National Pet Day on April 11 celebrates our beloved animal companions while raising awareness for those pets who may not receive the attention and care they deserve. This observance highlights the importance of supporting orphaned and sheltered animals to improve their health and enhance their chances for adoption.
Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) provides essential services across the five boroughs. It operates under contract with the New York City Department of Health (DOH) and works in partnership with the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Department of Parks and Recreation.
As a not-for-profit organization established in 1995, ACC operates three full-service Animal Care Centers in Manhattan, Brooklyn (currently closed due to renovations), and Staten Island, plus two Admissions Centers in the Bronx and Queens. Through their New Hope program, ACC partners with placement organizations to find homes for thousands of animals annually. This community initiative has been particularly successful, with New Hope partners accounting for 70% of all placements, helping over 14,000 animals find new homes in recent years.
ACC has lots of opportunities for young New Yorkers to get involved and help promote animal welfare! Their Community Kids Program includes activities like shelter tours to learn more about the ACC’s work and classroom presentations about adoption and pet behaviors. Their Books with Boroughbreds program is an in-shelter volunteering opportunity for children ages 5-17 to read to shelter pets and help them become acclimated to new faces and voices. The program was even highlighted on the Reading Rainbow program!
Ensure your pet’s well-being with a few simple checks:
- Verify when vaccinations are due and schedule appointments as needed
- Sort through your pet’s toys and discard any that have become unsafe
- Inspect your pet’s collar to ensure tags are secure and contact information is current
- If you’re a pet owner in need, reach out to ACC for their Community Pets Program. Resources include spay/neuter services, pet behavior training, free vaccine and microchip clinics, and more.
Opportunities with ACC:
- Adopt a pet. Find an upcoming mobile adoption event here
- Become a foster parent for animals awaiting permanent homes
- Volunteer your time to help care for sheltered animals
- Donate to support ACC’s ongoing work
- Report animals in need to ACC’s Field Operations team
For more information about ACC’s programs and services or to learn how you can adopt, foster, or support animals in need, visit the Animal Care Centers of NYC website.
