Vulnerable animals in the Bronx are about to get the care and second chances they’ve been waiting for, thanks to New York City Mayor de Blasio’s plan to build a state-of-the-art animal shelter in the East Bronx. Animal Care Centers of New York (ACC) will operate the Bronx shelter to be located at 2050 Bartow Avenue.

The ASPCA has long advocated for a designated, full-service shelter in each of New York City’s five boroughs to meet the needs of at-risk animals in every community—and to give every homeless animal their best chance at finding a loving home. Projected to open in 2024, the new 47,000-square-foot shelter in the Bronx will go a long way in helping to meet that goal by providing vital adoption services, sheltering and veterinary care. The shelter will have space for an estimated 70 dogs, 140 cats and 30 rabbits, as well as 20 other animals.

“This new shelter will be a critical, life-saving resource for pets and their owners in the Bronx,” said Matt Bershadker, ASPCA President and CEO. “For too long, vulnerable Bronx animals have been transported to shelters in neighboring boroughs, which adds to the challenges at those facilities and hinders reunions between lost pets and their owners. We thank Mayor de Blasio for pledging to protect at-risk animals in every community in this city, and we look forward to supporting Animal Care Centers of NYC as it provides homeless animals with the care they need and deserve.”

The de Blasio administration is also moving forward with plans to renovate the existing ACC shelter in Brooklyn, adding a new adoption area, additional space for animals, workstations for staff and improved adoption spaces for dogs, cats and rabbits who are ready to find loving homes.

A strong bond between people and pets is already shared across the city. Now, with the new full-service shelter in the Bronx and the renovated shelter in Brooklyn, the city is increasing its commitment to protecting the lives of at-risk dogs and cats, rehoming more animals and increasing the likelihood that lost pets can reconnect with their owners.

When it comes to animal compassion and welfare, we are pleased to see the city rise above and lead.