For decades, we have told people to bring unwanted and found pets to shelters so we could take care of them. However, shelters are scary and stressful places where animals are more susceptible to illness and behavioral deterioration. This is where the community comes in. We continue accepting intake of lost and surrendered pets but are asking community members to help us limit intakes to the most at-risk animals for which no other options are available. Finders are being asked to assist with reunification of healthy and friendly found pets. Owners are being offered support to help them keep pets or assist with self-rehoming, which ensures that the animal remains in a home with loving owners until a new home is secured. When finders and owners are unable to hold onto the animals, they come into the shelter and most move quickly into foster homes. All are routed on a pathway toward the best outcome. These are community challenges that we are addressing and they require community-based solutions. Visit What is Community-Centered Animal Services to learn more about specific adjustments and community-centered programming implemented in Rochester.
Rochester Animal Services Team of Leaders
- Chris Fitzgerald, Director: email
- Dr. Kristen Braitkrus, Veterinarian: email
- Thomas, Shannon, Supervisor of Animal Control: email
- David Langley, Community Engagement Coordinator: email
- Angelica DeRuyter, Shelter Manager: email
- Amy Bianchi, Outreach Coordinator & Assistant Supervisor of Animal Control: email
Pet-ownership can positively impact owner's physical and mental wellbeing. Pets help prevent feelings of loneliness, give people purpose, and build resiliency. Pet owners contribute to our economy through purchase of pet products, pet services, and veterinary care. Pet ownership is also pro-social and bolsters a sense of community. Check out this report from Better Cities for Pets to learn how.
Do you need support for your pet?
Email us or call 585-428-6738 if you are in need of support or resources for your pet.
How can you help?
Adopt - Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization helps ensure we have the space and resources to care for our community’s most at-risk animals.
Foster - Fostering a pet from a shelter or rescue organization. By adopting from a shelter or rescue organization, you help us ensure we have the space and resources to care for our community's most at-risk animals.
Volunteer - Volunteers are critical to serving animals and people in our community. Typical roles include dog walking, clinic support, customer service, shelter greeters, outreach and pet support, offsite adoption events, lost pet reunification, self-rehoming support, transportation, research and data analysis, and website management. Volunteer your time, talent, and treasure!
Donate - It is more important than ever to ensure we have the resources to provide general husbandry, medical care, support foster caregivers, and provide resources to pet owners in under-served neighborhoods.
Support our Friends.
The Verona Street Animal Society is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3)
organization established to help support the mission and
programs of Rochester Animal Services.
Adopt, Volunteer, Give
Annual Fundraiser
Learn more about the event and stay tuned for notification about The Fast & The Furriest® 2024.