The Shelter Connection

The Shelter Connection Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Shelter Connection, Charitable organisation, 75 Marino Avenue, Port Washington, NY.

The Shelter Connection is a nonprofit 501(c)3 comprised entirely of volunteers whose mission is to improve the quality of life for the dogs residing at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter in Port Washington, NY.

MEET LEO, THE SHELTER'S SELF APPOINTED MAYOR.Leo has officially marked FOUR YEARS at the Town of North Hempstead Animal ...
09/03/2026

MEET LEO, THE SHELTER'S SELF APPOINTED MAYOR.

Leo has officially marked FOUR YEARS at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter, and somewhere along the way, this 11 year old decided he was in charge. He makes his own rules, does things on his own schedule, and honestly, we've learned it's easiest to just let him do what he wants.

But underneath all that personality is one seriously lovable senior guy.

Leo is sweet, goofy, playful, and still full of energy. He loves tennis balls, rope toys, agility equipment, and anything that lets him show off his athletic side. He is also a total people pleaser who is always checking in with his handlers for approval.

After four years, we think it's time for the mayor to retire from shelter life and finally become someone's best buddy.

There is something incredibly special about giving a senior dog and a longtime shelter resident a chance. Leo has waited longer than anyone, and he deserves to spend his next chapter in a home.

And this is the FINAL WEEK of our Summer of Love free adoptions.

Four years is long enough. Give an underdog a chance.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Meet Ralph, a 19 pound Shih Tzu who is approximately 10 years old and has absolutely no intention of acting his age.Ralp...
09/02/2026

Meet Ralph, a 19 pound Shih Tzu who is approximately 10 years old and has absolutely no intention of acting his age.

Ralph was abandoned overnight outside the Animal Shelter in pretty rough shape, and after everything this little guy has been through, you might think he'd be feeling sorry for himself. Not Ralph. He seems to have decided that these are actually the best years of his life, and he's going to enjoy them exactly how he wants.

Ralph is a classic old man. He is bossy, stubborn, opinionated, and completely convinced that his way is the right way. He likes what he likes, does what he wants, and has no problem ignoring you completely before suddenly barking at you for attention as if you are the one who has been neglecting him.

He enjoys leisurely strolls around the yard, marking approximately every square inch like he personally owns the property, and generally conducting important old man business. And when he's ready for attention, you will absolutely hear about it.

Ralph isn't looking for a home where someone is constantly fussing over him or trying to make him do things he doesn't want to do. He would do best without small children, where he can enjoy his retirement in peace and be appreciated for the wonderfully stubborn little character that he is.

Some people just don't appreciate a dog in his golden years. Ralph is here to prove them wrong.

We know there is someone out there with a very special place in their heart for a little old man with a big personality. Ralph doesn't need a perfect home. He just needs someone who understands that sometimes the best dogs come with a little gray hair, a little attitude, and a whole lot of charm.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Five more shelter pups are making a splash with their new families- congratulations to Brownie, Maisie, Lady, Blue, & Sk...
08/28/2026

Five more shelter pups are making a splash with their new families- congratulations to Brownie, Maisie, Lady, Blue, & Skippy! There is still a little over a week left for North Hempstead's SUMMER OF LOVE Free adoptions event- call us at 516-869-6311 to learn more about the shelter's adoption process!

Meet Woody!At 3 years old and 39 pounds, Woody is what happens when someone takes a Pit Bull and stretches him just a li...
08/25/2026

Meet Woody!

At 3 years old and 39 pounds, Woody is what happens when someone takes a Pit Bull and stretches him just a little too far. Long body, short legs, and a trot that looks like it was designed by a cartoonist, Woody is guaranteed to make people smile wherever he goes.

We can't say for sure what's in his DNA, but we have our suspicions. Dachshund? Corgi? Stretch limousine? Whatever the recipe was, the result is absolutely adorable.

Woody cruises around on his tiny back legs like a stuffed animal that somehow came to life. His unique look gets all the attention, but it's his personality that really steals the show. He's a fun, happy guy who loves making new friends and enjoys spending time with other dogs.

Woody is the perfect combination of goofy and lovable. He's always ready for an adventure, a walk around the neighborhood, or simply showing off his one of a kind silhouette as he trots by.

If you've been searching for a dog with personality, charm, and proportions that defy explanation, Woody is waiting to meet you.
*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

08/21/2026

We need your Frisbees!

The Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter is looking for Frisbees to turn into frozen enrichment treats for our dogs. We plan to fill them with Greek yogurt and other goodies, freeze them, and let our pups enjoy a fun, tasty activity while they wait for their forever homes.

Have a Frisbee your dog no longer uses? We would love to put it to work! Businesses are welcome to donate too. If your company has extra branded Frisbees or promotional Frisbees sitting around, we would be happy to give them a second life by putting them in the paws of shelter dogs.

It may seem like a simple Frisbee, but to a shelter dog, it means something fun to look forward to, a little boredom breaker, and one more bright spot in their day.

We are located at 75 Marino Ave, Port Washington NY.

Brisket, the 74 pound bulldozer of love who is currently accepting applications for a very specific kind of human.You mu...
08/21/2026

Brisket, the 74 pound bulldozer of love who is currently accepting applications for a very specific kind of human.

You must appreciate big, rough, goofy, slightly ridiculous dogs. You must enjoy being body checked as a greeting, watching a 74 pound bulldog mix dramatically flop onto the floor, and sharing your home with a dog who believes personal space is a completely optional concept.

Brisket is house trained, hilarious, food obsessed, and somehow has convinced us that banana chips are a delicacy. He is non reactive around other dogs and mostly minds his own business, but his true specialty is being a giant, lovable goofball who makes everyone around him laugh.

We know this boy is DELICIOUS, and we know there is someone out there who is going to see Brisket and think, “Yep. That’s my kind of dog.”

So let’s get this meatball off our couch and onto YOUR couch.

Brisket is ready. His couch potato era belongs in a forever home.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Loveable, 4 year old Birdie arrived at the shelter 2 months ago- skinny and abandoned with her mom. Despite everything t...
08/20/2026

Loveable, 4 year old Birdie arrived at the shelter 2 months ago- skinny and abandoned with her mom. Despite everything that the duo endured, Birdie remained nothing but happy and joyful. Two months later, we can’t understand why she is still here!

A pocket-sized pitty, now at her healthy weight of 40 lbs, she can fit anywhere! She is a unicorn in the sheltering world- dog friendly, kid friendly, cat friendly, loves absolutely everyone, and seems to be housebroken! She has a way of making every person she meets feel like her new best friend.

She is sweet, silly, affectionate, and yes- energetic- but after a good exercise session she’s content to lay at your feet. Her heart enormous and her joy contagious, she has so much love to give in her next chapter. Birdie has spent two months waiting for someone to choose her, and we think it’s finally time someone does. Life is better with Birdie in it!

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

If you're looking for a dog who's equal parts party animal and cuddle queen, look no further—Cardi is your girl! At a pe...
08/18/2026

If you're looking for a dog who's equal parts party animal and cuddle queen, look no further—Cardi is your girl! At a perfect 40 pounds, she’s small enough to fit in your lap but big enough to fill your life with laughter, love, and just the right amount of chaos.

Cardi is the kind of pup who wakes up every morning ready to do things. What things? Doesn’t matter—she's just excited to be included. Zoomies in the yard? Yes, please. Couch cuddles? Absolutely. Staring into your soul while you eat snacks? 100%. She’s got a big personality, a bigger heart, and a tail that never stops wagging.

She had a rough start in life, but Cardi didn’t let that dim her sparkle. She’s all about people, attention, and being the center of your universe (as she should be). She’d do best as your one-and-only pet—trust us, she has more than enough love to go around.

If you’re ready for endless affection, spontaneous dance parties (zoomie-style), and a dog who thinks you are the best thing since peanut butter, come meet Cardi. Your life is about to get a whole lot more awesome.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Eloise is 41 pounds of pure silly happiness! Give this sweet girl a toy and she immediately rolls onto her back, wiggles...
08/17/2026

Eloise is 41 pounds of pure silly happiness! Give this sweet girl a toy and she immediately rolls onto her back, wiggles around, and has the time of her life. At 3 to 4 years old, she’s playful, cuddly, people obsessed, and always ready to make you smile. We think Eloise may have invented the proper way to play with toys.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Two years ago, Daisy arrived at the shelter as a 10 month old puppy.She was bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready for her...
08/12/2026

Two years ago, Daisy arrived at the shelter as a 10 month old puppy.

She was bright eyed, bushy tailed, and ready for her life to begin.

Somehow, that puppy grew up here.

Daisy is now 3 years old and 48 pounds, and while she may be a little cautious with new people these days, the people who know her best know the real Daisy. She is silly, happy, spunky, incredibly loyal, and completely convinced that snacks are one of life’s greatest gifts.

She knows the shelter as home. She knows our staff and volunteers as family.

But Daisy deserves more than the only home she’s ever known. She needs an adult only home where she can be the one and only pet, with someone patient enough to let her settle in and show them just how wonderful she is.

She deserves a couch. A backyard. A person to call her own. A life.

Please share Daisy. Her family has to be out there somewhere.

*Reminder* We are currently facilitating adoptions through appointment only. If you arrive at the shelter without an appointment to meet a dog, we may not be able to assist you.

Please call the shelter (516-869-6311) during working hours (Mon. to Fri. 9AM-4PM; Sat. 10AM-4PM) for more information about this dog, the adoption process at the shelter, and to confirm availability. Please go to www.theshelterconnection.org for more information about and directions to the shelter.

Address

75 Marino Avenue
Port Washington, NY
11050

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

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