Monthly giving is so vital to the Animal League’s efforts – it really helps us plan ahead…and do MORE for the animals in our care!

When you make the decision to become a monthly giving Sponsor of either the Animal League’s Sponsor Program or the Animal League’s H.E.L.P Program, we want you to be well-informed. Here are some commonly asked questions for your review.

Q: What is Sponsorship?
A: Sponsorship is a donor’s personal commitment to making monthly donations to critical programs offered by North Shore Animal League America. The Animal League offers 2 life-saving monthly giving programs. Through our Sponsor Program, you can choose to support a special-needs dog Sponsor a Dog or a special-needs cat Sponsor a Cat or to sponsor all the orphaned and newborn puppies and kittens, and their mothers, in our nursery through our H.E.L.P Program.

Q: Why should I Sponsor a special-needs Animal?
A: Many animals that come to the Animal League have conditions and illnesses that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. These special-needs dogs and cats would most likely be euthanized elsewhere, but not at North Shore Animal League America. As a 65 year old no-kill shelter, we make a commitment to all animals and that includes our innocent and deserving Sponsor Program pets. These pets would be forgotten elsewhere; become a part of their lives and let’s support them – we can make a difference together!

Q: Why should I Sponsor a newborn puppy or kitten?
A: Each day our nursery is filled with the small cries of between 100-200 puppies and kittens. They require 24 hour care to survive. These unwanted litters are often rescued from other shelters or dropped off at our doorstep. Your monthly donations to the H.E.L.P Program will continue to provide these babies, and their mothers in our care, with a safe place to live, nourishment and the medical attention they so desperately need.

Q: How Do I Become an Animal League Sponsor?
A: You can make your monthly pledge to support our special-needs animals in the way that is most convenient to you – by check, monthly bank debit, or credit card. You may set this up over the phone using our toll-free number 1-877-Be-My-Pal, via our secure online form, or by printing an application and faxing it to us at 516-883-8256 or mailing it to 16 Lewyt St., Port Washington, NY 11050.

Q: What Do I Receive When I Become an Animal League Sponsor?
A: Monthly Sponsorship has infinite rewards – for you and our Sponsor pets! With your monthly Sponsorship, you will receive a welcome kit which includes a personalized certificate and color photo of your new best friend, plus a letter of appreciation from North Shore Animal League America’s president. You will also receive quarterly pet progress updates highlighting the health and well-being of all Sponsor pets in the Sponsor Program, the Animal League’s quarterly newsletter, Paw Prints, an annual personalized Certificate of Appreciation, a pocket size calendar and address labels, plus other exciting promotions throughout the year!

Q: Can I support the Sponsor Program or the H.E.L.P Program without making a monthly pledge?
A: Yes, you can! We understand that monthly giving is not the right fit for every donor. We appreciate any support that you would like to give to the Animal League at any time that you would like to donate. Every single donation makes a difference to a pet in need.

Q: As an Animal League Sponsor, can I make changes to my sponsorship account?
A: Yes, you can! As an Animal League Sponsor, you reserve the right to change your monthly pledge amount, change the number of animals you sponsor, change your donation payment method – almost anything you want at any time you’d like. It’s quick and easy. Just give us a call or email us and we’ll take care of it for you right away.

Q: As an Animal League Sponsor, can I cancel my monthly giving whenever I want to?
A: Yes, you can! As a valuable patron and animal lover, we certainly don’t want to see you go, but we understand that monthly giving is not the right fit for every donor. Just give us a call or email us and we’ll cancel your sponsorship. If however, you decide at any time to reinstate your sponsorship, we’d be more than happy to bring you back into our beloved Family of Sponsors!

Q: As an Animal League Sponsor, when are my authorized credit card or bank account withdrawals made each month?
A: As an Animal League Sponsor who donates by automatic methods of payment (the methods that get more of your money to the pets in our care!), credit card and Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) withdrawals are made on the last business day of each month.

Q: As an Animal League Sponsor, who makes monthly donations by credit card, can I change the day of the month when charges are deducted?
A: Yes, you can! The Animal League offers 3 other options to Animal League Sponsors who have opted to donate monthly by credit card: 1) 1st Friday of each month, 2) 2nd Friday of each month, or, 3) 3rd Friday of each month. The choice is always yours to make.

Q. As an Animal League Sponsor, why would I continue to sponsor a pet who has been adopted into a loving home?
A. Some of our precious and deserving special-needs pets are lucky enough to get adopted into their forever home, but they will always require life-long medical care. The Animal League will continue to provide for each of them for the rest of their lives. Although their place of residence has changed, the principles of the program remain the same. Our promise is to continue the funding and we hope you will remain committed to our life-saving program.

Q. As an Animal League Sponsor, are there any levels of sponsorship that I may be able to reach?A. Yes, there are! If you have been a monthly giving Sponsor for 5 years, you will become known by the Animal League as a Lifeline Sponsor. If you have been a monthly giving Sponsor for 10 years, you will become known to the Animal League as a Guardian Angel Sponsor. Both prestigious honors are acknowledged with a token gift and letter from the Animal League’s President via mail.

Don’t see an answer to your question? Please call our toll-free phone number at 1-877-BE-MY-PAL and speak with a Sponsor Relations Manager or email your questions to sponsor@AnimalLeague.org and we’ll be happy to respond. Thank you for your continued support!

The Perfect Pet Need Not Be Perfect

North Shore Animal League America has hundreds of wonderful dogs, cats, puppies and kittens waiting to be loyal and adoring companions. As diverse as they are adorable, these animals come in all shapes and sizes and are all uniquely different from one another. Just like people, they all have individual personalities, attributes and distinctive stories. However, one commonality is that they are all beautiful, intricate, innocent creatures in need of and deserved of caring homes.

It is always a joy and a pleasure to watch the consistent flow of eager and enthusiastic adopters walking through our corridors, searching for a best friend and trusted companion. With stars in their eyes and love in their hearts, excited adopters ask countless questions, tell personal stories, and voice various concerns. They are happy to chat about their current pets, past companions and the animals they enthusiastically foresee in their futures. We are always thrilled to assist in their dreams and help them find the perfect pet(s) for their lifestyles. However, did you ever consider that the perfect pet need not be so perfect?

 What Are Special Needs Pets?

In addition to the dozens of animals we have here at the shelter in perfect health waiting for adoption, we also have various cats, dogs, kittens and puppies with existing medical conditions. We would like to bring these special pets to your attention, because we feel it is as important, or even more so, for these sweet and vulnerable animals to be in the comforting home of a special family. These animals often get lost amongst all the healthy ones. It always confuses us as to why their popularity pales in comparison. It leaves us perplexed sometimes and often sad, as we admire and appreciate these amazing animals and wonder, “Why are they being passed by?”

It occurred to us that people may not have an accurate understanding of what little additional effort goes into caring for a special needs animal. We would like to remind you that they, too, make wonderful pets and endearing companions. There is also a very intimately distinctive and significant bond that develops between a disadvantaged pet and a nurturing, human caretaker – one that is so uniquely personal and touching – that it often goes unmatched.

Why Are Special Needs Pets So Special?

Special needs animals come in two types: physical special needs and emotional special needs. Some common physical ailments include: trauma, upper respiratory infections, heart disease, lung disease, FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus), diabetes, neurological disorders, chronic pneumonia, arthritis, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and various physical deformities. These conditions can range from mild to serious and may require medications to be administered either temporarily or daily for the rest of the animal’s life. Some common emotional ailments include: trauma, stress, anxiety, panic, depression, moodiness and in some cases, aggression. These syndromes can also range from mild to severe and may require extra patience and a quiet and calm atmosphere for recovery.

Why a “Not So Perfect” Pet May Be the Perfect Pet for You

Most people have cared for a sick person or animal before and understand that it may require a bit more patience and a little more tender loving care. Sometimes restrictions may be put on the animal’s activities or medications may need to be administered. Other than a few simple adjustments, caring for a special needs animal is just like caring for any other pet. Please don’t be mistaken in thinking that all disadvantaged animals require constant maintenance. In fact, many are older animals and are completely housebroken, trained, and mellow and know the routine of being a good pet and a good patient. No matter what the case, the vast emotional rewards far outweigh the efforts, and the inexplicable connection between person and pet is so remarkably satisfying.

Other Ways You Can Help Special Needs Pets

In addition to adopting an ailing pet, North Shore Animal League America offers several options for caring for these special needs animals. We have a Sponsorship Program, where you can choose a special needs dog or cat, and your monthly contribution will enable us to continue providing a safe place for them to live and the necessary medical care they need and deserve. 

Another alternative is our Foster Care program. Foster Care is an opportunity to care and love for a special needs animal in your own home, without having to make the long term commitment of ownership. In addition, North Shore Animal League America provides all medical care the pet may need at no cost in our Port Washington, New York facility. 

 Pets With Special Needs Are Special, Indeed

All of our precious animals have hurdles to face. North Shore Animal League America has hurdles to face – as do we all. We want all of our wonderful feline and canine friends to have the special homes they long for and deserve. Some of them have come a long way, some have elaborate pasts, and all have a meaningful life ahead of them. It is our special needs animals, however, that have the additional obstacles blocking their paths to happiness. We urge you to understand their needs and consider making a monumental difference in their lives.

North Shore Animal League America is undoubtedly determined to reach our goal of zero homeless pets – and will work tirelessly to achieve that. We know that we are not perfect. We do not ask you to be; and we hope that you do not require these dear animals to be perfect either; for pets with special needs are special, indeed.