William Mattar > Community > Programs and Campaigns > Rescue a Shelter Animal

William Mattar Rescue a Shelter Animal Campaign

william mattar rescue a shelter animal 2020

Since 2013, William Mattar, P.C. has supported animal shelters and rescue groups. Our pet photo contest was developed to bring the community together over our love of giving back, helping others, and sharing the special bond we have with our pets. Each year, we ask the public to submit their pet photos and then cast votes on their favorite photos to celebrate our pets, as well as support local animal shelters and rescue groups.

The 2021 Pet Photo Contest Has Concluded

With an overwhelming 110,073 votes, Duncan is the winner of the William Mattar Rescue a Shelter Animal Pet Photo contest! Duncan is 2 years old and is in “foster-to-adopt” program through Cortland County SPCA. It is going really well and Duncan’s adoption should be finalized any day now. Cortland SPCA will be receiving a monetary donation from William Mattar, P.C., and Duncan will receive a package containing treats and toys! When Duncan went into the shelter he was absolutely terrified of people. He was covered in fleas and was not well-socialized at all. He would cower in the corner of his kennel whenever people approached him. It took a lot of patience and treats to get him to where he is now – jumping up on people (practically jumping into their arms) for attention! Congratulations, Duncan!

Cortland County SPCA is seeing an increase in overall adoptions – especially our cat adoption numbers. They also just recently received a grant to renovate large sections of our shelter including our roofing, drainage, kennels, and install a handicap accessible ramp. Every donation helps to drive our mission and provide care and comfort for the homeless pets of Cortland County.

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Official contest terms and conditions.

Rescue a Shelter Animal

Pets are beloved family members who bring years of happiness and joy to their families. They provide us with companionship and emotional support, which may reduce stress levels and feelings of loneliness. Pets stand by our sides during times of need, often posing the question, who rescued who?

As the cold weather moves in, William Mattar Rescue a Shelter Animal campaign highlights the importance of rescuing an animal in need from local shelters and rescues. All animals deserve a safe, warm, and loving home. Despite the hard work of shelters and rescues everywhere, it is estimated that millions of dogs and cats enter America’s shelters each year. Please consider rescuing or fostering an animal, donating, or volunteering at a local shelter or rescue. Every little bit helps.

Helping Shelters is More Than Just Rescue 

Animal shelters and rescue groups are humane places overflowing with happy and healthy animals waiting for a home. Many animals that end up in shelters are usually there through no fault of their own typically because of a human problem, such as divorce or a move. Many animals living in shelters are already house-trained and use to living with families, children, and even other animals.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, each year, “more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet.” Most animal shelters do their best to take in unwanted pets and rehome them, but the costs associated with medical care, food, and shelter add up, making the task monumental for everyone involved.

Rescuing a shelter animal not only gives an animal a second chance in a happy home. You may also save it from being euthanized in an overcrowded shelter. Most rescue groups do not have brick and mortar facilities and depend strictly on foster homes for shelter and care. This can make it difficult to place animals in forever homes.

By taking home a new pet, you also make room at the shelter for another animal with nowhere else to go. This is especially important for senior pets, as they typically get a bad reputation because of the stigma associated with their age and potential growing medical needs. Senior pets may have an extended stay at shelters, but it does not necessarily mean they are not loving and loyal companions.

At William Mattar Law Offices, we encourage the public to not only consider rescuing a shelter animal but to donate to shelters to help offset the tremendous costs associated with helping these animals find forever homes. Financial donations can give shelters the support they need to provide food, shelter, and medical care to homeless animals. Shelters and rescues are also in need of volunteer support.

More Than Just Dogs and Cats

The humane work conducted by animal shelters and rescue groups extends well beyond traditional dog and cat pet options. More and more shelters and rescues have opened their doors to other animals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, birds, and even horses and livestock. If you are interested in opening up your home to a rescue animal but are looking for something a little bit different, a great resource to start with is The Pet Shelter Project.

The Benefits of Rescuing a Shelter Animal Are Endless

If you or your family is looking to bring another little smile into your lives or maybe find your next best friend, then we encourage you to visit your local animal shelter or rescue.

When you adopt a pet, the cost of a spay/neuter, first vaccinations, and even microchipping may be included in the adoption fee. This may help save you some upfront costs when adding a new furry friend to your home. The animal you select may also be housebroken, which will allow you to save on training expenses.

If you buy a dog from a pet store, online seller, or flea market, you may be getting a dog from a puppy mill. Puppy and kitten mills are factory-style breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs and cats. Animals raised in puppy and/or kitten mills are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care, which may cause numerous medical or behavioral issues as a result. Mills confine the moms of these animals to cages to be bred over and over, without human companionship and with little hope of ever joining a family.

Puppy and kitten mills will continue to operate until they lose support. By rescuing a pet from an animal shelter, you will have peace of mind knowing that puppy and kitten mills will not be profiting.

ASPCA Facts: https://www.aspca.org/animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics

  • Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year
  • Approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year
  • Approximately 40% of dog owners and 46% of cat owners learned about their pet through word of mouth
  • Approximately 23% of dogs and 31% of cats are obtained from an animal shelter or humane society
  • About 710,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners

Shelter Animal Resources

William Mattar Law Offices offers many helpful resources to help you find a shelter close to you. When you are ready to open your heart to a furry friend and give an animal a forever home, we sincerely encourage you to visit a local shelter or rescue group. We have links to over 100 shelters and rescue groups in the Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, Binghamton, Elmira, and Utica areas. If you know of a rescue group or shelter that you do not see listed below, please email [email protected] with the organization’s name and website link, and we will be glad to update our list.

In addition to rescue efforts, the shelters listed below welcome donations, supplies, and/or volunteers. Please visit their respective websites for more information.

Shelters and Rescue Groups:

Buffalo & Western New York Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Rochester Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Syracuse Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Albany Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Binghamton Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Elmira Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Utica Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

National Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups

Resources for Pet Owners