Contact Nickel City Canine Rescue

If a dog is still available, they will be listed in our Adoptable Dogs album on Facebook. If the dog is no longer listed, they are no longer available.

When you submit an application, you may apply for a specific dog. However, you must be fully approved (including a virtual or in-person home visit) before you can officially express interest in that dog.

Once approved, you may express interest in:

• The dog listed on your application and

• Up to two additional dogs (three total)

We work on a first approved, first considered basis. This means the first approved applicant to express interest will be reviewed first — but approval order does not guarantee adoption.

Adoptions are based on best fit, determined by the dog’s needs, the foster’s input, and the applicant’s home and lifestyle. If a match isn’t the right fit, the foster will move on to the next approved applicant. Most dogs go through multiple applications before finding their forever home, so please don’t be discouraged.

Applications typically take 7–10 business days to process. Our application team is made up entirely of volunteers, and reviews may include reference checks and home visits, which can affect timing.

If it has been more than 10 business days, you may follow up by emailing info@nickelcitycaninerescue.org or messaging us on Facebook. Please include the first and last name used on your application, along with your email address and phone number, so we can locate your submission more quickly.

In most cases, no — not right away. Legally, stray dogs must first go through Animal Control.

If you find a stray, please take these steps first:

1. Have the dog scanned for a microchip. Most vets, shelters, and rescues can do this quickly.
2. Contact your local Animal Control Officer (ACO). Stray dogs are required to complete a legal stray hold so their owner has a chance to be found.

Nickel City Canine Rescue cannot take in a stray dog unless the stray hold has been completed or the dog’s legal owner has formally signed them over to us.

Once those steps are complete, you’re welcome to reach out with details and we’ll let you know if we’re able to help based on foster availability.

Nickel City Canine Rescue is a 100% foster-based rescue with no physical shelter. We can only take in dogs when an approved foster home is available, which means our intake capacity is limited. We currently only consider dogs located in Western New York.

All surrender requests begin with a completed intake form. Our team reviews each submission to determine whether the dog may be a fit for our rescue. If so, we share the dog’s information with our foster network to look for an available home. Submitting a form does not guarantee intake, and urgent requests or threats of euthanasia do not increase the likelihood of acceptance.

If a foster is secured, we will contact you to request vet records and may ask for updated or additional vetting prior to intake.

What we’ll ask for:

• Photos of the dog

• Age, breed, and vetting status

• Behavior and temperament details

• Compatibility with dogs, cats, and children

• Crate training, sleep habits, and bite history

• Any medical or special needs

Timing:
Intakes can take days, months, or may not be possible, depending on foster availability.

Fees:
There is no intake fee, though donations of any amount are appreciated and help support the dogs in our care.