Simply put, our mission is to rescue animals. Staten Island Council for Animal Welfare (SICAW) is one of New York’s longest operating non-profit rescue groups. Founded in 1972, SICAW is 100% volunteer driven, and funded by generous public donations. Volunteers rescue, foster and care for animals, and perform a host of other functions. Donations are used for animal care, medical services, advertising, and administrative costs.
We like to think of ourselves as matchmakers. We work extensively with our animals so we have firsthand knowledge into their personalities. We can help by making recommendations based on your current life situation, so it’s a good match for both you and the animal. The first step in the process is to fill out an adoption application. If you’ve seen an animal you’ve connected with, you can list their name, along with a second, or third choice. After we review your application, we will contact you to discuss your choices and/or suggest other suitable choices. We will arrange for a meet & greet either at the PetSmart store or at the foster parent’s house so you can interact with the pet in person. A SICAW board member will do a home visit to ensure you can provide a safe & loving environment for the animal. SICAW is 100% volunteer run. We rely on donations from the public and the help of unpaid volunteers to fund and operate our rescue efforts. Depending on available volunteers, the process can take a few days, or up to two weeks. Please be patient, and follow up if you haven’t heard from us. There is a $150 adoption fee, which helps cover spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchip, flea/tick and any other medical attention the animal needed when it was rescued. This fee helps us continue our work to save other animals. You’ve been approved and now you’re ready to take your pet home…CONGRATULATIONS! Your SICAW contact will work with you to arrange the best time and place to “hand off” your pet. Your contact will help you fill out your adoption paperwork and advise you on best practices for carriers, food and litter. We love each and every rescue animal, so we will be in contact to make sure that everyone is adjusting well. Please reach out to us with any questions you may have - no question is too big or too small!