Barks & Rec

Welcome to Barks and Rec, York's unofficial department of tail wags, zoomies, and slightly chaotic public service. 🐾

We’re a dedicated team of shelter workers who take our jobs very seriously… except when we’re being outsmarted by a three-legged cat or emotionally manipulated by a pit bull with “sad eyes.” Our days include hosting highly competitive games of fetch (we always lose), providing enthusiastic affirmations (“you ARE a good boy”), and doing our best Leslie Knope-level campaigning for every animal to find their perfect home.

Think of us as a mix between a government department and a comedy series: there’s paperwork (boo), there’s passion (yay), and there’s always at least one moment a day where everything goes completely off the rails. Somewhere between the chaos and the cuddles, real magic happens, animals get second chances, and families find their new best friends.

But even the most determined department (and trust us, we rival Leslie on determination) can’t do it alone. Every bowl of food, every medical treatment, every toy dramatically squeaked into oblivion is made possible by our incredible community. Your support and donations are the backbone of everything we do, we truly couldn’t keep this whole operation running without you.

So, whether you’re channeling your inner Ron Swanson (strong, silent supporter) or your inner Leslie Knope (over-the-top enthusiast), there’s a place for you here.

Donate, share, or stop by and meet the cast, we promise they’re even better than TV. 💚

Barks and Rec: where community meets compassion… and occasionally, a very dramatic husky.