The best places for pet adoption in NYC

The Best Friends pet adoption center in Soho is on a mission to end the practice of killing homeless animals nationwide. The pets it takes in are hosted in a beautiful gallery-like space, with some actually informational displays that spread the no-kill message. The idea behind its setup is to feel inviting to potential owners and encourage them to interact with the animals, upping their chances of connecting with someone. The center is always looking for foster families and, of course, forever families. 307 W Broadway (347-762-3678, ny.bestfriends.org)

This Little Italy no-kill shelter houses and finds homes for abandoned pets. It also conducts behavior intervention to ensure that pets are socialized and ready stay in their new homes for good. It even provides programs to help families and their new members get along well and bond with each other. The adoption fee covers spaying or neutering, vaccines and a microchip. 200 Centre St (212-274-8511, animalhavenshelter.org)

Brooklyn Animal Action is an all-volunteer group that champions a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program. Dedicated to naturally ending the growth of homeless cat colonies, volunteers catch and neuter cats, find homes for socialized animals, and provide care for those which have lived feral for too long to be adopted. You can support its mission to end feral cat colonies, and if you’re looking to adopt a cat, this is a wonderful place to do so. (877-415-4889, brooklynanimalaction.org)

Social Tees Animal Rescue is an East Village no-kill shelter dedicated to keeping abandoned animals safe from cruelty, euthanasia and illness until they can find loving forever homes. All pets are neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, de-flea-ed, de-wormed and ready to be loved. The shelter holds adoption events in the East Village and Union Square every Saturday and Sunday, respectively. It tries to keep as many of the animals in foster homes as it can, so you will need to set up a meeting with a prospective pet in advance. 325 E 5th St (212-614-9653, socialteesnyc.org)

This century-old pet-welfare organization functions like a dating service but for the four-legged. In-house matchmakers use information about your lifestyle to figure out your ideal partner. Every member of the household, including dogs, must be present to meet your new furry friend before adoption.­ (Cats are exempt, because moving them can be traumatic.) 410 E 38th St (212-532-4455, bideawee.org)

BARC—get it? (Hee.) This no-kill shelter is no joke: To be considered, potential adopters need to fill out an application and provide two references and a copy of their apartment management company’s pet policy. 253 Wythe Ave (718-486-7489, barcshelter.org)

Dogs and cats are great and all, but they’re a bit basic for such a diverse city. Where’s the love for birds and lizardy things? Luckily, this Brooklyn spot rescues small mammals and exotic pets, including a wide variety of snakes. Yesss. 153 E 3rd St (718-436-5163, nyanimalrescue.org)

As the western hemisphere’s oldest animal-protection organization, the ASPCA has found homes for dozens of generations of NYC critters. Most cats three years and older are free (mature felines make better lap-dwellers), and fostering is also available. 424 E 92nd St (212-876-7700, aspca.org)

Roberta “Bobbi” Giordano started this Queens no-kill shelter after witnessing the hit-and-run death of a dog. Her nonprofit attempts to save animals slated for death in kill shelters and helps special-needs pets. 71-03 80th St (718-326-6070, bobbiandthestrays.org)

Listen up, bunny lovers: Rabbit House volunteers are dedicated to both finding homes for abandoned rabbits and educating their new owners, with tutorials on how to spot good hay and other helpful tips. 326 E 110th St (914-337-6146, rabbitcare.org)