Rick Kelaher, Animal Care & Adoption Specialist, Manhattan
Rick Kelaher came to animal work later in life, bringing with him a deep appreciation for history, education, and humane responsibility. A Brooklyn native, Rick began his animal welfare career as an Archive Coordinator at the ASPCA, where he worked with one of the world’s most significant animal welfare archives—documenting the evolving relationship between people and animals since 1866. His four years there profoundly shaped his commitment to protection, compassionate care, and ethical treatment of the animals we share the world with.
While working at the ASPCA, Rick earned a Master of Science in Anthrozoology from Canisius College, focusing on animal history, the 19th-century animal protection movement, and cats. His academic work reinforced the values that guide his daily practice: humane education, individualized care, and thoughtful decision-making that puts animals first. During this time, he also worked at the American Museum of Natural History and served as a bourbon steward and tour guide at Kings County Distillery, where he helped care for the distillery’s resident cats and continues to lead educational tours and tastings. Rick also continues his scholarly work through PAN Works, an animal ethics think tank.
Before joining Bideawee in June 2025, Rick spent ten months providing individualized, hands-on care as a dog walker and cat sitter, gaining firsthand experience supporting animals in home environments.
At Bideawee, Rick is proud to support one of the nation’s oldest animal welfare organizations. He is dedicated to compassionate daily care and to guiding the adoption process with thoughtfulness and intention—helping ensure animals are placed in safe, loving, and permanent homes. He is inspired by Bideawee’s long history of humane service and is committed to carrying that legacy forward.