named programs · 3 · from sources
What they call their work
Adoption Program
Manages the placement of rescued dogs into permanent homes, including rigorous screening, meet-and-greet coordination, and post-adoption support
Behavior and Training Support
Offers foster and adopter guidance through training resources, videos, and behavioral advice focused on calm assertive leadership, separation anxiety, and positive reinforcement
Foster Care Program
Provides temporary homes for rescued dogs through a network of foster volunteers who care for the animals until adoption, following strict medical, behavioral, and communication guidelines
activities · 7 groups
What they do
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Structured Animal Adoption Program 2 activities
- Adoption screening and placement supportConducts a rigorous adoption screening process, home checks, and meet-and-greet sessions to ensure appropriate dog-to-home placements. Offers a fostering-to-adopt option and a no-questions-asked return policy to support successful long-term adoptions.
- Pet adoption program and eventsOperates a structured pet adoption program for dogs and cats, including hosting adoption events at locations such as Petco Union Square and in collaboration with local businesses like pet shops, day cares, and bars to connect adoptable pets with families.
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Animal Rescue Volunteer Coordination 2 activities
- Animal transportation and logistics coordinationCoordinates transportation of dogs between locations in New York City, including from NYC to Brooklyn, and requires foster caregivers outside NYC to meet adopters or new fosters halfway to facilitate placements.
- Photographic profiling of adoptable dogsEngages volunteer photographers to create visual profiles of dogs available for adoption, enhancing visibility and connection with potential adopters.
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Rescue Dog Behavioral Training and Adoption Support 1 activity
- Behavioral and training education for foster and adoptive familiesOffers educational resources and training guidance on crate training, potty training, puppy walking, biting and chewing management, positive reinforcement, clicker training, and socialization. Also provides guidance on introducing puppies to older dogs and leading a balanced household "pack."
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Rescue and Adoption of Cats 1 activity
- Foster care program for rescued animalsProvides temporary foster care for dogs and cats rescued from shelters, offering shelter, care, and behavioral support until adoption. This program also frees up space in shelters and improves adoption outcomes.
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Comprehensive Adoption Services 1 activity
- Post-adoption and foster family supportProvides emotional support, highly responsive communication, detailed care instructions, and ongoing post-adoption guidance to adopters and foster caregivers. Offers step-by-step preparation resources to ensure families are ready for dog ownership.
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Animal Welfare and Rescue Support 1 activity
- Rescue and rehabilitation of at-risk dogsRescues and rehabilitates dogs at high risk of euthanasia in public shelters due to overpopulation, as well as those facing abuse or neglect. Since 2015, the organization has rescued over 4,800 dogs and cats.
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Pre-Adoption Veterinary Care for Shelter Animals 1 activity
- Veterinary and medical care for animals prior to adoptionProvides comprehensive veterinary services including vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, dental procedures, and medical treatments for rescued animals through a designated veterinarian in Park Slope. In the prior year, over $207,000 was spent on animal transportation and veterinary care.
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financials · form 990 · fy2024
revenue
Total revenue$404K
Contributions & grants$142K35%
Program service revenue$261K65%
Investment income$00%
Other revenue$0
expenses
Total expenses$449K
Program expenses55%
Admin / overhead45%
Fundraising0%
Salaries & benefits$132K
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineProfessional Fees
balance sheet
Total assets$191K
Cash$191K
Investments$0
Liabilities$13K
Net assets$179K
Liquid reserves5.1 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2024 · YoY revenue +27.8%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2024
Who runs it
paid leadership · 3
| Name | Title | Hours/wk | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| CONSTANCE MILLINOR | VICE PRES/TR | 40 | $20K |
| MELISSA RISO | PRESIDENT | 40 | $20K |
| ROBYN O'BRIEN | SECRETARY | 40 | $20K |
relationships · 17
Who they work with
- Animal Humane Society Partner — References Animal Humane Society resources for training and socialization guidance.
- Cesar's Way Partner — Collaborates with or references Cesar's Way for puppy training and behavioral resources.
- Cesar911.com Partner — Recommends training resources from Cesar911.com to support foster dog behavior training.
- Constance Partner — Named volunteer involved in facilitating adoptions and supporting adoptive families.
- Facebook Partner — Uses Facebook to share information about adoption events.
- Instagram Partner — Uses Instagram to share information about adoption events.
- Mel Partner — Named volunteer involved in facilitating adoptions and supporting adoptive families.
- Petco Partner — Collaborates with Petco to host pet adoption events at retail locations.
- PupStarz Rescue-approved veterinarian Partner — Network of veterinarians approved and coordinated by Pupstarz Rescue to provide medical care for foster animals.
- Rachel Partner — Named volunteer involved in facilitating adoptions and supporting adoptive families.
- Robyn Partner — Named volunteer involved in facilitating adoptions and supporting adoptive families.
- boutique pet shop Partner — Partners with boutique pet shops to host adoption events.
- cesarsway.com Partner — References cesarsway.com as a source for dog behavior training tips used in foster care approach.
- clickertraining.com Partner — Directs fosters to clickertraining.com for information on positive reinforcement training methods.
- doggie day care Partner — Collaborates with doggie day cares to host adoption events.
- local bar Partner — Collaborates with local bars to host adoption events.
- rescue@pupstarzrescue.org Government — Email contact for PupStarz Rescue, Inc.
strategies · 5
How they approach the work
Named approaches extracted from this org’s sources. Where others share an approach, follow it to see the full set of orgs running it.
- Enhanced Visibility Through Visual and Social Media Engagementmethodology: visual_and_social_engagementBy using professional photography, compelling profiles, and social media sharing, the organization increases the visibility of adoptable dogs, leading to faster and more successful adoptions through broader community engagement.
- Foster-Based Rescue Modelmethodology: foster_based_rescueBy housing animals in foster homes rather than a physical shelter, the organization improves animals' readiness for adoption through a home-like environment and personalized care, increasing adoption success rates.
- No-Kill Rescue with Risk-Based Prioritizationmethodology: no_kill_rescueBy focusing on dogs at high risk of euthanasia or experiencing abuse and neglect, and operating under a no-kill policy, the organization prioritizes life-saving interventions for the most vulnerable animals, maximizing impact where need is greatest.
- Pack Leadership Behavior Modelmethodology: pack_leadershipBy training foster and adoptive families to act as calm, assertive pack leaders and applying the exercise-discipline-affection sequence, the organization creates psychological balance in rescued dogs, reducing behavioral issues and improving long-term adoption outcomes.
- Rigorous Home Assessment and Post-Adoption Supportmethodology: comprehensive_adoption_screeningBy conducting virtual home checks, reference verifications, and offering post-adoption support, the organization ensures adoptive homes are well-matched and supported, reducing return rates and promoting long-term placement stability.