OPIN

Great non profit. I adopted 2 of my kitties from Stamford Animal Control. I appreciate all they do for Stamford animals.

OPIN is a fantastic organization and an awesome resource for the area. Each person in this organization is totally committed to their mission of helping pets. I have personally adopted 3 dogs through this organization and not only do they do an awesome job of matching pets to owners but they do an excellent job of vetting owners. I know that they follow their adoptions after the fact and owners often become part of their community. OPIN also participates in events promoting adoptions in the community. You can always count on seeing their faces.

This is an amazing all-volunteer organization providing a suite of programs aimed at decreasing the population of homeless pets. Over 11 years we've provided, free dog training, free microchips, low-cost sterilization, foster services for victims of domestic violence and for pets taken into the OPIN family.

I have been involved with OPIN since their inception both as a donor and a volunteer. It is one of the few animal organizations I have encountered that has not let ego nor money nor power overtake their love and care for the animals. All of their funding goes to their programs, especially medical care for those pets who may not survive without their help. Several dogs have come to them with Parvo and were saved because of the care they were able to provide. These dogs would have been put down or died if not for OPIN. Their focus is ALWAYS on the health and welfare of the animal whether it be for medical care, finding proper adopters, or offering help to those who can't afford to care for their pets, and those in domestic violence situations. The list goes on, but when compared to other organizations, OPIN wins . Our four-legged friends can't help themselves, and other groups somehow lose sight of that. OPIN does not.

OPIN has been a positive force in Stamford, CT and surrounding areas promoting adoptions and so much more. Offering free training classes for anyone who needs help. The training classes have helped keep pets happy in their homes and out of the shelter. They work tireless to promote spay/neuter, microchipping, education, adoptions, fostering, vaccinations, and much more. OPIN has provided the funding for medical attention to animals in need which city shelters do not provide and finding homes for these pets once they recover. Thank you OPIN for always being there for people and homeless animals.

I have seen OPIN grow over the years and watched as it has broadened its animal rescue and welfare capabilities. It is one of the 'great ones'! It has an exceptionally dedicated group of volunteers who work tirelessly. The level of integrity of the Board and the volunteers is unparalleled. It is an amazing organization.

I have been involved with OPIN as a volunteer since 2008. This is the most dedicated, compassionate, giving group of people -- and they are all volunteers. There is a very small core group of board members and program directors that gives enormously of its personal time and personal resources. And those individuals are backed by a larger group of sincerely committed people that rallies to every call for help -- of time, expertise, and/or financial support. These people are all absolutely and tirelessly dedicated to rescuing, and improving the status of, homeless pets. They deserve everyone’s most unselfish support of their efforts so that they may continue their lifesaving work with needy companion animals, who cannot speak for themselves.

From the minute I heard "the Lucy story" I became a fan of OPIN. Their level of commitment to the animals in our community is unmatched. From the dogs they pull from the pound and place in either foster or boarding, to the ones in distress that they fundraise for, to the awesome events they host to get these animals, especially pitties, before the public- they are very visible and doing an awesome job of educating the public. Not only do they talk the talk but they walk the walk and are ever so loving and compassionate towards all the dogs they own and represent. I am very grateful for OPIN on the behalf of the pups who need their amazing assistance.

I have lived in Stamford for over twenty years and have witnessed the so many wonderful, beautiful benefits to this city, the animals that live here and the citizens that live here due to the fantastic groups of people like OPIN and others. I am constantly in awe of their dedication to make this world a more loving and safe place for animals and the people that love them.

My first OPIN review was written in 2013 and two years later I would recommend them even more. They are incredibly dedicated to the well-being of animals. If you are looking for an organization worthy of a donation in the form of either your time, needed items, or funds, you need look no further.

OPIN is a dedicated group run by all volunteers. Committed to the motto "each life matters" I have witnessed time and again, the passion and care given to all animals. From complimentary microchip clinics, obedience training, spay and neuter as well as medical attention all creatures great and small always get what they need. I have fostered many dogs that were surrendered to OPIN, and I look forward to fostering more. I also have made monetary donatations, and see each dollar going to work for the benefit of displaced animals. I feel very fortunate and proud to be a part of such an amazing organization.

I’ve been part of OPIN a little over a year and I have seen first-hand how passionate and caring this group of amazing people are. My friend and her dog Jakie have received assistance from OPIN to get him microchipped and neutered and this wouldn’t have been possible without OPIN’s help. Now Jakie lives a much better and safer life with her mom and they will be forever thankful for all you have done. Thank you OPIN!

OPIN is a wonderful organization for animals and a fabulous resource for helping animals and the humans who love them. I can't tell you how many times people have come to me looking for help adopting, looking for fosters, looking for advice, looking to re-home their pets and I have referred them to OPIN, who have gone above and beyond to help them. Everyone I've ever referred to OPIN has praised them for their warmth, experience, helpfulness and humanity. OPIN is what animal rescue is all about.

OPIN is such an amazing organization, helping so many precious animals in need. OPIN has so many loving, life saving stories such as "Lucy" ...Check out Lucy's story, she is the reason why I started donating to OPIN...and its because of so many other loving stories that I continue to support this organization all the way from California.

I had watched OPIN from afar, and was really impressed with their efforts to improve the lives of dogs in Stamford. And then OPIN helped me and my husband adopt the most amazing dog Milo. As first time dog parents (we were a home of many cats!), they were extremely helpful in answering all our silly questions, gave us great advice and were there for me to lean on when sadly Milo ate something that perforated his intestines, and we lost him after only 4 months. We we were heartbroken beyond repair. And while we haven't adopted again, these folks are the real deal and know what they are doing. I would adopt from them again in a heartbeat and hope to soon.

OPIN is such a wonderful organization. The volunteers go above and beyond helping homeless pets.

OPIN and those associated with the organization are so generous with their time and hearts. When our family needed help finding a loving caring home for our two labs OPIN came to the rescue. Not only did our dogs land on their paws they are still together which was an incredible relief. I have visited the dogs in their new home with my adult kids and have an open invitaion to do so at any time. Thank you OPIN and in particular Ali for being there when we really needed help.

OPIN is a 501(C)3 all-volunteer pet rescue group in theory, but in actuality; OPIN is the synergy formed by altruistic volunteers, gracious donors and kind hearted community members that stride daily to make the world a better place for pets in need with a long term commitment to putting an end to pet homelessness, while sharing the deep rooted understood belief that each pet life matters! I am so proud to be part of OPIN, Inc.

OPIN is one of the most giving group of people out there in the animal world. Their care, compassion, and dedication is never ending. They go beyond the call of duty whenever called upon. Not only do they place, foster, and find foster homes for animals that would never stand a chance, they also pick up a large percentage of financial bills for these animals. They are such an incredible asset to our community, and their hard work and efforts should never go unnoticed.

Our experience with OPIN has been incredible from the start. We began as a "foster family" for a 3 pound Malchi. She entered our home and never left. She brought new life to our 10 year old Havanese and a new dynamic to our family. She shows love everyday, as if she knows that she is one of the lucky ones who found a family that loves her. Ali Girardi, "knew" that when we said yes to fostering that she would loose a foster family, becuase she and the folks at OPIN know how to align pets with the right family. We would say to EVERYONE - be a foster family, it is so rewarding! We applaud the work that all of the OPIN Volunteers are doing and thank Ali Girardi for our PIAA MIAA Ferraro!

I've been a volunteer and donor for the past couple years. The leadership team and network of other volunteers are committed to reducing animal homelessness in the community and caring for animals in need. The organization has very effective processes and programs in place to support these goals and plays an active and important role in our community.

I have supported OPIN and their incredible work, for years. Their service to the animals, Stamford Animal control and the public goes beyond the average non-profit organization. They are amazing and deserve recognition!

OPIN is a wonderful organization that fosters, adopts out, protects, loves, and advocates primarily for needy, displaced, and deserving animals The founders and volunteers are organized, professional, beyond dedicated, and passionate, and are committed to working with the community to promote the absolute best outcomes. A+.

OPIN is all about the animals and their happiness and well being. Truly caring and compassionate organization always looking out for the voiceless animals. I recently started fostering dogs with them. They ensure the animals have the best medical care if needed and go to loving forever homes.

As a resident of Stamford and animal lover, I am extrmeley impressed by what OPIN does to keep Stamford's pets safe, healthy and out of the shelters. All 6 of my pets have been microchipped for FREE thanks OPIN's free microchipping events. I have since gotten to know Ali Gerardi, but the first time I met her she offered to cover the costs of neutering my pitbull. When my dog seemed stressed, Ali personally called me, offered me advice and invited me to OPIN's free dog training classes on Wednesdays. The organization as a whole is extremely involved and beneficial to the community. Keep up the good work!

The most passionate and dedicated group of truly amazing people. The best interest of the animals is always top priority. Thank you for making a difference in the community and giving dignity to the displaced animals and making families complete .

Since my move to Stamford 30 years ago I have volunteered for many non-profits. Of all the organizations for which I have given my time and money, OPIN is by the far the one with the most heart for their cause. Outreach to Pets in Need is just that. Reaching out and helping prospective or current pet owners and their pets. Whether helping with medical costs, food, low-cost neutering/spay programs, training and education, fostering, SafePet program with DVCC (Domestic Violence Crisis Center) everything they do, they do with both their hearts and their heads. They have assisted in so many fosters and adoptions. I am so proud to be a part of this totally volunteer-run organization.

Everyone at OPIN are making a huge difference in the lives of so many animals! It's a privilege to help out. The most compassionate caring individuals!

I have been donating money and food to the OPIN animal shelter for five years and I try to go to all the fundraisers to support the shelter. Jenny Colucci the director is very nice and thanks me for all I give to the shelter. I hope with donations from the community and help from the City of Stamford a new shelter can be built.


Rocco Sirico
A Voice for the Animals!

OPIN, is the fundraising arm of Stamford Animal care and Control, without this wonderful Animal Rescue Group, I'm not sure that SACC would be a no-kill shelter. This Non-Profit is completely volunteer and they give their time, money and love to the unwanted pets that come into SACC . They personally get to know each and evey one of the animals thus ensuring they can find them new loving permament homes.

Our community is plagued, as many other communities are, by a unstoppable flood of homeless pets. OPIN is a perfect example of how an organization can bring a community together to provide stop-gap measures that allow the Stamford Animal Shelter remain a no-kill shelter. The OPIN volunteers are inexhaustible in their efforts to provide homes, medical treatment, food and funding for the shelter and foster animals. With the help of their volunteers, the local veterinary hospitals, foster parents and constant fundraising and awareness events, OPIN is a shining beacon for the City of Stamford and surrounding areas. I am proud to call myself an OPIN volunteer.

OPIN is an example of the very best of a local non-profit having grassroots impact improving the lives of animals in the community. The leadership of the non-profit is excellent and incredibly responsive, and they have been extremely helpful working with animals in need. The organization truly goes above and beyond and I am supremely confident that every dollar given to OPIN is maximized in value and goes to help animals.

I helped out at OPIN functions several times and I also know the co-director personally. People who work at OPIN have a real passion and love towards the pets in need. The leadership also has integrity and i believe the donation and the use of it is in good hands. I highly recommend supporting OPIN!

My friend Jenny (co-founder) of OPIN gives so much time and energy to help animals in need. These amazing groups of volunteers’ help animals in need and no challenge is too big for them to tackle. They resolve the problems for each animal with medical care and adoptions. They also have programs such as spray/neuter and also have micro chipping during the year. They also offer free training classes at the Stamford Animal Shelter. OPIN is a wonderful non-profit organization that does amazing work for our area in Stamford. Kudos to this wonderful group of caring people with their loving hearts for all they do for our four legged friends!

Just started volunteering recently, everyone I have met who is affiliated with OPIN is dedicated
beyond belief! It's all about the homeless pets, nothing is more important than finding them homes
and finding ways to support the Stamford Animal Shelter. My time is well spent and rewarding!

My husband and I adopted our second furbaby from the Stamford Animal Care and Control and we still have her as a family member. She is an all white with a black patch American Bull Dog mix and she is just a wonderful member of our family. We were insulted when we were asked to come to the shelter twice to meet Chloe. We had a resident dog who was dog selective. Maybe they seen something on the first visit that we did not. So we returned a second time, driving about one hundred miles to pick up Chloe. OPIN is a great organization who truly care about the animals and the state of repair that the shelter is in at any given time. They are PAWSOME

I first started going to the Stamford Animal Shelter about 4 years ago to make donations of food and other needed items. Eventually, I adopted an old dog who had been dubbed "Grandpa" but I changed to "Rufus." Thru OPIN, Rufus was micro chipped. When Rufus finally succumbed to his deteriorating health due to old age and I had to let him go, I received touching condolence cards from Laurie Hollywood and the wonderful people of OPIN. They never forget an animal that comes through the shelter doors. I recently started volunteering my time at the shelter and I'm inspired by the total devotion that's so evident from the members of this wonderful organization. Just this past Wednesday, during the training session that's provided free of charge to the community, there were so many volunteers present that I think practically every dog at the shelter had a person to either guide them through the training or take them for a walk around the grounds. It was absolutely heartwarming. I, in turn, am now devoted to them. Rock on, OPIN.

My friend Jenny is an active, dedicated volunteer with OPIN in Stamford. Everyone at OPIN gives tirelesslessly of there time and love for the well being of animals through this organization. Keep up your wonderful work! I was thrilled to be able to have my cat microchipped at a free OPIN clinic a year ago.


Tried but can't answer the questions below re volunteering/contributing or impact organization has, sorry.

I have worked with OPIN for the past 4 years and have loved working with the volunteers and the dogs. I got my dog from OPIN and he is the love of my life. I hope for them to continue doing great work and spread animal love across the country.

I don't know how they do it! I read the posts on facebook and it breaks my heart .... partly because of some of the inhumane situations these poor animals come from but mostly because I am too emotional a person to volunteer and make a difference as these people do on a daily basis. They dedicate their life to helping the helpless....there is a place in heavan for them as well as the animals (and people) they bring so much happiness too!

I can't say any more than that!

My family have been volunteers / adopters / donors to the Stamford Animal Care & Control shelter for 20 years. When OPIN came into existence, there was a remarkable improvement in the care, publicity and efforts to get the dogs and cats at the shelter good medical care and publicity to get them adopted. I can't even begin to illuminate how much OPIN has improved the quality of life for the animals at the shelter, and hopefully for the staff as well. These animals desperately needed someone on their side, and not just someone doing a job. OPIN, and the addition of the great Laurie Hollywood as shelter director, has made all the difference for the animals. OPIN is a true grass roots organization run by dedicated volunteers. If OPIN doesn't qualify as a "Great Nonprofit" then no one does.

I met OPIN through a Facebook posting that was sent to me about a shelter who had rescued a pit bull whose body was covered in burns and whose two pups had died in the same fire. I read Lucy's story and fell in love and donated to the care for this wounded baby. They posted updates of Lucy's progress right up to her adoption by twin sisters who were vet techs who cared for Lucy. I continue to donate because it is clear they make a difference and they engage their donors, rare for a nonprofit. I continue to stay apprised of their recent works, and in fact donated again yesterday. I have never been their, but when I was verifying who they were the Executive Director took the time to speak with me on the phone and explain their mission. I only wish I lived in Connecticut and closer to their facility.

I have been a volunteer with OPIN for the past year and have had the immense pleasure of learning about their incredible organization. I'm so thankful to be a part of such a dedicated group of people that work non stop to help save, protect and nurture needy animals that would otherwise perish at the hands of shelters and unfit owners. I can truly say that OPIN does the work and performs the miracles of angels. Thanks to the knowledge they share, I have been able to educate family and friends on the importance of adoption and to make them aware of the need to commit to doing their part to save the lives of other unfortunate animals. Thanks OPIN for all you do - I am proud to be able to play a part in your efforts.

My husband and I have been supporting O.P.I.N. since it's inception. This group of dedicated voulunteers in conjunction with The Stamford Animal Shelter do amazing work with an attitude that no challenge is too big. They resolve the problems for individual dogs with special medical needs or adoptions as well as the local Stamford, CT area pet population with programs such as spray/neuter, and micro chipping. We have not encountered a better run local non profit in our many years of supporting various organizations. Hopefully future years of support will allow them to help even more of the animals that are desperately in need of our help. Mike & Kathy A.

You will never find a more dedicated group. This IS the real deal. Stop by to help out , at some point you will meet your best two or four legged friend.

I just adopted princess snow white, an elderly dog from opin[stamford shelter I thank them from the bottom of my heart for helping princess to survive her three operations so I could adopt this beautiful dog.,If they hadnt put her picture on the internet I never would have seen Princess They worked so hard saving her life after all the traumas she went through. She had cancer 2 times and had a growth removed and was also spayed. Opin even found donors to help pay for her operations--just amazing! Princess never would have survived if it wasnt for Opin. They found her wandering the streets and in very bad condition. They are incredible people full of love and compassion They made sure she was well nurtured and even got her a foster mother to help her transition to a fur-ever home.. They made sure that I would provide a decent home for this poor traumatized dog. Opin even delivered her to me on that special heartwarming day when I met these beautiful people!! Princess is thriving and she is definitely a survivor -- a happy ending!What a difference they make in society for animals and people!! I love you all--Thank-you Opin all the best to you all sincerly veronica

The volunteers from OPIN work tirelessly to help homeless dogs and cats in Stamford. They recently organized a free microchip clinic with the cooperation of a local car dealership that volunteered the space. The OPIN volunteers spend a great deal of time at the shelter facilitation adoptions, giving quality time walking and TLC with the animals. The shelter is a rundown dump, but because of OPIN it is bursting with LOVE. Many of the dogs are pit bulls difficult to place but the OPIN volunteers see through the perception and even organize weekly, free, dog training classes.

OPIN is a great organization. From adopting rescue animals to micro chipping, this organization brings so much awarness in regards to helping homeless animals. The knowledge, passion and dedication from all involved in this organization speaks volumes.

I am from Chile and i`m voluntary. Its very beautiful and important this institution. Because, is for many of them all people has been a culture to help and respect the animals. And to create more awareness around to responsibility if you have a pet in your home. Many people haven`t been realizing yet. It for these reason we should to support them. Sincerely, Katherine

We were connected with our beloved pet Murphy through OPIN. Murphy was 9 1/2 yrs old, and over 90 pounds when we got him. His owner was a Vietnam Vet who had taken ill and was unable to continue to care for him. After place after place told the owner that Murphy would have to be euthanized because of his big size and advanced age, he found OPIN. They found Murphy foster homes; bought him bedding; and took note of his habits so they could educate his new people including improving his eating habits. They took photos of him and used their connections with the Stamford Animal Control to get the word out about this wonderful dog. They screened us carefully. They brought him to our house and made sure it was a good connection before leaving him with us. They checked in on him throughout our time together. Without OPIN Murphy would have senselessly been killed because he was big and old. Because of OPIN we just had 3 1/2 fantastic years with a loving companion. We will be forever grateful for all their efforts with Murphy and trusting us with him. We will definitely contact them when we're ready to adopt again.

We have always known about OPIN, and always adopted rescue animals, but recently worked with OPIN to adopt Jack, a 10 year old beagle that OPIN found wandering the streets. They took him in, saw to his health care (24 of his teeth had to be pulled) and put him in a wonderful foster home, where we found him. We were allowed to foster him for a bit to see if he fit in with our other two dogs and our cat, and then decided to adopt him. OPIN was great through the whole process, I think the work they do is selfless and amazing. We learned about a free micro chipping they were doing and got one of our other dogs micro chipped a few weeks ago. I would recommend them to anyone looking to adopt a dog or cat. RESCUES ROCK!!

I learned about micro-chipping and other ways to protect my pet through this organization. The volunteers work tirelessly to find homes for the homeless pets in our community. I donate to this organization because of their transparency, I get to see how my dollars are being utilized.

OPIN is a group of very dedicated and passionate volunteers who are truly making a difference in the rescue and care of our pets in the Community. Marie Capalbo

There are non limits to this groups energy, caring and enthusiasm for giving homeless pets a second chance. They found me my "new best friend", and did an careful follow up after the adoption as well. Their SNIP program has reduced the number of unwanted pets in the area as well. They also do a great job on Facebook communicating about available pets. This group has literally changed my life.... many thanks to them.

Outreach to Pets in Need is by far the best non profit i have been involved in thus far. The events they hold for the community are run entirely by volunteers and have an enormous impact. One that sticks out in my mind the most is the free micro chip clinic. Without micro chips, the vast majority of dogs and cats that get lost will never return home. There are vets that will charge upwards of a hundred dollars to microchip your animal. Instead, OPIN did it for free for anyone in the community. The money they raise at various other events goes towards putting programs such as this micro chip clinic into action. The volunteers all care so much about the animals that they are helping and they help make the lives of the animals in Stamford Animal Control so much happier. Before volunteering with OPIN, i thought i would never be able to volunteer at a shelter because it would make me too sad, but instead, i leave every time and feel so much happier that these animals were able to bond with a human and have good experiences with people, especially because so many of them have suffered under the hands of humans in the past. Not to mention the fostering that OPIN tries to do for as many animals as possible. Every dog that I have seen go through the shelter and then become a foster pet makes a huge transformation. You see the glimmer reappear in their eyes and they become all around happier animals, making it more likely that they will get adopted, and then in turn, another shelter dog will be fostered. I can't say enough about the impact OPIN has made on my life and the bonds i have made through this organization, both animal and human.

I've seen how OPIN has made a huge improvement for the Stamford Animal Shelter pets. They have provided good quality pet food, leashes, training collars, shade tarps for the dog runs, fly deterrents products for the Summer when flies are just biting dogs everywhere, doggie swimming-pools, water buckets for the kennels, dog coats for the winter, adoption vests, dog & cat toys, cleaning and office supplies, folders and important literature for adoption packages, wall boards for notices, adoption photos, information to volunteers, etc., They list all the adoptable pets on PetFinder and advertise them through Facebook, anything they can do to find these pets a good loving home, they do it. The list goes on and they are always looking to improve the conditions and promote the adoptions of pets. I am so happy to be a part of their work and mission to "putting a stop to pet homelessness".

OPIN has been and continues to be the only group that provides the primary vet care for all the Stamford Shelter pets, which have meant for many pets a second chance in life. Vet care such as:
a) Preventive meds, treatments and procedures (e.g., vaccines, Heart gard, Frontline, testing and removal of tumors, deworming, dental cleaning and procedures, ‘happy tail treatment’, spaying/neutering rabbits, etc.)
b) Curative meds, treatments and procedures done by a general vet (e.g., kennel cough, broken legs, ACLs, ear infections, ear oblations for extreme ear infections, allergies, chronic conditions such as Lupus, etc.)
c) Specialist visits, surgeries and treatments, some of the most used by the Shelter: Orthopedist, Ophthalmologists, Dermatologist, Neurologist and Oncologists
d) Physical therapy such as swimming therapy and manual exercises to strengthen muscles
All of this care is not covered by the City budget and therefore would have been denied to these amazing pets if OPIN did not provide it. Thanks to OPIN and it's amazing donors and supporters!!!

As a Volunteer and Board Member of OPIN, I've worked closely with the connection OPIN has with the Stamford Animal Shelter. There are so so many different ways that OPIN has supported the Shelter and the one that I am involved with most is the dog training, evaluation and professional home training sessions that are offered to each adoptable Shelter dog. In an effort to improve the chances of the Shelter dogs being adopted, prevent adopted dogs from coming back, and keeping non-shelter dogs from entering the pound, OPIN pays for weekly training classes taught by a professional behaviorist. These classes are for the Shelter dogs, but are open to the public and other dogs 'free-of-charge'. OPIN also finances the temperament evaluations of every dog at the Shelter. And, OPIN pays for two private training sessions at home for dogs adopted at the shelter. The evaluations, as well as the home sessions, are done by professional trainers. This alone has made a tremendous difference and makes me so proud to be a part of this amazing group.

Since 2007, thanks to the generous support of the animal lovers and donors in Stamford and the surrounding communities, OPIN has been able to financially support the Stamford Animal Shelter animals with such things as medical care, foster care, supplies, medications, mciro-chipping, dog training, dog evaluations, advertising, website assistance, public awareness, post adoption in-home dog training and volunteer help. Working with the Stamford Shelter Director, Ms. Laurie Hollywood, we have been able to offer the public outreach programs such as FREE weekly dog training classes, education, low-cost spay neuter programs, FREE micro-chipping, medical assistance, foster care for victims of domestic violence and special benefits to military veterans adopting an animal. We have done so much already but there is so much more to do. Thank you supporters. Thank your for making Stamford, CT the best municipal shelter in the State of CT. We look forward to helping to build a better city shelter.