City Invests $1 Million to Expand Animal Shelter Workforce Amid Overcrowding Crisis

The city will allocate an additional $1 million to enhance its overcrowded animal shelter system by hiring and training 14 new staff members, officials announced Friday.

The nonprofit Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC), which holds a $1.4 billion contract to operate the city’s shelters for 34 years, recently paused intake of both cats and dogs due to critical overcrowding issues.

This announcement follows a revealing report highlighting unacceptable conditions at ACC’s $75 million shelter in Queens, funded by the city. The overcrowding has worsened conditions and raised concerns about animal welfare.

Adoption counselor with a dog in an animal shelter. — Anna Garguilo, an adoptions counselor, interacts with Charmy, a 4-year-old Akita mix. Stephen Yang

Mayor Eric Adams stated, “ACC’s efforts to ensure no animal is left behind are vital in safeguarding animals across the city. We are proud to invest $1 million more to bolster their capacity to care for animals.” He also encouraged New Yorkers to consider adopting pets to give animals a loving home.

However, Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa criticized the funding increase, calling it insufficient for the deeper issues. “The city continues to neglect animal welfare,” Sliwa wrote. “Despite a $1 billion contract, shelters remain overcrowded, and animal suffering persists.”

Curtis Sliwa at a campaign event. — Candidate Curtis Sliwa proposes creating a new city-run animal welfare agency with kill-free shelters and free spay/neuter programs, under a future administration. Stephen Yang

Sliwa, who resides with six rescue cats, has called for ending the current ACC contract and establishing a city-managed overhaul to improve conditions. His plan includes creating an animal welfare agency within City Hall, focusing on kill-free shelters and accessible sterilization programs.

Currently, ACC manages three active sites across the boroughs, holding over 1,000 animals. Notably, their Brooklyn shelter is closed for renovations until 2026, and the Bronx resource center has been temporarily shut since May. Additionally, a new Bronx facility, costing $92 million and initially expected to open this spring, remains under construction.

The ACC did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Adams’ campaign.