Animal Care Centers of New York City closed to dog surrenders due to critical capacity
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Animal Care Centers of New York City are in crisis mode and say their shelters are at critical capacity.
The shelter system says it can no longer accept dogs because it has run out of room to care for them. Since the system is over capacity, the centers are suspending new dog intakes and focusing on caring for the animals already in the shelters.
However, centers remain open for adoptions and will resume taking in dogs as soon as space opens up. Other resources like veterinary care and pet food and supplies remain available.
The ACC has been forced to become a little creative with some of the dogs set up in offices and even empty cat rooms,.
ACC encourages those with the means to adopt or foster a dog in the meantime.
They have dogs of all sizes and breeds and you can view the adoptable ones on their website.
Katy Hansen is the director of marketing and communications and says the full shelters are not necessarily a result of more dogs being brought in, but rather because of the drop in adoptions.
"Animals are staying here longer, what we call length of stay pre-pandemic was about 5-7 days and now it's up to 20 days -- that's why we're just packed," Hansen said.
The shelter system says it is actively looking into solutions so they are able to resume dog intakes as soon as possible.
If you can't adopt of foster, Hansen said they always accept donations and things like old linens and towels are always needed.
If you are thinking about surrendering your dog, reach out to the ACC, Hansen said it's possible they might be able to help and keep that from happening.
About three months ago, ACC had a similar issue with cat intakes, but it has since been resolved.
ALSO READ | Manhattan's first public beachfront opens in Hudson River Park
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
