BY MATTHEW DIDOMENICO

Since 1944, North Shore Animal League America has carried on its mission of saving the lives of animals nationwide. Based in Port Washington, it has grown into the largest no-kill rescue and adoption operation in the world. Its work results in nearly 20,000 animals being nurtured and cared for yearly.

On Feb. 28, the league began its 22nd annual Tour For Life, an initiative on pet adoption. “For us, this is a national celebration of adoption … We’re pushing to find as many homes for these animals as we can,” said Anthony Angioletti, director of offsite programs. 

The league collaborates on adoption events with several shelters across the country each week,  encouraging people to take home a furry friend. “Fifty-three shelters across the country are participating, and we’re looking to have around 200 animals adopted each week,” he said.

Angioletti, who has worked at the league for 23 years, said: “I started as a part-timer at 15 years old, loving pets, thinking it would be a great job on the weekends, and I’m still here … In any capacity that you’re working here, you’re doing something that benefits the lives of animals.”

Even though the league is making a major push for adoption, its standards for adopters separate it from other organizations. The league conducts thorough background checks to find a suitable owner for each pet, to ensure ideal care past shelter life.

“We look for adopters that can give a similar amount of care as our staff do for these animals,” Angioletti said. “We want to make it so that they can provide a good home for their pets.”

With over 2.5 million followers on Facebook, several sponsors and many collaborating shelters, North Shore Animal League America continues to spread its message on animal rescue and adoption. More information is available on the league’s website at https://www.animalleague.org/tour-for-life-2022/.