The Shelter Connection

The Shelter Connection Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Shelter Connection, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

The Shelter Connection is a nonprofit 501(c)3 comprised entirely of volunteers whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the dogs residing at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington, NY.

This joyful 1-year-old Hound mix is full of energy and always ready for an adventure! Obi loves to run, play, and bounce...
09/16/2025

This joyful 1-year-old Hound mix is full of energy and always ready for an adventure! Obi loves to run, play, and bounce around—his enthusiasm is contagious and he’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.

Because of his size and zest for life, we recommend he joins a home with children aged 16 and up, where his playful nature can be fully appreciated.

Obi may prefer being the only dog in the home, but he’s open to meeting a potential canine sibling—we’re happy to arrange a meet-and-greet to see if it’s a good match.

Fun Fact: Obi has unique dark skin pigmentation that gives him even more character! It’s currently under control but may need a bit of care in the future.

If you're looking for a fun-loving, bouncy companion to brighten your days, Obi is your guy!

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

The North Hempstead Animal Shelter will host a FREE rabies vaccination clinic in conjunction with the Nassau County Depa...
09/15/2025

The North Hempstead Animal Shelter will host a FREE rabies vaccination clinic in conjunction with the Nassau County Department of Health on October 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Animal Shelter (75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington). Rabies vaccines will be available for dogs, cats and ferrets. You do not have to be a town resident to participate. Pet owners must bring their dogs on leashes and their cats and ferrets in carriers and registration for the clinic is required. Call 311 or 516-869-6311 to register.

We have so much to celebrate. Three of our very special dogs have found their forever homes, and our hearts couldn’t be ...
09/13/2025

We have so much to celebrate. Three of our very special dogs have found their forever homes, and our hearts couldn’t be happier.

Dream has finally found her true dream home, a place where she is safe, cherished, and loved beyond measure. After everything she has been through, she now has her second chance at forever.

Enzo, our big oversized lovable puppy, has bounded right into the hearts of his new family, ready to bring them all the joy, laughter, and love they could hope for.

And Bret Michaels, our sweet little guy, has started his next great love story with a family who already adores him.

Here’s to new beginnings, full hearts, and happily ever-afters for Dream, Enzo, and Bret Michaels.

Millie is a 5-year-old, 60-pound pitty with a low center of gravity and a high capacity for making people laugh. Short, ...
08/25/2025

Millie is a 5-year-old, 60-pound pitty with a low center of gravity and a high capacity for making people laugh. Short, stocky, and full of charm, this little firecracker keeps us smiling with her goofy antics and irresistible personality.

Millie is the kind of dog who walks into a room and instantly lifts the mood. Whether she’s doing her signature “happy trot,” rolling around for belly rubs, or proudly showing off her best “sit,” she’s always entertaining. Her expressive eyes (framed by that adorable eyeliner) seem to say, “Are you watching? I’m being cute now.”

This girl thrives on attention and affection, and she’ll gladly trade her silly moves for some quality couch time with her favorite humans. If you’re looking for a loyal sidekick with personality to spare and a face that will make you melt, Millie is ready to be your star.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

We wish this wasn’t the post we had to write. After 3 and a half long years in our shelter, Niko finally had his chance....
08/20/2025

We wish this wasn’t the post we had to write. After 3 and a half long years in our shelter, Niko finally had his chance. We were overjoyed to see him walk out the door, tail high, ready to start his new life. We celebrated with all of you, hoping it was the happy ending he so desperately deserved.

But Niko is back.

And the truth is, it’s breaking our hearts. After so much time waiting, adjusting to a “normal” life can be overwhelming. Niko tried, but the shelter is all he’s known for so long. And now he’s right back in the place he never wanted to see again. He presses his face against the kennel door, waiting for someone to notice him, but he’s tired. He doesn’t want the cold floor or the lonely nights.

Niko is a senior now. Every day he spends here is a day he should be spending stretched out in the grass, feeling the sun on his face, or curled up beside someone who loves him. He deserves to know what it means to finally be home—not just for a moment, but forever.

Please, don’t let the walls of a shelter be where Niko’s story ends. Just because he was overlooked for so long doesn’t mean he isn’t worthy of a family. He has waited long enough. Someone out there has the patience, the kindness, and the love that Niko needs.

Be his miracle.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/niko-56467328/ny/port-washington/town-of-north-hempstead-animal-shelter-ny118/?_gl=1*19ntga2*_gcl_au*MTkwMjA5MDU3LjE3NTAwOTcwNzc.*_ga*NzYwMjEzMDM4LjE2OTI5NzExNDI.*_ga_5H1R91DP2Q*czE3NTU3MjAyMjUkbzYzNiRnMSR0MTc1NTcyMDMwOCRqNTAkbDAkaDA.

Fiona is a 2-year-old Weimaraner mix with a heart as big as her puppy dog eyes. She came to us as a stray, and just two ...
08/18/2025

Fiona is a 2-year-old Weimaraner mix with a heart as big as her puppy dog eyes. She came to us as a stray, and just two days later, she surprised us with a litter of the most adorable puppies. Now that her mama duties are done, Fiona is ready to start a new chapter — one where she’s the baby.

This girl is needy — in the very best way. Fiona doesn't just want love, she requires it. She’s the queen of cuddles, the ultimate little spoon, and your go-to partner for slow dancing in the kitchen. She will melt into your arms, follow you from room to room, and stare into your soul like you’re the only person in the world.

Fiona’s love knows no limits — literally. She’ll even scale a 4-foot fence to be by your side, so she’ll need a home with a secure 6-foot fence or an apartment where she can be safe and snuggled.

She does well with other dogs and enjoys their company, but she prefers to be the star of the show. Fiona can get a little possessive when it comes to her favorite humans — she’s just that loyal and attached.

If you're looking for a velcro dog who lives for affection and makes every day feel like Valentine’s Day, Fiona is waiting. Come meet your new best friend.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/fiona-76945453/ny/port-washington/town-of-north-hempstead-animal-shelter-ny118/?_gl=1*1twkitz*_gcl_au*MTkwMjA5MDU3LjE3NTAwOTcwNzc.*_ga*NzYwMjEzMDM4LjE2OTI5NzExNDI.*_ga_5H1R91DP2Q*czE3NTU1MjA4NzIkbzYzMiRnMSR0MTc1NTUyMjU3NiRqNjAkbDAkaDA.

We have news that fills our hearts to the brim — Niko, our sweet, patient boy who has been with us for 3 and a half year...
08/12/2025

We have news that fills our hearts to the brim — Niko, our sweet, patient boy who has been with us for 3 and a half years, is adopted.

Niko came to us as part of a hoarding case with six tiny chihuahua friends. One by one, we watched them leave for loving homes, until only Niko was left. Days turned into months, months into years. People would look passed his photos without a second glance — too big, too old, too “pitbull.” Black dog syndrome struck again, and our boy kept waiting… and waiting… and waiting.

And then, one ordinary day, Niko’s miracle walked in.

A young boy, whose mom promised he could choose a dog for his 13th birthday, stepped into the shelter. He didn’t see an “old dog.” He didn’t see “a pitbull.” He didn’t see “three and a half years in a kennel.” He saw Niko. He saw the gentle soul we’ve loved all this time. Their connection was instant — sealed with a big, joyful kiss from Niko right on the boy’s face.

In that moment, all the waiting was worth it.

To Niko’s new family — thank you for looking past what others couldn’t. Thank you for giving him a home to grow old in, with love and laughter surrounding him every day. You didn’t just adopt a dog… you gave hope to every overlooked soul still waiting.

You are Niko’s miracle.

Hi, I’m Mason… and I’ve been waiting 1,131 days for you.I don’t know why I’m still here. When I came in as a stray, ever...
08/11/2025

Hi, I’m Mason… and I’ve been waiting 1,131 days for you.

I don’t know why I’m still here. When I came in as a stray, everyone at the shelter said, “You’re such a good boy, Mason! You’ll be adopted in no time.” I believed them. But days turned into months… and now it’s been years.

I promise—I’m not a bad dog. I’ve never even growled at anyone. I love playing ball more than anything, I get excited for adventures, and I’ve even learned agility and obedience. I like other dogs too, but sometimes I get a little too excited—luckily I’m good at listening when someone reminds me to use my manners.

I’m not asking for a perfect home. Just someone who will throw the ball, laugh at my goofy moments, and let me curl up at their feet when the day is done. I’ve been patient… but it’s getting harder.

I’ve been waiting 1,131 days. Maybe today, you’ll decide I’ve waited long enough.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/mason-56561922/ny/port-washington/town-of-north-hempstead-animal-shelter-ny118/?_gl=1*e5vl4y*_gcl_au*MTkwMjA5MDU3LjE3NTAwOTcwNzc.*_ga*NzYwMjEzMDM4LjE2OTI5NzExNDI.*_ga_5H1R91DP2Q*czE3NTQ5MjMyODUkbzYyNiRnMSR0MTc1NDkyMzQ2OSRqNTYkbDAkaDA.

Daisy has been patiently waiting at the shelter for far too long, and she’s ready for her happily-ever-after! This sweet...
08/09/2025

Daisy has been patiently waiting at the shelter for far too long, and she’s ready for her happily-ever-after! This sweet, spunky, fun-sized mixed breed is about 2 years old and bursting with personality.

If we had to sum her up in one word? FUN! Whether it’s zooming around the yard, playing with toys, or snuggling in close after a day of adventures, Daisy is always ready to bring a smile to your face.

She’s dreaming of a fresh start with a real family who will love her as much as she’ll love you — and trust us, her heart is HUGE.

💛 Come meet Daisy today and see for yourself why she’s impossible to forget!

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/daisy-71421437/ny/port-washington/town-of-north-hempstead-animal-shelter-ny118/?_gl=1*ltkk9u*_gcl_au*MTkwMjA5MDU3LjE3NTAwOTcwNzc.*_ga*NzYwMjEzMDM4LjE2OTI5NzExNDI.*_ga_5H1R91DP2Q*czE3NTQ3NDgwOTckbzYyMSRnMCR0MTc1NDc0ODEwNSRqNTIkbDAkaDA.

Today, we want to take a moment to thank a truly remarkable person: Wendy.Wendy and her incredible family have been an a...
08/04/2025

Today, we want to take a moment to thank a truly remarkable person: Wendy.

Wendy and her incredible family have been an absolute blessing to all of us at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. Her compassion, patience, and unwavering dedication have changed the lives of not just one—but two—of our very special dogs.

In 2022, Wendy adopted Natalie, a sweet soul who quickly bonded with her new dog sister, Trixie. During her visits, Wendy learned that Natalie had a sister here at the shelter: Tootie...a timid, shut-down pup with a leg injury that had healed improperly. Most would have walked away, but not Wendy.

While helping Natalie adjust to the comforts of home (possibly for the first time ever), Wendy continued to visit Tootie at the shelter every single week. She offered kindness, patience, and presence, never giving up on her. And then, nearly a year to the day after adopting Natalie, Wendy gave Tootie her second chance too...bringing both sisters home in 2023.

Since then, these girls have flourished under Wendy’s love. Their transformation is nothing short of extraordinary, and it's all thanks to her.

We love seeing Natalie, Trixie and Tootie out on their daily walks or during visits back to the shelter. It always brings a smile to our faces.

Wendy, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness, commitment, and love are an inspiration. You are truly one in a million.

08/01/2025

We're Hiring: Veterinary Technician!
The Town of North Hempstead is looking for a dedicated Veterinary Technician to join our team!

If you—or someone you know—has experience in animal care and is passionate about helping our community’s pets, this could be a perfect opportunity.

Help us spread the word by sharing this with anyone who might be interested or qualified. We'd love to work with someone who shares our commitment to animal welfare and public service.

For more details or to apply, visit

Address

75 Marino Avenue
Port Washington, NY
11050

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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