NYC Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours, Fees and Pet Help
Use this page to choose the right NYC animal route fast: adopt from ACC, check shelter hours, find adoption fees, report a lost or found pet, surrender by appointment, or use 311 for field services and public-safety issues.
NYC’s main open-admissions shelter system is Animal Care Centers of NYC. ACC has adoption access in Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, with mobile events across the city and changing construction status for Brooklyn and Bronx facilities.
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ACC vs 311 vs Private Rescue: Use the Right NYC Route
Searchers often type “animal shelter NYC” when they actually need one of five different routes. Use this table first.
| Need today | Best route | Why | Do this next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a dog, cat, rabbit or guinea pig | ACC adoption search / ACC care center | ACC has adoptable Boroughbreds and mobile adoption events. | Search nycacc.app, submit interest, then visit during adoption hours. |
| Lost pet may be at a shelter | ACC lost/found + 212-788-4000 | ACC receives animals daily and asks people to call before visiting. | Search the online database 24/7 and call before coming in. |
| Found pet is safe and you can hold briefly | Petco Love Lost + ACC guidance | ACC recommends Petco Love Lost and microchip/tag checks. | Upload a clear face photo, post found flyers, scan for chip. |
| Found pet is sick, injured or a public-safety threat | 911 | ACC says after-hours sick/injured or threatening found pets should go through emergency dispatch. | Call 911 and avoid unsafe handling. |
| Animal abuse, animal bite, dangerous dog, animal facility complaint | NYC311 / 911 if emergency | NYC311 routes pet complaints and animal field services. | Use 311, or 911 if a crime/emergency is in progress. |
| You can no longer keep your pet | ACC surrender appointment / rehoming resources | NYC311 says surrender is free by appointment and $50 without appointment. | Call 311 or 212-639-9675 and check rehoming options first. |
NYC Animal Care Centers: Locations, Adoption Hours and Status
ACC’s current public adoption access is centered on Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, plus mobile adoption events. Always check the location page before going because construction, holiday closures and special hours can change.
| ACC location | Address | Adoption hours | Operations / status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manhattan Pet Adoption Center | 323 East 109th Street, New York, NY 10029 | Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm | Use for Manhattan adoptions. Main Manhattan building is 326 East 110th Street. |
| Manhattan Animal Care Center | 326 East 110th Street, New York, NY 10029 | Listing page also shows Manhattan adoption hours in places as Monday-Friday 12pm-6pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm | Operations Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Call before lost/found visits. |
| Queens Animal Care Center | 1906 Flushing Ave, Ridgewood, NY 11385 | Monday-Friday 12pm-7pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-5pm | Operations Monday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Surrender by appointment only. |
| Staten Island Animal Care Center | 3139 Veterans Road West, Staten Island, NY 10309 | Monday-Tuesday 12pm-4pm; Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm | Operations Monday-Sunday 10am-5pm. Surrender by appointment only. |
| Bronx Resource Center | 464 East Fordham Road, Bronx, NY 10458 | Not an adoption site | Official page says temporarily closed; no medical services. Do not bring sick/injured animals here. |
| Brooklyn Animal Care Center | 2336 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY 11208 | Not currently a regular public adoption route | Official page says Brooklyn is under complete renovation and reopening after renovation. |
| Bronx Animal Care Center | 2060 Bartow Ave, Bronx, NY 10475 | Future full-service center | ACC page says the new full-service Bronx Animal Care Center opens in 2027. |
NYC ACC Adoption Process: What to Do Before You Visit
ACC says the adoption process can take several hours. Make the visit easier by doing the online steps first.
Search available pets
Start at nycacc.app. Save the animal name, ID, species, borough/location and screenshot.
Click “I’m Interested”
ACC’s process tells users to click interest on the animal listing, then continue the adoption process through Adopets.
Fill out the questionnaire
Complete the cat, dog or small-animal application before visiting to reduce delays.
Bring required documents
You must be at least 18, have valid photo ID and bring proof of current address, such as a utility bill.
Expect a waitlist if crowded
ACC may use a wait-list system and text you when it is your turn. Keep your phone charged.
Plan for counseling and interaction
Adoption includes application review, counseling and animal interaction. ACC says you may need several hours.
Official ACC Adoption Fees
Use this fee table for planning. Promotions and fee waivers can change the final amount.
| Animal | ACC fee | Age / condition | Notes to ask |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog or puppy | $250 | 6 months and under | Ask about spay/neuter timing, vaccines and go-home readiness. |
| Dog | $75 | 7 months and over | NYC residents must also purchase a dog license. |
| Small dog under 20 lbs. | $150 | 7 months and over | Small dogs may move fast; confirm availability before travel. |
| Long-stay dog | $25 | 90 days or more | Ask why the dog is long-stay: size, age, behavior, medical, housing fit. |
| Kitten | $125 | 6 months and under | Ask about vaccines, carrier, kitten-proofing and resident-pet separation. |
| Cat | $75 | 7 months to 4 years | Ask about behavior notes, FELV/FIV testing and carrier handling. |
| Senior cat | $25 | 5 years and over | Ask about medical history and senior-cat needs. |
| Two kittens | $200 | Pair adoption | Good for social kittens; ask about setup and vet schedule. |
| Rabbit | $75 | All ages | May require extra readiness review and more than one visit. |
| Rabbit bonded pair | $100 | Pair adoption | Ask about enclosure, hay, diet, litter and rabbit-savvy vet care. |
| Guinea pig | $25 | All ages | Ask about enclosure size, hay, vitamin C and pair needs. |
| Guinea pig bonded pair | $40 | Pair adoption | Bring photos of current setup if requested by staff. |
What ACC Adoption Includes
These details should be inside the article because they answer real adopter questions immediately.
Spay/neuter
ACC’s adoption package includes spaying or neutering the pet.
Vaccinations
ACC includes initial wellness vaccinations.
Microchip
ACC includes a pre-registered microchip.
Free vet exam
ACC includes a certificate for a free exam at a participating veterinary practice.
Collar
Cat and dog adoptions include a collar.
Species extras
Cat adoptions include FELV/FIV testing and a cardboard carrier; dog adoptions include a leash and heartworm test.
Lost or Found Pet in NYC: Fast Micro-Steps
ACC receives animals every day. Speed matters because ACC says stray animals without an identified owner are held for three days before they may be made available for adoption, transferred, sent to rescue, placed in foster or, rarely, euthanized for serious medical/aggression issues.
If your pet is lost
- Report your missing pet on Petco Love Lost with a clear face photo.
- Search ACC’s online database 24/7.
- Call 212-788-4000 before visiting a care center.
- Search within one mile of where the pet was lost.
- Make LOST PET flyers and walk the neighborhood.
- Update your microchip company and mark the pet lost.
- Post on Nextdoor, PawBoost, Craigslist and local Facebook lost/found groups.
- Visit shelters in person; photos may not show your pet clearly.
If you found a pet
- Take clear photos before moving the animal.
- Check collar and ID tags only if safe.
- Take the pet to a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip.
- Report the found pet on Petco Love Lost.
- Hang FOUND PET flyers near the found location.
- Share on Nextdoor, PawBoost, Craigslist and local Facebook groups.
- Call ACC before bringing in the animal.
- If the pet is sick, injured or a public-safety threat after hours, call 911.
Surrender or Rehome a Pet in NYC
Surrender is not just “drop off the pet.” NYC311 and ACC direct owners to appointments and resources first.
| Situation | Correct action | Cost / warning | What to prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| You can no longer keep your pet | Schedule a surrender appointment through ACC / 311 | Free if you make an appointment. | ID, pet records, microchip, vaccine history, medications, diet, behavior notes. |
| You arrive without appointment | ACC may accept, but NYC311 says a fee applies | $50 fee for drop-off without appointment. | Bring all records and honest reason for surrender. |
| You want to avoid shelter stress | Use rehoming resources first | ACC suggests rehome-on-your-own and deferred/diverted intake options. | Good photos, behavior notes, vet records, safe adopter screening. |
| You need a direct rescue match | Call ACC care centers at 212-788-4000 | ACC says it may match specific pets directly with private rescue organizations. | Species, age, medical, behavior, urgency, housing deadline. |
| You want ACC pickup from home | Not the route | NYC311 says ACC does not pick up unwanted pets from owners’ homes. | Ask 311/ACC for appointment or alternatives. |
NYC Animal Control: When to Use 311 or 911
ACC’s contact page says field services should go through 311. NYC311 routes complaints like animal abuse, bites, dangerous animals and animal facility complaints.
| Problem | Use | Why | Important details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal cruelty, abuse or neglect | 311, or 911 if crime/emergency in progress | 311 routes non-emergency reports. | Give address, dates, photos/video if safely obtained. |
| Animal bite | 311 / emergency care as needed | NYC311 has an animal bite complaint route. | Get medical care, identify animal/owner, preserve details. |
| Dangerous animal or immediate public-safety threat | 911 | Emergency dispatch is the correct route. | Do not try to restrain the animal yourself. |
| Stray dog | 311 / ACC guidance | Field services can route response. | Exact location, direction of travel, collar/tag, behavior. |
| Animal facility complaint | 311 | NYC311 lists facility complaints for unsanitary or unpermitted animal facilities. | Business name, address, issue, time/date. |
| Lost/found shelter check | 212-788-4000 first | ACC asks people to call before coming to check for pets. | Pet photo, microchip, license, found/lost location. |
ACC Discounts and Adoption Special Cases
These details help users decide whether to bring extra ID or ask staff about promotions.
IDNYC
ACC lists $25 off adoption fees for IDNYC cardholders.
Veterans
ACC’s Homes with Heroes promotion waives adoption fees for past and present military personnel.
Seniors for Seniors
ACC lists fee-waived adoptions for adopters age 60+ adopting an animal at least 6 years old.
Dog orientation
ACC offers a free dog-adoption orientation; attendees receive a $50 coupon toward their next ACC dog adoption.
Dog license
NYC residents adopting a dog must purchase a dog license, listed by ACC as $8.50-$34.
Waitlist system
If the building is at capacity, adopters may be placed on a waitlist and texted when it is their turn.
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs and Small Animals: Extra Adoption Notes
Small-pet adoptions can require more preparation than a casual visitor expects.
Before adopting a rabbit
- Ask whether more than one visit is required.
- Review rabbit care packets before visiting.
- Prepare enclosure photos and supply photos.
- Ask about hay, litter, chewing, space, bonding and rabbit-savvy vet care.
Before adopting a guinea pig
- Review guinea pig care packets.
- Ask whether a bonded pair is better for the animal.
- Prepare enclosure, bedding, hay, vitamin C and hideouts.
- Bring current setup photos if requested by staff.
NYC Insider Tips That Save Time
Plan transit and carrier rules
Bring a secure carrier for cats or small pets. For dogs, plan safe transport from the shelter before you adopt.
Keep phone charged
ACC may text you from a waitlist. A dead phone can cost your place in line.
Bring proof of address
ACC requires valid photo ID and proof of current address for adoption.
Check building rules
Before adopting, confirm landlord, co-op, condo or NYCHA/pet policy restrictions, deposits and breed/weight rules.
Ask about behavior level
ACC behavior notes are not guarantees, but they help match pets with experience level, children, other pets and apartment life.
Save screenshots
Pet listings change quickly. Save the animal ID, name, location and photo before traveling.
Helpful Video: ACC NYC Adoption Basics
ACC has an official YouTube channel, and adoption-related videos can help visitors understand the process. VideoObject schema is intentionally not added here because a verified uploadDate was not confirmed from the accessible official source.
NYC Animal Shelter Map
Use this broad map for planning only. Confirm the exact ACC center and open status before traveling.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I’m interested in animal ID/name [pet]. Is this pet still available, which location has them, and should I complete the application before visiting?Lost pet
Hi, I lost my [dog/cat] near [cross streets] on [date]. The pet is [description] and may be microchipped. Has a matching pet arrived at ACC?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [exact location]. The animal is [safe/sick/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot hold the pet. What is the correct next step?Surrender
Hi, I need help with possible surrender or rehoming for my [pet]. I live in [borough]. Can I schedule an appointment, and are there resources that may help me keep or rehome the pet first?Official NYC Animal Shelter Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these links for live pet availability, appointments, forms, maps and final action.
NYC Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main NYC animal shelter system?
The main open-admissions animal shelter system is Animal Care Centers of NYC, also called ACC. It serves New York City through care centers, adoption centers, mobile events, foster programs and pet-owner resources.
What is the phone number for Animal Care Centers of NYC?
The general ACC phone number is 212-788-4000. ACC’s general email is info@nycacc.org, and adoption inquiries can be sent to adopt@nycacc.org.
Where can I adopt a pet from ACC in NYC?
ACC’s public adoption access is currently centered on Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island care/adoption centers, plus mobile adoption events across the city. Always check the official locations page before visiting.
What are ACC adoption hours in Manhattan?
The Manhattan Pet Adoption Center at 323 East 109th Street lists adoption hours as Monday through Friday 12pm to 7pm and Saturday through Sunday 11am to 5pm. ACC pages may also show Manhattan care-center adoption hours as Monday through Friday 12pm to 6pm and weekends 11am to 5pm, so verify before traveling.
What are ACC adoption hours in Queens?
The Queens Animal Care Center at 1906 Flushing Ave in Ridgewood lists adoption hours as Monday through Friday 12pm to 7pm and Saturday through Sunday 11am to 5pm.
What are ACC adoption hours in Staten Island?
The Staten Island Animal Care Center at 3139 Veterans Road West lists adoption hours as Monday and Tuesday 12pm to 4pm and Wednesday through Sunday 11am to 5pm.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from ACC?
ACC lists dog adoption fees as $250 for dogs 6 months and under, $75 for dogs 7 months and over, $150 for small dogs under 20 pounds that are 7 months and over, and $25 for long-stay dogs of 90 days or more. NYC residents must also purchase a dog license.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from ACC?
ACC lists cat adoption fees as $125 for cats 6 months and under, $75 for cats 7 months to 4 years, $25 for cats 5 years and over, and $200 for two kittens.
What should I do if I lost a pet in NYC?
Report the pet on Petco Love Lost, search ACC’s online database, call 212-788-4000 before visiting, update the microchip company, make flyers, search within one mile and post on Nextdoor, PawBoost, Craigslist and local lost-and-found Facebook groups.
Do I need an appointment to surrender a pet in NYC?
Yes. NYC311 says surrendering a pet is free if you make an appointment. If you drop off a pet without an appointment, you will be charged $50. Call 311 or 212-639-9675 for help.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.