April 30th is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, a day created to raise awareness for the millions of animals waiting for their forever homes. If you feel it's the right time in your life to add a furry friend to your family, start your search and check out these local rescues in Queens.

Bobbi and the Strays
bobbiandthestrays.org

In the late '90s, Roberta “Bobbi” Giordano quit her job to turn her passion for helping animals into a full-time mission. In 1998, she established Bobbi and the Strays, a non-profit no-kill animal rescue organization with the core belief that "animals deserve our love, compassion, and respect." 

Korean K9 Rescue
koreank9rescue.org

Korean K9 Rescue saves dogs from the meat trade, puppy mills, and high-kill shelters in South Korea. They transport these dogs to the United States and find loving forever homes for them.

Second Chance Rescue
nycsecondchancerescue.org

Since 2009, Second Chance Rescue has reduced shelter overpopulation by saving thousands of dogs and cats are the tri-state. Their mission is to offer a second chance to those animals less fortunate, who otherwise wouldn’t have a future. 

Expand your adoption search on PetFinder.com to find more nearby rescues. 

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. Remember to do your homework (i.e., make sure you're in a pet-friendly apartment building and review any breed or weight restrictions that might be in your lease agreement.) Take your time to find the right breed for you and your family, and if you aren't you have time to take care of a pet year round, many shelters offer opportunities to foster pets until they are placed.