Our Story

We're a Community of Volunteers Saving Lives

Founded in Brooklyn, Irizarry Animal Foundation is a 100% volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats, dogs, and other animals in crisis. Every rescue, every foster, every adoption is powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Our Mission: Every Animal Deserves a Second Chance

We're not a shelter—we're a rescue network operating entirely through volunteer foster homes across Brooklyn and NYC. This means every animal in our care lives in a loving home environment, receiving individual attention, socialization, and the medical care they need while waiting for their forever family.

From emergency street rescues to coordinating TNR programs, organizing adoption events, and matching animals with perfect homes—every single step is powered by compassionate volunteers who donate their time, energy, and hearts to this work.

"We believe that rescue work is community work. When Brooklyn comes together, lives are saved."

Large group of domestic animals including dogs, cats, birds, rodents, reptiles and fishes, posing together on white background

500+

Animals Rescued

100+

Active Volunteers

50+

Foster Homes

24/7

Emergency Response

What Makes Us Different

No Shelter Walls

Every animal lives in a foster home, not a cage. They receive love, training, and socialization in real home environments.

100% Volunteer

No salaries, no overhead—just passionate people who care. Every donation goes directly to animal care.

Brooklyn Roots

We're deeply connected to our Brooklyn community, responding to local needs and building relationships block by block.

Success Stories

These are just a few of the hundreds of animals whose lives have been transformed by our rescue network.

White pitbull mix with 'adopt me' bandana

Bella's Journey Home

Found abandoned and malnourished in Bushwick, Bella spent 6 months in foster care recovering her strength and trust in humans. Today, she's thriving with her forever family in Park Slope, going on daily adventures and living her best life.

Adopted March 2024 Park Slope

Little red kitten lying on a white sheet

The Williamsburg Five

A litter of five kittens was found in an abandoned building. Through our foster network, all five were bottle-fed, socialized, and adopted into loving homes within 3 months. Two even went together to stay as siblings!

Adopted January 2025 Various Brooklyn