New York Animal Shelters Reach Breaking Point amid Rising Pet Care Costs

The Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City announced it had reached capacity, prompting a halt in accepting new animals — except in emergencies — across its three shelters. The announcement came as the organization reached 1,000 animals in care, with Rocky, an 11-year-old surrendered dog, marking the critical threshold.

“We’re in the business to care for animals that come to us… but when we have 1,000 animals to care for and a capacity to house them that doesn’t meet that need, we’re in a bit of a difficult situation,” said ACC President and CEO Risa Weinstock.

Three dogs | Source: Pexels

Despite suspending general intakes, ACC took in 200 additional animals deemed public safety concerns or referred by city agencies. The crisis spurred immediate action from the city, with Mayor Eric Adams announcing a $1 million funding package to hire 14 additional staff and assist day-to-day operations.

Nationwide, shelters are experiencing similar strain. Shelter Animals Count reported that 5.8 million animals were taken in last year. While shelter intakes decreased slightly from 2023 to 2024, live outcomes for dogs dropped from 55% in 2019 to 50% in 2024, with an estimated 334,000 dogs euthanized.

A dog | Source: Pexels

Shelters across Arizona, Virginia, and Tennessee report overcrowding, abandoned pets, and urgent pleas for adopters. Pet care costs have risen sharply since 2019, with veterinary and grooming services up 42% and pet food up 22%, according to Bank of America Institute. “The main reason for pet surrender is, ‘I can’t afford it,’” Weinstock noted.

To prevent surrenders, ACC offers free pet food, vaccines, and veterinary vouchers. “If we give you food for a month and you can pay your electricity… and they walk off… crying because we were able to keep that pet with them, that’s a good day,” she added.