ANIMAL CARE CENTERS OF NYC
A SHELTER IN CRISIS AND A CITY THAT CAN SAVE IT
We’re facing a crisis at the Animal Care Centers of NYC that feels both overwhelming and heartbreakingly preventable. This summer, for the first time ever, ACC exceeded 1,000 animals in its care—far beyond its intended capacity—which forced a painful suspension of owner surrenders. This was no small moment; it was a siren going off across our city.
Imagine shelters operating well past their limits: animals stacked shoulder-to-shoulder in crates lining hallways and offices, kennels so overcrowded that routine cleaning gets skipped. Reports out of Queens paint a grim scene—dogs coughing, deteriorating, struggling to wait for their first walk of the day. A year after a $75 million facility opened in Ridgewood, its staff still hasn’t caught up to mounting demand.
Two, spay-and-neuter services took a pandemic‑era hiatus—and are still ramping back up—leading to a puppy and kitten glut. Meanwhile, skyrocketing veterinary costs keep even well-intentioned owners from keeping up with care.
Two, spay-and-neuter services took a pandemic‑era hiatus—and are still ramping back up—leading to a puppy and kitten glut. Meanwhile, skyrocketing veterinary costs keep even well-intentioned owners from keeping up with care.
Now, there’s good news and momentum, too—and it’s grounded in what New Yorkers do best: step up. In late July and early August, a surge of adoptions and foster sign-ups—helped along by fee-waived weekends sponsored by Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA—started to unclog the system. Shelters reopened for owner surrenders by appointment, signaling that the worst may be passing—thanks to a groundswell of NYC compassion.
On the governmental side, Mayor Adams injected another $1 million into ACC shelters in July, funding 14 much‑needed hires in Manhattan and Queens. Meanwhile, new shelters are on the way—one in the Bronx, now pushed up to open in January (instead of spring 2026), and a renovated Brooklyn location in the works. Combined, these facilities are expected to add around 600 more kennels, easing pressure on the system significantly.
What You Can Do Right Now Adopt: Browse ACC’s available pets (well over 800 were listed during the crisis). Adoption means one less animal in overcrowded care—and one loving companion for you.
What You Can Do Right Now
Adopt: Browse ACC’s available pets (well over 800 were listed during the crisis). Adoption means one less animal in overcrowded care—and one loving companion for you.
Volunteer: Shelters are chronically understaffed—even after the recent hires, gaps remain. Whether walking dogs, socializing cats, or helping during events, your time makes a big impact.
Share and Advocate: Use your social media, neighborhood list-serves, or water-cooler convos to spread the word: “Adopt. Don’t shop.,” “Foster saves lives,” etc. Word of mouth drove surges of help during the crisis—and it can work again.
Support Access to Care: Pet owners needing help with veterinary bills can turn to ACC’s resource programs rather than surrendering their pets. Advocating for affordable clinics, boosters, and licensing can keep families—and our furry friends—together.
Ending the Crisis Means Keeping Pets and People Together Yes, city government and shelters must build more space, hire more staff, and streamline adoption. But the heart of any city—or community—is its people saying, “Here, let me help.” In this moment of crisis, New Yorkers are rising to the challenge. We’re proving that—with a little compassion, a spare hour, and a few clicks—we can tilt the balance.
To learn more, please visit nycacc.org