Wanderers' Rest Humane Association

  • Home
  • Wanderers' Rest Humane Association

Wanderers' Rest Humane Association Wanderers’ Rest Humane Association is an open-admission shelter in Canastota, New York, that serves more than 1,000 cats and dogs each year.

Wanderers' Rest Humane Association is an open admission shelter dedicated to providing the highest quality care and compassion for the animals entrusted to us while leading our community in creating a more humane society. Wanderers’ Rest accepts unwanted or stray dogs and cats from Madison County, but is open to all Central New Yorkers who wish to adopt a dog or cat. Through its public education p

rograms, the shelter promotes responsible pet ownership and humane treatment of animals everywhere. Wanderers’ Rest is a non-profit, 501c3 organization that welcomes contributions and volunteers. Call us (315-697-2796) or find us online at www.wanderersrest.org

WRHA monitors all comments and reserves the right to remove / delete all comments that are abusive, discriminatory, vulgar, and / or threatening. WRHA reserves the right to block / ban fans who are repeatedly abusive in their postings.

Wanderers’ Rest would like to recognize and thank Erin and Chittenango Fitness for the generous donations. Our furry fri...
12/01/2026

Wanderers’ Rest would like to recognize and thank Erin and Chittenango Fitness for the generous donations. Our furry friends are very grateful 😊❤️

We wanna give a huge thank you to Eric Diane the offer of this amazing book The Adventures Of Doodle & Pew Pew for not o...
12/01/2026

We wanna give a huge thank you to Eric Diane the offer of this amazing book The Adventures Of Doodle & Pew Pew for not only attending our Holiday Paws event but also for his very generous donation ❤️ thank you so so much we can't express our gratitude enough!
You want a cute book that also supports rescues? Check out The Adventures of Doodle & Pew Pew!

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

12/01/2026

🚨 Cure for the Monday Blues: SPEED EDITION 🚨
Meet Tinkerbell 🐾 and Diamond Rose 🌹 — the bonded duo who clearly think they’re starring in Fast & Furious: Shelter Edition.
Blink and you’ll miss them because these two know REAL speed 💨
Behind the zoomies is a pair overflowing with love, laughter, and personality. Despite being absolute comedians, they’ve had little interest so far—and we truly don’t understand how.
If this video made you smile even a little, imagine waking up to this kind of joy every day. Tink and Diamond are ready to race straight into their forever home… together 🏡❤️

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

11/01/2026

We’ve found ourselves with four bonded pairs at the shelter! 😮 Two pairs of dogs, and two pairs of cats!
All of them have been with each other their whole lives, so we’re making sure they’re still together when they finally find their forever homes ❤️
Visit our website at Wanderersrest.org to learn more about our bonded pairs, or to put in an application!
They’re waiting!

“All I want for forever is you.” 🤍🍬Meet Bolt, a 5-year-old all-white Lab mix with the softest heart and the sweetest sou...
11/01/2026

“All I want for forever is you.” 🤍🍬
Meet Bolt, a 5-year-old all-white Lab mix with the softest heart and the sweetest soul. This good boy came to us through no fault of his own — a kind person found him, tried everything to find him a home, and when she couldn’t, she trusted us to help him find his forever. And we are still searching.
Bolt is genuinely SO sweet — the kind of dog that makes you smile the second you meet him. He does have a little extra enthusiasm and may jump to say hello, but we promise it’s 100% pure excitement and love 🥰 Nothing a little guidance (and lots of affection) can’t help with.
Our shelter is pretty full right now, and Bolt — along with many others — is spending too much time waiting in a kennel when he should be curled up in a home, stealing snacks and hearts.
Please don’t pass up on this sweet boy. Bolt is ready, hopeful, and waiting for you. Could today be the day he finally goes home? 🐾💙

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

📸: ShelterUp Photography

“Excuse us… we’ll be sitting right here at the desk until someone gives us our forever home. And no, ‘just looking’ is n...
11/01/2026

“Excuse us… we’ll be sitting right here at the desk until someone gives us our forever home. And no, ‘just looking’ is not an acceptable answer.”
Meet Lucy (brown, 5 yrs) and Maggie (black, 4 yrs) — a bonded pair of Miniature Pinscher divas who have officially taken over the shelter (and this office chair). 🖥️🐾
These girls came to us as surrenders through absolutely no fault of their own. Sometimes life deals a rough hand, and unfortunately Lucy & Maggie were no exception. But don’t worry — they’ve bounced back in full force and are now staff favorites and proud self-appointed supervisors of everything that happens here.
Their daily duties include: ✨ Demanding constant attention
✨ Strutting the halls like they own the place
✨ Politely (but persistently) requesting bites of your food
✨ And, of course, being ridiculously cute
Lucy and Maggie are a bonded pair, so they’re looking for a home together. They can be a little nervous when meeting new people, but if you take things slow and give them time, they will absolutely steal your heart. Maggie doesn’t mind other dogs at all, while Lucy is a bit more selective — calm dog friends are her vibe. Cats don’t seem to bother them, though we haven’t been able to fully test that here.
✨ Both girls are spayed, microchipped, and up to date on vaccines
🐶 Maggie: 12 lbs
🐶 Lucy: 27 lbs (she’d happily work on her summer bod with you)
According to Lucy & Maggie, you don’t really have a choice — today is the day someone comes in and gives them the home they’ve been waiting for.
We’re open now until 3 PM… and they’ll be right here at the desk waiting. 💕

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

Can I go home yet? 🥺Cora is back at the shelter after spending time in foster, and while we truly thought she had found ...
10/01/2026

Can I go home yet? 🥺

Cora is back at the shelter after spending time in foster, and while we truly thought she had found her forever, it just wasn’t the right fit — through no fault of her own or the adopter. Sometimes the puzzle pieces don’t click the way we hope… but we know Cora is the perfect missing piece for someone out there.
This sweet girl has been with us for a while now, including time in foster where she absolutely shined ✨ Cora is a female Lab/Pittie mix, about 1–2 years old, and let us tell you — she is a lover through and through. The only mean bone in her body is her tail… seriously, that thing is lethal when it gets wagging 🤣
In foster, Cora: 🐶 Did fantastic with other dogs (lived with one!)
🐱 Is good with cats
👩‍❤️‍👨 Loves people of all kinds
🛋️ Is a professional snuggler (personal space? never heard of it)
🚗 Enjoys walks, car rides, and basically anything as long as she’s by your side
With how gentle and affectionate she is, we believe Cora would do great with kids as well ❤️ She has so much love, laughter, and joy left to give — all she’s missing is a family to give it to.
Can you be the one to finally say “yes” to those puppy dog eyes? 🥹
Can you help Cora find her forever home? 🏡💕
We are open again tomorrow, Sunday, from 10 am-3 pm, let's make this Cora's last night she has to spend in the shelter... Come and visit her tomorrow.
If you have another dog bring them with you so we can make sure they get along!

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

📸: ShelterUp Photography

✨Tupac has found his home and is no longer available!✨💔 Because Tupac is back at the shelter… 💔And no — not because he d...
10/01/2026

✨Tupac has found his home and is no longer available!✨
💔 Because Tupac is back at the shelter… 💔
And no — not because he did anything wrong. And not because his adopters didn’t try. Sometimes, despite everyone’s best intentions, things just don’t work out. Once Tupac settled into his home, the resident dog made it very clear he wasn’t a fan of sharing his space with another boy. After giving it a truly honest shot, the incredibly tough decision was made to bring Pac back 😔
So here we are again — on the hunt for Tupac’s forever home.
Let us tell you about this big guy. At just 1 year old and 90 lbs, Tupac is a full-sized mastiff mix with the heart of a giant baby. He absolutely adores people, and his size will NOT stop him from chasing his lifelong dream of becoming a lap dog 🤣 Once he warms up (which doesn’t take long at all), he’s stuck to you like glue — personal space? Never heard of it.
Because of his past experience, we think Tupac would do best as the only dog, or possibly with a submissive female who’s down to run, play, and have fun. He has met kids here at the shelter and has done wonderfully with them. Like with adults, he just needs a moment to get comfortable — and then you’re his person for life.
We know the perfect home is out there for Pac. And honestly? Today feels like the perfect day — not just for Tupac, but for any dog waiting patiently for their forever. The snow is melting, it’s warmer than usual, and we’re open today from 10 AM–3 PM. Come on in and meet Tupac — or maybe another pup who steals your heart.
Interested in someone other than Tupac but already have a dog? Bring them with you! We’re happy to do meet-and-greets to make sure everyone gets along.
We hope to see you soon 😉
Come on… don’t keep Tupac waiting. 🐾💙

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

📸: ShelterUp Photography

💘 A Love Letter from a Shelter Dog 💘To my future family,Hi… my name is Ryxon, and I’ve been thinking about you a lot lat...
09/01/2026

💘 A Love Letter from a Shelter Dog 💘

To my future family,
Hi… my name is Ryxon, and I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I don’t know your names yet, but I know I’ll recognize you the moment you walk through the door. My tail already starts wagging just imagining it.
I’m about 2 years old, which means I have so much life and love left to give. I dream of being in a real home — one with cozy spots to nap, people to follow from room to room, and laughter filling the air. I promise to keep your days full of smiles, goofy moments, and unconditional love.
I may not be able to bake you Valentine’s treats, but I will happily taste-test anything you make 😉. I love to play, I’m always ready for an adventure, and I’ll make sure life with me is never boring. I do great with other dogs and people, and while I can get a little jumpy when I’m excited, it’s only because I’m so happy to be near you.
I’ve been waiting for you for a while now. I’ll keep waiting… but I really hope you find me soon. All I want is a place to call home — with you. ❤️
Forever yours,
Ryxon
The Shelter Dog

Don't keep this sweet boy waiting! Apply to adopt Ryxon today!! We are also open today between 12 pm-5 pm, you should stop in to meet him! Let's give this pup a home before Valentine's day ❤️

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

We are open today between 12-5pm but we wanna warn anyone who comes here, to just be careful.The rain from last night ha...
07/01/2026

We are open today between 12-5pm but we wanna warn anyone who comes here, to just be careful.
The rain from last night has made our driveway a little slick and Icey so Bluey would just like to say if you come in today just take it slow and be careful!
Thank you all!
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

Brew is the reason we do what we do. ❤️Brew’s story with us began on November 8th, on one of those cold, chaotic days wh...
06/01/2026

Brew is the reason we do what we do. ❤️
Brew’s story with us began on November 8th, on one of those cold, chaotic days where our shelter was bursting at the seams. We were almost completely full when Brew showed up… and unfortunately, our first meeting wasn’t a good one. 😕
He was caught being tied to our front porch — not with a leash, but with a belt. We stopped it before he could be left out in the cold, but with only two kennels left and dogs everywhere, we tried everything we could to get his owner to wait and surrender him properly when we had more space. Turning him away after seeing that broke our hearts, but we were struggling too. As they left, Brew stayed heavy on our minds.
Not even 15 minutes later, Brew was back. 😐
This time, not with his owner — but in the back of an animal control van. He had been found a street over, running loose, confused, and terrified. Our hearts shattered for him. He didn’t understand what was happening, and at first, he wasn’t happy with us or his situation at all.
But slowly… he changed.
We watched a dog who was dealt such a rough hand soften day by day. Brew realized he was finally safe. He realized we were here to help him — and we were. 🥰 The scared, confused dog turned into the sweetest, goofiest, most lovable boy you could ever meet.
After nearly two months with us, we are beyond ecstatic to announce that Brew has found his forever home ❤️ A home that will hold onto him forever and spoil him rotten. The difference from the day he came in to now is incredible. (And don’t mind the cone — he was just fixed and treated for happy tail, so he’s perfectly fine 🤣)
Brew’s story is one that reminds us why we all work here. Why we do what we do. We do this to help animals in need find their footing again — and their happily ever after. Brew needed us, and now he doesn’t anymore. He’s taking his adoption photo and heading home with someone who loves him to bits and wouldn’t trade him for the world.
We’ll miss you more than you know, Brew. 💔❤️ When the days get hard, we’ll think of you and remember why this work matters so much.
Everyone please give a huge congratulations to Brew and his adopter and wish them a lifetime of love together! 🐾
And if you’re interested in helping a dog like Brew find their forever, put in an application or come visit us while we’re open — we have plenty of dogs right now still waiting for their happy ending. 🥰

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

Our shelter is full to the brim 💔And every single year, without fail, this happens.After the holidays, when the decorati...
06/01/2026

Our shelter is full to the brim 💔
And every single year, without fail, this happens.
After the holidays, when the decorations come down and life gets busy again, our kennels fill up fast. This year is no different. Dogs arrive confused, scared, and wondering what they did wrong — and we’re left trying to make room where there simply isn’t any.
Right now, we are asking for help.
Not sympathy.
Homes.
We have some truly amazing dogs waiting — some here in the shelter, some patiently waiting in foster homes — all deserving of the same thing: a forever family.
🐾 Breezy Girl, our longest resident.
She adores people. LOVES her walks. Has gone on multiple public adventures with volunteers and done wonderfully. Yes, she needs to be the only pet and would do best with older children — and we know that can sound intimidating. But we promise you, if you give her a chance, she will give you her whole heart.
🐾 Lucy & Maggie, our bonded Min Pin duo.
They take a little time to warm up, but once they do, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
🐾 Tink & Diamond, the Chihuahua and Cattle Dog pair you didn’t know you needed until now. Odd? Absolutely. Perfect together? Even more so.
🐾 Sunny & Purple, one-year-old Doberman/German Shepherd mix sisters.
They came to us just over a week ago. The shelter is loud and scary, and they need time — but once they trust you, they are floppy, goofy, sweet girls who just want to feel safe.
🐾 Roz & Ryxon — best friends by fate.
Strays who didn’t know each other before arriving, yet now play tag for hours, jumping and zooming like they’ve been inseparable forever. Dog-friendly, people-loving, and full of joy.
🐾 Bluey, our big goofy man at 64 lbs.
Dog selective (more of a ladies’ man than a dudes’ dude 🤣), full of energy, and would thrive in an adult or older-kid home. He’s larger than life in the best way.
And in foster…
🐾 Tony, the big goofy ham.
Great with dogs. Loves kids. Truly the definition of a family dog.
🐾 Gladis, our sweet old lady.
Dog selective, gentle, and happiest curled up by the wood stove soaking in warmth and love.
Every one of these dogs is waiting.
Waiting for someone to walk through our doors and say, “You’re coming home.”
If you’ve been thinking about adopting — or know someone who has — now is the time.
Our shelter is full, but our dogs’ hearts are wide open. ❤️
📍 Interested? We’re open today from 12–5 PM.
Come down, meet them, and maybe leave with your new best friend.
Please share. Please help. Please choose adoption. 🐾💙

HOURS OF OPERATION:
Tuesday-Friday: 12 pm- 5 pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10 am- 3 pm

📸: ShelterUp Photography

Address

NY

Telephone

+13156972796

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Wanderers' Rest Humane Association posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Wanderers' Rest Humane Association:

Shortcuts

  • Want your business to be the top-listed Pet Store/pet Service?

Share