AmsterDog Rescue: A Heroic Heart for NYC’s Forgotten Dogs

In the crowded city shelters of New York, time runs out fast for too many dogs. Every day, loving, adoptable pets face euthanasia simply because there aren’t enough homes or hands to help. AmsterDog Rescue was founded to change that. And for over a decade, they’ve been giving those dogs a real chance to survive and belong.

As one of five winners of PetPlace’s Heroic Hearts Collective, AmsterDog has been recognized for their tireless commitment to rescue work. The program honors organizations that go above and beyond to help animals in need, offering each winner funding, resources, and national visibility to continue their life-saving missions.

What sets AmsterDog apart is not just how many animals they save, but how they do it. They rely on a lean, all-volunteer team, an ever-growing network of fosters, and a deep, unshakable drive to be there for the dogs others may have given up on.

How AmsterDog Rescue Got Started

AmsterDog was born out of a grassroots effort to help animals after Hurricane Katrina. A group of volunteers helped transport dozens of abandoned dogs from Louisiana to the Northeast, placing them in foster homes and permanent families.

That experience opened their eyes to just how many animals in the U.S. – not just in crisis zones, but everywhere – were being left behind. In 2010, AmsterDog officially launched as a rescue, named in honor of Amsterdam, a pit bull who became a symbol of the organization’s mission.

Since then, they’ve remained focused on rescuing dogs from kill shelters in New York City and surrounding areas, and connecting them with safe, stable homes throughout the Northeast.

The Mission That Keeps Them Going

AmsterDog is entirely volunteer-run and foster-based. They have no central facility, so every rescue depends on someone stepping up to open their home. The team focuses on dogs at the highest risk: those facing euthanasia, those with urgent medical needs, and those that have been passed over again and again.

Each animal receives full veterinary care, behavioral support if needed, and the time and space to decompress and adjust. Their approach is deeply personal, built on knowing each dog as an individual and placing them with families who are ready to commit long-term.

They also prioritize education and advocacy, helping potential adopters understand the realities of rescue and the unique needs of the dogs they serve.

The Impact of Their Work

Since launching in 2010, AmsterDog has rescued more than 5,300 dogs. Their success stories span the full range – from last-minute shelter pulls to long-haul rehabilitations – but one story that stands out is Jerry’s.

Just ten months old, Jerry landed on the emergency placement list at a city shelter, his future uncertain. But thanks to a quick social media post and an equally quick response from a foster, AmsterDog was able to step in and get him out in time.

Within days, Jerry was safe. Within weeks, he was thriving. His story is just one of many that reflect how fast things can change when the right people are in the right place, and why AmsterDog’s work matters so much.

The Role of Community in Their Success

AmsterDog couldn’t do any of this without their community. Every piece of the rescue puzzle, from transport to vet care, supplies, training, screening, and placement, is made possible by people who care.

Foster families are the backbone of the organization, caring for dogs in between rescue and adoption. Volunteers run the show behind the scenes, handling everything from social media to logistics. Donors make medical care and transport possible. And supporters from across the country help amplify each dog’s story to reach potential adopters.

The rescue thrives not on volume or funding, but on teamwork. Every success story is a reflection of that shared effort.

How You Can Help AmsterDog Rescue Today

AmsterDog is always in need of more help. One of their greatest ongoing needs is fosters, people who can provide temporary care and a safe place for dogs coming out of shelters.

They also welcome volunteers to help with everything from virtual admin work to event planning and fundraising. Donations go directly to the dogs, covering things like surgery, medication, supplies, and rehab.

Even if you’re not in a position to give time or money, simply sharing their adoptable dogs online can help connect a pup with the right home. Every gesture matters.

AmsterDog Rescue shows what happens when a community comes together to fight for animals that others might forget. Their recognition through the Heroic Hearts Collective is a tribute to years of quiet, determined effort – and to the thousands of lives they’ve helped move from risk to safety, from shelter to home.

To learn more or get involved, visit amsterdog.org.