Animal Care Centers of NYC resumed owner pet surrenders after earlier overcrowding forced a temporary suspension. The organization saw a surge in adoptions and volunteers that eased cramped conditions. Intake increased while adoptions fell and animals stayed in shelters longer, pushing the caseload above 1,000 in July versus a capacity of about 650 across Queens and Manhattan, with animals doubled up in crates and placed in hallways and offices. A Bronx shelter now expected to open in January will add space for about 200 animals and a veterinary clinic, increasing capacity by roughly one third, and the city is allocating $3 million to speed the opening and cover construction and staffing costs.
According to ACC, the overcrowding was caused by an increase in intake as well as lower adoption numbers and animals staying in shelters for longer. The group reached more than 1,000 animals in its care in July, well over its capacity to hold about 650 cats and dogs at its Queens and Manhattan locations. Officials said they had animals doubled up in crates, and many scattered throughout hallways and offices.
Weinstock said the Bronx shelter, which is now expected to open in January instead of mid-to-late 2026, spring, will help relieve further overcrowding. The location will have space for about 200 animals and include a veterinary clinic, boosting ACC's shelter capacity by a third. According to First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro's office, the city is allocating another $3 million to expedite the Bronx shelter's opening, with that money largely covering construction costs and staffing. Mastro's office said it didn't have a total
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