- 550 Route 22 Pawling NY, 12564
- 845-493-0094
- Contact@happylifeanimalrescue.org
Our adoption counselors work with you personally to find the right fit — not just any animal, but the right one for your home and lifestyle. Walk-ins welcome.
Every adoption at Happy Life is a conversation, not a transaction. Here's what to expect.
Complete the Dog Registration Form before your visit to streamline the process. Submitting a form expresses interest — it does not place a hold on any animal.
Walk-ins are welcome at our Pawling center during open hours. We're also at pet stores and community events most weekends — check our events calendar for locations.
An adoption counselor will get to know what you're looking for and introduce you to dogs that fit your home and lifestyle. Most animals are ready to go home the same day.
Complete the Cat Registration Form ahead of your visit. Having a registration on file is required to meet cats residing in foster homes.
Meet our cats in the lobby during open hours at our Pawling center, or visit us at our PetSmart adoption events in Mohegan Lake, NY.
A counselor will discuss what kind of cat fits your home — energy level, age, other pets — and introduce you to cats available that day. Most go home same day.
Adoptions are on a first-come, first-served basis. If an adoption counselor isn't immediately available, you'll be added to our waitlist — wait times may vary.
550 Route 22, Pawling, NY 12564
Most weekends we're out at pet stores and community events across the Hudson Valley and tri-state area — it's often the easiest way to meet our animals.
Events are updated weekly. Check our calendar to find one near you.
We hear it sometimes — "that seems like a lot." Here's the truth: our fees reflect the real cost of preparing each animal for a healthy life with you. And remember — this is on top of what it cost us to rescue the animal in the first place. Every dollar goes directly back into the next rescue.
And that's before our overhead — or the unexpected. Our fee also helps cover transport, daily food and care, and facility costs like electricity, heating, and cooling. And even then, it often doesn't fully cover the animal's cost to us. All it takes is one cough, one injury, one illness — and a single vet visit can cost more than the entire adoption fee.
This fee is separate from — and in addition to — the cost of rescuing the animal itself. Adoption fees are non-refundable.
And that's before our overhead — or the unexpected. Our fee also helps cover transport, daily food and care, and facility costs like electricity, heating, and cooling. And even then, it often doesn't fully cover the animal's cost to us. All it takes is one cough, one injury, one illness — and a single vet visit can cost more than the entire adoption fee.
This fee is separate from — and in addition to — the cost of rescuing the animal itself. Adoption fees are non-refundable.
Our requirements are minimal — we want to get great animals into loving homes.
Adopters must be at least 18 years of age. All adult members of the household are welcome to join the meeting.
We don't deny adoptions based on where you live. If you rent, please check with your landlord about any pet restrictions before adopting.
A registration form must be on file to meet animals in foster homes. Walk-ins can register on the spot at our center or events.
Every animal at Happy Life is evaluated individually using input from staff, foster families, volunteers, and prior guardians. We assess each dog and cat on a case-by-case basis and take placement decisions seriously — for the safety of adopters, families, and other pets. In general, we do not adopt out animals with a documented bite history toward people or children, unprovoked offensive aggression, or behaviors that pose a risk we cannot safely manage. Bite incidents that are clearly situational or one-time in nature (during illness, sedation, or acute pain) are not automatically disqualifying. Our goal is always to find every animal the right home — not just any home. Have questions? Visit our FAQ →
Browse our available animals online, or come meet them in person — walk-ins are always welcome. Your perfect match is waiting.