COMMON MAPS
Map version new-york activity top-down
Main site Contact
Menu
↑ parent activity group ·
research dossier

THE SHELTER CONNECTION INC

LAKE SUCCESS, NY · EIN 113526416 · Form 990EZ · FY2025 · NTEE D20 · Animal-Related · Small ($100K-$1M) · theshelterconnection.com
revenue
$164K
expenses
$72K
net assets
$482K
employees
mission · from form 990

INCREASE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR SHELTER DOGS IN THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD ANIMAL SHELTER; TO SHIFT THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION ABOUT SHELTER AND DISPEL THE MYTH THAT SHELTER DOGS ARE "DAMAGED GOODS; TO INCREASE ADOPTIONS BY TRAINING AND SOCIALIZING THE DOGS; TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT RESPONSIBLE DOG CARE AND THE NECESSITY OF SPAYING/NEUTERING COMPANION ANIMALS; TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY, IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES, TO FEED AND MEET THE MEDICAL NEEDS OF THEIR COMPANION ANIMALS.

profile · synthesized from sources

The Shelter Connection Inc is a volunteer-driven nonprofit based in Port Washington, NY, dedicated to improving the lives of shelter dogs at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter. The organization supports dog training, socialization, and medical care, increases adoption rates, and promotes humane education and responsible pet ownership. It also funds shelter improvements and community programs to support companion animals in need.

named programs · 5 · from sources

What they call their work

Humane Education Program
Classroom and group presentations for youth on dog bite safety, responsible pet ownership, and the role of shelters, aligned with NY State education standards.
Mend-a-Paw Fund
Provides medical and surgical care for shelter dogs not covered by the town budget, including antibiotics, diagnostics, surgeries, and heartworm testing.
Nature Trail
A landscaped, enclosed trail system adjacent to the shelter where dogs can walk and experience natural stimuli, improving mental well-being and adoptability.
Outdoor Playground
Secure outdoor space with agility equipment for dogs to exercise, train, and socialize, enhancing physical and mental health while awaiting adoption.
Pavers for Paws
Fundraising initiative allowing the public to purchase engraved bricks to support the shelter’s memorial garden and outdoor seating area.
activities · 8 groups

What they do

  • Pre-Adoption Veterinary Care for Shelter Animals 2 activities
    • Funding medical care for shelter dogs through the Mend-a-Paw program
      Operates the Mend-a-Paw fund to cover unfunded medical and surgical expenses for shelter dogs, including antibiotics, diagnostic testing, heartworm treatment, and surgeries, ensuring comprehensive veterinary care prior to adoption.
    • Operating dog adoption program
      Manages a dog adoption program by appointment, providing spay/neuter services, vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm testing, and veterinary checkups prior to adoption to ensure responsible placements.
  • Animal Rescue Volunteer Coordination 2 activities
    • Organizing community engagement and fundraising events
      Hosts public events including Open Houses, Meet the Breed Days, Puppy Reunions, National Night Outs, Trail Days, Garage Sales, and friendraising activities to engage the community, promote adoptions, and raise funds for shelter programs.
    • Training and managing volunteers
      Conducts volunteer training programs to prepare individuals for roles as Adoption Advisors, Dog Walkers, Dog Handlers, and Meeter/Greeters, supporting all aspects of shelter operations through an all-volunteer workforce.
  • Rescue Dog Behavioral Training and Adoption Support 1 activity
    • Improving shelter dogs' quality of life through training, socialization, and enrichment
      Enhances the well-being of shelter dogs at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter through structured training programs, socialization activities, mental and physical stimulation via agility equipment, and volunteer-led dog walking and handling programs to increase adoption readiness.
  • Commemorative Brick and Memorial Installations 1 activity
    • Operating the "Pavers for Paws" fundraising program
      Runs the "Pavers for Paws" initiative, which funds a garden seating area at the shelter through public purchases of commemorative bricks honoring pets or loved ones, combining donor engagement with facility enhancement.
  • Organizational Newsletter Production and Distribution 1 activity
    • Producing and distributing educational newsletters
      Creates and distributes a regular newsletter titled 'Tell Tails' to share updates about shelter dogs, programs, and events, fostering community connection and transparency.
  • Pet Food and Supply Pantry Services 1 activity
    • Providing financial and material support to pet owners in economic hardship
      Assists community members facing financial challenges by helping them meet the food and medical needs of their companion animals, reducing pet surrenders due to economic barriers.
  • Humane Education and Responsible Pet Ownership 1 activity
    • Public education on responsible pet ownership and dog safety
      Delivers educational presentations and community programs for schools, scouts, and summer camps on dog bite prevention, responsible pet care, and the importance of spaying/neutering, alongside public events such as Kids Safety Days and training lectures.
  • Uncategorized 1 activity
    • Facility improvements to enhance shelter environment
      Implemented capital improvements at the Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter, including a nature trail, fenced exercise areas, full-spectrum lighting, paw-friendly flooring, retractable awnings, and artificial turf agility yard, to create a more humane and stimulating environment for dogs.
financials · form 990EZ · fy2025
revenue
Total revenue$164K
Contributions & grants$163K99%
Program service revenue
Investment income$1K1%
Other revenue
expenses
Total expenses$72K
Program expenses
Admin / overhead
Fundraising
Salaries & benefits
Grants paid out
balance sheet
Total assets$483K
Cash
Investments
Liabilities
Net assets$482K
4 years on record · 2021–2025 · YoY revenue +71.3%
relationships · 9

Who they work with

  • AdoptaPet.com Partner — Lists adoptable dogs on AdoptaPet.com to increase visibility and adoption opportunities.
  • Petfinder.com Partner — Lists adoptable dogs on Petfinder.com to increase visibility and adoption opportunities.
  • Town Administration Government — Cooperated with The Shelter Connection on shelter facility improvements beginning in 2002.
  • Town of North Hempstead Government — Collaborates with the shelter by funding basic operations, while Mend-a-Paw covers additional medical costs not included in the town's budget.
  • Town of North Hempstead Government — Operates the animal shelter facility located at 75 Marino Avenue in Port Washington, NY
  • Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter Partner — Collaborates with The Shelter Connection to improve conditions and programs for shelter dogs.
  • Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter Partner — Collaborates with the shelter to improve conditions and outcomes for dogs in its care.
  • Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter Partner — Provides programs and services to improve the quality of life of dogs housed at the shelter.
  • Town of North Hempstead Animal Shelter Partner — Works in partnership with shelter staff to improve conditions and support adoption efforts for shelter dogs.
strategies · 3

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.

  • Behavioral and Medical Readiness for Adoption
    methodology: training-and-socialization-for-adoptability
    By improving dogs' behavior, health, and socialization through training, medical care, and enrichment, we increase their adoptability because dogs perceived as well-adjusted and healthy are more likely to be chosen by adopters.
  • Individualized Dog-Adopter Matching
    methodology: individualized-adoption-matching
    By matching shelter dogs with adoptive families based on personality traits and specific needs, we produce more successful and lasting adoptions because compatibility increases long-term commitment and reduces return rates.
  • Public Perception Shift to Increase Shelter Dog Adoption
    methodology: public-perception-shift
    By challenging the stigma that shelter dogs are flawed, we increase adoption rates because changing public attitudes makes people more willing to consider shelter dogs as desirable and viable companions.