We are frequently contacted by citizens who love their pets but who may be struggling with financial means to provide for their companions or others who may need access to resources or services to address behavioral concerns. Please refer to the following list of local and national resources in your search for financial assistance or services that support the human-animal bond and keep pets with their families.
Although the City of Rochester does not provide any direct financial assistance for veterinary expenses or pet care, we are able to provide limited food assistance and other supplies, as donations allow. For more information, contact AnimalServices@cityofrochester.gov or at (585) 428-7274.
If you are looking for Pet Assistance Resources, please refer to the Community Pet Care Resources Packet.
Pet Safety Net Programs
Field Services personnel engage in proactive efforts to share information and free services to pet owners to support the human-animal bond.
Our Animal Services Officers (ASOs) conduct non-enforcement and preventative patrols on a regular basis, during which they visit neighborhoods and chat with citizens about their pets or their concerns.
Outreach and Support Specialists and ASOs also engage in door-to-door visits in specific focus areas. This proactive approach follows the Humane Society of the United States Pets for Life model and involves non-judgmental communication, building relationships, offering services and sharing information to remove barriers to pet resources for pet owners. Our Pet Safety Net program provides temporary housing for pets of people experiencing crises. We apply a case management approach to address each person and pet as an individual.
Community Pet Food Pantry
Rochester Animal Services provides a Community Pet Food Pantry for City of Rochester Residents. The pantry is held every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month. The pantry is located near 524 Oak St. In stadium parking lot. Entrance is at 448 Smith St.; pantry is located back corner of stadium parking lot.
*Rochester Residents Only*
* Please bring ID or mail with current address as proof of city residency *
In attempt to ensure all community members in need receive help, we ask you to limit visits once per month.
Call (585) 428 - 7274 with any questions!
Vaccine Clinics
Rochester Animal Services is holding a vaccine clinic every Wednesday of April and May from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The clinic will be located at the Thomas P. Ryan R - Center on April 5th, April 19th, May 3rd, May 17th, May 31st and at the Edgerton R - Center on April 12th, April 26th, May 10th and May 25th.
The vaccine clinic is available to City of Rochester Resident dogs only. Dogs must be on a leash and only one dog per person. The line for vaccines will be closed 1/2 hour before ending. Dog DAAP (Distemper/Parvovirus) vaccinations only. NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED.
We would like to thank Petco Love for donating the vaccines for our clinic and helping us support the well-being and safety of our pets!
Any questions please contact Rochester Animal Services by calling 585 -428-7274 or by email.
Temporary Emergency Pet Housing
Pets for Life
Rochester's Pets for Life program provides free spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, identification, supplies (leashes, collars, crates), veterinary care, and other pet resources for City of Rochester residents living in zip code 14605. Similar supportive services are also provided in other zip codes. Contact (585) 428-6738 to inquire.
Pet Safety Net Program
Due to the shelter being at full capacity, we are unable to accommodate this program at this time. We will certainly resume when space allows. You can also call The Humane Society of Rochester at Lollypop Farm at (585) 223-1330 to see if they can assist.
If you are facing crisis and need short-term housing for your pet, RAS may be able to help. Our Pet Safety Net Program provides temporary homes for pets whose owners are facing hardship. Pets of qualified program participants will be placed in a homes with a short-term foster caregiver until the situation is stable and a reunion can occur.