ASPCA Establishes New $500,000 Fund to Support NYC's Homeless Animals

$400,000 'Veterinary Emergency Care Fund' will help defray veterinary costs incurred by rescue organizations working with ACC

Additional $100,000 provided to ACC to hire veterinary staff at Queens, Bronx admission centers

NEW YORK— The ASPCA^® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals^®), in coordination with Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC), today announced the establishment of two new funds totaling $500,000 to support New York City’s homeless pets. They include a $400,000 Veterinary Emergency Care Fund to defray veterinary costs incurred by qualified animal rescue groups retrieving animals from ACC, as well as a $100,000 grant to ACC to hire veterinary staff in Queens and the Bronx, the only two New York City boroughs without vital full-service animal shelters.

The ASPCA is providing these emergency funds to help offset veterinary costs incurred by rescue groups when they retrieve, care for, and rehome some of New York City’s neediest animals.

“Animal Care Centers of NYC is the only open-intake animal welfare organization in New York City, making its work a constant challenge,” said ASPCA president and CEO Matt Bershadker. “It’s critically important we support ACC and rescue groups with resources that facilitate the transfer of animals from ACC to the rescue community and ultimately into loving homes.”

Unlike other NYC boroughs, the Bronx and Queens have “admission centers,” but not full-service shelters. These admission centers do not offer the full array of services provided to residents of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The ASPCA supports Intro 485, a bill introduced in the New York City Council in September 2014 that would require full-service animal shelters in Queens and the Bronx.

“This important funding provides great support to our loyal rescue partners as they work with us to best serve New York City animals and potential adopters,” said ACC Executive Director Risa Weinstock. “The public can also help enormously by adopting pets from us and by encouraging friends and family to do the same.”

Information and application forms for qualified rescue groups to apply for the Veterinary Emergency Care Fund will be made available July 10 on ASPCAPro.org.