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Police officers decide to join the force for many reasons, but a desire to help others is often one of them. And while helping New Yorkers is part of their daily life, many choose to add helping animals to the job description.

In fact, it’s fairly common for NYPD officers to rescue animals while on and off duty, and several end up adopting them when there are no rightful owners or microchips.

It is the need to help the helpless, many said, that drives officers to protect the animals who have nowhere else to go.

Scroll down to meet some of the officers who have adopted their four-legged friends.