Overcrowded NYC Shelter Caring for Hundreds of Dogs Makes Desperate Plea for Help

Animal Care Centers (ACC) of NYC has three locations across New York and all are over capacity. Since the beginning of 2024, the shelter has taken in 1200 dogs.

ACC has successfully found homes for hundreds of the stray and surrendered dogs, but hundreds more are still waiting.

They are currently caring for 315 dogs in spaces that were built to house 185 dogs comfortably. This means that hallways, offices, and any open spaces are filled with dog kennels. “Our in shelter dog population is the highest it has been in a decade,” wrote ACC.

@nycacc We need the help of the NYC community and social media. Our in shelter dog population is the highest it has been in a decade. If you’ve been thinking of adopting, stop by Brooklyn, Manhattan, or Staten Island ACC to meet your new best friend. To foster, please visit nycacc.org/foster to sign up for a future orientation. To browse all of our animals and share their links, visit nycacc.app. To donate, visit nycacc.org/donate. #nycacc #boroughbred #nycevents #shelterdogs #adoptabledogs #nycthingstodo #nyctiktok #shelterdogs #rescuedogs #nycfosters ♬ original sound – Animal Care Centers of NYC

There are dogs of all sizes, breeds, and ages that are looking for a loving home. Staff urges anyone who has been considering adoption to please visit one of their locations and meet their new best friend. No appointment is necessary during normal business hours.

Dogs like Big Mac, Lil Hippo, and Bryce have been patiently waiting and deserve a second chance. Big Mac is a young boxer mix who would love an active family with a soft place to rest after a day of adventures. Check out his bio here.

Lil Hippo loves to go for walks and explore new places, but what he loves most is being with people. A volunteer took him to a local park and shared, “Had he the chance, I think this dreamy pup would’ve loved to run & play.” He checked in often with his handler and is such a sweetheart. Learn more here.

12-year-old Bryce is looking for a quiet home to enjoy his golden years and nap in the sun. He will take time to adjust to a new environment and seeks a patient person. Find out more about how to adopt him here.

Due to the massive population of homeless dogs, the shelter also needs foster families, especially for larger dogs. Fostering a shelter pet is so rewarding. If you are interested in opening your heart and home as a foster, the shelter says to sign up for an orientation here.

People near and far are encouraged to adopt. The staff shared that some adopters have driven across the country to adopt a dog that they saw on social media at the shelter. For this reason, they ask people to share their posts to help all the dogs find loving homes.

Donations are also appreciated to help feed and care for all the homeless pets. Dogs bring so much joy to our lives and ask for so little in return. Check out all the adoptable dogs here. Adopt don’t shop!