Our History

For over 100 years, the Humane Society of New York has been a presence in New York City, caring for animals in need when illness, injury or homelessness strikes. In 1904 we were founded to protect the city's horses against abuse. Members fought for laws to punish negligent owners and place watering troughs in streets and parks. As funds allowed, the Society expanded to include a free medical clinic and a small adoption center for cats and dogs. Today our hospital and our Vladimir Horowitz and Wanda Toscanini Horowitz Adoption Center help more than 38,000 dogs and cats annually, and their numbers continue to grow.

Two working horses are provided with emergency horse shoes by the Humane Society in 1925

1925, New York Times

A man dressed as Santa provides water to a working horse in front of a Christmas Tree in 1925

1925, New York Times

A grouop of people hand out gifts to working horses and drivers during the holidays in 1927

1927, New York Times

Two men fit non-skid horse shoes on a working horse in 1928

1928, New York Times

A man provides a working horse with water in 1928

1928, New York Times

Paddy, the Humane Society's mascot, receiving the first contribution from a woman as he sits on a stand in front of the Public Library in 1935

1935, New York Times

A woman and dog walk into the Humane Society's Free clinic in the 1950's

1950's Publication