ADOPTING
A PET

is a long-term committment

Dogs and cats, depending on their breed, care and overall health, can live up to 15-20 years. Before adopting a pet, please carefully consider whether you have the time, commitment and financial security to care for an animal.

We strongly advise interested adopters to come to the shelter and spend a minimum of 1-2 hours visiting and walking our dogs or playing with our cats to get a better idea of which animal would be best for them. BARC staff and experienced volunteers are always on hand to answer questions and provide more detailed information about specific animals. If you have specific breeds/temperaments in mind, please discuss your preferences with the BARC staff person so that he/she can help you select the best animal for you.

Adoption Hours: Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12pm to 5pm.
We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Requirements to adopt a BARC animal:

You must be at least 21 years old.
You must complete the BARC adoption application (see below).
You must bring two pieces of valid (not expired) identification: a Photo ID and Proof of Current Address (utility bill in your names or similar).
You need the names and telephone numbers of two references who can vouch for your willingness and ability to care for a pet for its full life. We prefer that references are NOT immediate family members. Acceptable references can be roommates, boss/co-workers, friends/teachers.
The name and telephone number of your vet if you currently have, or recently had a pet.
Bring your dog, if you already have one (to make sure the BARC dog will get along with your current dog).
Any children in the household under 18 (to make sure the adopted animal is a good fit for your entire family).
If you rent: a copy of your lease or letter from landlord stating that you are allowed to have pets.

We require an adoption fee of $150 per animal.

This fee helps defray the cost of the animal's initial medical treatment and up-keep at the shelter, including:

Full medical exam by a licensed vet upon entering the shelter, and all necessary vaccinations (rabies, distemper, etc.)
All animals, regardless of where they come from, automatically receive treatment for fleas, ear mites and worms.
Dogs are tested for canine heartworm and cats are tested for feline AIDS and feline leukemia.
All animals are spayed/neutered (without exception).
All dogs are microchipped.
If any medical problems are found at the time of the initial exam, the animal receives treatment at our expense.

Adoption Agreement is provided as a Word (DOC), please print it out (you'll need to sign it) and bring it with you when you come to adopt.

You can also pick up a printed form at BARC.

There are always new animals arriving at BARC, so please visit us, call, or check the website frequently.

the barc mission

BARC's mission is to provide safe haven for homeless animals and find permanent, loving homes for these animals. The animals in our care receive quality food, shelter, and medical attention. We meet the needs of homeless animals through the assistance of dedicated volunteers, revenues generated from the success of our pet supply business, and from private donations.

The Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC) is a 501c3 not-for-profit, no-kill, privately funded animal shelter, located in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Established in 1987, BARC receives no subsides from the city, state, or federal government.

Now you can donate to BARC online! Click on the Network for Good button here, or anywhere throughout the site on the left navigation bar, to learn more.