members of the Animal Alliance of WNY have a shared vision to end euthanasia of social, healthy and treatable dogs and cats, including feral cats residing in managed colonies, by focusing on sterilization as a means to reduce pet population in the Western New York community.
The Animal Alliance of Western New York consists of:
• Animal Advocates of Western New York
• Buffalo Humane
• Cause for Paws (Delta Sonic)
• City of Buffalo Animal Shelter
• Feral Cat FOCUS
• HEART Animal Rescue & Adoption Team Inc.
• Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society
• Pound Hounds and Friends
• Second Chance Sheltering Network Inc.
• SPCA Serving Erie County
• Ten Lives Club
