Animal Care Centers of NYC urgently appeals for dog adoptions as shelters are overwhelmed with capacity.

In East Harlem, New York, the Animal Care Centers are sounding a desperate call for dog adoptions, as shelters are severely overcrowded. Two dogs now occupy each kennel, and unless adoptions increase, the heartbreaking possibility of euthanizing more dogs looms.

Katy Hansen from Animal Care Centers of New York City expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "In the decade I've been involved in animal welfare, I've never seen it this bad." The second floor of the facility, intended for solo kennels, currently houses two pups each.

The staff in East Harlem is tirelessly devising creative solutions to address a crisis that escalated in October when the shelter had to close its doors to dog surrenders.

With a capacity for only 75 dogs at their East Harlem facility and 95 at the Brooklyn site, the Animal Care Centers of NYC find themselves grappling with a dire situation as both locations are now housing double their intended capacity, accommodating 150 dogs each. The strain on resources and space heightens the urgency for immediate adoptions to alleviate the overwhelming burden on these already stretched facilities.

Katy Hansen from Animal Care Centers of NYC points out that financial difficulties are driving people to surrender their pets, and the fear of commitment due to financial concerns is hindering potential adopters. This underscores the critical need for support and understanding as the shelters grapple with increasing surrenders and strive to find loving homes for these animals.

Before the pandemic, animals typically spent about five to seven days in shelters, but now, the duration has significantly increased to a range of 17 to 20 days. This shift emphasizes the prolonged challenges faced by these animals as they wait for adoption, highlighting the strain on resources and the pressing need for timely adoptions.

The situation has become a delicate balancing act, further complicated by an increase in strays being dropped off, particularly around 3 years old. This influx adds an additional layer of challenge for the Animal Care Centers, underscoring the need for support and swift adoptions to manage the growing complexity of their responsibilities.

Katy Hansen notes that the surge in 3-year-old strays implies that these animals were originally puppies at the onset of the pandemic and have unfortunately been abandoned. This highlights the enduring impact of the pandemic on pet welfare, necessitating urgent action to find these animals caring homes.

The facility's teams are actively seeking individuals willing to foster the dogs, aiming to alleviate the strain on resources and achieve a better balance in numbers. Fostering provides a temporary solution while creating room for more dogs in need.

Katy Hansen mentions that they are collaborating with rescue groups, and the nearby ASPCA has stepped in to assist by taking in a substantial number of dogs. This cooperative effort reflects the community's dedication to finding positive outcomes for the animals in challenging circumstances.

There's a glimmer of progress as Angel expresses their intention to adopt a Siberian Husky. This individual decision contributes to the crucial movement needed to find loving homes for these dogs, offering hope amid the challenging situation at the Animal Care Centers.

Indeed, Angel's choice to adopt a Siberian Husky is a hopeful sign that a dog may have just found a home. Nicole emphasizes the significance of providing these animals with companionship and families during the holidays, making it a meaningful and positive action to take.

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